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Coconut Rice Pudding with Mango

Coconut Rice Pudding with Mango

This is a complete hybrid of different rice pudding recipes; American rice pudding, Indian rice pudding and Thai coconut sticky rice with mango. All combined through my love for coconut rice and mango, which I have my Jamaican roots to thank. I have to admit, I actually thought to myself is this recipe culinary appropriation? (more…)

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*Note we went to New Orleans a couple of years ago, obviously pre Covid-19. I have finally found the time to document our trip and share it. When things settle down again, be sure to add NOLA to your list of places to visit.

There is only one word to describe New Orleans and that is magical. Sounds real dramatic, but to visit NOLA is to love NOLA. The city is rich in culture, full of the friendliest people, heartfelt jazz, and the most amazing food. I can honestly say of all the places I have traveled, there is no place like it. It has the feel of a beach town, but without the beach! Also, the architecture and landscape are just beautiful! I am not one to even notice things of that nature, but there you can’t help but to take in. The shot gun houses and star jasmine growing every where was interesting.

There are two reasons why I believe New Orleans is such an amazing city. First, it does not shy away from it’s complex history, it embraces it 100%. From slaves, to the French, to the practice of vodoo. While you are there you are reminded of that history everywhere, but you can also see where the city and the people have evolved to be so much more than that. That brings me to my second reason why NOLA is a city worth visiting, the people. There are a lot of passionate people in NOLA who are honing in on their craft and then sharing it with you. NOLA attracts people who love art and culture. This draw is maybe due to the city being so abundant in history that it gives people the inspiration and freedom to live their best lives. And when you are living your best life and doing what you are most passionate about, there is no doubt that you transfer that into the goods and services you provide. There are many artisan small businesses there that are completely unassuming. When you walk in to a shop you are constantly surprised by the level of craftsmanship that you are being offered and this applies to everything, not only with food and shops, but live music too.

If you or someone you know says they did not like NOLA, I would ask “Well did you see more than just the French Quarter”? The French Quarter is synonymous with NOLA, but that is the place we actually spent the least time. We traveled a lot on foot which helped us really get to know the other areas of NOLA, like the Garden District, Bywater, and Treme.  We also took the bus and the trolley around, which a local was very surprised by. Apparently, most visitors don’t get around that way, maybe due to the rise of Uber and Lyft. Getting around the way we did really allowed us to take in NOLA and appreciate its beauties and its flaws. Not going to lie, NOLA has a bit of grit to it and can be a little rough around the edges, but what major city does not? If you like your city clean, rich and white, then go to Charleston or Nashville. If you like a city that is diverse, and full of personality then you will love NOLA.

Below is where we stayed, what we did and what we ate. Guess which is the longest list?

Where we stayed:

The Old 77 Chandlery

Located in the Central Business Distinct, this boutique hotel was pretty enchanting. It completed our NOLA experience, as it was nothing like staying in your standard run of the mill chain hotel.  The rooms have brick walls, hardwood floors and beautiful art. Downstairs in the hotel is a cafe, art gallery and the famous Compere Lapin restaurant. From everything I have read, Compere is a must, and sadly we did not make it there for dinner. Nina Compton, Chef at Compere won the JBFA for Best Chef 2018, she won shortly after we visited

What we did:

The Spotted Cat

This hole in the wall is where you can listen to live Jazz artists and have a drink. There is no cover, you only have to buy a drink to listen and showtimes are twice a day. The band we saw put on a really great show, I am sure you cant go wrong with whoever you choose to see. Seeing a live jazz show was really the icing on the cake for our trip, it helped us really feel immersed in the city’s vibe. Bring cash. 

Rouse’s Market

When visiting New Orleans you should definitely walk around Rouses Market. It is a local grocery store chain, that carries local brands and specialties of New Orleans. You can also buy cooked crawfish there (that were actually very good) self serve in a large cooler. When I saw that I thought “only in NOLA”!

Where we ate:

N7

Hands down our favorite restaurant we went to in NOLA. This restaurant has a very Parisian vibe, intimate and unpretentious while serving incredible food. The food draws from French and Japanese influences, so there will be a blend of those two cultures all through the menu. The also serve a pretty decent list of tinned (canned) seafood, which is fairly common in Europe. Canned seafood may sound unappealing, but when it is done right it is delicious and N7 is persnickety about their purveyors. Overall the most memorable dining experience we have had in a long time.

