Blog Feed: Simply Trini Cooking

Beef in Hoisin Sauce

Published on 2012-05-13 20:58:00

Lately, I've been trying my hand at some cooking from our Chinese Heritage on the island, but then too I'm not really trying.  I'm doing because the recipes are very close to the taste as compared to the Chinese restaurants, save for the M.S.G, but that's another story. Let's consider the simplicity of Chinese cooking.  Ever wondered what gave rise to their remarkable cooking techniques.  The > read more

Losing and Gaining Weight

Published on 2012-05-05 14:50:00

Here is a topic that one of my readers had asked to write a little on.  She wanted me to write an article on gaining weight.  Now you could imagine my surprise, after all losing weight is more popular.  However, I thought it was only  fair that I talked about both, losing and gaining weight.  This article is a delayed response, but I hope she finds it helpful as well.  Photo courtesy > read more

Tuna Casserole

Published on 2012-05-03 23:48:00

Here is a dish that everybody could make and enjoy, even for any special event or occasion.  This recipe is simple because most of the cooking is done in the oven.  So, go ahead and impress your other half and surprise the children with a tasty, easy to serve, one-pot meal.  One thing I like about casserole dishes is the ease and short time needed to prepare it.  You can also add some vegetables > read more

Fish and Chips Trinistyle

Published on 2012-04-23 20:31:00

Fish and Chips? Who would have thought that this English staple "fast food " would catch on here in Trinidad and Tobago. Of course, there is always that Trini twist that we are famous for in our cooking which could account for its popularity. Want to know how popular this fish and chips combo is? Just go by Sam's at Maracas Bay and ask for a shark and chips ... an alternative to our bake and > read more

Potato Pie (Baked)

Published on 2012-04-13 03:29:00

Since I got a great review of the Cassava and Saltfish Pie recipe by my facebook fans, I decided to do another "baked pie" recipe. Today I have for you all potato pie. Now, I have to distinguish between what kind of pie I'm talking about.This is because in Trini, a pie could mean .. A fried dough usually filled with meat or potatoes e.g potato or aloo pie A pastry that's filled with meat or > read more

Cassava and Saltfish Pie

Published on 2012-04-06 22:49:00

At last! Good Friday is here. For most Catholics in Trinidad and Tobago this begins the Easter Triduum and the culmination of the Lenten season. Of course in Trinidad and Tobago we have our traditions surrounding Good Friday as well, one of which is the "Bobolee", a scare crow of sorts that represents Judas Escariot. Well, the custom with the "bobolee" is to beat  it to smithereens with anything > read more

Salt Mackerel and Provision

Published on 2012-04-06 09:54:00

Salt Mackerel and Provision is a classic Trini dish that we love to cook. Although salt mackerel is traditionally eaten during Lent especially on Good Friday, I believe, once it is available in the market, it would be eaten year round by all Trinis alike. Well, at least I would! Unlike saltfish, when cooking salt mackerel care must be taken since it is a delicate fish that breaks up easily. So > read more

Stir Fry Beef with Noodles

Published on 2012-03-20 20:22:00

Ever wanted to cook a quick meal after a long day? Well, take out that piece of beef from the freezer, thaw it out and put some noodles to boil as you read on....Ok, so your pot is on the stove and your pack of noodles is on the counter. Let's go ....... Stir fry beef with noodles is a really tasty dish that you can make in a jiffy, especially when you're tired and don't feel like cooking as I > read more

Cucumber Chutney

Published on 2012-03-11 10:08:00

Found gracefully adorning all doubles in Trinidad and Tobago and perhaps in New York and environs, cucumber chutney has become a main stay of many a doubles vendor.  Be it for economy's sake or otherwise, cucumber chutney is a real crowd pleaser. It complements the other chutneys and sauces well "batting in its crease" and not overpowering the other flavours. At first you get that all too > read more

Cassava Au Gratin

Published on 2012-03-05 12:02:00

After a poll on my facebook fanpage and some other discussions that followed, I felt that I just had to do a Cassava recipe for my fans. So here it is, cassava au gratin in all its creamy splendor. I must admit I now see why so many people voted for cassava as their favourite provision. Coming to think about it, cassava is really a versatile root crop. It can be used to make a lot of things ... > read more

