Gluten Free

In today's post, you will learn to make the best potato salad ever! Happy Spring! I have somehow immersed myself in Spring cleaning(eliminating)--You could say I have been Kondo-ed(Marie Kondo). If you haven't seen that series yet, look for it...

"This oven bbq chicken is the simplest thing you can put together--preparation is super easy, using simple ingredients and the result is moist, flavorful, and absolutely mouth-watering." Happy Wednesday! Can you believe that January is almost over? Where did the...

Hope everyone's year started off productive and promising. I am chipping away at work, and home and trying to stay on track with posting here on the blog and YouTube. All the organizing I failed to accomplish at year's end...

When I think of patchoi talkarie or pak choi (or pak choy) I remember primary school days. Sitting at my desk, opening my tin lunch kit, first removing the package of Ovaltine biscuits (remember that?) and laying it on the...

Another year is upon us and so it goes--whether we are ready or not. For the first time, on old year's night, I did not clean all of my closets and drawers, had a pile of dirty laundry from our...

What are Pastelles? Pastelles are a popular favorite amongst Trinbagonians around Christmas time. I don't know why we wait all year to make these (most likely the work involved). According to Wikipedia, it is believed that the pastelles were introduced...

  As we approach the second month of 2016, and as the snow melts on the ground, I am left to wonder how many of us have stuck to our resolutions. My basic resolutions do not differ much from year...

Buljol is a Trinidadian classic and weekend breakfast staple. It's been a while! Where do I start! To give you a quick snapshot, since my last post I resigned from my position of 11 years, left my comfort zone, and...

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="1143"] Trinidad Curry Goat[/caption] Curry Goat--A Trinidadian favorite: For those of you who are not familiar, curry goat is another very popular dish in Trinidad, as well as Jamaica. It does not boast a mild curry like...

'This boil and fry black-eyed peas dish, referred to as "Googanee" by my Mom, is made traditionally with only onion, garlic, culantro (shado beni) and pepper, but I added veggies for additional flavor and nutrients." The year 2014 came and...

When I thought I finally had a strong grasp on 40, life went ahead and dealt me another wild card which, if I didn't play right, would result in permanent despair. I did some introspection. I realized that somewhere hidden...

"Trinidad stewed red beans is a mainstay in our cuisine. For a typical simple Sunday lunch, it is usually accompanied by baked or stewed chicken, steamed rice, and a salad." A little update. Change seems to be the only constant...

  You’ve heard me mention that I love challenges, and let me warn you, be careful what you wish for! Two years ago I complained that my job had become too easy, I knew it too well, it wasn’t challenging enough. No...

  I thought to myself, if I only had time to share one recipe over the next two months, what would it be? This dish came to mind. Mummy made this occasionally to go with our Sunday lunch, which was...

Growing up in Trinidad, pumpkin talkari and dost roti (a layered roti) was one of my absolute favorite meals! Strangely enough, it is also my 10-year-old daughter's favorite meal as well. In my recipe below, cubes of pumpkin are sautéed...

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="903"] Slice of macaroni pie on a plate[/caption] Macaroni pie is not to be confused with the American mac and cheese, which my kids would eat everyday if I allow them to. They would let you know...

This post made me question my sanity. Cooking, pic taking and catering to everyone in my household simultaneously is quite challenging. Sometimes I wonder why my hobby wasn't as easy as looking at television. I can't explain this passion. Who spends...

  Last father's day, I prepared a feast for my hubbie. A feast which included these Caribbean pepper jerk shrimp. [Actual Menu.. In retrospect....what the heck was I smoking!!?? I must really like to cook!.....] I did not post pics...

Steamed Coconut Salmon My daughter had an interview this week. Her very first interview, ever. I kissed and hugged her endlessly and sent her off to the interview, down a lonely hallway, all by her lonesome, (I know, aye vey!)...

What is Green Seasoning?  Green seasoning or seasonin' is a blend of herbs and other aromatics and a quintessential element of Caribbean cooking. Easy to make and endlessly customizable, it is a must-have for Caribbean home cooking, whether you're spicing...

  I started eating quinoa (pronounced KEEN-wa) last year in an attempt to add some variety and  nutrients to my diet. Two years ago I ate rice three times a day. That very restrictive diet worked for me at that...

