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April 7, 2010

Frustration: A Baking Haiku

My first attempt sits
Trinidad Butter Loaf, sigh
How do you make yours?

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What a deliciously full month April was! Of course What a deliciously full month April was! Of course, I’m a little biased as it was also my birthday month! If you caught the sneak peeks in my Stories, you know I celebrated with meals at some of my favourite local spots (seriously, if you’re not watching my IG stories, you’re missing some tasty inspo!). But beyond the food coma, last month was also filled with surprises—from the re-launch of “7 Sweet Trini Treats” (finally!) to hopping back on @Twitch, and the wild virality of that Hyatt Reel. So much for my quiet month of reflection, April had other plans!

I just want to say a big, heartfelt thank you. Your comments, DMs, likes, and love on the newsletter re-launch have filled my kitchen (and heart) with joy. Every time you try a recipe, message me about a win, or conquer a dish you thought you’d never master—you remind me why I started TriniGourmet in the first place. Cooking can be scary. It can feel overwhelming. But you can learn. You can master those traditional flavours. And I’m here every step of the way to make sure you don’t have to do it alone.

And if you’ve been loving “7 Sweet Trini Treats”, just wait till you see what I’ve been cooking up for May! Starting this month I’ll be giving you raw little behind-the-scenes looks of my Twitch stream right here before I go live “over there”. Drop “TGTWITCH” in the comments if you want the direct link and future stream times. And, if you haven’t yet joined my newsletter—it’s the best way to get exclusive tips, secret recipes, behind-the-scenes updates and early access + discounts to upcoming launches (hint: another one’s coming later this month). Just type “TGTIPS” in the comments and I’ll send you all the details. 

Let’s make May even more flavourful!

#trinigourmet #trinifoodie #cookwithconfidence #caribbeancuisine
I used to get caught up in trying to make every di I used to get caught up in trying to make every dish perfect— second-guessing myself, even hiding dishes (in my early days) if they didn’t look the way I imagined. But here’s what I’ve learnt (and I really want this to sink in): technique can be taught. Perfection isn’t necessary. Passion is everything.

The direct consequence of not realising this sooner?

You risk missing out on the joy of experimenting. Dinners that feel like exams. And way too much stress that robs you  of the real beauty of cooking: expressing love and culture through food.

Truth is? I still catch myself overthinking from time to time.

But I remind myself: “You’re over-complicating it. Here’s what matters…”

Fish especially used to intimidate me—one wrong move and it’s dry, tasteless, or worse… wasted. And we all know ingredients aren’t cheap. But then one small tip, a year into my cooking journey, changed everything and it quickly became one of my favourite things to cook. 

Comment “FISHTIP” (no spaces) and I’ll share it with you—plus I’ll tell you how to get my exclusive “Donut of Fire mug” that supports the channel as well!

Let’s keep beauty on the plate and in the process.

Tag a friend who needs this little reminder today!

#trinigourmet #caribbeanfoodie #seafoodrecipes #cookwithconfidence #slowfoodmovement #foodieproblems
Growing up, I used to think culinary independence Growing up, I used to think culinary independence meant choosing between tradition or innovation—but now I know it’s about mastering both. Traditional Caribbean cooking holds the stories of our ancestors, passed down in iron pots and handwritten notebooks. But what happens when you’re short on time, missing ingredients, or just plain overwhelmed? Does that mean you’ve failed your roots? Not at all. It means it’s time to evolve with grace—and intention.

Modern Caribbean cooking isn’t about “watering down” flavour; it’s about unlocking access. From air fryer bakes to pressure-cooked pelau, when you understand the why behind the what, you can recreate authentic magic—your way. That’s culinary freedom. That’s confidence. That’s you becoming the chef your family brags about. And guess what? You don’t need to figure it out alone. I’m walking this journey with you.

Ready to elevate your Caribbean cooking game? 🌶️ Discover the perfect blend of tradition and modern techniques in my recent blog post. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or just starting, I’ve got tips and flavourful hacks that will take your cooking to the next level. Plus, grab my FREE ebook “7 Sweet Trini Treats” for even more delicious inspiration! 🍽️✨

Comment “TVM” to read it! (Make sure you’re following me first!)

Comment “COOKTRINI” to explore my Cook Like A Trini section on Amazon for tools I actually use!

