Earlier this year when my mother was diagnosed with severe gluten-related allergies it came as a surprise to her, and us. We never realized such an allergy could rear its head so late in a person’s life. After seeing what she went through physically in the weeks it took to diagnose we have all gone the extra step to make sure that gluten-free dishes and snacks are on hand. This being Trinidad... 

Growing up in a cross-cultural household there were many moments when you realized that your home was a little ‘different’ from many of those around you. As a kid I went to a variety of private schools with large international populations so those differences seemed quite ‘normal’, however when I began public high school I began to realize that maybe I was a little bit ‘odd’... 

This recipe from Michael Chiarello is one of my all-time faves for tomato soup. It is so simple and easy to put together. Since I originally made it earlier this year, on a rainy evening, it has become one of my fail-safes for when I get late-night hunger pangs. With it’s warm smooth texture I can only imagine, it would be a lovely wintertime snack as well for those of you in the Winter latittudes... 

First of all, thanks so much for all the kind comments and messages from those of you who took a moment to send my mom your support as she adjusts to her new gluten-free life. We were all quite surprised and happy Thanks also to Johanna who let me know that many brands of cornflakes contain malt extract, a no-no for those with celiac disease. I had no idea about this, and as always knowledge is... 

Yum Yum Yum. Those are the best words I can find to describe the fragrant burst of flavours that this dish offers. And to think that I would never have found it if I hadn’t participated in  Read More →

Falafel is an item that depending on your part of the world is either par for the course, or an unheard of oddity. Growing up here in Trinidad falafels were not part of my culinary experience, however in the last few years, Syrian-Lebanese eateries have become more and more popular and Middle Eastern fare has become well-loved outside of their original ethnic communities. The falafels that I’ve... 

Earlier this year my mother fell seriously ill for several weeks. Numerous doctor visits and tests later it came back that she was suffering extreme toxicity due to an undiagnosed gluten allergy. This allergy appeared to manifest out of nowhere, but as with most things knowledge was power, and we all knew what had to be done to bring her back to health. In the months since it’s been a challenge... 

I’m always looking for interesting and creative side dishes. The kind that can be used both formally and informally. This recipe fit the bill. Warm creamy potatoes and sweet pumpkin slices combine to create an unexpected comfort food vibe, while the vibrant notes of fresh basil, make it exciting enough for guests’ palates. Braised Pumpkin and Potatoes Makes 6 to 8 servings INGREDIENTS: 3... 

This month’s “They Go Well Together” challenge, asked food bloggers to prepare dishes that combined meat and chocolate. Unlike prior challenges this one was rather second nature to me as I have been adding chocolate to my chilis for several years now. Sounds weird? Not really, it’s actually quite traditional From Moosewood Restaurant Celebrates: Festive Meals for Holidays... 

Wow, this has really been a year of confronting, and overcoming, my culinary fears! Who knew I had so many? So far this year I have created soufflés, tackled British food, baked several successful cakes, and combined peanuts with chicken. You’d think at this point I could rest on my laurels and smile over a job well done. But no sirree… not when I saw that this month’s Retro Recipe... 

I first learnt about Greek Frappés on a travel show. The picture that was painted of leisurely camaraderie, united by a cold iced coffee on a sunny day was one that triggered every romantic bone in my body Curious to learn more I consulted the web and discovered that this ‘tradition’ is a relatively new one with a rather amusing ‘birth’ From Wikipedia: Frappé dates back... 

This light salad is simple enough to assemble in minutes yet elegant enough to serve to company. The lemon juice really gives the beans much needed ‘sparkle’. Be sure to sprinkle liberally with sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper for even more flavour and flair AKPC_IDS += "1187,"; Read More →

Late last year I wrote at some length on how ras-al-hanout had become one of my must-have ingredients. I had at that time promised the recipe, but it’s taken me a while to get around to actually sharing it As my supply was running low I figured this was as good a time as any to share this little ‘secret’, especially with those who may find their way here via Weekend Herb Blogging,... 

At the time that I am writing this Passover is a little less than 24 hours away from ending*, and I’m starting to daydream about all sorts of leavened goodness. For those who don’t already know Passover is an 8 day period in the Jewish calender where observers remember and relive the Hebrew exodus from Egypt. Although most attention is spent on the seders (ceremonial dinners) that mark... 

< ?php echo getad('verticalbanner'); ?> This recipe went together so quickly and easily. And boy did it pack a punch A punch of yum that is! I love how the coolness of the lettuce and tomatoes played off of the scotch bonnet’s heat. The combination reminded me of buljol (but without the saltfish). Feel free to use whatever lettuce you may have on hand. I used romaine this time around, because... 

When I originally found this recipe on Peppers.com I was instantly wary. You see I keep stumbling across recipes that begin with the word Trinidad or Caribbean that then go on to have little resemblance either through ingredients or methodology to what I’m familiar with. So when I clicked on this recipe titled ‘Trinidad Hot Baked Fish’ I was pleasantly surprised to see that it passed... 

This dish came up as a whim on my part. I quite like it and think it makes an attractive side to a meat entree. It’s also great all by itself (as I sometimes have it) Because it’s vegetarian in nature I think it may also be a great addition to the menus of any of you who may be planning Tu B’Shevat seders. I’ll be featuring more vegetarian dishes in the run-up to this fun... 

Well Sugar High Friday #25 is up on me! I decided that I would try my hand at something that I’m calling Coconut Scented Rum Truffles (for now) I decided to make the filling with bittersweet chocolate, coconut cream and rum. The coating is semisweet chocolate. Half of the truffles were also sprinkled with light brown sugar for some disco-tastic sparkle. Overall I’m happy with the end...