Poinsettias

Talk about festive holiday décor; then speak about Poinsettias. This plant is definitely an all time favorite for Christmas, especially the red which gives the home that look and feel of Christmas.

I have fond memories, every Christmas, heading to Uncover plant shop in Santa Cruz with my dad to buy Poinsettias to decorate our home.

One challenge we have ever year is preserving the color of the poinsettias beyond the Christmas season.

Well there seems to be some hope to these babies blooming red the following year, but it surely takes a lot of pampering and it is still not guaranteed to change color.

Based on all the work involved I think it may be easier just to buy more poinsettias at Christmas time.

Christmas Decorations

Christmas Decorating
What I remember about our Christmas Tree at home, long ago was the white cotton that was draped all over the tree to get the effect of snow. lol. Boy oh boy, it is really great to know that as a people we have evolved.

I love to visit West Mall at Christmas time to see the decorations both on the inside and outside.

When I reach West Mall, that is when I am become fully aware, that it is Christmas.

It is always a joy to visit that mall, I really do make it a point every year to visit early to get some ideas for my home.

Ginger Beer

Fermenting Ginger Beer

Not one of my favorite but it seems as you age you acquire the taste for this fermented (aged) drink.

Every year, I see my mother clean and blend the ginger and then add boiling water and place in the sun for a few days before straining and sweetening.

This drink is definitely an old Trini tradition love by many of the older folks; surely not the children.

Maybe I will try some in a shot glass next year, to see if have acquired the taste, since it has been declared that ginger has many health benefits to be obtained from consuming it.

Do you drink Ginger Beer and if so how do you prepare it?

Christmas Rice

Nothing like a festive looking Christmas rice on the dinner table for Christmas.
Rice being Trinidadians main staple, we really know how to jazz it up.

When I am making my Christmas rice, I add raisins, olives, pimentos, corn, green peas and carrots. These ingredients definitely give the rice a kaleidoscope of color to infuse that festive look and taste to the rice.

When preparing
be sure to shred the carrots, as this is what gives the rice that yellow/golden color.

Method
Boil rice and set aside until cool
Saute garlic and pimento and then add the remaining ingredients and sauté for 10 minutes before adding the rice.
Add oregano, salt and black pepper to taste and cook until rice is hot.

Absolutely delicious!

Chow Chow

Piccalilli or Chow Chow as it is commonly called in the Caribbean is the adaption of the English Piccalilli. It is a pickled condiment comprising mainly of vegetables such as cucumbers, cauliflower, onions, carrots, papaya, vinegar and mustard.

This condiment is a must for Trini's on their Ham and Pastelles for Christmas and the most sought after Brand on the supermarket shelves is Matouk's. Matouk's have also added Hot Chow to their line, however it is quite similar to their Chow Chow, not hot as the name imply.

It can also be used during the year on your regular sandwiches and it is really easy to make.

Be sure to try it.