TOO JERK OR NOT TOO JERK?

JERK PORK Recipe

One of my favorite Caribbean food recipes is Jerk Pork. I'll share my secrets with you. (Many of the ingredients can be found at Sams24-7.com.)

5 lb. Pork Shoulder (ask your butcher to cut into medallions or cubes)

5 tsp. Salt (season salt)

5 Garlic Cloves (minced)

4 sprigs Fresh Thyme

10 Whole Pimento (allspice berries)

1 tbsp. Burnt Sugar

1 cup Jerk Marinade (see recipe below)

Wash pork in cold water then drain. Rub in the season salt, minced garlic and jerk marinade (see marinade recipe below). Add the burnt sugar and rub in to give a rich dark hue. Let marinate overnight or for at least two hours with the thyme and pimento then cook on the barbeque grill or in your oven at 400º F for about 30 minutes then lower the temperature to 275º F until done. Serve with Mango Salsa and Rice-N-Peas. Enjoy!!!

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JERK SEASONING Recipe

(Wet Marinade)

2 tsp. Ground Jamaican pimento (roast allspice berries in a 350ºF oven for 10 mins. – pulverize)

½ tsp. Grated Nutmeg

½ tsp. Mace

½ tsp. Salt

1 tsp. Brown sugar

2 tsp. Fresh thyme

1 tsp. Black pepper

1 ½ cups Escallion

2 Onions

2 Scotch bonnet peppers

2 tbsp. Cooking oil

1 tbsp. Dark Jamaican Rum

Blend all ingredients together in a food processor or a blender until smooth. Rub this marinade on pork, poultry, beef, fish or vegetables. Let sit overnight or for at least two hours. Cook on the barbeque grill or in your oven. Keep unused marinade refrigerated.

That is the Question

By Acqullia Bailey, Quilla's Catering, Inc. __________

Jerk – the “in” thing to do with your food. You will find Jerk on many a restaurant menu the world over. Jerk has been a part of the Caribbean (especially Jamaican) culinary tradition for many centuries. Jerk originated as a type of “outdoor cooking,” involving a charcoal fire made in a shallow pit. Now, this hot and spicy “barbeque style” Jamaican food can be enjoyed from your home oven.

Jerk Seasoning is a combination or blend of seasonings usually found in the Caribbean. Its popularity stems from the versatility of this unique marinade. Use Jerk Seasoning to marinate pork, poultry, fish, beef, vegetables or whatever you prefer. Let it sit overnight or for a couple of hours, and then allow to cook slowly. The result is a dish rich in wonderful flavor.

Walkerswood Jerk Seasoning. The grand daddy of Jamaican jerk seasonings. Jamaican food. Herbs and spice, Caribbean food. You can prepare your own Jerk Seasoning or marinade (see Jerk Seasoning Recipe in side-bar). Or you can purchase one from Sam's Caribbean Marketplace at Sams24-7.com. You may even be able to find some brands in your local supermarket. My Jerk Seasoning brand of choice is Walkerswood, straight from St. Ann, Jamaica. Whichever way you go, use sparingly at first, then adjust it to your taste. There's nothing like it!

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Can't seem to get it right? ASK QUILLA!

Whether your passion is for Caribbean food or Soul food, Quilla can help you make it just right! Email your questions to

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ABOUT ACQULLIA

Acqullia A. Bailey is founder and president of Quilla's Catering, Inc. She is a graduate of The New York Restaurant School.

Quilla's Catering, Inc. has provided craft services for the "Damon Wayans HBO Special" and was featured on FOX TV's Good Day New York's "Women Who Work From Home." In 2002, Quilla's Catering hosted a lavish "Culinary Sampling Presentation," which highlighted the company's knack for decorating flare, and featured many of its delightful menu items.

Click Here for Jamaican Spice Bun recipe.

Quilla's Caribbean Cooking

JERK PORK Recipe

JERK SEASONING Recipe

That is the Question

Can't seem to get it right? ASK QUILLA!

ABOUT ACQULLIA