Sweet Hands: Island Cooking from Trinidad and Tobago)

Each island offers its own flavors but many flavors can be found throughout the islands. One example is a Scotch Bonnet pepper, others include lime, coconut or sugarcane. These four flavors just seem synonymous with Caribbean islands. The Caribbean flavors are also impacted by the history of each island. The cultural food influences come from a mixture of local traditions and ingredients, colonial rule and the combined influences of indentures servents brought to the islands during Colonial rule. These include spices and traditions from India, China and African nations. The combination of these cultural influences have created the deep and delightful flavor varieties you find throughout the Caribbean.

Trinidad and Tobago’s cooking styles and flavors have been influenced by India, China and several African nations. The national dishes are a mix of Indian and African influence, with Curry, Callilou soup and Roti (an Indian bread) being every day staples. Sweet Hands Cookbook offers far more than just recipes. It offers a glimpse into life on Trinadad and Tobago. It includes a 15 page overview of the island, photographs of the island and of the many recipes included in the cookbook.

Chandra Ballayram’s Sadha Roti
According to the recipe this is the simplest version of the various griddle breads called Roti.

Makes 4 Roti
2 Cups of all purpose flour
2 Tbsp of Baking Powder
Pinch of coarse or kosher salt
1 Tbsp Canola oil
1/2-3/4 C warm water

Combine the flour baking powder and salt. Slowly add your water, until the dough comes together in a soft ball. Knead slowly and add in the oil in a steady stream. Knead intil the dough is smooth, about 2 minutes. Let the dough rest for 15 minutes.

Divide the dough into four parts and let it rest another five minutes. Heat a heavy bottom skillet over medium heat. Roll each ball into a nine inch circle and heat it on the skillet. Flip the dough after 20 seconds, continue cooking and flipping the Roti until it’s fluffy and lightly brown. Repeat this procedure with each of the four pieces of dough.

*If your Roti don’t puff up then heat them in the microwave for 40 seconds on high. When all Roti are cooked wrap them in a clean towel to stay warm. Roti is traditionally served with curries or stews.

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A view of Barbados

From the island of Barbados comes this Infusion cookbook. The recipes within are flavored with a Barbadian favorite, Mount Gay Rum. For those who love to cook this Infusion cookbook with recipes from the island of Barbados would be a great gift idea. Infusion: Spirited Cooking in the Caribbean

If your hostess enjoys Caribbean desserts or a taste of rum then this Tortuga Rum Cake would be an excellent gift. This particular cake is chocolate, infused with real Tortuga Rum. They offer a variety of flavors, including coconut, original, lime and chocolate. These are delicious and have been well received with both my family and friends.

Gourmet Gift set of six spicy sauces

While traveling in the Caribbean I’ve discovered some wonderful flavors. From St. Kitts to Aruba, Barbados and beyond; each island offers spices with a kick. This gift brings home the flavor of the Caribbean islands. If your host likes to BBQ or craves a little heat then this spicy gift set will provide just the right touch of Caribbean flavor. This gift pack comes with six, five oz bottles, including crazy Caribbean, hurtin habanera, jammin jerk and cool cayenne pepper.Gourmet Gift Set Spicy Six Pack

If your host is a grill master then Myscha Theriault from WeBeSharin has put together some great suggestions for grilling gifts. Her finds include a pizza grilling stone, flexible skewers for kebobs and very cool grilling charms to take the worry out of which steak or burger is the one that is for your Aunt May who doesn’t like garlic.

Whether you are sharing these gifts with your favorite host or hostess or buying them for your special someone, these are all great tropical gifts, with Caribbean flair.

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Have you ever imagined what a little piece of Hawaiian sky might taste like as you lie on the beach? Blue Heaven Think dark rum, Amaretto, Blue Curacao, pineapple juice and lime cordial.

Photo Credit Experiment33 Flickr

Does snorkeling the hidden coves of Hawaii appeal to your senses? Maybe this Blue Lagoon will be an island fit. Enjoy the taste of Blue Curacao, fresh lemon and vodka with a tropical fruit garnish.