Tostones and Nicaragua

Tostones AKA Flattened Fried Plantains

2 plantains
Oil for frying
Salt

Slice plantains into 1 inch pieces.  

Pour 1/2 inch of oil into a large skillet.  Heat over medium high heat.  When oil is heated, add plantain pieces.  Fry 2 minutes on each side.  Remove plantain pieces to paper towel.

Place plantain pieces on a cutting board.  Flatted plantains with the bottom of a glass or ramekin.

Place the plantains back in the hot oil.  Fry until golden brown. Drain on paper towel. Salt to taste.

I just returned from a mission trip with, Passion Play Ministries International, to Nicaragua.  While we were there, we ate Tostones with breakfast, lunch, dinner, and for the occasional snack.  I think the Tostones are a little bland by themselves, so we would spoon a little salsa on them to add some flavor.

Have you ever seen the movie, "Romancing the Stone"?  Nicaragua reminded me of that movie. 

 We traveled on roads that were steep and narrow.  We even drove through a stream that was around 80 feet wide.  

On the way back down the mountain, just as we crossed this stream, it began to rain.  I have never seen it rain so hard, for so long.  If we hadn't crossed the stream before the rain hit, we would have been stuck sleeping in the van all night on that steep narrow road.  The stream becomes too high to cross when it rains.

The food in Nicaragua was delicious!  

We went to a restaurant one day for fresh fish.  The server showed you the fish before it was cooked.

The fish was served with sauteed onions and tomatoes on it.

It was also served with the head on it.

It was one scary looking fish when it was cooked!  Everyone who ordered the fresh fish, loved it.  I tried a bite of the fish off of my friend's plate.  It was tasty, but I just don't like to eat a fish with it's head still attached.  It creeps me out!  The glassy eyes staring at you as you munch away at it... YUCK!

This was not our first mission trip,

so my husband Stan and I

ordered our fish breaded

and fried.

 

One night for dinner, we ate beef skewers that were cooked on a grill made from a tire rim. 

The beef had been marinated in fruit juice and spices.  It was tender and full of flavor.  I think we all went back for seconds, and a few went back for thirds.

On Friday, I will be posting my 
Slow Cooker Chicken Casserole recipe.

Visit my friends blogs!

You will love Bo and his blog,  Bo's Bowl.  Not only does he host great giveaways,  his recipes are incredible!  One visit to his blog and you will see why I faithfully follow it.

Also visit my friend Pam's blog, Pam's Midwest Kitchen Korner,  for more great recipes!  Once you read her blog, she will be your friend too!