Country 18 - Belize

Belize was formerly called British Honduras and is in Central America. It borders Mexico, Guatemala and the Caribbean Sea. 
Belize is a very diverse country and the main language is English although half the population also speaks Spanish, Belize Kriol is an unofficial language. Belize culture is fed by its diverse history and the population is made up from Mayan, Creoles, Garinagu, Mestizos, German speaking Mennonites as well as a small amount of Asians and  Chinese.

Belize isn't where I thought it was. In fact, I don't know where I thought is was, but it wasn't where it actually is! The food also isn't what I was expecting, although its proximity to the Yucatan peninsula of Mexico does explain many of the dishes.

We chose to make, Belizian shrimp ceviche, Stew Chicken and beans and rice. We were able to source everything except achiote paste but I was able to make a simila paste from paprika, white vinegar, oregano, garlic and cumin.  

The ingredients for Achiote paste

The resulting paste.

The chicken marinating in the achiote paste

We both love cooking - especially when we have a bottle of wine near by. So Gary made the shrimp ceviche and I made the chicken and rice dishes.

The result of this is that we didn't take any photos as we were too busy, cooking, chatting and slurping sav blanc and forgot!

So here are some photos of the finished meal.

Shrimp ceviche - mmmmmm! The lime juice 'cooked' the raw shrimp. Gary generously used a whole habanero chili because half didn't seem very much! I think my taste buds had disappeared by the time I finished eating!

The stew chicken was delicious. I had marinated it for a couple of hours and the chicken was very tender.

Sometimes it is difficult to make half a recipe! The result was a huge amount of rice. Luckily it was delicious and will freeze for future meals

The main course of our Belize meal.