Almost Dreamland’s BBQ Sauce

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Here is my approximation of Dreamland’s dreamy sauce.

Ingredients

1 can (28 oz.) tomato puree
1/3 cup yellow mustard
3 cups water
1 1/2 cups cider vinegar
1/4 cup dark corn syrup
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 tablespoon dry mustard
1 tablespoon paprika
2 teaspoons ground red pepper
2 teaspoons onion powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

In large saucepan, whisk together the tomato puree and mustard until smooth. Stir in remaining ingredients. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Serve warm.

Garlic Cayenne Calamari with Nigerian Fried Pepper Sauce

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This South African recipe is a party favorite.  However, take care to not over cook the calamari; it turns from tender to tough and chewy very quickly, so removed from the pan the moment it is done.

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 pounds calamari tubes, throughly cleaned
  • 1/2 cup flour
  • 1 teaspoon milled black pepper
  • 2 teaspoons cayenne
  • 7 ounces butter
  • 2 tablespoons crushed garlic
  • Fresh lemon juice
  • Lemon wedges for squeezing
  • Nigerian Fried Red Pepper Sauce

Instructions

Slice the calamari according to size; smaller specimens are better cut in half, lenghtwise, laid flat and each piece scored lighly in a diamond pattern.  Next, toss the calamari in the flour seasoned with the black pepper and cayenne.

In a large, non-stick frying pan, heat the butter and oil until it starts to brown.  Stir in the garlic, add the calamari and cook for one and a half to two minutes, depending on the thickness.  Press it down with a spatula to brown nicely.  Cook the calamari in batches, to control how quickly it cooks.

Transfer the calamari to a warmed serving platter, and squeeze the lemon wedges over the top.  Last, spoon the sauce over the appetizer.  Garnish with lemon wedges and serve with rice.

Avocado Smoked Fish with Hot Sauce

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This recipe is from Zaire, where its is know as “Senegalese Quiche.”  Feel free to choose another hot sauce to serve over this dish.

Ingredients

  • 4 hard-boilded eggs
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup lime juice
  • 1/4 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/3 cup vegtable oil
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 pound smoked fish, such as salmon
  • 2 large ripe avocados
  • 1 red bell pepper
  • 1 can pimentos (cut in strips)
  • 1/4 cup West African Pili-Pili Sauce

Instructions

Peel the hard-boiled eggs and take out the egg yolks.  Mash the egg yolks in a large bowl.  Mix in the mild and stir until if forms a smooth paste.  Add 1 tablespoon of the lime juice, the sugar and salt.  Mix well.  Pour in the vegetable oil and olive oil.  The stir in the rest of the lime juice.  In a separate bowl, place the chipped egg whites and flaked smoked fish.  Make sure all of the skin and bones are removed.  Then add the fish and egg whites into the sauce; toss gently and thoroughly.  Refrigerate mixture and then just before serving, cut avocados in half, take out seeds and all brown fibers.  Spoon mixture into avocado halves and top with either pepper strips or pimento strips.  Spoon the hot sauce over the dish and serve immediately.

Sesame Dipping Sauce

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This Middle Easter dish is popular in Egypt and Sudan.  It contains quite a bit of sesame seeds, and they are one of the oldest plants grown for oil.  In Africa, sesame is call been or simsim.  Serve this dip with raw vegatables or crackers.

Ingredients

  • 1 16-oucne can chickpeas, drained
  • 1 clove garlic, peeled
  • 4 teaspoons sesame seeds
  • 2 teaspoons lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon butter, softened

Instructions

Put the chickpeas and garlic in a blender and grind until smooth.  Scrape the bowl and add the remaining ingredients, mixing well.

Nigerian Fried Red Pepper Sauce (Ata Dindin)

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Ata is the Yoruba word for chile pepper, and Nigerian chiles range from the tiny ata wewe to the large ata funfun.  This sauce is served like a relish or dip with many West African dishes, particularly grilled meats.

Ingredients

  • 10 dried red New Mexican chiles, seeds and tems removed, soaked in hot water for 1 hour
  • 1/2 cup peanut oil
  • 1 onion chopped
  • 1 8-ounce can tomato sauce
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions

Remove the chiles from the water and puree them in a blender or food processor.  Heat the oil in a skillet, add the onion pureed chiles, tomato sauce and salt.  Fry over medium heat for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly.  Add 1 chopped bell pepper and cook with the onion mixture.