Tasty Tuesday: Island Fare

I found Jen's fabulous blog, Balancing Beauty and Bedlam and am participating in today's Tasty Tuesday.

We recently had a party on our tropical deck. I wanted to serve a meal in keeping with the tropical theme. After comparing a few recipes I found online, I concocted my own version of Tropical Chicken Kabobs and Caribbean Rice. I received many compliments on this healthy meal, which, if I do say so myself, was delicious. I will definitely make it again. Here are the recipes:

Tropical Chicken Kabobs

Ingredients:

• 1/2 fresh lime
• 6 chicken breast halves
  
• 1 lg. green pepper Pepper
• 1 lg. red bell pepper
• 1 lg. yellow sweet pepper
• 1 papaya, peeled
  
• 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks
• 1/2 cup Lawry's Hawaiian Marinade
• 1/2 cup Caribbean jerk marinade, any brand

Directions:

1. Cut chicken into cubes. Mix both marinades and the juice from 1/2 a lime in a bowl. Add chicken cubes and allow to marinate overnight.
   
2. Cut papaya, pineapples, and peppers into bite-sized pieces. Alternate chicken, pepper, papaya, and pineapple on 6 (12") skewers. Reserve marinade from chicken.
   
3. Brush filled skewers with remaining marinade.
   
4. Coat grill rack with cooking oil spray. Cook skewers on a medium-hot grill for 15-20 minutes or till done, turning and basting frequently with reserved marinade.
   

Caribbean Rice

Ingredients:

• 2 teaspoons canola oil
• 1 cup shredded coconut
• 1/2 cup onion, minced
• 3 cups Jasmine rice
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup orange juice
• 3 tbsp. corn starch
• 1/2 tsp. ginger
  
• 1 firm ripe mango, peeled and cubed
• 1 cup fresh pineapple, cut into chunks
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives

Directions:

1. Heat oil in a large saucepan and add coconut. Cook, stirring constantly until very lightly browned
2. Add minced onion. Continue cooking and stirring 1 minute longer.
   
3. Add rice, stir to coat.
   
4. Add broth and bring to a boil.
   
5. Cover and reduce heat to low.
   
6. Simmer 25 to 30 minutes until rice is tender.
   
7. While rice is cooking, in a separate saucepan, combine orange juice, ginger and corn starch. Cook over medium heat until sauce thickens.
   
8. Remove rice from heat; stir in orange sauce, mango, and pineapple chunks.
9. Sprinkle with chives.