Simply Trini Cooking - Lenten Special Cook Book

Published on 2012-02-21 17:54:00

Today, I have a number of announcements and something special for all the subscribers of Simply Trini Cooking.  First, I want to thank all those who sent in their menu submissions to the Carnival Souvenir Magazine Contest.  It is closed off now, and after much deliberation I have three winners to announce.  They will receive a Carnival 2012 Souvenir Magazine in their mail.  Now, if you did not > read more

Stuffed Sweet Peppers II ( Vegetarian )

Published on 2012-02-13 06:33:00

Following closely on the heels of stuffed sweet peppers, is a vegetarian version everyone will like. Even  a "meatarian" like myself have to agree that it tastes great. lol!! It's really delicious by itself or as a side dish to complement a main course meal. So why did I do this dish vegetarian style? Easy, Other than some of my fans requesting it I find myself more or less preparing for the > read more

Chinese Style Fried Chicken

Published on 2012-02-12 19:56:00

What's in a secret that has to be hidden? I believe that there is no knowledge under the sun that's secretive. Someone knows about it, and so it's not really a secret it's just uncommon knowledge that's hidden by a select few. Some do it for business purposes, like our famous bitters...or like the most famous fried chicken restaurant. Others just find the information too sensitive for the masses. > read more

Toolum

Published on 2012-02-12 13:51:00

What can I say about toolum?...it's black, chewy,  sometimes sticky and molasses-y with a hint of orange peel and ginger.  All natural, no preservatives. When I think of toolum it throws me back straight into Primary School........It was a hit among us as children and still is even as an adult. In between all the salty, sour and peppery snacks, we had at school,  a toolum from the parlour > read more

Baked Parmesan Chicken

Published on 2012-02-10 17:21:00

The Trini seasoned chicken and Parmesan cheese aroma wafted from the oven and filled the entire kitchen. As I removed the foil the tasty treat revealed itself in all its splendorous deliciousness. Melted cheese covered the chicken taking on a light brown colour. I was eager to take a taste:  I was already salivating with knife in hand and only common sense was holding me back from getting burnt.. > read more

How to Make a Cocoyea Broom

Published on 2012-02-09 05:00:00

Today was bright and sunny and the coconut tree in the backyard had a few branches bowed down, low enough to be pulled off the tree. To avoid it falling on anyone accidentally I grabbed them and pulled them down.....Instead of throwing them away in the big pile, I had an idea. Why not show my readers how to make a Cocoyea ( pronounced Ko-ki-ye ) broom? You all may be wondering what is Cocoyea, > read more

Stuffed Sweet Peppers

Published on 2012-02-06 09:45:00

Sweet peppers....they're great in almost every cuisine we have on the island. We find it in fried rice, soups and adorning salads in every which way. Sweet peppers are truly a go between vegetable. But, what happens when it is the star attraction of a dish? It takes on a different persona and truly makes a delicious food experience. Lately, I stumbled upon a simple stuffed sweet pepper > read more

Coconut Chicken

Published on 2012-01-21 16:22:00

Coconut has been a staple of the Trini diet from the time the Amerindians first came to this island. In fact,with the different races arriving on the island it was used even more as we became a "callaloo society" ( or is it a "chow mein society" ?) over the years. Now, with the health benefits gained from using coconut oil I believe that there has been a resurgence of it's use after many years > read more

Exclusive Recipe: Vegetarian Pastelles

Published on 2012-01-06 09:53:00

This is a special pastelle recipe that I'm posting for you all for the NewYear. This is a veggie pastelle, and I believe this pastelle rivals all other veggie pastelle.  I say this because this pastelle has a surprising mild sweet and tangy flavor along with the many flavourful seasonings we use in the filling for pastelles.  It's a taste that has to be experienced. Experience comes when we > read more

Simply Trini Cooking Calendar 2012

Published on 2012-01-03 12:57:00

Simply Trini Cooking is pleased to present it's 2012 calendar.  As before: print, email, give away, share with your friends.  It's my way of saying have a bright and prosperous New Year and thank you for your continued support. Please note that that calendar is only available for free through out newsletter Compere.  It is free to join just sign up. Happy New Year to one and all. Sign up > read more

That's a Wrap: Take Four!

