This dish makes you re-evaluate the way you think of chicken. From the north-west of China, the people of Xin Jiang 新疆 bring a blend of spices that always hits the spot when I have craving for curry. Truth is, a new craving has developed. Tomato sauce is flavoured with chili peppers, prickly ash peppers, green peppers, white onions, cumin, ginger, cinnamon, cardamon and aniseed. Phew...just about every spice in the book. By the time the chicken and potatoes are 'cousumered' in this sauce, the final flavor develops into that familiar home made curry taste. Now you know why we appreciate this so much in Chongqing.

Of course the final choice and proportions of spices vary from restaurant to restaurant so it's up to the chef to do you right. Extra veg like spinach, cabbage or carrots may be added. It is served with a humble home made bread, noodles or rice. As seen by the BIG plate, the more the merrier so don't be stingy with this one.

What I actually meant to say was Winter Solstice Day which occurs the 22nd of December every year. Roughly translated, it can be called Winter Coming Day although honestly, it really felt like winter 'done came' through these parts. Any advice for this island girl on how to keep warm?

The longest night of the year is usually spent with family and friends eating a dinner of dumplings and mutton, both of which are considered heating foods. One mao ( a Chinese ten cent) is placed in one of the dumplings, so everyone bites carefully until it is found. The winner is granted good luck for the rest of the season and the dumplings are eaten at leisurely pace one more.

Lovely bowl of steamed dumplings

Sauces and soups are the key to a great dinner

Mutton and vegetables cooking in a well seasoned soup

Recently, I found my own form of 'luck' in these sequential one yuan (a Chinese dollar). So happy that they were not hundreds so I am perfectly content with saving them.

呵呵呵圣诞节快乐！！ Merry Christmas to all my readers!! Well in advance hehehe.....This Christmas season's countdown features Grenadian cuisine that warm the heart, mind and most importantly the body.

This wonderfully flavored chocolate is the proof of my country's resilience in the face of Hurricane Ivan's destruction in 2004.
















It's earthy, fruity and all over rich. It can be eaten raw but I love to make cocoa tea with it. Not to mention that it much easier to use than the traditional method :P

This tea is brought to life by organically grown spices and raw brown sugar. Condensed milk is a must have or else my ancestors will cry a rainstorm from the heavens.

Spicy Cocoa Tea

1. Bring spices and water to a boil. Continue boiling for 5 mins while your nose enters olfactory bliss.