Costa Rican Sorrel Wine Recipes

CANTALOUPE CURLS WITH SPICED WINE

Steps:

• To make spiced wine, simmer all ingredients except cantaloupes in a one-quart heavy saucepan until reduced to about 1/4-cup, 10-15 minutes. Remove from heat and cool in saucepan set in a bowl of ice and cold water. Discard bay leaf.
• Halve each cantaloupe and discard seeds. Scoop out curls from melon halves with an ice cream scoop (not one with a lever) and divide curls among bowls along with any juices. Just before serving, drizzle each serving with about a tablespoon of cooled spiced wine.

SORREL DRINK

Steps:

• Let cut ginger sit for 2 to 3 hours. The longer it sits the stronger it becomes. Boil ginger in two quarts of water. Once water is boiling, add sorrel and cloves. Boil for 30 minutes. Strain and add sugar and wine to taste. Chill and serve.

COSTA RICAN ENYUCADOS

Steps:

• To peel the yucca, slice the root in half, then make a cut on the long edge. Peel back the outer skin. Alternatively, use a peeler to remove skin. Slice the yucca into 2-inch rounds.
• Put the yucca in a 3-quart stockpot. Add 1 teaspoon salt and cover with water, about 6 cups. Bring to a boil and simmer until the yucca is very tender, about 30 minutes.
• Drain excess water from the yucca, then mash until a puree is formed. Allow the puree to cool before forming the croquettes.
• Flatten about 1/2 cup (3 to 4 ounces) of yucca in your hands (you can use a bit of flour on your hands or food-safe gloves so the yucca doesn't stick). Place about 1 ounce of mozzarella in the middle and form the yucca around the cheese into a flat oval patty; set aside. Repeat with the remaining yucca and mozzarella.
• Pour about 1 inch of oil into a frying pan and heat over medium-high heat until bubbling. Carefully place half of the patties in the oil and fry, flipping about halfway through, until golden brown on the outside but still tender on the inside, about 5 minutes per side. Using tongs, remove the enyucados from the oil and allow excess oil to drain; sprinkle with salt. Place the enyucados on a plate covered with a paper towel to absorb additional oil. Repeat with the remaining patties.
• Serve with salsa rosada or your preferred dip, if desired.