Published on 2011-12-31 13:46:00

The time has truly flown by and another flavourful, delicious, mouthwatering, hunger inducing, eye candy, picturesque year has passed. Simply Trini Cooking has turned four ....Boy are we growing up now! ... and the journey has been a good one. Growth and progress was inevitable and more people have come to know the name Simply Trini Cooking in the blog verse. This year as I reflect on the > read more

Curry Rice

Published on 2011-06-26 12:26:00

So how was the coconut ice block? Did it take you down memory lane for just a while? You must have had wonderful memories. I did for just a while...smelling that mixed essence had me right back in Primary school :-).Today I have for you a simple but > read more

Coconut Ice Block

Published on 2011-06-23 12:22:00

Since my post about coconut ice cream some time I wanted to do coconut ice block like my mother used to make and it is only now that I've been able to do it. I remember those days when we used to run a small parlour at home and together with sucker > read more

Recipe Unit Converter

Published on 2011-06-22 19:45:00

So I haven't been posting lately .... I wonder why? Hmmm :-) Well you don't have to guess what I've been doing all this time anymore. This project took some time but I know it's worth it.Ever been on a recipe site and wanted to do some quick conversi > read more

Empanadas

Published on 2011-06-09 20:51:00

Trinidad and Tobago still has a very vibrant Spanish influence, especially in our cooking. Without a doubt we see it in it's splendor during Christmas time but what about during the course of the year? In what way could we see this influence in our c > read more

Granola Bars

Published on 2011-05-25 05:29:00

Granola is known for its high fiber content and I have added other ingredients that would bring greater nutritional value to this snack bar; it even has almonds and flax seed meal that will bring the added benefit of omega 3 to this wonder snack.This > read more

Pommerac Chow

Published on 2011-05-22 15:34:00

Need I say anything about how Pommerac tastes? Every Trini and perhaps anyone from the West Indies must have some recollection of how a good pommerac tastes, especially when the fruit is freshly picked. Ah! That semi fibrous, watery, sweet goodness: > read more

Parsley Cassava

Published on 2011-05-21 10:03:00

Cassava has supposedly been used in every conceivable recipe we can think of here at Simply Trini Cooking... like boiling it and having it with saltfish, and in recipes like pone, dumpling and nearly all the gluten free recipes, still not forgetting > read more

Shortbread

Published on 2011-05-07 17:06:00

The Story of the Magical ShortbreadThe mist blanketed mountains slept lightly in the morning; ever pulling for cover to grab one last wink as the lazy sun awoke again to strut across the pastelle blue canvas of a sky. The sky was punctuated with wis > read more

Vegetable Chow Mein

Published on 2011-04-27 21:17:00

It lookin good eh?... As if you could just stretch your hand and take a taste of the mushroom.... or just a tiny piece of carrot or sweet pepper smothered in the sesame oil and soy sauce. Mmmm! If only the sight of this chow mein could fill my stomac > read more

Bene (Sesame Seed) Chutney

Published on 2011-04-25 17:02:00

I'll like to start this post by saying that this is the recipe that almost didn't make it. I wasn't in the mood to do anything being the long weekend and all. But, with constant coaxing from my wife, I have decided to get up and do the post......So s > read more

Video Recipe: Pepper Roti

Published on 2011-04-23 17:58:00

After months of fans asking me to do videos, I have finally decided to start today.This is the first of many video recipes to come. Enjoy and share with everyone. As usual leave a comment, tweet, like and... one more.... join the Simply Trini Cooking > read more

A Cocoa Story III - Making Cocoa Tea

Published on 2011-04-17 08:26:00

So, we have come to the final act of the Cocoa Trilogy that explored cocoa in Trinidad and Tobago in its glory days to showing how it was made the traditional way long time. Well, you don't have to guess what's the next step. After all that hard work > read more

A Cocoa Story II - How Cocoa is Made Trini Style

Published on 2011-04-16 10:33:00

"When yuh have cocoa in de sun, look out for rain" This saying has had such a profound effect on me as child growing up in Trinidad and Tobago that even now as I write this second installment on A Cocoa Story, I wonder how this saying could have com > read more

A Cocoa Story I: Cocoa in Trinidad and Tobago

Published on 2011-04-16 00:19:00

IntroductionIt's seven o'clock; the sun has already gone to sleep and the moon has taken over the night shift. It is getting cold: the dogs are already curled up below the house as the valley cools drastically. Even I feel the cool wave come through > read more

