West was a kind little boy who loved to watch and learn. One night, he saw his mommy's tired eyes as she sang a soft lullaby. She had been busy all day. West had a big idea to help his mommy out! He tiptoed to the kitchen after bedtime. He remembered his yummy blue-boxed macaroni... Continue Reading →
What Is an Umami-Filled Life?
In my kitchen, where flavors come alive, umami is the savory hug that envelopes the soul of a plate of food. Imagine standing in the middle of a symphony of ingredients, Parmesan cheese resting on the counter, its aged profile promising to infuse dishes with a grounded richness. Nearby, ripe tomatoes bursting with flavor and... Continue Reading →
Favorite Trinidadian Cooking Terms
I have always been fascinated by some cooking terms used by my Trinidadian neighbors (Trinis). Many of these words come from India and are used and applied in daily local cuisine. Here are the 3 terms that are most endearing to me. Bonjay, Bunjay, Bounjay (pronounced boon-jay) Bonjay is the method of slow-cooking meat until... Continue Reading →
Basic Bread Pudding
Ah, bread pudding! It's a classic comfort dish that's a fantastic way to use up that loaf of sliced white bread. Here's a simple yet scrumptious recipe for you. Ingredients Sliced white bread: About 8-10 slices Milk: 2 cups (475 ml) Eggs: 3 Sugar: ¾ cup (150g) Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon Butter: 4 tablespoons (melted)... Continue Reading →
Coconut Milk Mashed Potatoes – A Story
Once upon a time, in a cozy kitchen filled with love and warmth, a humble dish of mashed potatoes was brought to life, inspired by the culinary wisdom of Nigel Slater. Our hero, a 2 lb (900 g) sack of floury potatoes, embarked on a transformative journey. They shed their earthy skins and were cut... Continue Reading →
A Trip to the Grand Canyon in Arizona
Departing from the bustling city of Miami, Yazzy was excited as she prepared for her first trip to the Grand Canyon with her two best friends, Jasmine and Trinity. They had decided to fly to Arizona to make the most of their limited time off from school. Yazzy felt a mix of nerves and excitement... Continue Reading →
Sonia and Her Mango Escapade
In the vibrant heart of Grenada, there lived a young girl named Sonia who had an insatiable love for mangoes. Their juicy sweetness was her daily delight, and she could never resist plucking them from the trees that adorned her garden. One sunny day, her craving knew no bounds, and she feasted upon a whopping... Continue Reading →
An Avocado Sandwich
I was feeling a little low and was peckish - I yearned for a simple snack, a little pleasure. And on this particular day, I was keen to create a sandwich. I delighted in the harmony of flavors and textures from combining the most unassuming ingredients. This simple yet soul-satisfying delight would showcase the sublime... Continue Reading →
A Weekend to Remember: Family Getaway to Miami Marriott Hotel in Biscayne Bay
Something quite magical about the sun-kissed shores of Miami draws you in, a promise of serenity and rejuvenation that you just cannot ignore. As my daughter Issa, with her ever-present sense of adventure, suggested a weekend getaway to the Miami Marriott Hotel in Biscayne Bay, I knew that we were in for a treat. I... Continue Reading →