Comment “7TREATS” for my FREE ebook! 

Want 2 or more? Drop each keyword in a separate comment so I can send you the right links. 

Want all 3 ? Just leave three comments: one with “TVM”, one with “7TREATS” and one with “COOKTRINI” and you’ll get all 3 resources sent your way. Let’s level up together!

#caribbeancooking #trinifoodie #traditionalflavors #islandflavors
Have you ever found yourself in the middle of a bu Have you ever found yourself in the middle of a busy day, opening your fridge only to shut it again with a sigh?

Once upon a time, I’d lose myself in the dance of spices and sizzling pans—but somewhere along the way—between caregiving, health challenges, and plain old burnout—I would find myself losing that spark. Cooking would became just another task on an ever-growing list.

For someone who has dedicated her life to teaching others how to elevate and thrive, that loss feels deeply personal every time that it occurs. Because food isn’t just sustenance to me… it’s memory, culture, healing, and celebration.

If you’re like me and wonder at times how to fall in love with cooking again, I want you to know: it’s about remembering who you are and what brings you joy.

Drop “LOVECOOKING” (no spaces) in the comments to receive my recent blog post, “How To Love Cooking Again.”

In it, I share:

• Soulful, personal insights that help me to reignite my spark in the kitchen

• Gentle mindset shifts that make cooking feel sacred again—even on your hardest days

• My #1 strategy for making meals feel manageable and meaningful, no matter how hectic life gets

Let’s make your kitchen a place of joy and alignment again! 

Drop “LOVECOOKING” (no spaces) in the comments to get started! 

#caribbeancooking #trinigourmet
NEW DATES! Now running until May 16, 2025 (weekday NEW DATES! Now running until May 16, 2025 (weekdays only). Breakfast at @hyatttrinidad last Thursday was just what I needed. A few hours of laughter and good vibes with one of my besties, delicious bites, and that iconic waterfront view? Yes please!

There was an impressive spread—everything from sada bake and fish broth to cassava fries, assorted salads, tropical fruit, French toast, danishes, muffins… you name it, it was there. And let me tell you—I don’t usually go in on carbs, but this plate? Yeah, I went a little wild and I. regret. nothing. 

The suprise star of my morning was the coconut bake (so fluffy and moreish!) and the baigan choka—with its smoky depth and just the right amount of heat. I honestly didn’t expect to be blown away like that… but here we are.

This breakfast special was such a hit that Hyatt Trinidad has extended it! It’s now available until May 16 (weekdays only). $350TT for two, VAT inclusive. That’s just $175TT each for a full-on gourmet experience.

If you’ve been feeling stuck in the kitchen or burnt out trying to get everything just right—sometimes the best inspiration comes from simply sitting back and letting someone else do the cooking.

Thinking of checking it out? Let me know if you do! And if you’ve already been, what dish stole the show for you?

WhatsApp 47-HYATT to reserve your table!

**Follow** me, **@TriniGourmet for more local finds, culinary gems, and dishes that bring flavour and joy back into your kitchen—without the stress**

#trinifoodie #caribbeanfoodie #hyatttrinidad #supportlocaltt #inahyattworld
Ever feel like you need a fancy kitchen setup just Ever feel like you need a fancy kitchen setup just to cook properly? The truth is, you don’t need a high-end blender or a chef’s knife that costs as much as rent to make amazing food. Cooking like a pro is basically like learning to dance in flip-flops—it’s all about technique, not gear. And today, I’m giving you a simple strategy that’ll help you cook with more ease—even if your equipment is… let’s just say, well-loved. 😆

One of the easiest ways to instantly upgrade your cooking (without spending a dime) is by mastering the mise en place method—a fancy French term that just means “everything in its place.” Here’s how to do it in 3 simple steps:

1️⃣ Before you even turn on the stove, prep all your ingredients. Chop, measure, and set everything out in small bowls or plates. This prevents last-minute scrambling and burnt onions. 😅

2️⃣ Keep a “waste bowl” nearby. Instead of running back and forth to the garbage, toss peels and scraps in one spot to keep your workspace clean and your mind focused.