TnT Free Ads: Free Trinidad and Tobago Classifieds

Published on 2011-03-27 10:29:00

There's a new free classified ads site in town, and it's called TnT Free Ads where you can post your classified ads for free. Yes, for FREE! For this reason the website is unique in its outlook and service, catering to Trinidad and Tobago's online > read more

Chicken Lo Mein

Published on 2011-03-27 10:22:00

The Chinese have been in Trinidad and Tobago for over 200 years now and their influence has left an indelible mark on the culture of Trinidad and Tobago. Be it the corner shop owners of yesteryear to the owners of upscale clubs and other such establi > read more

Barbecue Pigtail

Published on 2011-03-10 15:26:00

Last time at La Vega I showed you all a mouthwatering picture of barbecue pigtail and the response from many of my facebook fans who wanted to know how to make it spurred me on to do this recipe. Well, one thing thing led to another; other recipes g > read more

Cornmeal Porridge

Published on 2011-03-03 04:03:00

Cornmeal porridge always takes me back to my childhood days. It was one of my favorite porridge second to cassava porridge and I always liked mine, even up to today, thick and creamy. Some people I know even like theirs so thick that you could cut > read more

O Par Gar

Published on 2011-02-28 22:05:00

So, I hope you all have guessed the mystery dish by now. Yes, it was O par gar a very hot ( and I stress on the hot) choka that's really for the brave. And of course yuh boy was in line to take a few taste of o par gar for the first time with some o > read more

What Have I Been Up To? Sada Roti Lime

Published on 2011-02-26 16:50:00

What can I say? This lime was in the planning for some time and it finally came through. Since La Vega we didn't have a "get together" so a nice Sada Roti themed dinner seemed fitting. So what goes well with Sada Roti? Lots of things but the choka > read more

Roast Corn

Published on 2011-02-21 08:48:00

. In Trinidad and Tobago, roasted corn is a popular delicacy, and another street food we all love. In the streets, the vendor allows you to choose the corn you would like and it would be roasted on the spot in front of you. The corn is placed > read more

What Have I Been Up To? Just Shopping...Organic Shopping That is!

Published on 2011-02-19 18:02:00

O.K. Let me calm myself a bit before I excitedly write about my new found treasure in Organic Eating and Health in Trinidad and Tobago. OK I'm calm now .... No, I'm not. I'm still excited and smiling from ear to ear as I write this haha!....I had b > read more

Coconut Sweet Bread

Published on 2011-02-19 15:16:00

My mother-in- law makes a mean Coconut sweet bread that rivals that of St Mary's Bakery. In fact, when I first tasted her sweet bread I thought someone bought it from St Mary's Bakery in Curepe, and left it on the table. Man, it was that good; so g > read more

Eating Healthy As We Age

Published on 2011-02-19 05:04:00

With age comes wisdom and the greater potential for physical activity and stress of life to affect your body. The body becomes more prone to illnesses which decreases the aging person's ability to stay healthy. It is therefore important to strive to > read more

Eating Healthy During Pregnancy

Published on 2011-02-17 19:01:00

It is a good idea to eat healthy during your pregnancy. A balance diet ensures you and your baby gets the required nutrients. However, there are a few adjustments you would have to make to your eating now that you are pregnant.Pregnancy increases > read more

Eating Healthy For Students (children)

Published on 2011-02-16 19:54:00

Students get their freedom to choose their food in the absence of their parents. Students are therefore, more likely to develop unhealthy eating habits. This could lead to a host of problems that also affect their performance in school.The average > read more

Healthy Eating for Kids

Published on 2011-02-16 19:00:00

These days I am surprised when my son brings home his lunch kit. The water bottle is empty. there is no half eaten apple, or food left in his lunch kit. I am also more surprised when he would calmly watch other kids eat their corn curls snacks, etc. > read more

The Life Cycle of Healthy Eating

Published on 2011-02-16 18:52:00

Healthy eating is a life long commitment that is first learnt from habit. The various stages of our life cycle determines our needs and the type of nutrients we should feed our body. The needs of children are much different from when we're an adult > read more

