Tings 2 Kno About Jamaica

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2010-12-24T16:18:00.002-05:00

Jamaican Recipes (Part I)

2010-12-01T16:28:00.001-05:00

Callaloo and Saltfish

INGREDIENTS :

1 lb. callaloo
1/2 lb. Saltfish (codfish)
1 sprig tyme
1 crushed garlic or 2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 tablespoon margarine or vegetable oil
1 scotch bonnet pepper
1 medium chopped onion
black pepper
salt to taste
1/4 cup water

METHOD:

Wash callaloo leaves
Cut up callaloo leaves in pieces.
Sauté saltfish, onion, garlic, pepper, tyme in margarine or oil
Add cut up callaloo leaves, water and stir.
Cover saucepan and cook callalloo are tender.
Add whole scotch bonnet pepper
Sprinkle with pepper and salt.
Simmer then serve with avocado pear, boil banana and/or fried dumplings.

Veggie Patty

INGREDIENTS :

1 medium cabbage
1 small tomato cut up
2 tablespoon margarine
1 scotch bonnet pepper. Cut up and add for spicy flavor.
2 sprig tyme
1 crushed garlic or 2 teaspoons garlic powder
2 or 3 small slices of a sweet green pepper.
1 medium chopped onion or 2 table spoon onion powder
black pepper
salt to taste
1/4 cup water

METHOD:

Wash cabbage.
Cut up/slice cabbage leaves in pieces.
Sauté tomato,onion, garlic, pepper, tyme in margarine.
Add cut up cabbage water and stir.
Cover saucepan and cook cabbage are tender.
Sprinkle with pepper and salt.
Do not over cook as you will be using this as filling.

INGREDIENTS FOR PASTRY:

11 ozs suet (beef fat or shortening)
4 cups flour
1 level teaspoon salt
2/3 cup iced water

METHOD:

Trim all skin and fatty membrane from suet and set overnight in freezer.
Next day, with a very sharp knife shave suet as finely as possible.
Combine salt and flour, then work in suet as you would shortening in plain pastry, cutting it in with two knives.
Add iced water in sufficient amount to have a dough which can be rolled out.
Form into a ball and with a rolling pin, pat gently, turning the dough over once or twice in order to have it all properly held together.
Set overnight wrapped in wax paper in freezer.
Next day, pull off enough dough (after defrosting) to roll into a circle the size of a breakfast saucer.
Dip dough in flour before rolling.
Roll quite thin and cut in a circle. (use saucer for help)
In the center of each circle place a spoonful of cabbage filling, fold dough over to form a crescent shape seal edges with egg white or by crimping the edge and folding dough slightly under.
Do not prick the pastry.
Bake on ungreased tin sheet in a hot oven for about 35 mins.
This recipe will make about 3 dozen regular patties. if cocktail patties are needed, use a smaller cutter than a saucer.
Serving 3 dozen regular size patties. Try different fillings for experiment.

Jamaican Callaloo Patty

INGREDIENTS :

1 lb. callaloo
1 tablespoon margarine
2 medium chopped onion
salt to taste
1/4 cup water
1 clove garlic
1 scotch bonnet hot pepper (for spice version)
1 tablespoon black pepper
2 teaspoons cooking oil
1 cup water

METHOD:

Wash callaloo leaves
Cut up callaloo leaves in pieces.
Sauté chopped onion, pepper & garlic in margarine (Add scotch bonnet for spicy version)
Add cut up callaloo leaves, water, oil and stir.
Sprinkle with pepper and salt.
Cover saucepan and cook callalloo for 7 mins. Do not overcook.
When cool use as fill for patty pastry

INGREDIENTS FOR PASTRY:

11 ozs suet (beef fat or shortening)
4 cups flour
1 level teaspoon salt
2/3 cup iced water

METHOD:

Trim all skin and fatty membrane from suet and set overnight in freezer.
Next day, with a very sharp knife shave suet as finely as possible.
Combine salt and flour, then work in suet as you would shortening in plain pastry, cutting it in with two knives.
Add iced water in sufficient amount to have a dough which can be rolled out.
Form into a ball and with a rolling pin, pat gently, turning the dough over once or twice in order to have it all properly held together.
Set overnight wrapped in wax paper in freezer.
Next day, pull off enough dough (after defrosting) to roll into a circle the size of a breakfast saucer.
Dip dough in flour before rolling.
Roll quite thin and cut in a circle. (use saucer for help)
In the center of each circle place a spoonful of callaloo filling, fold dough over to form a crescent shape seal edges with egg white or by crimping the edge and folding dough slightly under.
Do not prick the pastry.
Bake on ungreased tin sheet in a hot oven for about 35 mins.
This recipe will make about 3 dozen regular patties. if cocktail patties are needed, use a smaller cutter than a saucer.
Serving 3 dozen regular size patties. Try different fillings for experiment.

