Sarah Kirnon

If you can’t find coconut vinegar for this collard greens recipe, use 2 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar instead.

Classic jerk chicken is grilled over pimento wood. If you don't happen to own any, hardwood or briquettes will have to do.

You’ll need seven to eight limes to make all that juice.

Green mangoes would be ideal, but slightly unripe mangoes are an imperfect but successful substitute.

You can do the first fry ahead of time, then soak the plantains in garlic water, dry, and hold at room temperature until closer to mealtime.

If you opt for canned instead of dried beans in this recipe, they won’t be quite as creamy, but you’ll save yourself some time.