Coconut Curls

There are things you do in the kitchen because you think you HAVE to do it. You think to yourself, “Man, this is hard, but I know the outcome will be well worth it!” This is never more the case for me than making anything related to fresh coconuts. I use coconuts and coconut milk in practically everything I make– both savory and sweet. It is simply too luxurious a mouth-feel and flavor not to find a way to incorporate it.

One of my most favorite, recent, food memories was making coconut milk with my Sister-In-Law Wendy in my kitchen with dried coconuts from my mom’s tree. We scraped and wielded our knives against the unyielding coconut flesh in the hopes of gathering enough of it to make some fresh coconut milk. Read More

Contessa Stew Lamb

On the island you will rarely hear the words Beef Stew, or Chicken Stew the “Stewing” generally comes before the meat described. So it will be Stew Chicken or Stew Beef instead of the reverse as is more common in the States. This recipe at its heart a STEW! A thick, rich, hearty, and spicy stew! Read More

Coquito Bread Pudding

Coquito is a drink that was brought to the island from our neighbor island Puerto Rico probably back in the 30’s or 40’s, when many Puerto Rican workers migrated to the Virgin Islands. This  elixir is similar to eggnog, but with the luxury of rum and coconut milk. It is a seasonal drink usually reserved for the Christmas Holidays. However, I love it so much I found a way to enjoy it year round.

On special occasions I cloak my love for this Caribbean-spiced drink in this incredible dessert. The word delicious is used a lot to describe food. But if you looked the word up in the dictionary you would see a picture of this bread pudding staring right back at you. No other definitions necessary! It truly is unapologetically DELICIOUS!!! Read More