Hibiscus Orange Ice Tea

In the heavy oppressive summer heat, a cool beverage is always welcome. In the Caribbean, the months of June through September are ones of long sunny days and extremely high temperatures. Although we have sunshine all year around, these months are particularly hot ones which means that everyone is looking for ways to keep their…

Citrus Magic: Lemons, Limes and Sour Oranges

It never ceases to amaze me how flavors come together in food preparation. In my opinion, cooking can be compared to alchemy. Like magic, ingredients and spices marry together to produce wondrous outcomes. A good cook seeks to balance flavors ranging from sweet, savory, spicy and acidic and transforms them into tasty delights. Too much…

The Health and Wellness Benefits of Teas and Infusions

Tea for me is a sacred thing. I look forward to starting my day with my big blue teacup of my favorite robust black tea. I must admit that I prefer to make a pot of tea rather than simple one serving mug. I enjoy the ritual of filling the teapot with boiling water from…

Summer Sangria

This summer feels like it will be a scorcher as it is only mid-June. I like to entertain at my home and I prefer to hosts things in the late afternoon or early evening as the sun shifts to another phase; lifting the oppressive heat so common at this time of year here in Haïti….

Garden Fresh Mint, Fennel and Green Tea Medley

As a tea drinker, I am automatically drawn to all types of teas. I must admit that I prefer a hearty pot of black tea for starting my day, but I also love herbal teas during the day and especially a warm cup in the evening. The weather is beginning to warm up here in…

Haitian Hot Chocolate “Chokola Peyi”

Chocolate has often been referred to as “The food of the Gods.” The Aztecs and Mayas drank a spicy libation made from the cocoa bean during their religious ceremonies and was considered a drink of the elite. Cocoa was a very important commodity in Mesoamerica and was even used as a currency and payment for…

Magnificent Mango Smoothie

It’s mango season in Haïti and the bounty of fruit is just amazing. So many varieties to choose from, it’s mind boggling sometimes. I received a case of Baptiste mangoes for my birthday from a friend who knows how much I enjoy this particular variety. They are very fragrant as they ripen and the flesh…