Taste the Islands: Culinary Adventures in the Caribbean Kitchen

Sinclair and Verna, hosts of the eponymous PBS cooking show, along with their producer Thompson, share their passion and knowledge of Caribbean cooking in this flavor-packed collection of zesty island favorites. Surprises abound, such as Carni Stoba, a meaty beef stew with potatoes, tomatoes, ginger, and papaya; irresistible guava and cream cheese phyllo tartlets from Cuba; and a spicy Cajun shrimp salad, in which shrimp are served atop bell peppers, almonds, orange slices, cranberries and peas, then dressed with a pineapple dressing, creating a mouthwatering array of flavors. Bright citrusy sides such as mango jicama salad and pineapple pepper slaw, as well as Cou-cou, a cornmeal-based dish laced with Cajun seasoning, offer visual and textural variety to any plate. Rum lovers are sure to appreciate the luscious, velvety coconut rum pumpkin soup (which calls for a cup and a half of dark Caribbean rum) as well as an indulgent papaya cocktail—a blend of orange and lemon juice, grenadine, rum, and fresh basil. This terrific recipe collection will easily appeal to fans of Caribbean cuisine as well as those yearning for island life. (Apr.)