3️⃣ Clean as you go. A cluttered counter = a cluttered mind. Wipe things down, put away what you’re done with, and watch how much smoother cooking feels. ✨

Want more quick wins to make cooking feel effortless? Grab my FREE guide “7 Sweet Trini Treats”—simple “legacy” Trini desserts you can’t mess up. DM “7TREATS” (no spaces) and I’ll send it straight to you! 🍰👇🏾

#caribbeanfood #trinifood #cookinghacks #easyrecipes #foodconfidence #caribbeancuisine #mealprepmadeeasy #bakinglove
I took this offline when life got hard… but swee I took this offline when life got hard… but sweet things are meant to be shared—again.

The first time I released 7 Sweet Trini Treats (way back in 2011!), I was stunned by how many of you said it helped you to feel like a real chef in your own kitchen. Soft coconut drops, crispy kurma, tamarind balls just like you remembered from school days. It made me so happy to know these simple, classic recipes were bringing joy (and bragging rights!) to your homes. When my father got ill in 2014, I pulled it (and my other ebooks) offline to focus on family. But today? It feels like the right time to bring back that sweetness—one spoon, one sprinkle, one smile at a time. Put “7TREATS” in the comments for your FREE copy! 

Now let’s talk. 

If you’ve ever been terrified of messing up a dish because you don’t want to disappoint anyone, you’re not alone. Cooking under pressure—whether it’s to impress your family or live up to Granny’s legacy—can feel like an impossible standard. That’s people-pleasing, Trini-style. The consequence? You lose your joy in the kitchen. You second-guess yourself. You burn out. 

But here’s the thing: You deserve to enjoy the process. Start small. Start simple. These 7 recipes are foolproof for that reason. I want you to experience cooking with confidence—whether you’re baking for a family lime, or just for yourself. 

So tell me—what’s the ONE Trini treat you’d love to perfect? Coconut drops? Sugar cakes? If you’re ready to release the pressure and bring joy back to your kitchen, grab your FREE copy of 7 Sweet Trini Treats by dropping “7TREATS” in the comments. Sweet success is waiting for you!

#trinifood #slowfoodmovement #trinigourmet #islandflavors
The day my spoon broke live mid-recipe on my Twitc The day my spoon broke live mid-recipe on my Twitch stream? Legendary 🙈

But it taught me something: you don’t need fancy tools or a perfect kitchen to create memorable dishes. You just need passion, a little patience, and a lot of grace. 

That’s the energy I’m bringing into the new (and improved!) TriniGourmet freebies I’ve got coming for you soon.

Behind the scenes, I’m dusting off, cataloging, and re-purposing years of gems—old media features, Twitch streams (some 6 hours long, yes really!), and event coverage that are too good to stay hidden. I’m updating old fave and making them even better, plus I’m creating brand-new ones just for you! 

The goal? To make it easier for you to master traditional flavors, cook with confidence, and bring that “seasoned chef” energy into your kitchen—even when you’re tight on time or ingredients. 

The truth? Juggling caregiving, managing my health, and keeping my home running smoothly has made this journey slower than I’d like. But I remind myself daily that this is my blessed-to list, not a have-to list. So I’m taking it one step, one dish, one memory at a time. 

You deserve tools that make cooking joyful, not stressful. And as this clip shows,  if you’ve ever felt like things were falling apart in the kitchen, you are not alone! 😂

What’s the funniest kitchen fail you’ve had? Tell me so I know I’m in good company!

#trinifoodie #authenticflavors #islandfood
If you’ve ever felt like going gluten-free means If you’ve ever felt like going gluten-free means saying goodbye to the flavors you love… trust me, I’ve been there. When my mom was first diagnosed with celiac disease, we were both overwhelmed. Our family kitchen suddenly felt like unfamiliar territory, and I worried she might miss out on the joy of sharing a table with loved ones. But what you may not know about gluten might be keeping you from creating dishes that everyone can enjoy—without sacrificing flavor or tradition. That’s why an inclusive approach to both local and international cuisines has become so important to me here at TriniGourmet. 

Whether you’re cooking for health reasons or simply exploring new culinary horizons, I want you to feel empowered to create meals that bring people together—no stress, no guesswork, just pure flavor and love. Ready to explore? Check out the gluten-free category on the blog [LINK IN BIO] and find recipes and tips to help you cook with confidence! Have you experimented with gluten-free cooking yet? Tell me your biggest win (or challenge!)—I’d love to hear. 

#easyglutenfree #authenticflavors #globalflavors
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