Taste the Islands

“Co-hosts of PBS’s Taste the Islands, Chefs Irie (Sinclair) and Thia (Cynthia Verna) here offer recipes from their home nations (Jamaica and Haiti, respectively) and beyond, delivering a celebration of Caribbean food and culture. Recipes incorporate gourmet and homestyle approaches to a wide range of dishes. The authors incorporate their knowledge of the region’s history, noting native traditions and colonial influences, as well as the variety present in today’s Caribbean cuisine, influenced as it has been by the international nature of the contemporary culinary scene. This perspective results in a nuanced approach which is enriched by the joy the chefs clearly find in their work. Behind the scenes photos interspersed throughout create the feel of a personal connection with the authors and a short introduction to each recipe allows the chefs to speak about their inspiration for the dishes, and often infuses a note of humor. A glossary defines ingredients that some readers may not be familiar with, and a list of substitutions will assist those who can’t locate some ingredients in their area.”—Booklist

“Sinclair and Verna, hosts of the eponymous PBS cooking show, along with their producer Thompson, share their passion and knowledge of Caribbean cooking in this flavor-packed collection of zesty island favorites. Surprises abound, such as Carni Stoba, a meaty beef stew with potatoes, tomatoes, ginger, and papaya; irresistible guava and cream cheese phyllo tartlets from Cuba; and a spicy Cajun shrimp salad, in which shrimp are served atop bell peppers, almonds, orange slices, cranberries and peas, then dressed with a pineapple dressing, creating a mouthwatering array of flavors. Bright citrusy sides such as mango jicama salad and pineapple pepper slaw, as well as Cou-cou, a cornmeal-based dish laced with Cajun seasoning, offer visual and textural variety to any plate. Rum lovers are sure to appreciate the luscious, velvety coconut rum pumpkin soup (which calls for a cup and a half of dark Caribbean rum) as well as an indulgent papaya cocktail—a blend of orange and lemon juice, grenadine, rum, and fresh basil. This terrific recipe collection will easily appeal to fans of Caribbean cuisine as well as those yearning for island life.”—Publishers Weekly

Taste the Islands calls readers to the authentic tropical flavors and fascinating beat of the Caribbean. Chef Irie and Chef Thia creatively share recipes with a mosaic of approachable, fresh, and delicious ingredients representing the diverse cultures of the Caribbean.’—Allen Susser, chef and author of Allen Susser’s New World Cuisine ‘A delightful overview of the gastronomic influences that make Caribbean cuisine so special. Chef Irie and Chef Thia share their culinary secrets and charming stories with easy-to-follow recipes that burst with flavor.’—Jon Palmer Claridge, food critic, Creative Loafing Tampa ‘Informative and lighthearted. A great read for cultural enthusiasts, travelers, experimentalists, and anyone curious about Caribbean flavors and their origins.’—Sian Rose, author of Nyammings: 88 Authentic Caribbean Recipes ‘Truly captures the bold flavors, ingredients, and spices that represent the diverse cultures of the Islands. You will enjoy cooking your way through this book from beginning to end.’—Bruce Ozga, dean of culinary education, Johnson & Wales University