Search Results for: Haiti

It was the peaceful, Taino Indians who inhabited the island of Haiti before the arrival of the Europeans. The name, Haiti, is derived from their native language and means “mountainous country”. Haiti is part of the island of Hispaniola, which is the second largest island in the Caribbean, after Cuba. Haiti resides in the western third of the island and shares its border with the Dominican Republic.

Hispaniola was discovered in 1492 by Christopher Columbus and was the first island settled by the Spanish in the New World. The Taino Indians initially assisted the Spaniards but soon 90% of them died of European diseases, from which they had no immunity. The area became desolate. This made the island an ideal home for castaways and predominantly French colonist, fortune seekers, who became pirates and buccaneers. The French used these people in an unofficial war against the Spanish. In a treaty in 1697, Spain ceded the western third of the island to France to become Haiti. Slaves were brought in from Africa to work the many plantations.

In the late 1700s, this area was known as “The Jewel of the Antilles” and became the wealthiest colony in the world. In 1791, an uprising occurred as the African slaves, outnumbered the French by ten to one. This turned into a 13 year battle, fighting off the Spanish, French and English, who were also fighting one another for control of this rich colony. In 1804 the last European troops were defeated and driven from the island, making Haiti the first, independent, sovereign “black” country in the world. They declared independence on January 1, 1804 and it is celebrated in grand fashion each year.

Today the population of Haiti is 95 percent African descent and five percent mulatto or white. The official languages are French and Creole but few speak French today. Haiti is one of the most densely populated countries in the world and is now among the poorest in the western hemisphere. Voodoo ceremonial traditions are common, as Voodoo is practiced as a religion in Haiti, along with Catholicism and Protestantism.

The nation is made up of small farmers. Although only 30 percent of the mountainous land is arable, more than 40 percent is worked. Slash and burn agriculture, along with deforestation, has left the land susceptible to erosion, causing landslides and mudslides. The primary crops grown today are sugarcane, cocoa, coffee and mangoes. Imports come mainly from the United States and include many staple ingredients, like rice, beans and flour. Food is energy but energy is required to make food, which in Haiti, has historically come from coal and firewood. This too has contributed to the deforestation problem. However, there has been a recent push to get clean energy to the people, in the form of natural gas.

A tectonic fault line runs right through the heart of this island causing frequent and sometimes devastating earthquakes. The most recent major earthquake was in 2010, where in one day, 300,000 people died and over two million people were displaced. It additionally caused catastrophic damage to the already poor infrastructure. This tropical island also lies in the direct path of hurricanes. Despite these conditions and obstacles, the Haitians are a strong and resilient people.

The people are still waiting and hoping for an all important, non-corrupt, governmental leadership to emerge. The politics of this country were dominated for decades by the initially popular, but subsequently brutal, dictator known as, “Papa Doc” and then succeeded by his son, known as, “Baby Doc.” This family ruled the country from 1957 until 1991 with no regard for the people. Even though there have been elections and new leaders have come and gone, the Haitian people are tired of government corruption. A tell-tale sign of the frustration of the Haitian people was exhibited during the earthquake, when the people cheered as the Presidential palace collapsed. Now they just hope whoever comes next will look after their tourism, education, infrastructure and most importantly, the hard working people of Haiti.

Haiti received massive aid after the devastating earthquake in 2010. Unfortunately, it is believed that most of the funds were misused and there still remains much work left undone. Even the United Nations, who brought in relief workers to help, ended up causing more problems for Haiti by introducing the cholera outbreak. That said, there are reputable charity organizations still working diligently to help the Haitians. The actor, Sean Penn, has one such organization, called JPHRO, which appears to be doing excellent work in the country. He is committed to be there for the long haul. This is what he said about the people of Haiti, “You can feel the potential for growth and change, it is palpable. They simply need a chance.”

One of the buildings that has survived many challenges and is a testament to the people of Haiti is what is known as the Citadel Laferrière. This fortress that sits atop a hill, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was built to keep the people safe from Napoleon’s army. The site was built by the Haitians; it has no foundation and they had no training to know how to construct it. The mortar was made from sand, lime, animal blood, sugar and molasses. Many workers died in the process of building the fortress, but they believed if they perished, they would go back to their homeland of Africa. The building is straight and strong and has survived all disasters since its completion in 1813. Getting to the Citadel is an adventure in itself. You board a colorfully painted tap-tap. (That’s what they call a bus in Haiti, which is the sound people make when they want to get off the bus.) But the bus can only make it so far up the steep hill and then a donkey takes you the rest of the way to the top. It is one of Haiti’s most important tourist attractions.

Haitians are known for their colorful artwork. They make it out of, just about anything. Children gather garbage on the streets and create art from it. Many will never make a dime from their masterpieces, however it is an escape and a way to express their feelings. Some of the art is made with doll parts, showing limbs missing, perhaps representing the horrors of the earthquake but more likely from living their life in poverty and feeling torn apart. Their art is most telling in what these people have endured.

The Haitians will use just about any reason to take to the streets and make music. Way back when, slaves used anything they could find to design musical instruments. Today is no different. They love many types of music and a hotel called the Grand Hotel Oloffson, is a place that highlights popular bands. Many of the bands became famous for their protest music against the many corrupt regimes. Compas, Hip hop, jazz, Haitian rock, twoubadou and meringue, are all popular genres. Rara, is a type of music that is festive and uplifting and unique to Haiti.

The Grand Hotel Oloffson, was the real-life inspiration for the fictional hotel, “Trianon” in Graham Greene’s famous novel, “The Comedians”. The hotel features an architectural style that has been fading away in their capital city of Port-au-Prince. It showcases large, wooden verandas and intricate, Gothic, gingerbread wood work. Somehow, it managed to survive the 2010 quake with very little damage, even though multiple structures surrounding it, were destroyed.

As we look into the cuisine of the island nation, it is clear that the main influence is Afro-Caribbean. There is also a Spanish influence, from her neighbor, the Dominican Republic, along with French influence, combined with a distinctive, Haitian flair. They like their food bold and spicy. It is believed that barbecue originated in Haiti, as the first mention of it comes from the word “barabicu”, from the native tongue of the Taino people.

A typical meal in Haiti would simply be rice and beans, sometimes topped with fish or meat. Sometimes it would be a bean puree poured over the rice. Stews and soups are also popular, made with cassava, yam or sweet potato. Pumpkin has a deep significance to the Haitians, since they were forbidden to eat pumpkin soup by the French. Now they call it Sunday soup and it is on every Haitian table on Independence Day. Cassava bread is a staple and a drink called akasan, made with cornmeal and spices, is beloved.

