I hadn’t had the slightest idea about Caribbean food until one day I came across Cynthia’s renowned blog Tastes Like Home, where Cynthia writes about the food and culture of the Caribbean, weaving personal memories into her writing, all this accompanied with beautiful photographs that Cynthia takes herself. Cynthia and I became instant friends, at the moment virtually, with hopes to meet one day in some part of the world (I secretly hope that the place will be somewhere in the Caribbean, that I would love to explore).
When a while ago Cynthia announced that her book was going to be released, I was ecstatic. I didn’t have a Caribbean cookbook in my collection and I couldn’t wait to see a great one on my shelf. Cynthia’s book was released recently, just before Christmas. Cynthia was very kind to send me a copy of her book and, guys, I’ve been hooked ever since! Her book not only contains 100 authentic Caribbean recipes, but also talks about the Caribbean food practices, customs and traditions, and demystifies native ingredients common in the local cooking. I’ve read the book from cover to cover in a breeze and have bookmarked almost every recipe as they all sound and look equally good! All worth trying.
One of the first recipes that caught my attention was for Guyanese butter-flaps, delicious breads indigenous to Guyana where Cynthia is originally from. Needless to say, I made them immediately. They are folded rolls stuffed, yes, stuffed, with butter, which slowly melts away, soaking the breads as they puff up in the oven. Have them for breakfast, with your dinner, or as a quick treat to sate your hunger. So good! I have a feeling you will love them too. Give them a try.
