Reader’s Question: Anyone used polenta (in Trinidad Corn Soup with Dumplings) instead of cornmeal? Former more common in Europe, but both made from corn.

TriniGourmet’s Answer:
Polenta grade cornmeal can be a good bit coarser. I would suggest grinding it more finely in a blender or food processor, but after that is done it can be used in place of cornmeal Best Wishes!

As I continue sorting through the 297 photos and videos that I took at this weekend’s wonderful Sauté Trinbago, I thought I would allow you the chance to glance through bits and pieces of Taste T&T 2008. For 3 years it was Trinidad’s premier culinary festival, before being unceremoniously pulled without announcement. Although Sauté Trinbago did not compete with it in scale, it definitely went a long way towards capturing its spirit. More on that in my next post! Until then… let’s look back at the sights & sounds.

Remembering …

Reader’s Question: When I fry pholourie on my own it falls apart in the oil but when my students do it it comes out perfect! Help please!

TriniGourmet’s Answer:
Hi there! There are many different possibilities. The top ones that come to mind are your batter may not have sat long enough, be dense enough or the oil may not be hot enough. Send pics if possible, and until then check my Pholourhie post for step by step pics and instructions. Best Wishes
If you have other suggestions for our …

Reader’s Question: I live in Trinidad and would like to purchase a copy of the book “Sweet Hands: Island Cooking from Trinidad and Tobago”. Can you tell me if this is possible and if it is where? Regards,

TriniGourmet’s Answer:

Ramin Ganeshram’s “Sweet Hands: Island Cooking from Trinidad and Tobago”has been a perennial favourite here on TriniGourmet.com since it was first published in 2006 (not too long after this blog was started!). A constant fixture in my Amazon Hotlist Top 10 (of your purchases made through this first site) obtaining it locally …

May 30th is Indian Arrival Day, a public holiday here in Trinidad and Tobago. Indian Arrival Day commemorates the arrival of the first East Indian labourers to our shores.

From the National Library Website:
Indian Arrival Day, celebrated on 30th May, commemorates the arrival of the first Indian Indentured labourers from India to Trinidad, in May 1845, on the ship Fatel Razack. The Fatel Razack brought not only a new labour force to assist in the economic development of Trinidad, but also a new people with a new culture.
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While this momentous …

Reader’s Question: Where can I find some whole wheat roti…thats my question! I’m in Tampa, Fl

TriniGourmet’s Answer:
Hi readers. I am handing this request over to you, please answer in the comments so that all your answers are archived for future reference. Thanks!

Reader’s Question: I came across your recipe (for Trinidad Black Cake) just last month. I baked the cake and by a turn of events I gave one to a colleague who is getting married in June. Her fiance tasted it and is now hinting that he wants me to make his groom’s cake and a sheet cake to feed 250 guests. I have no problem baking the cakes, it’s the frosting and decorating. I don’t do that. I live in New York City. Do you know of anyone in Brooklyn …

After the frenzied crescendo of Carnival Tuesday all merriment and debauchery ends (or is supposed to end) with the ushering in of Ash Wednesday and the start of the Roman Catholic observance of Lent. My father tells me that ‘back in the day’ all sound stopped at midnight and no calypso would play on the radio with the end of Carnival Tuesday. Things have definitely changed since then! Although you still see many individuals with ashes on their forehead heading to work, you are also equally as likely to …

Sitting here on a Carnival Tuesday night, watching Brian MacFarlane’s opening presentation for his band this year “Resurrection the Mas”
By this time tomorrow we should all know if he has been able to achieve an unbelievable 4 consecutive “Band of the Year” titles. MacFarlane is currently my favourite band designer. I am not a fan of the generic beads and feathers style of mas, it doesn’t capture my spirit or imagination, and the half-hearted attempts by bandleaders to give their thongs and headpieces some kind of …

Reader’s Question: I used to work in St. James where there were at least half a dozen doubles stands in less than a quarter mile. I had 2 Every Morning. Now I’m in New York City– does anyone know where I can get my doubles fix? I’m too scared to make them myself, and I’m dying without them!
TriniGourmet’s Answer: Although the recipe for Trinidad Doubles is the most popular one here in TriniGourmet, not everyone has the time or the inclination to make it from scratch. This reader’s question is …