Rum is the most popular alcohol in Haiti and they make a mean, rum sour. There is a very old distillery that’s been in business since 1862, called Barbencourt. The rhum (spelled with an “h” to distinguish it from regular rum), is made with sugarcane juice, as opposed to a sugar byproduct. Nearly half of the all the barrels of rhum in Haiti were destroyed during the 2010 earthquake. As a sign of their resilience, they combined all they had left and bottled it all together to commemorate their 150th anniversary in a grand celebration. Considered to be one of the best rhums in the world, Barbencourt Rhum is a symbol of national pride for Haitians.

So let’s eat “Manje Ayisien” (which means “Haitian food” in Creole)

The Menu
Starter
Soupe Joumou (Pumpkin Soup)

Main
Griot (Fried Pork)

Served with
Riz et Pois Rouges (Red Beans and Rice)

Pikliz (Spicy Cabbage Slaw)

Dessert
Blancmange (Coconut Gelatin Dessert)

We set the table with colors of the Haitian flag; blue and red and surrounded it with gourds. Gourds were used as currency and are responsible for the name of their money in Haiti, called gourdes. We included several of their important crops, like coffee and sugarcane and for a little fun added the ‘Day of the Dead’ décor and a voodoo doll. Festive, Rara music played in the background. Before we began this meal, we bowed in thanks for our food, knowing that today, many Haitians are hungry and live in extreme poverty. This country is one of the reasons I started International Cuisine. This is a place where much work needs to be done but there’s a hope that good things will come to her people if given the chance.

We began the meal with pumpkin soup or Sunday soup, as it is called there. I chose this as a starter and made a lighter, vegetarian version (as normally the soup is made with meat.) The pumpkin, combined with coconut milk and vegetables, was both sweet and savory. Spaghetti noodles added some heartiness to this vegetarian soup. We respected the importance of this soup to the Haitians, since it had been denied to them, and rejoiced in their independence.

For the main course, we had a very popular dish, called griot, which could be considered the national dish. Griot is a marinated, pork dish that is braised until tender and finished by frying; a twice cooked pork that is spicy and amazing. It was served with another staple dish; red beans and rice. Red beans are consumed most every day in Haiti and this dish is a spicy one, tamed with coconut milk. Often times, this may be the only dish a Haitian would eat in an entire day.

Pikliz is a very spicy, cabbage slaw that is on every table; a condiment of sorts. It is simply always around. We loved the spicy slaw and can see why it is so popular.

For dessert, Blancmange was served, a beautiful, white coconut, flavored gelatin surrounded by fruit. This lovely cool and refreshing dessert was a great counterbalance to our very spicy meal.

As we say goodbye, we can only hope that more people will visit Haiti and get involved. If you can’t visit, donate to a charity that is really serving the needs of the people. Haitians desperately wait for a good leader; one that will take care of infrastructure, education and basic human needs. People who do come visit, sometimes never want to leave, as the people of Haiti are friendly and fun, despite their many hardships. Who knows, one may find a sunken ship or buried treasure, as it was the home of many buccaneers and pirates. What is certain is, you will eat delicious food and drink, enjoy delightful music and be treated with great hospitality.

I leave you with a few Haitian proverbs:
Bay piti pa chich (To give little is not being cheap)
Wont pi lou pase sake sel (Shame is heavier than a bag of salt)
Padon pa geri maleng (Sorry doesn’t heal the scars)
Malere pa bwode (The poor is not picky)

Until next week,
Warmest regards,
Darlene

UPDATE: we are heading to Cuba on January 10th for a month of exploration in support of the Cuban people.   Be sure to join the culinary and cultural journey around the world so you don’t miss a thing,  it’s free,  You can also follow me on Instagram, Facebook ,  Pinterest and youtube to follow along our journey.  I thought a repost of  Cuba was in order, enjoy and watch for new exciting recipes to follow!

Cuba gets her name from the Taino people, an abbreviation of the word Cubanacán, which means “where fertile land is.” She is a long and narrow island nation, affectionately called El Caiman or El Cocodrilo, as the aerial view resembles an alligator or crocodile. The republic of Cuba is made up of the Island of Cuba, the Isle of Youth and more than 400 small islands and cays. Cuba is located about 90 miles south of the Florida Keys and 125 miles east of Cancun and Jamaica. The Cayman Islands lie to the south and Haiti to the east. Cuba is the largest and most populated Caribbean island.

“Juana” is the name given the Island by Christopher Columbus in 1492, in honor of Queen Isabella’s son, but that name never stuck. The Taino people came to the island from Venezuela about one thousand years ago. The original inhabitants were Native America tribes, the Ciboney and Guanahatebey. In 1511 Spanish forces took over the islands and declared them a Spanish Territory. The Taino people were forced into slave labor and most died from overwork and diseases brought by the Europeans.

The Spanish then brought hundreds of thousands of slaves from West Africa to plant and harvest sugarcane and tobacco. (Cuban cigars are still world renown.) The population today is mostly mulatto (a mix of European and African descent) the balance is 37 percent white, 11 percent Black and one percent Chinese. The official language is Spanish and the dialect is similar to other Hispanic Caribbean Islands but the highly expressive use of hand gestures are distinctly Cuban.

Cuba was under the control of Spain until 1898 when the treaty of Paris was signed. The United States claimed ownership of the remaining Spanish Colonies: Cuba, Puerto Rico and the Philippines. By 1902, the Cubans were not happy with another colonial power taking control and after many protests, the United States agreed to withdraw militarily from Cuba. One of the conditions included a 99 year lease to a naval base at Guantanamo Bay. The lease was extended into perpetuity in 1934. After several dictators and coup attempts, Fidel Castro’s Revolution toppled the previous dictator on January 8, 1959, who fled the country. Castro spoke to the masses and claimed true independence for Cuba, the first time since 1511.

Cuba became a communist state, which caused some of the elite to flee. Having a communist country so close to United States (U.S.) shores became a major issue. This led to the failed Bay of Pigs and then the Cuban missile crisis, which then turned into a 50 year long embargo. (Rumor has it, U.S. President Kennedy purchased 1200 Cuban cigars before the trade embargo was enforced).

