One night our group had a Caribbean Night complete with pina coladas, jerk chicken and beans and rice. I wanted to point out that most times we come dressed for the theme, which adds to the fun!

Here’s the recipe for the Jerk Chicken:

For jerk marinade :
3 scallions, chopped
4 large garlic cloves, chopped
1 small onion, chopped
4 to 5 fresh Scotch bonnet or habanero chile, stemmed and seeded
1/4 cup fresh lime juice
2 tablespoons soy sauce
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 1/2 tablespoons salt
1 tablespoon packed brown sugar
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
2 teaspoons ground allspice
2 teaspoons black pepper
3/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

For chicken :
4 chicken breast halves with skin and bones (3 lb), halved crosswise
2 1/2 to 3 lb chicken thighs and drumsticks

Marinate chicken in the jerk for several hours. Grill outside.