Monday, January 26, 2015

Rice and Peas in Coconut milk




On our recent trip to Turks and Caicos I was keen to pick up a local recipe. We found most of the food in the restaurants geared towards tourists and very American in style and had to really ask around for local food. But if you really look all countries have local food cultures and dishes locals are proud of. One of these is rice and peas, you will find this recipe throughout the Caribbean I have made the Puerto Rican version Arroz con granules

The peas aren't really peas as we know them but pigeon peas or toor dal to Indian's in Indian cuisine these are dried and commonly used to make dal. 

In the Caribbean you typically find them in cans and they often even have a recipe on the back. 

This version is cooked in coconut milk and has a lovely rich tropical flavor to it. I got the recipe from a cashier in a small local grocery store. Seafood is abundant on the island so fresh fish would often be eaten with rice and peas.

Tuesday, January 20, 2015

Moments by Rebecca Subbiah




Moments 

By Rebecca Subbiah



Life is a collection of moments some significant milestones falling in love, marriage, birthdays, first steps, graduations.

Some tiny a summer breeze, the sound of the ocean, a smile. 


These moments and gifts are often not wrapped and placed under a Christmas tree or purchased at a store.

They are free and worth more than all of the worlds riches.

The moment you gaze across a valley from a mountain top and know that the creator of the beauty is also with you enjoying his master piece.



The moment you walk along a beach as the sun sets with loved ones warming your soul with its pink, purple haze its colors lighting up your heart.

The moment you wake to a fiery sunrise full of new beginnings and opportunities.

The moment a child excitedly shares a tale and the magic of an embrace.




The moment you stop and look to the sky on a clear cloudless night below countless stars knowing that our maker knows them all and each of us by name.

The moment when you connect with a friend and feel understood and heard.

The moment a butterfly flutters across your path causing you to pause to admire its beauty and delicate flight.


Savor the moments life's true wealth and joy lies in these slow down and cherish them.

Saturday, January 17, 2015

Central Asian Beef Stew



This is another lovely recipe I got from my sweet Russian Friend who grew up in Tajikistan, I went to her house recently and had this lovely slightly spicy beef stew served with noodles. We have had quite a few cold days recently and the kids were off school for ice, so stews are a nice comfort food. Stews are lovely one pot meals and a great way to get lots of seasonal root vegetables in. 

Saturday, January 10, 2015

Toasted Coconut Shortbread


In the summer we spent some time with my brother and sister in law in Edinburgh, they have a nice old home in the city center. One day when we were out walking we stopped at a cool shortbread shop, this was all it sold and they made and baked them right in the store my favorite one was a toasted coconut one. Its always fun to re create recipes and bring back travel memories.

Monday, January 5, 2015

Turks and Caicos: A Photo Series



We recently visited Turks and Caicos over Christmas it was a wonderful Island, the Turquoise waters were mesmerising and it really has some of the World's best beaches. Here are a few photo's from Providenciales the most populated and developed Island. The Islands are under the British crown but very influenced by America and most tourists are American. Most of the resorts are found around Grace Bay but if you desire quieter area's they can be found. We stayed on the South side of the Island in a small villa over looking Flamingo lake. Harbor Club Villa's is a lovely little place run by a very helpful Canadian couple. 

We hired a car so were able to explore the Island and see the diversity of beaches and enjoy the beauty of the water. The only downside for me was the fact that nearly all the food is imported and grocery store prices are very high as a result. Most the the food served in restaurants are American items but if you ask locals and are inquisitive local foods can be found. The local people mostly eat peas and rice and fish and that is one of the jewels of the Islands cuisine fresh tasty seafood. In particular conch a popular item on nearly all menu's and it is cooked in many ways as ceviche, fritters and as chowder. Stay tuned for a local recipe of fish, rice and peas cooked in coconut milk, I learnt from a checkout cashier :-) 

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