Cuba was trading with the Soviet Union and Venezuela as its major trading partners. In 1989 when the cold war ended and the Soviet Union broke up, Cuba entered a very difficult period known as the “Special Period.” The country lost 80 percent of its imports and exports. They lost their oil connection, which caused severe hardship in the ability to operate transportation, industrial and agricultural systems. This period was especially hard on the Cuban people. They were hungry and had to drastically change their way of life.

One good thing that came out of the “Special Period”, was organic agriculture. Cuban producers turned the declining availability of pesticides and fertilizers into an opportunity to shift toward organic production, which ended up having numerous environmental, social and economic gains. The government allowed 80 percent of their farmland to be turned over to workers. Once they met the government quotas for their crop, they were allowed to sell the excess to the local farmers’ market. Havanans transformed their vacant lots, backyards and even roof tops into small farms and grazing areas for animals. This change had huge positive impacts on the peoples’ livelihood as well as on their health, as chemicals and pesticides used in farming are often linked to increased cancer risks.

Like many communist countries, Cuba is officially atheist. However, many Cubans are Catholics and in 1997 the government allowed Christmas to become an official holiday, in preparation for Pope John Paul II’s visit. Cuba holds one of the highest literacy rates in all of Latin America and they have the highest doctor to patient ratio in the world. Cuba is known for sending doctors abroad when the need arises. A couple of perks to a communist society is free healthcare and education.

Baseball is the national sport of Cuba and loved there! They have special squares set up just so credentialed citizens can discuss baseball and discuss they do. They are so proud of their national team. One problem that Cuba faces is defection by their best players. They are typically paid around $2000 annually there compared to six figures and more in the U.S. Even Castro admits, that makes it hard for Cuba to compete. By the way, Fidel Castro led the country since the revolution in the late 1950s until 2008, when he passed the baton to his younger brother Raul, due to illness.

The country of Cuba has two currencies, the Cuban peso and the Cuban convertible peso (CUC). The Cuban peso (CUP) is known as the national currency. This is what the population uses for necessities. Luxury Items and most tourist destinations use the CUC. One CUC buys about 25 CUPs which often confuses tourists, by seeing government controlled item prices that they perceive as too cheap.

There is a system set up in Cuba where tourists can stay in what are called casas particulares (private houses licensed to offer lodging to foreigners.) All the restaurants had been government owned and run by employees until the economic crisis of the Special Period. Now, in Cuba the best food will be found in your casa paladares (locally owned restaurants in private homes and made legal in the 1990s.) Seating is limited and there are many restrictions for the homeowner regarding staff and such, however this is where you will savor the delicious, homemade Cuban cuisine. Eating or staying in state owned hotels and restaurants is significantly more expensive. Visitors can choose casas particulares and paldares as alternatives and a great way to benefit the people and get a true cultural experience. Just make sure they have the proper licensing, as Cubans are forbidden to host a foreigner without a license and the punishment is severe for both parties, if caught.

The Cuisine of Cuba is a fusion of the Taino; the Spanish, West African and Caribbean. The tropical climate and fertile land produces fruits and root vegetables used in many Cuban dishes. Pork is the most commonly eaten meat. There are restrictions on seafood and beef, which are reserved mainly for the tourist industry.

So let’s eat Cuban style:

The Menu
Appetizer
Tostones (Fried Plantains)

Salad
Ensalada Cubano (Typical Green Salad)

Main
Lechon Asado (Roast Pork)

Served with
Moros y Cristianos (Rice and Beans)

Sofrito (Base for Moros Y Cristianos)

Dessert
Churros con Chocolate Caliente (Fried Dough with Hot Chocolate)

We began our meal with a Mojito, a popular lime and rum drink served with mint and a Cuban toast, “Salud.” The Mojito was known to be the author Ernest Hemingway’s favorite and he enjoyed them while writing two of his most famous books there: “The Old Man and the Sea” and “For Whom the Bell Tolls.” The rum maker, Bacardi, had its headquarters in Cuba until the Revolution when they moved it to Puerto Rico. Needless to say, rum is very popular in Cuba.

For ambiance, we put on “the Buena Vista Social Club”, a wonderful showcase of Cuban music performed by elderly men who have played music all their lives. Son Cubano is a type of Cuban music, as important to Cuba as the Tango is to Argentina and the Samba is to Brazil. Cuban music is often considered one of the richest and most influential regional music genres of the world. (Here is a link, you can check it out for yourself: http://youtu.be/HaerapRPS64 )

We decorated the table with colors of the Cuban flag; red, white and blue and with pictures of old American cars. Cubans are only allowed to own pre-1959 cars. It is an amazing site to see how they have maintained and restored these vintage treasures. If the day ever comes when the Cubans can sell them, I hope they won’t, as they add such charm and uniqueness to their country.

For our first course we enjoyed hot fried plantains, always a delicious treat and best eaten right out of the fryer, a popular snack in Cuba.
Next we had the main course served family style. Lechon Asado was served with white rice and black beans in a sofrito base. Together it’s called Moros y Cristianos. Honestly, I think it is the best combination of rice and beans I have ever had and I will include this recipe in my favorites. We added a simple but delicious organic Cuban salad. The salad, light and refreshing, with a citrus and garlic dressing, complemented the flavor of the pork.

The main dish, Lechon Asado, is usually reserved for special occasions where the whole pig would be roasted in the ground, covered in banana leaves. They also sell hog roasting boxes that many Cubans own and have become a popular alternative to roasting the pig in the ground. What makes the pork so wonderful however, is the marinade called Mojo. This is a blend of citrus and garlic that is unforgettable. I roasted a whole pork shoulder that I found with the skin on. It was superb!

For dessert we had hot chocolate and churros. The churros are basically fried dough rolled in sugar and served with a nice big cup of hot chocolate to dunk them in. I know we shouldn’t but, YUM!

You will notice on my cover shot is a pamphlet called “Nassau Cuba & Mexico.” This pamphlet was written by the author Zane Grey for the New York Cuba Mail Steamship Company. It is very rare and one of the prized possessions of our Zane Grey collection. We also have his diary of that trip he took. I would like to quote from the pamphlet, what he said about Havana back in 1909. “Havana is a magnificent city of white-walled avenues, of green-foliaged plazas, of gray-towered cathedrals and monasteries; and its wonderful coloring runs sheer into the blue waters of the harbor. It is bright, attractive, full of life. Tourists of all nations are there giving the city a cosmopolitan atmosphere. A walk or drive down the Prado from Central Plaza to the Malecon is one of the most enjoyable that can be imagined. Streams of carriages and automobiles, going and coming, giving an air of New York or Paris.”

