Grenada - Spiced Islands

Grenada is called the “Spiced Islands” because of all the spices it produces including cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and clove. Its waterfront in St George is one of the most beautiful in the Caribbean. Few people may know this because of the hard knocks this country has had to face in recent years.

First, there was a U.S. invasion led by Ronald Reagan in the 1980s. Yes, it seems silly that we would invade a country the size of Martha’s Vineyard. It had to do with cold war politics and Cuba being, somehow, involved. Then in 2004, a hurricane destroyed much of the island.

Apparently, they have pulled it together, rebuilt and have a lot to offer a tourist looking for beaches, rainforests and friendly locals.

For our Grenada meal I cooked Jerk Chicken Wings made with spices like nutmeg and cinnamon. I’m not a huge fan of chicken wings but my family gobbled them up.

Jerk Chicken Wings

To make the marinade you will need:

1 onion, chopped
2/3 cup scallions, chopped
2 garlic cloves
1/2 tsp salt
1 1/2 tsp all spice
1/4 tsp freshly grated nutmeg
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 cup minced pickled jalapeno pepper, or to taste (I skipped this since my kids have a hard time eating spicy food)
1 tsp black pepper
6 drops of pepper sauce, or to taste
2 TBSP soy sauce
1/4 cup vegetable oil

18 chicken wings

In a food processor or blender puree the marinade ingredients.

In a large dish arrange the wings in one layer and spoon the marinade over them, rubbing it in. Let the wings marinate, covered and chilled, turning them once, for at least 1 hour, preferably, overnight.

Arrange the wings in one layer on an oiled rack set over a foiled-lined roasting pan, spoon the marinade over them (I just baked the wings on a baking sheet). Bake the wings at 450 degrees for 30 – 35 minutes, or until cooked through.