Jerk refers to a style of cooking in which the main ingredient is most often is chicken that is coated in spices and slow-cooked over a fire or grill. the dish adds a great kick to any meal!

Ingredients

• 1 medium onion, coarsely chopped
• 3 medium scallions, chopped
• 2 Scotch bonnet chiles, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, chopped
• 1 tablespoon five-spice powder
• 1 tablespoon allspice berries, coarsely ground
• 1 tablespoon coarsely ground pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme, crumbled
• 1 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• Two 3 1/2- to 4-pound chickens, quartered

Directions

In a food processor, combine the onion, scallions, chiles, garlic, five-spice powder, allspice, pepper, thyme, nutmeg and salt; process to a coarse paste. With the machine on, add the the soy sauce and oil in a steady stream. Pour the marinade into a large, shallow dish, add the chicken and turn to coat. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Bring the chicken to room temperature before proceeding.

Light a grill. Grill the chicken over a medium-hot fire, turning occasionally, until well browned and cooked through, 35 to 40 minutes. (Cover the grill for a smokier flavor.) Transfer the chicken to a platter and serve.

Naan bread is flat bread often eaten along with various different curries found all across India. Most popular dishes it accompanies are tikka masala, butter chicken, and coconut curry shrimp.

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup warm water
• 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast or instant (rapid rise)
• 3/4 cup warm milk
• 3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt or natural plain yogurt
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil plus 2 tablespoons extra for cooking
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 4 cups plain flour plus extra for dusting — 19 1/2 oz. or 560g
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt

GARLIC BUTTER TOPPING

3 tablespoons butter, melted

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon fresh chopped cilantro or parsley

Directions

• Combine together the water, sugar and yeast. Let sit for 5-10 minutes or until the mixture begins to bubble on top
• Add in the milk, yogurt, oil, minced garlic, flour baking powder and salt. Mix until the dough comes together with your hands.
• Turn dough out onto lightly floured surface. Use floured hands to knead the dough until smooth, about 3 to 5 minutes.
• Lightly grease the same mixing bowl with a small spray of cooking oil. Transfer dough to the bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Let rest at room temperature for about an hour until doubled in size.
• When ready to cook, divide the dough into 10 equal pieces. Roll into balls, then use a rolling pin to roll each piece of dough into a large oval, about 6-inches long and 1/8-inch thick. Repeat with remaining dough.
• Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Grease skillet all over with 1/2 teaspoon of the extra oil.
• Place one piece of the naan on the oiled hot skillet and cook until bubbles form on top, about 1-2 minutes. While cooking, brush the top with a little oil.
• Flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until large golden spots appear on the bottom.
• Remove from the skillet and wrap in a clean kitchen towel. Repeat with the remaining naan (keep them wrapped in a towel while you work).
• Combine melted butter and minced garlic together in a bowl. Brush each naan with the garlic butter and top with the fresh herb of your choosing.

Being in communities that work together to create a healthy society is engraved in human nature. Having a strong community allows for a support system. It creates a sense of togetherness and belonging in a group of people. A community can be many things, from a physical location where people meet or a virtual chat where people share their lives. Communities bring similar people together to share their interests in order to help one another. Communities often know what their members want and need, which is why they are important in places like NYC.

Living in a big city where everything moves so quickly, this sense of community is forgotten. We often live in our homes completely unaware of our neighbors. In our small neighborhoods, having block associations is our way of creating this sense of community. Because NYC is so big, the smaller communities often go overlooked, so it is up to the members of that community to come together and maintain their neighborhood. At 110 ave we are here to uphold and help members of our community.

Characteristics of the community are:

Support– helping the members of your community whenever you can. You can do so by sharing food, watching out for strange activities and even checking in once in a while

Reinforcement– encourage the behavior you want in your community. Help set an example. Be the person to reach out, create events and unite the community.

Learning and resources– have helpful resources for local facilities. Help educate the youth of the Community.

This Trinidadian side dish is quick and easy and packed with flavor. often paired with roti or dumplings if you ever make Caribbean style soup try throwing some in and you’re in for a great surprise !

Ingredients 

4 plum tomatoes 

3 cloves of garlic 

Pepper for taste 

½ thinly sliced onions 

3-4 tbs of oil

Directions

Roast the tomatoes until soft and peel skin off 

Mash up tomatoes in a separate bowl 

Add in you onions and peppers 

Heat up the oils and garlic and pour it over the tomatoes 

As climate change remains, summers will only continue to be hotter and break records. Whether you live in an apartment or house, here are a few recommended ways to stay cool during the summer heat.

Tips:

• Stay indoors with air-conditioning on.
• Drink fluids regularly.
• If you are going out, dress appropriately. Wear loose, light-colored, and breathable fabric. Use sunscreen as directed on the bottle.
•  Take cool showers/baths to cool down.
• Check on your neighbors and have others check on you.
• NEVER leave children and pets in the car, regardless if the windows are rolled down.
• Check the news for updates.

In NYC, during extremely hot weather, there are cooling center locations where you may seek shelter from the heat. Below are links to find one near you.

Cooling Center Location Finder

About Cooling Centers

Feel free to comment below and share other ways to keep cool during the Summer, to keep our community healthy and safe.

Being a valuable community member has countless benefits. No matter where you live, there are things you can do within your own community that will not only earn you respect, but also further your own skills, confidence and sense of fulfillment.

Becoming a figure in your community simply requires you to take initiative and to pinpoint local issues that you feel strongly about. This can be anything from envi­ronmental issues, to business related concerns, or anything in between. Most communities have clubs, groups and organizations like 110th Avenue that bring people together who have an interest in a common cause. Gathering information about the interest groups in your community is a good place to start if you wish to become an influential figure.

Your skills, talent, and abilities can be used to help the community:

• Building unity among the community
• Bring awareness to social issues
• Speaking publicly
• Training others
• Communication with public officials

 Any issue that arises passion in people and brings them together is where your leadership skills will be appreciated. Often, people feel powerless unless there is someone to take the lead and steer them through the process of achieving their goals.

There are so many little things you can do in your own community that will show­case your leadership skills. Not only will these things give you a deep feeling of satisfaction, but you can also note them on your resume and highlight your achie­vements when it comes time to apply for a job where your leadership skills will greatly increase your chances of being employed or promoted.

Now it’s your turn to let us know where you would or have used your leadership skill. What are you passionate about, where is it you want to see change? We’re eager to hear from you; leave your comments below.