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Jamaicans celebrate Easter and observe the season of Lent which is traditionally observed with contrite prayer, fasting and the deprivation of things such as meat, alcohol, sweets or other types of food. So how is a ‘foodie’ expected to survive during the season of Lent? Having given up meat myself, I have had to find interesting and creative ways to satisfy my appetite. Believe me; it’s not as hard as you think. Of course we all love the chicken, the beef and oh the ‘beloved swine’. However, for a short period, our bodies can enjoy a meatless diet that is fulfilling and fun! You can still enjoy a pizza on a Friday night with the kids. Veggies make great toppings or add different types of cheese for more zest.  A delightful 'veggie' stew served over a bed of steaming rice is always sure to please! '  Since fish is no longer seen as a ‘penitential’ food, many lent observers resort to eating fish during this sacred period. Whether baked or steamed…curried or Cajun style – the choices are endless.  How about tacos with veggie mince or perhaps pasta in a light tomato and parmesan sauce?…both sound good to me. You see, going meatless for Lent may seem challenging at first, but with a little creativity and planning, I guarantee you won’t starve. In fact, maybe going meatless can become a lifestyle change – or not. But trust me when I say… there are waaaay too many recipes to keep your forty days and nights full of flavour. Give it a try! Cheers, Trudy
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Jamaicans have a love-affair with patties. It’s the meal option that goes perfectly with cocoa-bread. So, what makes this Jamaican pastry such a sought after item? Perhaps it’s the fillings, the texture of the crust or its affordability.  Jamaican patties have come a long way. The beef patty is a product of colonialism, developed after the introduction of the English pastry (turnover) in the Caribbean, which was mixed with cumin and curry seasonings of Indian indentured servants in Jamaica and cayenne pepper from African slaves.
Nowadays, a patty can be filled with almost anything. Common fillings are beef, chicken, and cheese. But you can also enjoy shrimp, lobster, fish, vegetables, and even soy. And if you’re entertaining, the bite-sized version (called cocktail patties) is a great option for your guests. As they say “we name gone abroad”…you can enjoy Jamaican patties when you travel to Canada, the UK and some states in the US, where there is a strong West Indian population. So much so, that in recent years, these delicious pastries have become a regular item in local delis and convenience stores. Long live the Jamaican Patty! See Recipe here Cheers! Trudy |
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