Tropical Tastes for Sizzling Summertime

Tropical Rum Punch

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Serves: 6

1/2 c. apricot brandy
1 c. coconut rum
2 c. dark rum
2 c. pineapple juice
1 c. grapefruit juice
3 c. orange juice
2 limes, sliced into wedges

Combine all ingredients in a pitcher. Add ice and serve with lime wedges.

Panko Crusted Mahi with Mango-Pepper Relish
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Serves: 6

2 lbs. mahi filets, cut into 3-4-inch pieces
2 shallots, diced
1 jalapeño, seeded, diced
1 large mango, peeled, diced
1 red or yellow pepper, diced
2 tbsp. lime juice
3 tbsp. olive oil
1 tbsp. honey
4 egg whites
2 c. seasoned panko crumbs
1/3 c. peanut oil
Salt and pepper to taste

In a bowl combine shallots, jalapeno, mango, and pepper. Add lime juice, olive oil and honey, and toss well. In two separate bowls, whisk egg whites and pour panko crumbs. Dip mahi in egg whites then panko and set aside on a plate. Heat peanut oil in large skillet. Working in batches, sauté mahi in skillet about 4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Serve with relish.

Grilled Vegetables with Mint Vinaigrette
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Serves: 6

1 tbsp. honey
2 tbsp. fresh lemon juice
1/2 c. olive oil
1 clove garlic, smashed
3 tbsp. fresh mint
Salt and pepper to taste
3 zucchini, sliced lengthwise
2 yellow squash, sliced lengthwise
1 eggplant, sliced
4 large Portobello mushrooms, rinsed
1 red onion, cut into wedges

In a bowl whisk together honey, lemon juice and olive oil. Add garlic and mint, season with salt and pepper, and whisk again. Place sliced vegetables in a shallow baking dish. Season with salt and pepper, and drizzle half the vinaigrette over the top. Grill vegetables over medium-high heat about 10 minutes, turning halfway to prevent burning. Place on platter and drizzle with remaining vinaigrette.

Macadamia-Coconut Blondies
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 35 minutes
Serves: 8

2 sticks butter
2 c. light brown sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
2 large eggs
1 1/2 c. all-purpose flour
3/4 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1 c. macadamia nuts, toasted, chopped
2 c. sweetened coconut flakes

Melt butter in a large saucepan then whisk in brown sugar and vanilla. Add eggs and whisk until smooth. In a large bowl combine flour, baking soda and salt. Stir in macadamia nuts and one cup of coconut. Add dry mixture to butter mixture, stirring well. Pour into 13 x 9 inch pan. Sprinkle remaining coconut on top. Bake in preheated 350-degree oven for 35 minutes.

By Carrie Hanna, Southern Boating July 2014

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