Sorrel Jam

Published on 2011-02-14 17:20:00

.Sorrel seems to be scarce these days, now that the season is long gone. The only sorrel available nowadays is the dried one that you can buy at the supermarket or at the market. So, when I made my sorrel drink the other day, I just could not throw a > read more

Eating Healthy On A Budget

Published on 2011-02-12 21:05:00

Today the prices of food keep rising. It is becoming harder and harder to eat healthy on a budget. So here are some tips on serving healthy foods on a budget.1. Eliminate junk food and do your shopping without the children. This will ensure you b > read more

Butter vs Margarine: The Debate Continues

Published on 2011-02-03 16:38:00

Today, many consumer groups, social-service agencies and civic organization claim that margarine is better than butter because it has less calories and most are generally free of cholesterol. They further endorse that the margarine that contains wa > read more

Roast Pork

Published on 2011-01-09 22:24:00

. The busy holidays have left me with some stray recipes still to post. Not to be outdone by all the festivities I decided to do a simply wonderful roast pork recipe for you all.Pork is one of the main foods enjoyed around the Christmas holid > read more

Introducing Healthy Eating

Published on 2011-01-02 09:19:00

Eating is an important natural activity for us. Food offers our bodies the energy we need when it is eaten. It is no surprise that the human being in its lifetime may eat approximately 30 tonnes of food; but, some people overeat and the sedentary > read more

Eight Facts About Dietary Fiber

Published on 2011-01-01 20:27:00

Dietary Fiber (according to the medical dictionary) is a "nutrient in the diet that is not digested by gastrointestinal enzymes". Even though fibers fall withing the carbohydrates category, it does not provide the same amount of calories, and it it > read more

Healthy Food Choices

Published on 2011-01-01 18:02:00

. Everyone should aim to eat healthy. Eating healthy depends on the choices you make. Therefore, you must know how to make the right choices. a good start is the Food Guide Pyramid.The Food Guide has five groups and an oil category. This Fo > read more

The facts about nutrition labels

Published on 2011-01-01 17:45:00

What is a nutrition labelA nutrition label is a summarized nutrition guide that lists the food content and ingredients of a package and evaluate it worth according to a balanced diet recognized by the Food and Drug Administration.Why do you need nutr > read more

Facts About Cooking Oil (Grapeseed OIl)

Published on 2011-01-01 16:56:00

Grapeseed OilGrape seed oil, or grapeseed oil, is a vegetable oil pressed from the seeds of a varieties of grapes. Grapeseed oil is a light oil with a slightly nutty and sweet taste. It is virtually clear with a slight tinge of yellow/green.It has > read more

Tips for healthy eating

Published on 2011-01-01 14:56:00

We all love the holidays, but the holidays seem to help us increase our own baggage. At the end of a holiday many would have overeaten and gain one or more pounds between Christmas and New Year's. With the holidays come the indigenous foods. For u > read more

Facts about Cooking Oils

Published on 2011-01-01 14:19:00

Cooking oil is purified fat of plant origin. There are many cooking oils to choose from; they are: olive oil, palm oil, soybean oil, canola oil, pumpkin seed oil, corn oil, sunflower oil, safflower oil, peanut oil, grape seed oil, sesame oil, argan > read more

The Health Dangers of Trans Fat

Published on 2011-01-01 12:54:00

The American Heart Association (AHA) defines trans fat or trans fatty acids (also called partially hydrogenated oils) as vegetable oil that went through an industrial process to have hydrogen added to it to make it more solid or stay solid at room t > read more

Top 10 Foods For Cardiovascular Fitness

Published on 2011-01-01 11:01:00

A healthy heart is what many would want, no matter what age they are at. Heart diseases causes premature death for many. Cardiovascular fitness can be achieved by eating right and taking care of our bodies through exercise and not smoking. For mos > read more

Simply Trini Cooking Calendar 2011

Published on 2010-12-31 11:15:00

Simply trini cooking is pleased to present it's 2011 calendar. As before: print, email, give away, share with your friends. It's my way of saying have a bright and prosperous New Year and thank you for your continued support. Enjoy!Go ahead click the > read more

That's a Wrap: Take Three!

Published on 2010-12-31 11:10:00

Wow! What a trip this was. As usual, the pace was hectic at times but, all in all, the recipes were posted for you all to enjoy. I can't say all went well this time because it didn't: you all know what I mean. But, despite the few bumps in the roa > read more