This Ian Randle-published cookbook by Cynthia Nelson, who grew up in Guyana cooking with her mother and aunt, does not disappoint. (Nelson is also the food stylist and photographer. And let’s put it out there: the picture on the dedication page is, there’s no other word, wicked!) It’s 335 pages of 100 scrumptious recipes and absolutely gorgeous-looking food from all across the Caribbean, some familiar favourites, like ackee and saltfish, and others, like buljol, egg balls and conkies, we’re not familiar with.
What sets this book apart is Nelson’s personal and loving touch. In addition to the unbelievable pictures, food enthusiast and blogger Nelson, who lives in Barbados, writes little essays on food and how it helps form Caribbean identity, her personal Caribbean food memories, and tales about market shopping interspersed with the recipes. She gives little tips and puts her own spin on the tried and true, like Cynthia’s rice & peas, which she does with pigeon peas.
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