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Mosquito Supper Club

This dining experience really helped us understand what NOLA is all about. When you walk in the door you feel like you are in someone’s home, all the tables are communal and the design has that southern charm. Upon entering we were offered a selection of natural wine or cocktails, both list very well thought about it. I would also like to mention that I had my very first natural wine here and fell in love. The food was delicious and all Cajun. When we booked the meal, I was really not happy with the fact we would be eating dinner with complete strangers. 30 minutes into the evening at Mosquito Supper Club, my mind changed. Even though we were all strangers, the one thing we had in common was our love for food. This made for great conversations centered around food. The food, the drinks and the company made for a really memorable evening!

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Willa Jean

An upgrade to southern food like Burrata Toast with BBQ Shrimp (so good) and the most delicious Monkey Bread I have ever eaten. Also, served there is a plethora of homemade desserts and baked goods.  Highly recommend for brunch.

Willa Mae’s Scotch House

The most amazing fried chicken and southern staples are served there. Nothing fancy, just comfort food.

Bacchanal

This is a laid back wine bar,  a place you can hang out for hours. They have a large outdoor patio with a stage and live music. At night it becomes so romantic because of all the hanging outdoor lights. They serve food too! 

Cafe du Monde

The best beignets! They really were better than the other places we tried beignets. Be sure to order a cafe au lait too. Bring cash.

Erin Rose

A fun bar that serves un-traditonal, but delicious Poboys!

Turkey and The Wolf

Food with a lot flavor and personality can be found here. You either love it or you hate it. 

Peche

Go there for the whole grilled fish (catch of the day) served with a salsa verde. Delicious but pricey!

  Can’t wait to plan our next visit, this was a memorable trip!

    New Orleans *Note we went to New Orleans a couple of years ago, obviously pre Covid-19. I have finally found the time to document our trip and share it.

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Curry Meatballs

Hyggeis something that I have been intentionally trying to incorporate more into my life.  If you are not familiar, Wikipedia defines it as “a Danish and Norwegian word for a mood of coziness and comfortable conviviality with feelings of wellness and contentment”. For me, hygge looks like slowing down and being in the moment. Finding joy in the small moments with family and friends, always…

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Short Ribs with lots of Black Pepper and Onions

Short Ribs with lots of Black Pepper and Onions

It’s been a while since I posted a new recipe. Embarrassingly it has been almost 8 months. Parts of me feel like you can’t come back from that. Ultimately, I know that is that tiny devil on my shoulder trying to keep me from doing something that brings me joy and fulfillment. Yes, you read that correctly, this little space in the universe makes me happy. Cooking, sharing what I have learned about…

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Salt and Pepper Chicken Wings

Salt and Pepper Chicken Wings

I struggle with creating content that consists of easy 30 minute meals versus things that I actually want to eat. I think it’s pretty clear what usually wins. That is not to say everything I share on here is complicated because it’s not but may require a trip outside of your comfort zone. For example, these Salt and Pepper Chicken Wings. (more…)

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Coconut Rice with Crispy Ginger and Garlic

Coconut Rice with Crispy Ginger and Garlic

Being part Jamaican I have an affinity for coconut rice (ex. rice and peas). Coconut rice is fragrant and flavorful. It’s eaten all over the world from India to Columbia. Probably because it is a great complement to anything from curries to grilled meat. This recipe is punched up a bit with green onion, cilantro and the crispy bits of ginger and garlic provides wonderful texture and crunch. If…

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Kielbasa, Cabbage and Potato Stew

Kielbasa, Cabbage and Potato Stew

For all the sausage and potato lovers in your life, this Kielbasa, Cabbage and Potato Stew! Right now it’s all about warm comfort food and this dish will give you all those feels. I adapted the recipe from Bon Appetit magazine, and we loved it so much, we had to share it. This stew is hearty, has layers of flavor from the spices, apple, and sauerkraut, which makes it so delicious. I also love the…

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Blistered Long Beans

Blistered Long Beans Long beans cooked in a hot pan with red pepper flakes and garlic until blistered. Finished with soy sauce and sesame oil.

Have you had Long Beans before? They are super long, and a much more meaty cousin of the average green bean. We frequently order these long beans at our favorite Chinese restaurant, the dish there is called Dry Fried Green Beans and it is so addictive. The beans are crunchy, savory and have the tiniest touch of heat. I never knew a vegetable could be that delicious. This is my simple copycat…

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Fig Custard Cake

Sometimes you just crave a cake, not one laced with frosting, but one simple and studded with plump, juicy in-season fruit. This fig cake is not super sweet which makes it sociably acceptable to eat any time of the day. We, in fact, had it for breakfast and I did serve it with fresh brown sugar whip cream! (more…)

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Grilled Sambal Chicken

Sambal Oelek is the king of condiments in our house! We add it to marinades, to hummus, and just about any place we want to add some heat. Most would compare it to sriracha, but I disagree and I personally like it better than sriracha because it not only adds heat but adds more complex flavor. It’s also different from sriracha because it comes in a jar and is essentially chili paste (crushed…