As we leave this country Cuba, we do so with hope, as the U.S. Embargo has just been lifted. Recognizing that the decision to lift the embargo is controversial, as things in Cuba have not changed in decades, I see both sides of the argument. With that said, we can only hope that things get better for the Cuban people. Selfishly, I am hoping to get a chance to visit and stay with a Cuban family in a casa particular and dine with them on the incredible cuisine!

Until next week,
Warmest Regards,
Darlene
P.s. What do with all those pork leftovers? A Cuban sandwich of course. Here’s a delicious bonus recipe!

Cuban Sandwich

Liberia gets its name from the Latin word liber which means “free”, so Liberia means “Land of the Free.”  Liberia is located on the West African coast.  It is bordered by Sierra Leone to the northwest, Guinea to the north and Cote d’Ivoire, to the east.  In 1816, a group called, the American Colonization Society, or the ACS, which was made up mostly of Quakers and slaveholders in Washington D.C., agreed that black Americans should be repatriated to Africa.  The Quakers opposed slavery and felt that freeborn, black slaves would face a better chance in Africa than in the United States.  They also wanted them to spread Christianity, which they did, resulting in Liberia becoming the most Christian of all African countries.  The slaveholders however, only agreed to the emigration because they were in fear of a slave rebellion, like the one that took place in Haiti, called Santo Domingo.  In 1822, the first ship of 86 black emigrants landed on Cape Montserrado, at the time known as the Grain Coast.

In 1824, the settlement was named Monrovia, after the American president and ACS member, James Monroe.  The colony then became the Republic of Liberia.  The first years were a real challenge.  The settlers suffered from malaria and yellow fever, which were epidemic in the area.  They also faced attacks from the native populations who were not at all happy with the settlement.  Despite these challenges, the black settlers were determined to show the rest of the world that they could create and develop their own country and so freed slaves kept arriving.  Over the next forty years, 19,000 Americo-Liberians, as they were called, settled there.

The settlers built schools, including a university and during the early years, their agriculture, trade and shipbuilding flourished.  As the only free republic in Africa, Liberia was a model for other African colonies trying to achieve independence.  William Tubman became president of Liberia in 1944 and made great strides to modernize parts of Liberia along the coast.  He also allowed indigenous populations into the mainstream, giving them the right to vote.  His rule, however, gradually became more and more authoritarian, he even changed the constitution to allow himself to remain in office for seven consecutive terms.  By the time of his death in 1971, frustrations were at a peak.  The population was growing poorer and lacked basic needs like access to safe drinking water and electricity.  His successor, William Tolbert, tried to improve the political and economic climate but his attempts failed.  Basically Liberia has struggled through civic divisions and violence ever since.

On Christmas Eve of 1989, a rebel army began a brutal civil war, organized by a man named Charles Taylor.  Entire villages were emptied.  Soldiers, many of them just children, were forced to commit unspeakable atrocities, raping and murdering people of all ages.  Fifteen years of bloodshed undid much of what Liberia had managed to achieve.  The infrastructure was destroyed.  More than 200,000 people were killed and another 1,500,000 were displaced or became refugees in other surrounding countries.

Today, Liberia is still healing and recovering, albeit slowly.  Hope lies in the hands of the first ever, black female president in the world and first woman president in Africa.  Her name is Ellen Johnson Sirleaf.  She is Liberia’s 24^th president and became a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, in 2011.  As if she didn’t have enough to deal with after the country was torn apart by civil war, the Ebola outbreak hit her country extremely hard.  Thanks to her persuasion of the international community and especially President Obama of the United States, the disease has been nearly eradicated in Liberia.  She has made great strides in revitalizing the nation’s economy by building up infrastructure and restoring Liberia’s credibility with international entities.  She is likely the best president the nation has ever seen.

As we look into the cuisine of this nation, it has largely been influenced by the free slaves that arrived there those many years ago.  Most recipes come from the American south, as well as traditional West African creations.  The population is made up of at least 26 tribes, in addition to those who came from the United States.  English is the official language, along with indigenous languages.  Most people survive on sustenance farming and many make their living in agriculture.  Women sell their goods at local markets.  Cassava, peppers, sweet potatoes, tomatoes and palm oil are all staple ingredients, along with a variety of vegetables especially okra and beans.  Rice is also considered a staple food.  It is a common saying in Liberia that “one has not eaten all day” if they had not enjoyed a dish with rice in it.  Cassava leaves, along with different types of meats, are made into stews.  However, meat is considered a luxury.  Fish is cheaper than beef or chicken and is more commonly used in many of the dishes.  Fufu, or dumboy with palava sauce, is considered to be their national dish.  Palava sauce is a dish made with molokheya, a leafy green vegetable from the mallow family.  It gets that same gooey texture that okra imparts and is readily available in Liberia.  The sauce is stewed with dried fish and chicken, red palm oil and some heat from scotch bonnet peppers.  Rice bread and sweet potato pone (cornbread), are also loved treats in Liberia.

So let’s enjoy a Liberian meal:

The Menu

Starter

Rice Bread (Made with Mashed Bananas)

Drink

Pineapple-Ginger Beer (A non-alcoholic drink)

Main Course

Liberian Chicken Gravy (Chicken and Shrimp in Sauce)

Served with

Check Rice (Spinach and Okra Rice)

Dessert

 Milk Candy

We set the table with the colors of the Liberian flag, which very much resembles the flag of the United States of America;  red, white and blue.  A white star represents the first, independent, western-styled republic in all of Africa.  A tire was placed to signify their robust rubber industry and cocoa, coffee and iron ore were added to represent other important exports.  We included a ship to symbolize their very prominent ship building industry.  Palm fronds were placed to characterize the Sapo National Park.  This very significant, rain forest is home to many tropical birds and animals, including the rare, pygmy hippopotamus.  Finally, we added a statue of a  beautiful, African woman, to represent the hope that the current president brings to this nation.

Our meal began with a delicious slice of rice bread.  It is similar to banana bread, as it is made with mashed bananas and combined with cream of rice for a lovely snack, any time of day.  We enjoyed it warm, straight from the oven.

With our meal, we served a drink called pineapple ginger beer.  Despite the name, it does not contain any alcohol and is ubiquitous in Liberia.  It is a refreshing drink made with pineapple skin and ginger root that is boiled and then strained.  Served icy cold, with a squeeze of lime, I will remember to make this revitalizing drink on a hot summer day.

