I have been having a taste for Caribbean food all week long.  I used to live in Atlanta in a predominantly Jamaican neighborhood, and what I miss most about it is the food.  I used to eat Curried Chicken, Jerk Chicken, Stewed Chicken, and all kinds of other dishes cooked by people native to the Caribbean on a weekly basis.  I decided that I would make my own creation, and keep it as healthy as possible.
I baked boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the oven at about 350 degrees while I prepared the other ingredients.  I peeled and cut up two limes and threw them in the food processor with a bit of habanero pepper sauce, Caribbean jerk seasoning, oregano, rosemary, thyme, and curry powder.  I pulled the chicken breasts out of the oven after about 20 minutes, and dumped the seasoning mixture on top of them.  I let them cook for about another 25 minutes until they were done.  The length of time it takes to cook chicken breasts depends on their thickness.  
While they were baking, I got out a skillet and turned the heat up to medium high.  I cut up and peeled a few plantains and coated the bottom of the pan with extra virgin olive oil.  I added the plantains and let them cook.
I cut up a mango, an avocado, and some cilantro.  I had some pre-cut broccoli slaw and some prepared pico de gallo in the fridge.  I tossed it all together for a side dish.
I flipped the plantains over and let them simmer until they were golden brown.  When the chicken was done, I removed it from the oven, and made my plate.  Now I wish I had taken some more pictures of it, but I was ready to dig in!  Yum!
The only thing I would have done differently was purchasing my produce from the farmer's market instead of a grocery store.  I could really tell the difference.  The mango and the avocado were not nearly as good, and they had a strange, chemical taste to them.  I definitely will not be buying Walmart produce again.
I love listening to music while I'm cooking.  I was in such a Caribbean mood this evening, that I downloaded an entire album to motivate me during my kitchen exploration.  I chose Reggae Gold 2012.  I have bought several Reggae Gold albums in the past, and they're always fantastic.  My Zumba® students may be getting some extra island flavor in the coming weeks!
Friday, August 24, 2012
Thursday, August 23, 2012
Zumba® Website Makeover
My Zumba® website has just had a major overhaul.  Take a moment and check out the new features like more photos, my promotional video, and brightly colored text to match my mood!  Here's the link:  http://jessicaavera.zumba.com/
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Playlist!
Here is a list of songs I am currently using in my Zumba® classes:
Let's Go - Calvin Harris ft Ne-Yo
Goin' In - Jennifer Lopez ft Flo Rida
Hound Dog - Elvis Presley
Mr. Saxo Beat - Alexandra Stan
No Puedo Vivir Sin Ti - Ilegales
La Batidora - Zumba® Fitness Original Music
La Vida Es Un Carnaval - Celia Cruz
En Sus Marcas Listos Fuera! - Daddy Yankee
Insomnio - Kumbia Kings
Chori Chori - Aneela ft Arash
Danza Kuduro - Don omar ft Lucenzo
Mueve la Colita - Soca Boys
Mi Nena - Don Omar ft Zion y Lennox
We Want the Funk - Gerardo
Somebody that I Used to Know - Gotye
Dirty Harry (Schtung Chinese New Year Remix) - Gorillaz
Hay Que Empezar Otra Vez - Celia Cruz
Mueve La Booty - Oro Solido
I Wanna Dance with Somebody - Whitney Houston
Mi Corazon Esta Muerto - Rakim y Ken Y
Open Road (I Love Her) Chris Brown
Let's Go - Calvin Harris ft Ne-Yo
Goin' In - Jennifer Lopez ft Flo Rida
Hound Dog - Elvis Presley
Mr. Saxo Beat - Alexandra Stan
No Puedo Vivir Sin Ti - Ilegales
La Batidora - Zumba® Fitness Original Music
La Vida Es Un Carnaval - Celia Cruz
En Sus Marcas Listos Fuera! - Daddy Yankee
Insomnio - Kumbia Kings
Chori Chori - Aneela ft Arash
Danza Kuduro - Don omar ft Lucenzo
Mueve la Colita - Soca Boys
Mi Nena - Don Omar ft Zion y Lennox
We Want the Funk - Gerardo
Somebody that I Used to Know - Gotye
Dirty Harry (Schtung Chinese New Year Remix) - Gorillaz
Hay Que Empezar Otra Vez - Celia Cruz
Mueve La Booty - Oro Solido
I Wanna Dance with Somebody - Whitney Houston
Mi Corazon Esta Muerto - Rakim y Ken Y
Open Road (I Love Her) Chris Brown
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