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Trini Christmas Foods/ Drinks
Trinidadians are known around the world for our festive energy, fun-loving soca sound and our unique diverse foods. There are two times each year these qualities are emphasised; Christmas and Carnival. Although Christmas is traditionally observed by Christians, in Trinidad and Tobago it is a joyful time when Trinis and Tobagonians from different religions and races come together and enjoy our parang music and our traditional trademark Christmas foods that are loved not only by Trinbagonians at home and abroad, but also by many people from different cultures around the world. We have put together a tutorial cooking list of popular Trini foods you should learn to make at home . See these entertaining videos below
Trini Glazed Ham
Regardless if you eat your glazed/smoked ham on a plate or with bread, the ham is loved at Christmas time (especially on Christmas morning). For most Trinis ham and hops is not consumed as the regular Christmas meal but can be eaten as an appetizer. Most people enjoy ham and hops with the delicious condiments of chow chow, ketchup and pepper. “Chow chow” is a yellow relish that brings out the tangy and tasty side of the ham and hops. Below is a cooking tutorial on how to make the glazed Ham.
Black Cake
This is a special Caribbean Christmas fruitcake enjoyed throughout the islands. It is eaten in most homes during the Christmas season. It's called black cake for its rich dark colour which comes from the added colouring of browning and molasses. Dried fruits (such as raisins, prunes and currants) are major ingredients in this popular Christmas cake. It's flavoured by being soaked in sherry, brandy or rum for several months before Christmas. Below is a cooking tutorial on how to make Trini Black Cake.
Sorrel
If there is no sorrel juice, then yo are not really having a Trini Christmas! The sweet sorrel drink is made by boiling the red sepals of the sorrel plant and adding cinnamon, sugar and cloves. Some people leave the sorrel to soak for days or hours, depending on the desired potency of the drink. For an adult version, rum is added to some mixtures. The sorrel stains though so be mindful when drinking. There are also medicinal uses of sorrel, it has cancer fighting properties among other medicinal properties. Sorrel is also a popular juice drink throughout the english speaking Caribbean.
Ponche de crème (Punch with cream)
This alcoholic drink, sometimes locally referred to as “grog”, is the Trini version of eggnog. The milk drink is served with crushed ice and is light and thick in taste. The punch is made with raw egg, milk, rum, bitters and may include various flavours. In recent years, Trinbagonians are experimenting with ponche de crème with flavours like barbadine, soursop and peanut.
Pastelles
This popular dish was introduced to Trinidad and Tobago by the Latin Americans. It is mostly eaten at Christmas time. Pastelles are pie crusts made stuffed with delicious fillings like beef, chicken, pork and other meats, and soy for vegetarians. The meats are spiced with seasonings such as chadon beni, thyme and chive, then wrapped in banana leaves and boiled or steamed until cooked.
Ginger beer
This is another local favourite juice at Christmas time. It has a taste that first has to be captured. But after you capture it you won't be able to get enough. Keep in mind there is a difference between ginger ale and ginger beer! Ginger ale is a non-alcoholic, sweetened ginger-flavoured soft drink but ginger beer is a less-carbonated, stronger-tasting and spicier drink than ginger ale. Some ginger beer may or may not include alcohol so ensure you ask your host. A mix of ginger, lime, water and cloves gives the kick that makes the drink unique and enjoyable.
Paime
Pronounced “pay-me”. The delicacy is made of flour, cornmeal, raisins, coconut and sugar among other ingredients. It's wrapped in banana leaf and steamed until cooked. Don’t be disappointed if you take a bite and then realise it is a pastelle as the sweet treat can sometimes be mistaken for its main cousin.
Trini Sponge Cake
With every bite into this cake you will enjoy this flavour. Similar in creation to other Caribbean sponge cakes but with added rum in true Caribbean style. Below is a cooking tutorial on how to make the popular Trini Sponge Cake.
Trini Sweet Bread
A must have Christmas bread during the holiday season. Below is a cooking tutorial on how to make the popular Trini Sweet Bread.
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