For the main course we had a dish called Liberian chicken gravy.  It is a much loved dish in Liberia and for good reason.  The sauce combines complex flavors with spicy heat.  This sauce was somewhat reminiscent of the African pepper sauce that we discovered from Cameroon (which I have made countless times since that journey.)  The chicken gravy is made with both chicken and shrimp for a hearty meal.  It was served with another loved dish, called check rice.  Typically made from jute leaf, (also known as molokheya), I made the dish with spinach and okra, which are common substitutes for molokheya.  To be perfectly honest, I have never really appreciated the consistency of okra, however the taste is quite lovely.  I know many people around the world and especially in the deep South in America, love it.  I decided to make it, as I always want to experience what moves the the culture through the food that is loved.

For dessert we had what they call milk candy.  It is made from sweetened, condensed milk and is a simple, little candy treat that was topped with a roasted peanut.  It was soft and creamy and reminded us of dolce de leche, from Argentina.  It is simply delicious and very easy to make.  Milk candy can be made to any consistency you like; the longer you cook it the harder and deeper in color it gets.  This was a scrumptious, sweet end our Liberian meal.

After our meal we set up for a game of scrabble, since the scrabble association in Monrovia is an important meeting place to discuss politics.  As the country continues to heal, there is a recognition that people can forgive but it is often hard to forget.  Time can only help to heal their wounds.  I  am looking forward to reading a book by Graham Greene, called, Journey without Maps.  He  wrote this story in  1935, about a 350 mile, four week walk, through the interior of Liberia, searching for the”heart of darkness” in Africa.

I leave you with a couple quotes from the ultra famous and remarkable Oprah Winfrey, who has traced her African roots to Liberia:

“The more you praise and celebrate your life, the more there is in life to celebrate.”

“Don’t worry about being successful but work toward being significant and the success will naturally follow.”

and

“Be thankful for what you have; you’ll end up having more.  If you concentrate on what you don’t have, you will never, ever have enough.

Until next week,

Warmest regards,

Darlene

Xaymaca is what the indigenous, Taino, called their island. In their native language, called Arawak, it means, “The Land of Wood and Water” or “Many Springs.” Christopher Columbus discovered the island on his second voyage to the New World. He landed there on May 5, 1494 and Jamaica remained under Spanish rule until 1655. By the 1600s, the Spaniards managed to wipe out the Taino population through slavery, and disease. As a result, the Spanish then transported enslaved, West Africans to the islands to work the fields.

Christopher Columbus spent nearly a whole year on Jamaica after his ships were damaged by wormwood (which is actually a wood eating, saltwater clam), in mid-1503. While he was stranded, the Taino stopped giving him and his crew supplies, as they were torturing and pillaging the Taino people and the land. Columbus, being the navigator he was, had heard about a German astronomer, named Regiomontanus, who predicted that a full lunar eclipse would occur on February 29, 1504. He told the Taino that he would remove the moon and not return it until they gave him the supplies he needed. Needless to say, the plot worked, the moon went away and the Taino offered them whatever they needed to get the moon back. Forty eight minutes later he agreed, and the moon reappeared. From then on, he had all the supplies he needed until he was picked up by the caravel from Hispaniola, on June 29, 1504.

In 1655, the English invaded Jamaica, defeating the Spanish colonists. However, the African slaves seized the opportunity and fled to the island’s interior, forming independent communities, known as the Maroons. The English built a settlement at Port Royal, which became a base of operations for pirates and privateers. In the 18th century, sugarcane replaced piracy as Jamaica’s primary source of income and the English brought in hundreds of thousands more African slaves to work the plantations. By 1800, black Jamaicans outnumbered whites by twenty to one. When the price of sugar dropped, it was replaced as the leading export by bananas and coffee. After the emancipation of slaves in 1834, the plantations were worked by indentured Indian and Chinese workers. British rule lasted until their independence in 1962 but there were numerous, bloody uprisings throughout this period. Jamaica joined the Commonwealth of Nations, an organization of ex-British territories and continues to be, what is called a Commonwealth Realm, with the British Monarch as Queen of Jamaica and Head of State. Kingston became the capital city in 1872 and remains so today.

Jamaica is one of the islands known as the Greater Antilles, located 90 miles south of Cuba, and 100 miles west of Haiti, in the Caribbean. The island is made up of coastal lowlands, limestone plateaus and the beautiful Blue Mountains, in the east. The mountains get their name from the azure haze that settles around its peaks. Jamaica is known for its stunningly beautiful, white sandy beaches and all-inclusive resorts. Although, many people say that if you never leave the all-inclusive resort, you have not really visited Jamaica. Still, Jamaica’s tourism industry thrives and she hosts numerous cruise ships from many ports of call.

Jamaica beckons to be explored: she offers incredible diving in the crystal clear, turquoise ocean, hiking the pristine plateaus and mountains replete with water falls, tropical foliage and wildlife, rafting through breathtaking rapids or floating along enchanting lagoons and discovering her underground caves, sink holes and underground rivers. Tourism accounts for thirty percent of Jamaica’s GDP. Some say the all-inclusive beach resorts hurt the locals who call Jamaica home. In Jamaica, outsiders can own the beach along with the property, stripping the land from its people. Efforts are being made to protect marine life, which seems like a noble cause, however, it forces the locals to go out further to reach the local catch, requiring more fuel, time and money. Jamaica has its challenges with high unemployment, poverty and a reputation for violent crime and drug trafficking, which is why the tourists are asked not to leave the resorts. If you do wander from the resorts, women will often be bombarded by merchants wanting to braid their hair into cornrows, as was popularized by Bo Derek, in the movie “Ten”. And you will often hear the locals say, “Yeah mon, no problem” in their kicked back Jamaican style, in response to almost any request.

