Michelles Trinidadian Tonic Food

HIBISCUS GIN-AND-TONIC

Steps:

• Bring the hibiscus flowers, sugar and 1/2 cup water to a boil in a small saucepan. Reduce the heat to medium and simmer, stirring, until the sugar is dissolved, about 2 minutes. Transfer to a small bowl and refrigerate until chilled, at least 1 hour or overnight.
• Strain the hibiscus syrup into a liquid measuring cup, reserving some of the flowers for garnish. Combine the gin, lemon juice and 1/4 cup of the hibiscus syrup in a small pitcher. Stir in the tonic. Add more hibiscus syrup to taste.
• Fill 4 glasses with ice. Pour in the cocktail and garnish with the reserved hibiscus flowers.

TANGERINE TONIC

Steps:

• In a serving pitcher, combine juice and bitters. Top with tonic water and serve over ice. Garnish with tangerine slices, if desired.

TRINIDADIAN MANGO CURRY

Steps:

• Put the onions garlic and green chilies into an electric blender. Add 4 to 5 tablespoons of water and blend until you have a smooth paste. Set aside. Combine the curry powder, anchoor masala, and cumin in a small bowl. Add 4 tablespoons of water, mix, and set aside. Heat the oil in a large, nonstick frying pan over high heat. When hot, put in the paste from the blender. Stir and fry for 8 minutes, or until it has browned a bit. Turn the heat to medium and put in the curry powder paste. Stir for 1 minute and put in the mango pieces. Stir once or twice to mix. Now put in 1 1/2 cups of hot water, the sugar, and salt and bring to a simmer. Stir now and then and simmer gently, uncovered, for 15 minutes.

TEQUILA AND TONIC

Steps:

• Fill a highball glass with ice. Squeeze the lime over the ice and drop into glass. Add tequila and top with tonic. Stir briefly.