Ginger Shallot Chutney

This is probably the easiest and most versatile preparation of mine that I can think of. It is also completely my own, since I've never seen it at any restaurant or grocery store. Though shallots and onions are not the same thing, you can use them interchangeably here. Just remember: the smaller the onion the better.

Since this is a chutney, you can make as little or as much as you want in a single batch and refrigerate it. Just keep the basic ratio in mind.

2 cups frenched* ginger root
5 cups shallots cut long and thin (the thinner the better... You don't want to chow down on thick chunks)
3 tbsp chili powder
2 tbsp salt
1 cup peeled and crushed orange, lemon, lime or grapefruit (or mix of these) juices removed
1/2 cup raisins or 1 cup crushed grapes, juices removed
1 liter (quart) of tamarino** or any sort of dark cola such as Coke, Pepsi, R/C, etc (no diet drinks, and no Dr. Pepper!).

Bring the cola to a boil. Add the Ginger and shallots and spices. When it returns to a boil continue for 15 minutes until onions are slightly softened. Continue on medium high heat after adding remaining fruits. Stir occasionally until everything darkens and thickens. That's when you know the sugars are breaking down. Let it dry until it has a jam like consistency. Have warm or enjoy it later after it's chilled in the fridge.

Toasted peanuts, pecans or pralines can be mixed in to further awesomeness.

What can we do with this sweet and spicy concoction?:

1. Salsa replacement in tacos, chips,
2. Dice and lightly fry chicken, pork, beef or hardy vegetables and add chutney, let simmer with stock or water. Serve with rice.
3. Use as filling or stuffing. I mix it wth some feta cheese, fill it in a baked dish.
4. Ice cream topping! Best with vanilla or fruity ice cream. Make sure the chutney is hot, though.

Oye!

*cut into long, thin, even strips

**tamarino is a cola bottled in Mexico and found in border stores. Alternatively, use tamarind paste or chutney with the cola (found in Korean and Indian grocery stores). Tamarind has a sweet-sour kick to it unlike any other that makes your life worth living. You can avoid the tamarind completely. But why would you?