The famous novelist, Ian Fleming, had a beautiful five bedroom villa in Oracabessa that he named “The Golden Eye.” All fourteen of his “James Bond” books were said to have been written there. Today his home is part of a place for tourists to enjoy. The resort is now owned by Chris Blackwell, who was founder of Island Records and who brought the spiritual sounds of Bob Marley’s reggae to the rest of the world. Bob Marley’s music resonated with humanity, as it identified oppressors and stirred social change, while allowing listeners to escape their troubles and sway to its rhythmic beat. After Marley’s death in 1981, he was inducted into the rock and roll hall of fame. His 1977 album, “Exodus” was named “album of the century” by Time magazine. He was bestowed the Grammy’s Lifetime Achievement Award in 2001. Bob Marley’s music was rooted in his Rastafarian beliefs and he was known for smoking marijuana or “herb”, as it is called in Rasta culture. He was a believer of the herb’s medicinal, meditational and spiritual abilities. He once said “Rum, teach you to be a drunkard, and herb, teach you to be someone.” Bob Marley will forever be a Jamaican cultural icon. The Bob Marley museum is located in the capital city of Kingston.

Jamaica was made famous on the world stage with its showing at the Calgary Winter Olympics in 1988. There, the Jamaican Bobsled Team competed against all odds in the Olympics. This was quite extraordinary for a team from the tropics who had never seen snow, let alone a bobsled. Since then, they have qualified multiple times in the Winter Olympics and were the inspiration for the movie about the trials and tribulations of the team, called “Cool Runnings". Then there is Usain Bolt AKA Lightening Bolt, a Jamaican sprinter regarded as the fastest person ever timed.

The small island of Jamaica is home to nearly 2.8 million people. The majority, about 80 percent, is overwhelmingly from African descent; many from the Akan tribe from Ghana and the Igbo from Nigeria. The balance of the population is Afro-European, East Indian, Caucasian and Chinese. The official language is English, however, it is a unique, creole dialect, called Patois.

Religion is an important part of life for Jamaicans. More than 80 percent are Christians, practicing all forms of Christianity. There are also Jewish, Muslim, Hindu and Bahai religions represented. A very small percentage of the population is Rastafarian. According to the Rastafarian belief, the only true God is the late Ethiopian emperor, Haile Selassie and Ethiopia is the true holy land. Rastafarians are known for wearing their hair in dreadlocks, having beards and carrying bibles, as a sign of a pact with God. Rastafarians place great emphasis on spirituality, meditation and the individual. Ganja or the “herb’ is used in their religious rites.

As we look into the cuisine of Jamaica, we can see it is influenced by the island itself and its rich history. It is a smorgasbord of sorts, yet there are many local ingredients that the island nation has made their own. The island’s motto is “out of many, one people” and it could be said for the food as well. They are probably most known for their fiery, hot, scotch bonnet peppers that are the key ingredient to any good “jerk” dish. Although Jamaica is famous for their jerk chicken, it is saltfish with ackee, which is considered their national dish. Typically served for breakfast, this salted, cod fish is served with a most unusual fruit, called ackee. The fruit must be handled properly or it can be toxic. It is somewhat bland, yet has a sweetness that pairs beautifully with the saltfish. This is often combined with onions and peppers and served with callaloo, (a leafy bitter green) for a memorable meal. Plantains are often fried and served as a side dish.

Another popular item, is the Jamaican patty; a street food loved all over the island. It is much like an empanada or samosa, but seasoned with the distinct flavors of Jamaican cuisine. Curried goat is also an extremely well-liked dish and rice and pigeon peas are the mainstay of the Jamaican diet. The rice is simmered in fresh coconut milk for a sweet, tropical taste. In Jamaica, tropical fruits are abundant and one is often greeted at the airport with a glass of tropical fruit juice mixed with rum (another island specialty) while reggae music plays in the background. It’s a lovely way to be welcomed to Jamaica.

Allspice, is what ultimately embodies the flavor of Jamaica. There, it is known as pimento or Jamaican pepper. The pimento tree is indigenous to the Caribbean Islands. The wood from the tree is used to slowly cook their meats and fish to give them that distinctive Jamaican flavor. The fruit (or dried, unripe berry) evokes a blend of nutmeg, cinnamon and cloves. Allspice has a unique and unforgettable flavor.

So let’s eat Jamaican style:

The Menu
Starter
Hot Pepper Shrimp

Main
Jamaican Jerk Chicken

Served with
Jamaican Coconut Rice

Garden Salad

Dessert
Key Lime Pie

We set the table in the colors of the Jamaican flag; black, green and yellow. We put reggae music on the stereo to set the Caribbean mood. We decorated with bananas and coffee beans; two of the most important agricultural products of the island nation. Orchids were also on display, as Jamaica is home to over 400 varieties.

Our first course was a hot pepper shrimp that was light and refreshing. It was served with fresh mango slices and red onion. This dish was plated cold and dressed with a jerk marinade that added the perfect amount of spicy heat to the dish. We enjoyed it with a hibiscus, iced tea.

For the main course, we prepared their famous jerk chicken. We loved this intensely flavored but oh so tender chicken and now completely understand why Jamaicans are known for this treasure. Served with the sweet, tropical flavor of the coconut rice with peas, it was superb. Jerk chicken is made in a couple of stages and requires making a base (or jerk) before the sauce is made, after which, the chicken is marinated in it overnight. While the chicken is grilled, it is also basted with the sauce, which is then placed as a condiment on the table. The base was what was used in the dressing for the appetizer course as well. (I love it when you can use a recipe for a number of different applications.) I can see many wonderful uses for the base called “jerk”.

The chicken and rice were accompanied by what is known as a garden salad but it contains cabbage and carrots, as opposed to the usual lettuce. This was a lovely complement, typically served with Thousand Island dressing.

For dessert, we enjoyed key lime pie, which had a ginger snap crust and was decorated like the Jamaican flag, using bananas and chocolate on the lime green pie. We savored the dessert with a rich cup of Jamaican coffee from the Blue Mountains. Some say it is the best coffee in the world. I am not enough of a coffee connoisseur to answer that question, but it was delicious!
As we say goodbye to Jamaica, I leave you with a verse from Bob Marley’s song called “One Love” His song was named “Song of the Millennium” by the BBC.

One love, one heart
Let’s get together and feel all right
Hear the children cryin (one love)
Hear the children cryin (one heart)
Sayin, “Give thanks and praise to the Lord and I will feel all right”
Sayin “Let’s get together and feel all right.”

Until next time,
Warmest regards,
Darlene

The “DR”, as it is lovingly referred to by its people, is located on the island of Hispaniola. It shares the island with the country of Haiti and is the second largest island in the Caribbean. The capital city of Santo Domingo, is the oldest European City in the Americas. It was the seat of Spanish power in the new world, discovered by Christopher Columbus, in 1492. Santo Domingo was home to the first hospital, castle, and cathedral in the New World. The location was perfect as the gateway to the Caribbean, thanks to the trade winds.

