Christmas

It’s that time of the year again! Every Christmas I find my self at my mom’s house eating a traditional feast of curries, stews with dhapluri roti, peas dhal and mango talkarie. We keep it simple and savory, leaving more space for desserts like our famous Caribbean Black Cake also known as rum fruit cake, ponche de creme or a thick slice of sweet bread(coconut bread).

Trinidad Paratha Roti (Buss up Shut)

Trinidad Paratha Roti (Buss up Shut)

What is Paratha Roti? What is Buss up shot /buss up shut roti? Paratha, also known as “buss up shut” is one of the various types of roti (leavened flatbread) ubiquitous in Trinidad, along with sada roti, dosti roti, dhalpuri roti, aloo roti, pepper roti, [continue reading]

Curried Channa and Aloo (Chickpeas with Potatoes)

Curried Channa and Aloo (Chickpeas with Potatoes)

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 a fragrant curry sauce flavored [continue reading]

St. Lucian Green Fig Salad

St. Lucian Green Fig Salad

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, at the supermarket, or while [continue reading]

Ria’s Healthy Grilled Chicken Legs

Ria’s Healthy Grilled Chicken Legs

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 Cyrus was an intern from [continue reading]

Scallion-Cilantro-Habanero Fried Rice

Scallion-Cilantro-Habanero Fried Rice

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 been reduced to 2–maximum….until further [continue reading]

Trinidad Macaroni Salad

Trinidad Macaroni Salad

“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 colorful and delicious macaroni salad.  [continue reading]

Trinidad Stewed Chicken Recipe

Trinidad Stewed Chicken Recipe

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 fresh herbs. As I have [continue reading]

Recipe Testing: Bon Appetit Roast Chicken

Recipe Testing: Bon Appetit Roast Chicken

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 you attempt? Roast Chicken, Bon [continue reading]

Paula Dean’s Peach Cobbler

Paula Dean’s Peach Cobbler

  I have been making Paula Dean’s peach cobbler for years. One day I decided that it required a makeover with less butter and sugar. I know it’s an abomination, but occasionally I want to experience, “le plaisir sans la culpabilité!” When it comes to dessert, [continue reading]

Roasted Pork Shoulder

Roasted Pork Shoulder

    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 incredibly crispy skin, which Caribbean [continue reading]