When I grew up in Trinidad, each member of my family had a role to play at Christmas. My mom was in charge of making the salt bread and the ginger beer. My dad was (and still is) the official ham supervisor. My brother would make pancakes for our breakfast. My brother Dominic would usually…
recipes
Quick, Easy, YUMMY Thanksgiving Recipes by Chicago’s Coolest Chef Julius Russell
Before I begin this post, can I just say OMG?! I can’t believe it’s already Thanksgiving week!! This week, all over the USA people will be getting on planes, loading up cars, setting tables and gathering with family to celebrate over football and the annual, traditional feast. This year I will be celebrating in St….
Trinidadian Corn Soup – Perfect For The Caribbean OR Cold Weather
The Caribbean has a reputation for spicy food. Jerk, curry, pepper sauce – despite our already hot climate, we love our food hotter. But there’s one hot, extremely popular Trinidadian dish that left my American husband perplexed – corn soup. It is EVERYWHERE in my homeland. Sold on corners in high traffic nightlife districts,…
Coconut Water Smoothies. The New Breakfast of Champions
Coconut water’s explosion in popularity has been amazing to watch. Having grown up with coconut water as a part of my everyday life, it’s been kinda cool to see the beverage be so excitedly embraced by the American mainstream. The American adoption of coconut water means a lot of changes for coconut water purists. From…
Spectacular Holiday Seafood Recipes from Chef Julius Russell
Perhaps you’re wondering, who is Chef Julius Russell and why does Afrobella feature his recipes from time to time? I’ll tell you. Chef Julius is an incredibly talented chef who I’ve come to know through living here in Chicago. He’s a private chef who has cooked for a dazzling array of celebrities. He gives cooking…
Delicious Fall Flavored Recipes, Fresh From Target’s Test Kitchen
Thanksgiving is THIS WEEK and I can’t believe it! 2012, you have snuck right by me. It’s the holiday season, ALREADY! This past weekend my in laws came to town and we celebrated with turkey and all the traditional trimmings. Nothing makes your home smell better than roasting a turkey, or the smell of freshly…
Dinner Tonight? Chef Julius Gives Me His Red Beans and Rice Recipe
I haven’t blogged much about cooking or food in general lately – traveling too often got me off my regular cooking schedule and sometimes it’s a struggle getting back down to it. Lately I’ve been making more of an effort to follow a clean eating regimen and reign in all of the high processed…
Foolproof Thanksgiving Recipes
I used to think I was a good cook, once upon a time. But of late I’ve been second guessing myself in a major way. It may have started with some woefully overcooked salmon. Then I made some rubbery pork chops. Long story short, I lost some of my kitchen confidence. And then my big…
Summertime Chillin’ — The Crystal Light Flavor Over Fizz Challenge
My relationship with water has been fraught with tension for a while now. I know I should be drinking more of the clear stuff, but I struggle to convince my tastebuds that I enjoy it. So when I drink water, I usually try to find a way to make it more enjoyable. I’ve done various…
The Afrobella Fourth of July Menu!
It’s the Fourth of July weekend, tis the season for grillin’ and chillin’. The weather’s warm and around the world Americans are celebrating with beer and barbecue and summertime fun! I’m not sure what all my husband and I will be getting into this long weekend, but I can guarantee you that the grill will…