The original inhabitants were the Taino, a peaceful subgroup of the Arawaks, who called the island Quisqueya, meaning “mother of all lands.” When Columbus first arrived, the island was home to around 500,000 Taino, who were living in permanent villages and subsisting on agriculture. Even more important was their gold work; nuggets that were made into small plates or inlayed in wooden objects. Columbus wanted the gold to repay his debt to the King and Queen of Spain. Nearly all the Taino people died in just three short decades after Columbus’ arrival, mainly from harsh labor practices and diseases that the Spanish carried with them. The Spanish then brought in African slaves to work the mines and plantations.

The Spanish left the island for more profitable horizons but the Spanish heritage remained. For nearly 200 years the island was left in a state of depression. In 1697 Spain gave up the western third of the island to the French. This is the area of the island that is Haiti today. After invasions and conflicts between the two, Juan Pablo Duarte, the leader of the Dominican independence movement, entered Santo Domingo on Feb 27, 1844. He declared the eastern two-thirds of the island an independent nation. He then named it the Dominican Republic.

The country went through many struggles and at one point was invaded and occupied by the United States. After that, it was governed for many years by a dictator named Rafael Trujillo, until his assassination in 1961. Today the country is run as a democracy with frequent elections. There were some periods of turmoil after the assassination of Trujillo when many Dominicans fled the country. New York is home today to more Dominicans than the island itself. The second largest population of emigrants now live in the city of Santiago.

The ethnicity today is primarily Creole; a mix of African and European descents. In addition to the Creole, there is a small number of descendants from Africa and from Europe, however Haitians form the largest minority group. The official language in the DR is Spanish and the main religion is Roman Catholic.

Dominicans are known to be laid back; people that enjoy a simple life. Family is extremely important and Sundays are a priceless time spent together, often on the beautiful beaches that surround the island. Today, tourism is the number one industry in the country, followed by agriculture. They harvest many crops including: sugarcane, coffee, cotton, cocoa, tobacco, rice, beans, potatoes, corn and bananas. The island is blessed with rich soils and a diverse topography. The tropical climate varies little in temperature, but rainfall varies seasonally.

The national sport is baseball and more than 500 Dominicans have made it into the major leagues of the United States. Sammy Sosa is just one of the famous players. As the World Series in the United States winds down, it starts up in the DR. Another favorite pastime is playing dominoes, a game that originated in China but was brought to the islands by way of the Europeans. Friends gather to play in parks and alleyways for conversation and camaraderie, over an ice-cold Dominican beer. Seriously, they have the coldest beer. The beer, called Presidente, evidently has some sort of antifreeze that does not allow it to freeze in a freezer, but gets it ice-cold. The Dominicans like to say it’s like a frosty wedding dress and is a welcome refreshment in the warm tropical climate. Speaking of refreshments, the DR is also famous for rum. They like it straight as well as in many mixed, tropical drinks. They also have an unusual national drink called Mamajuana. You will either love it or hate it. It is a brew of twigs, bark and herbs, with rum, red wine and honey and said to be an aphrodisiac.

The cuisine of the Dominican Republic is made up of indigenous dishes, Taino flavors, plus Spanish and African influences. Of course being an island nation, seafood is abundant and they are also big consumers of pork. It is not uncommon to see whole pigs on spits over an open flame. There is one area called Via Vega, where they are known to make the best chicharron. This is pork rind, but uses part of the flesh as well as the skin. It is scored and marinated in bitter orange, garlic, lemons and a bit of oregano and then deep fried in manteca (lard), to perfection. Another interesting area of cuisine is breakfast. You will find stands where they sell fried salami, tostones (fried banana) and spaghetti. This is the trio that is typically served with eggs and loved by all Dominicans for breakfast. On the beaches, you can find the popular fried, whole fish, served with tostones, avocado and a green salad. And one thing you will always find there, is the Johnny cake or yaniqueque, as it is called in Spanish. This fried, dough disc is another DR treasure.

So let’s eat Dominican Republic style:

The Menu
Appetizer
Bolitos de Yuca (Cassava filled cheese balls)

Main
Sancocho (A stew with seven meats and vegetables)

Served with
Arroz con Aguacate (Rice and avocado)

Dessert
Morir Soñando (“Die Dreaming”, an orange creamsicle drink)

Served with Dulce de Leche en tabla (Milk fudge squares)

We decorated our table in the colors of the Dominican Republic flag; red white and blue. They are the only country in the world with a bible on the flag. It is opened to the Gospel of John, Chapter 8, verse 32, which reads, “and the truth will set you free.” They also have a small cross on the flag. I choose one to decorate that had an amber hue to it, as the national stone of the Dominican Republic is amber. Amber is a fossilized resin and the DR is home to some of the finest colors. As an aside, George Poinar, an entomologist, extracted DNA from a 30 million year old tropical, stingless bee that was preserved in DR amber. His research was the inspiration for the book, “Jurassic Park”, by Michael Crichton and Spielberg’s movie, of the same name. Portions of the movie were filmed at the Chavon River in the Dominican Repulic and the amber sample can be viewed at the Amber Museum, in Puerto Plata.

We put on some Romeo Santos. He is a hot new musical sensation taking the world by storm with his romantic, bochata music from his homeland, the DR. Music is an integral part of Dominican life and it is said that children learn to dance before they can walk. Dominicans also get credit for developing merengue in the mid-19th century. Its beat is unique, at 2/2, instead of 2/4 rhythm.

We began the meal with a delicious appetizer made from cassava, or yucca root. It was light and very tasty, filled with just the right amount of gooey cheese. We enjoyed it with a very cold Presidente beer.

Next was the main course, Sancocho. If you ask any Dominican what they miss most about their country, most will say Sancocho. It is a stew, traditionally made with seven types of meat and several vegetables. The meat is cooked separately, after marinating in bitter orange. It is cooked with a sofrito base (a traditional puree’ of onion, peppers, tomatoes and cilantro) and then everything else is added to the pot. The pumpkin or squash is what gives it that beautiful yellowish hue. Sancocho is made for every special occasion and any occasion deserving of a party, which often happens in the DR. It is a collaborative effort; everyone will contribute something to the dish, whether it be plantains or meat or sausage or squash or taro or whatever is on hand. It is always served with rice and avocado and is quite filling. The best part is the crusty, almost burnt part, at the bottom of the rice dish. It is scrumptious. This festive dish is usually accompanied by a rum drink.

