Bread Pudding for the Holidays

The holidays are almost here, but our traditional plans may not be the same as in past years. Whether we are forging ahead and meeting our families as per usual or have decided on a smaller gathering ; this is the best time to make some foods which are both tasty as well as comforting….

Baking soda vs Baking Powder and how to use them effectively

Baking soda vs Baking powder Have you wondered what the difference was between baking soda and baking powder?Were you ever in the process of making something which required one of these leavenings only to realize that you didn’t have the one which the recipe listed? And if so, did you simply substitute one for the…

Portuguese Guyanese Style Shrove Tuesday Pancakes Malasadas

The Lent season which is the 40 day religious period of prayer, reflection and penance in the Christian traditions will begin next Wednesday. The Lent period then officially ends on Easter Sunday. This weekend and the days leading up to Ash Wednesday will be ones of excesses for some, with the Carnival festivals enjoyed in…

Memories of Guyana: Strength in Community and Pow Making

Have you ever noticed that there are certain powerful triggers which can induce a wave of nostalgia in us? Sometimes it can be seeing images of a place which can take us back in time or even seeing a familiar food which perhaps you have not eaten for many years. It’s amazing how things such…

Delicious Quick Bread Caribbean Coconut Bake

The smell of fresh bread baking is one which has charmed me as far back as I can remember. I am always awed by the way a few ingredients like flour, shortening, yeast or baking powder and salt can be kneaded and can be baked into bread. For thousands of years in so many cultures,…

Tea Party in the Tropics

I have always loved tea and tea time. On week days when I am busy with work and my daily activities, tea time is just a pot of good strong English tea and maybe a slice of cake or a small pastry if I have fresh baked goods on hand. I also really enjoy the…

Carnival in Haïti

In Haïti, once the Christmas and New Year festivities are over, it immediately signals that the pre-Carnival season is imminent. You have to understand that for Haitians, Carnival is probably the biggest celebration of the year. For many here, Carnival is greatly anticipated and it is truly a time where people of all walks of…

Coconut Swirl Bread, Salara

I must admit that I have a weakness for all things coconut. The fact that I live in the Caribbean and coconuts are synonymous with island life, may have something to do with that. I always have a stock of coconut products on hand for cooking and baking. Essentials are coconut water and coconut milk….

Brazilian Gluten-Free Cheese Puff

If you’ve ever been to a Brazilian Steak House restaurant, chances are you have tasted these delicious little cheese “breads”. This recipe came to me via a good friend Lauretta who has lived in Brazil. They are made with tapioca flour and are gluten-free. These little balls of deliciousness puff up beautifully while in the…

Caribbean Style Floats and Saltfish Buljol

If you are from the English speaking Caribbean and particularly Guyana and Trinidad, you will be fond of this typical meal. For many it’s a Sunday morning breakfast or a family dinner. There really is no absolute right or wrong time to enjoy this combo. I grew up loving my Mother’s delicious bakes and saltfish…