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Grilled Corn, Tomato and Jalapeno Salad

Grilled Corn, Tomato and Jalapeno Salad

Corn is the epitome of summer. And if you are attending a BBQ, you can pretty much guarantee there will be corn. I definitely will admit that plain buttered corn, kind of bores me. Don’t get me wrong it is delicious, but the sweet, crisp kernels beg to be tossed in a salad. This Grilled Corn Salad with Tomato and Jalapeno is refreshing and simple. Grilling the corn gives it more flavor as it is…

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White Pizza with Sausage, Fennel, and Onions

White Pizza with Sausage, Fennel, and Onions

Grilling pizza is a summer time favorite for us. This is a rift on the traditional pizza. Rendered spicy Italian sausage with caramelized fennel and Vidalia onions on top of ricotta and mozzarella. Cooking the crust twice, once to pre-cook it and the other with the toppings, allows the crust to get crispy, but also chewy. I think most people haven’t caught on to how easy grilling pizza is and how…

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Celery Salad with Pecans and Pecorino

Celery Salad with Pecans and Pecorino

Celery Salad with Pecans and Pecorino because it’s summer and we can all use another salad recipe in our arsenal. Especially one that is refreshing, easy to put together and unassumingly delicious. (more…)

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Cold season is mostly over, but I felt there is no time like the present to get this post up. Since my son has been a toddler, whenever he is sick, he asks for this tea. And I happily make it for him. The thought didn’t even cross my mind to share this recipe until my mother-in-law asked for the recipe (I made it for her while she was visiting). This tea is called Feel Good Tea and is the most comforting hug when you are under the weather. Not only does it help you to feel better, but it’s so delicious too. Another reason why my son asks for it. This tea is semi-homemade as I use fresh ingredients like ginger, mint, and lemon, but also tea bags to make things easier.

I start by infusing the water with ginger, mint, and lemon. All three of those ingredients are recommended when you have had a cold.  Then I add raspberry zinger tea bags for flavor and color (very kid friendly), echinacea tea bags to help support your immune system and chamomile tea bags for comfort and relaxation. In the recipe, I suggest using honey at your desired level of sweetness. What makes my son happy is not the same as what makes me happy. Also, feel free to use a decent amount as honey is very good for coughs!

  Feel Good Tea

Author: Dominique Cook

Serves: 7 1/2 cups

Ingredients

1 bunch of fresh mint

1 4-5 inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled and sliced

1 1/2 (1 whole and a half) lemon, sliced

8 cups of filtered water

5 echinacea tea bags (I prefer Traditional Medicinals brand)

5 sleepytime or chamomile tea bags

6 raspberry zinger tea bags (I prefer Celestial Seasonings)

honey

Instructions

In a large pot, add mint, sliced ginger, lemon slices and 8 cups of water. Turn the heat on low and cook for 30-40 minutes. This will slowly infuse the water.

Bring to a boil, and add the tea bags. Turn off heat, stir and let steep for 15 minutes. Using a sieve, strain the tea. Add honey to desired sweetness as you serve a cup, that way the honey is most effective. Allow whatever you are not drinking cool and store in the refrigerator. Just warm up as much as you plan to drink. I would freeze what you don’t plan to drink it in about 3-4 days. To get ahead, sometimes I will make a batch to go straight in the freezer (after it cools) so we can have it on hand. Preferably wait to sweeten until serving.

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  Feel Good Tea Cold season is mostly over, but I felt there is no time like the present to get this post up.

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Slow Grilled Lamb with Spicy Salsa Verde

Slow Grilled Lamb with Spicy Salsa Verde

When the weather warms, we are attached to our grill and patio. A cold beer or glass of wine, some music and food on the grill is how we love to spend our evenings on the weekend. This Slow Grilled Leg of Lamb with Spicy Salsa Verde is perfect for just that type of night. (more…)

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Crunchy Kale Salad

We have another hearty salad recipe for you, Crunchy Kale Salad. Life has been crazy for us and this has been on repeat for us because we don’t have to think too much about. Make some dressing, cook some quinoa and toss it with a kale salad kit and there is lunch for the work week! (more…)

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Sticky Wings

It’s no secret that our family is obsessed with wings! I think there are enough posts on the blog to prove it. Mostly what I love about wings is the crispy chicken skin, but this recipe is all about the sauce. This sauce is layers upon layers of flavor, sweet, spicy, and smokey. It’s like everything you love about BBQ sauce, but 10 times better. Words cannot express how much my family loves this…