Sugar Mill Caribbean Cookbook

January 1, 1996
Columnists for Bon Appetit magazine, the Morgans also own the Sugar Mill resort in Tortola, British Virgin Islands, and so are no strangers to the Caribbean and its culinary delicacies. The 250 recipes gathered here come mainly from their restaurants' menus, which in turn draw from the region's cuisine and ingredients. Directions are friendly and straightforward yet detailed enough to help even a kitchen tyro succeed. Organized by meals ("Sunrise Specials") and main ingredients ("From the Fish Pot," "Sugar Island Sweets"), recipes range from Sweet-Potato Waffles with Orange Butter to such late-day libations as a Banana Daiquiri or Coffee Rumba. Salad specialties include Hearts of Palm Carnival, brightened with hot peppers; Green Papaya Salad with a mustard dressing; and Green Bananas simmered in milk and served with an olive vinaigrette. The fish and seafood recipes are understandably strong: Ginger-Lime Scallops with Toasted Walnuts; Coconut Shrimp with Vegetables; a variety of firm fresh fish fillets can be used in dishes like Fish with Tomato and Banana. Many of the recipes for beef and, especially, pork, use barbecue and grilling techniques. Such sauces as Major Morgan's Mango and other chutneys, sauces and salsas accompany many recipes.

October 15, 1996
Restaurateurs on the island of Tortola, in the British Virgin Islands, the Morgans appear to be passionately involved in serving up the best of the Caribbean's cuisine. Familiar flavors and combinations commonly associated with island cooking are featured, from fried plantains to salted codfish and spicy chutney. At the same time, a cornucopia of recipes is distinguished by the Morgans' unique handling of native produce and seasonings. Even if lobster and christophine curry is too daunting a task for dinner, rum French toast or a simple papaya-cilantro vinaigrette will just as easily transport one to tropical climes. Many exotic ingredients mentioned may be purchased in ethnic or specialty markets, but substitutions are also suggested. ((Reviewed October 15, 1996))(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 1996, American Library Association.)