When I create a dish I really like, I eat it everyday for a week...or two.…so when it finally comes up on my list of things to blog about, I'm usually at the point where I never want to eat...

  A few months ago I noticed hibiscus tea being sold at Whole Foods and thought, how strange that teas are now being made using hibiscus flowers(the one commonly grown in yards all over TnT). I made a mental note...

Channa is also known as chickpeas, garbanzo beans, or ceci beans. Aloo, on the other hand, is what we Trinidadians refer to as potato. Hence the term curry channa and aloo. In this dish, channa and aloo are simmered in...

St. Lucian Green Fig Salad is the perfect side dish to serve along with curries, stews, baked or BBQ meats and seafood.    Some of my best relationships are formed with people I encounter in the ladies' room at work,...

Each Caribbean island boasts of its own unique blend of “devilish” hot sauces also known as pickled peppers. They vary from simple combinations of hot pepper (pronounced peppah) and lime juice or vinegar to more complicated concoctions of fruits(papaya), vegetables...

  Since I last posted I have traveled on business, arranged a beach “lime” with my wonderful cousins (with fried bake and shark, saltfish and tomatoes and fry bodi for breakfast and curried duck, dhal and rice for lunch), partied and...

Several weeks ago my train wasn’t working so my husband volunteered to drop me downtown Brooklyn to another train station. As a result, I had the opportunity to chat with his coworker, Cyrus, whom he usually picks up on his way to work. I knew...

I've been avoiding the kitchen like the plague. Recipe testing and emotional eating have taken a toll on my "physique"...it also doesn't help that I usually prepare six 5 star meals on the weekend for my beloved family...that "insanity" has...

"Trinidad macaroni salad is the perfect side dish to accompany your favorite baked or BBQ protein and seafood. It's loaded with flavor! " A few weekends ago, the beautiful lavender-hued chive blossoms in my garden inspired me to create a...

What is Stewed Chicken Stew Chicken (also referred to as stewed chicken or brown stew chicken) is a savory Caribbean dish featuring chicken browned in caramelized sugar('burnt sugar'), then simmered in a flavorful blend of aromatics like garlic, onion, and...

In this simple raw mango chutney, a raw half ripe mango is pureed with garlic, bandania (culantro) and hot pepper(s) to create an exotic blend of flavors. Raw mango chutney is traditionally enjoyed with fried bake and shark, aloo pie,...

    These fritters are made with cauliflower, besan(chick pea flour), cumin(geera), turmeric, garlic and fresh cilantro. A few weeks ago, while at work, I had a desire. A desire for a fritter. In my mind I envisioned how it...

Peanut butter and bananas are a match made in food heaven - whether you enjoy it on a sandwich or in a smoothie! I prepare this smoothie for my kids for a snack or a breakfast drink and it’s definitely a savior when...

Ever so not-so-often, when I am fortunate to have both the luxury of time and patience, I enjoy the challenge of trying a new recipe. These are my notes on my attempt……In other words..the following is moi interviewing moi. Which recipe did...

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="943"] Trinidad sardine choka, served with Fried Bake[/caption] Trinidad Sardine Choka If you’re in a rush but still craving a hearty, healthy meal, Trinidad Sardine Choka is here to save the day. This traditional Trinidadian dish combines...

Chow, in Trinidad and Tobaho,  is a simple, refreshing combination of fresh fruits, garlic, and culantro-also known as bandhania or shado beni. Consider it a "spiced up" fruit salad.   [Culantro, also known as bandania or shado beni]   The...

This recipe for “Fry Bodi” is long green beans stir-fried with tomatoes, onions, and garlic. Cooking bodi past the steaming point brings out the intense flavor of the green bean. It’s juicy, tender, yet crunchy. The onion, which somehow gets...

I am almost afraid to post this recipe because my husband is sitting on the edge of his seat downstairs watching the New England Patriots beat his team the NY GIANTS, score 17-15.........and if that wasn't enough.......his wife is posting a recipe...

    In Caribbean households, a roasted pork shoulder is often a staple at large gatherings and holiday feasts, carrying with it the warmth of family traditions and celebratory cheer. This dish is known for its juicy, tender meat and...