Chillout Honeydew Soup With Ham Food

PLANTAIN CHIPS PATACONES

Steps:

• Cut off the ends of the plantains and then carefully cut a slit down the length of the skin without cutting into the plantain itself. Using a wooden spoon, pry up the edges of the peel and pull off the skin. Once the peel is removed cut the plantain crosswise into 3 or 4 pieces, each about 2 to 3 inches long.
• Heat the oil in a medium skillet over high heat until it shimmers, about 3 minutes. Add the plantains and fry them until they turn golden on all sides, about 3 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain, then place between 2 sheets of parchment paper. Reduce the heat to medium.
• Flatten the plantains by pressing down on them with a heavy-bottomed pan. Return 1/2 of the flattened plantains to the oil and re-fry until deep golden on both sides, about 4 to 6 minutes. Transfer back to the paper towel-lined plate to drain and repeat with the remaining flattened plantains. Sprinkle with salt and serve immediately.

SWEET POTATO BISCUITS WITH HAM

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Put the sweet potatoes, 2 1/2 cups flour, butter, brown sugar, baking powder, and cream in a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment or food processor and process until the dough has small lumps of sweet potato and butter remaining.
• Roll the dough out onto floured surface to 1/2-inch thick loosely in the shape of a rectangle.
• Cut into 1 1/2-inch squares for appetizers or 2-inch squares for biscuits. Cook's Note: A dough cutting tool or bench scraper works well.
• Place the biscuits on a baking sheet, not touching, and bake for 15 minutes. Biscuits will be firm but not brown.
• Serve the biscuits at room temperature with slice of honey baked ham and Creole mustard, if desired. Cook's Note: Biscuits are rustic so don't slice ham perfectly, torn slices work well.

BASIC SOFRITO

Steps:

• Heat the oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the scallions, onions and tomato. Cook until the onions are soft and golden and the tomatoes have broken down, about 10 minutes, stirring often. Add cilantro, and salt and pepper.
• Transfer to a bowl. Use warm or at room temperature.