Book of Days Tales

William Dampier, an English explorer, pirate, privateer, navigator, and naturalist, was baptized on this date in 1651 (birth date unknown). He was the first Englishman to explore and map coastal parts of Australia, and the first person to circumnavigate the world three times. His expeditions were among the first to identify and name a number of plants, animals, foods, and cooking techniques for a European audience, being among the first English writers to use words such as “avocado,” “barbecue,” and “chopsticks.”  He was the first European to describe the making of guacamole, (see August 11^th ) named the breadfruit plant (Artocarpus altilis), and he often documented foods foreign to the European palate such as flamingo and manatee.

Breadfruit, which is native to the south Pacific, was supposed to be transported from Tahiti to the Caribbean by William Bligh on the 1791 ill-fated voyage of HMS Bounty, the idea being to provide a cheap source of food for slaves.  It did eventually become a staple throughout the tropics.  Breadfruit Rundown is a popular dish from Jamaica.

Start with unripe breadfruit. Cut them in half, cut out the core and peel the skin. Cut the white flesh into chunks.  Place them in a pot of cold water.  Bring to the boil and simmer for about 20 minutes or until the pieces are fork tender.

Meanwhile heat some oil in a deep skillet over medium heat.  Add a sliced onion and cook until soft, about 3 minutes. Add garlic, bell pepper, green onions, thyme, tomatoes, Creole Seasoning, allspice, and Scotch bonnet pepper cook until fragrant about 2 minutes.  Add in the cooked breadfruit and cover with coconut milk. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer and cook until the sauce thickens, about 7-10 minutes. Serve immediately.