For dessert, we enjoyed another popular drink of theirs called, Morir Sonando, which translates to “Die Dreaming.” It is a non-alcoholic beverage made of orange juice, milk, sugar and ice. It tastes like one of those creamsicle popsicles I used to love to get from the ice cream truck, back in the day.
We enjoyed our drink with small, bite size pieces of dulce de leche candy, topped with quince paste (made from quince; a misshapen relative of the apple and pear) and shredded coconut. This was a wonderful, sweet ending to our fabulous DR meal.
Now we are off to a dance lesson; the Merengue of course. (That 2/2 beat that sweeps you off your feet.)
Until next week,
Warmest regards,
Darlene

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The name Bahamas comes from the Spanish words of “Baja Mar”, meaning, “shallow water” or “low tide”. Originally inhabited by the Lucayan Indians, the Bahamas was the site where Christopher Columbus discovered the New World in 1492. Although the Spanish never colonized the Bahamas, they did ship the natives to Hispaniola (Haiti and the Dominican Republic). The Bahamas remained mostly deserted until 1648 when English colonists settled on the Island of Eleuthera.

The Bahamas is an island country, consisting of more than 700 islands (30 inhabited), cays and islets in the Atlantic Ocean. Most people think the Bahamas are in the Caribbean but they are not. The Bahamas lie just east of the Florida Keys, north of Cuba and Hispaniola, northwest of the Turks and Caicos Islands. The Bahamas became a British Crown Colony in 1718. This occurred as the British were cracking down on piracy. You can only imagine the haven this area was for pirates in those days, including the infamous Blackbeard.

After the American Revolution, thousands of British loyalists fled to the Bahamas taking their slaves with them. They began a cotton plantation economy. Today, 85 percent of the population are descendants from Africa. Slavery in the Bahamas was finally abolished in 1834. Once freed, most that had been enslaved, stayed on the Island and began trades such as fishing and shipbuilding. The Bahamas gained her independence, peacefully in 1973, retaining Queen Elizabeth II as her monarch. This is celebrated on July 10 each year as Bahamian Independence Day. There remains a symbolic link to her English roots as the Royal Bahamas Police Force Band performs in observance of the historical “changing of the guards.” This occurs at the Government house in Nassau every two weeks.

During the days of slavery, three days around Christmas, the slaves were given time off to celebrate their culture. It is believed that this was the origin of the Bahamas’ famous Junkanoo festival that begins December 26th. A parade invigorates the town with energy, music and a vibe so intoxicating that it gets the crowd up on their feet to join in the celebration. Junkanoo rivals Mardi Gras, in New Orleans and Carnival, in Rio de Janeiro, as one of the most enthralling of festivals.

Bush medicine is another important aspect of Bahamian culture with over 100 native plants that can reliably be used for medicinal purposes. This skill was brought to the islands by the slaves of West Africa.

Today, tourism is the main eco source. The Bahamas are a tropical, romantic paradise, with endless sandy beaches, cool tropical weather, crystal clear waters, bountiful fishing and incredible sunsets. When you arrive at the airport in Nassau, you will be greeted with music and dancers and offered a refreshing rum punch to welcome you to their unique and festive country. I am not sure where else such a welcoming ritual exists.

The music is the soul of the people of the Bahamas. African rhythms, calypso, English folk songs and the uniquely Bahamian “Goombay,” which refers to a type of goatskin drum that is used to produce the rolling beat, are the most intrinsic. Rake and Scrape bands have been playing Goombay music since the time of slavery. Key West, Florida even celebrates this music with a two day festival, in honor of their Bahamian neighbors.

Bahamian cuisine refers to the food and beverage culture of the Bahamas. The English, the West African heritage of the slaves, as well as the Bahamas being a nation of islands, all influence the cuisine. Bahamian cuisine includes an amazing variety of fresh fish and shellfish such as lobster, shrimp, crab and conch; a mollusk rendering a sweet white sumptuous meat. Tropical fruits of every variety abound as well as rice, peas and potatoes. Some common seasonings used in dishes include; chilies, lime, cilantro, garlic, allspice, and cinnamon. Rum and coconut milk are also commonly used ingredients. Rum-based beverages are ever so popular on the islands. Who couldn’t make an incredible feast out of these abundant staples?

Come join me as we celebrate the magical Islands of the Bahamas:

The Menu

Appetizer
Bahamian Salad

Seasoned with Old Sour

Soup
Chicken Souse

served with

Johnny Cake

Main Course
Lobster Curry

served with

Pigeon Peas and Rice

Dessert
Banana Cream pie

We set the table using the colors of the Bahamian flag, blue, yellow and black, representing the sun and the sea and the unity of the Bahamian nation. For our centerpiece we chose a pirate’s booty plus a hand carved blue marlin, representing their national fish. We used some fun flamingo glasses to hold our “Bahama Mama” cocktail, as the flamingo is their national bird. We put on some calypso, Bahamian music and sat down to a fantastic meal to enjoy with our special guests visiting from Texas.

The appetizer should have been made with conch, pronounced “konk,” but could not be found in my neck of the woods. So, I substituted a can of “California Girl,” imitation octopus or pulpo, made out of calamari. The flavor and texture was perfect, sprinkled with a little Old Sour, a hot and sour pepper sauce, which made for a wonderful appetizer.

The next course was the chicken souse and Johnny cakes. Chicken souse pronounced “”Sow-se” is the same word used for someone who is drunk and is also known as the Bahamian hangover cure. This chicken type soup is made with lots of lime, allspice and chili peppers. In fact, most people like their food spicy hot in the Bahamas. You can, of course, adjust the heat with the amount of chili you use. This dish is always served with Johnny cake, which is a cross between a cornbread and sweet biscuit; the perfect accompaniment to sop up the broth of the souse.

For the main course we had lobster curry, perfectly cooked, in a creamy curry sauce. The spinney lobster is ubiquitous in the Bahamas and offers a sweet and rich flavor. The curry influence comes from West Africa and the coconut milk, from the tropical islands. We served this dish with pigeon peas and rice, (pigeon peas are actually beans in their own right.) It was delicious.

We finished the meal with a banana cream pie, served with whipped cream; a perfect ending to our Bahamian feast.

As we leave this tropical paradise called the Bahamas I leave you with a Bahamian saying:

“Hand go, hand come”
Meaning, “As you give, so shall you receive”

Until next week,
Warmest regards,
Darlene