Steamed Cabbage

INGREDIENTS :

1 medium cabbage
2 tablespoon margarine
1 scotch bonnet pepper (cut up and add for spicy)
2 sprig tyme
1 crushed garlic or 2 teaspoons garlic powder
2 or 3 small slices of a sweet green pepper.
1 medium chopped onion or 2 table spoon onion powder
black pepper
salt to taste
1/4 cup water

METHOD:

Wash cabbage
Cut up/slice cabbage leaves in pieces.
Sauté onion, garlic, pepper, tyme in margarine.
Add cut up cabbage water and stir.
Cover saucepan and cook cabbage are tender.
Add whole scotch bonnet pepper
Sprinkle with pepper and salt.
Simmer then serve with avocado pear.

Ackee and Saltfish Patty

INGREDIENTS :

1/2 lb. Saltfish (codfish)
1 dozen ackees
1 small onion
1 clove garlic crushed
1 teaspoon black pepper
3 slices hot scotch bonnet pepper
1 small red sweet pepper
3 tablespoons cooking oil

METHOD:

Soak Saltfish in warm water to taste.
After soaking saltfish (codfish), place it in cold water and boil.
Clean the ackee. Remove the seeds and all traces of interior red pit from the ackees.
Wash ackees five times
Cover and boil until moderately soft.
Drain, cover, and put aside.
Pick up (flake) the saltfish and remove all bones.
Sauté thinly sliced onions, garlic, scott bonnet pepper and sweet pepper slices.
Add saltfish and the ackees, and turn the fire/stove up slightly.
Add black pepper
Pour in to serving plate and garnish with remaining onions and pepper slices
Do not over cook as you will be using this as filling.

INGREDIENTS FOR PASTRY:

11 ozs suet (beef fat or shortening)
4 cups flour
1 level teaspoon salt
2/3 cup iced water

METHOD:

Trim all skin and fatty membrane from suet and set overnight in freezer.
Next day, with a very sharp knife shave suet as finely as possible.
Combine salt and flour, then work in suet as you would shortening in plain pastry, cutting it in with two knives.
Add iced water in sufficient amount to have a dough which can be rolled out.
Form into a ball and with a rolling pin, pat gently, turning the dough over once or twice in order to have it all properly held together.
Set overnight wrapped in wax paper in freezer.
Next day, pull off enough dough (after defrosting) to roll into a circle the size of a breakfast saucer.
Dip dough in flour before rolling.
Roll quite thin and cut in a circle. (use saucer for help)
In the center of each circle place a spoonful of ackee filling, fold dough over to form a crescent shape seal edges with egg white or by crimping the edge and folding dough slightly under.
Do not prick the pastry.
Bake on ungreased tin sheet in a hot oven for about 35 mins.
This recipe will make about 3 dozen regular patties. if cocktail patties are needed, use a smaller cutter than a saucer.
Serving 3 dozen regular size patties. Try different fillings for experiment.

Sweet Cassava Pudding

INGREDIENTS:

2 medium sweet cassava
2 cups brown sugar
2 eggs beaten
1 whole grated nutmeg or 2 teaspoons
3 oz. Margarine
2 cups coconut milk
½ cup raisin
1 teaspoon cinnamon powder
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon vanilla
½ cup warm water

METHOD:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees
Wash and grate cassava with a fine grater
Combine the cassava, coconut milk, sugar, nutmeg, cinnamon and mix
Combine this and the rest of the ingredients with the beaten eggs and mix.
Slowly add the ½ cup of warm water and stir well
Bake in greased baking tin for once over
Serve warm with additional golden sauce (see recipe below) or caramel spooned over individual servings.

*Golden Sauce* INGREDIENTS:

3 teaspoon butter
½ cup sugar
1 cup whipping cream 1

METHOD:

Combine butter and sugar in a medium pan.
Cook and stir over low heat until the butter is melted.
Add cream and stir in cream
Bring to a boil while stirring.
Stir uncovered until the sauce has thicken
Serve with pudding or refrigerate.
If refrigerated reheat when serving

Cornmeal Pudding

INGREDIENTS:

3cups golden cornmeal
¾ cup all purpose flour
2 ¼ cups brown sugar
5 cups thick coconut milk
½ tsp. mixed spice
1½ tsp salt
1½ tsp grated nutmeg
½ cup raisins
½ cup of the shredded coconut

METHOD:

Sift together flour and cornmeal.
Blend together sugar, salt, nutmeg, mixed spice and coconut milk.
Add to cornmeal mixture, stirring until there are no lumps.
Pour into a greased pan.
Coat raisins with a little flour and sprinkle into mixture.
Sprinkle shredded coconut on top.
Dot generously with butter or margarine.
Bake in a moderately-hot oven 350F for ¼ hour or until set.
Combine and pour custard mixture (see recipe below) on top of pudding.
Bake for a further ½ to ¾ hour or until set.
Cool and serve.

*Custard Mixture*

½ cup strong coconut milk
4 heaped tbsps granulated sugar
Dash cinnamon
Dash vanilla
Combine all ingredients and use as directed above

Coconut Toto

NGREDIENTS:

¼ butter
3 cups flour
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
3 tsps. Baking powder
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. salt
¼ tsp. nutmeg
2 cups grated coconut
1 cup Evaporated milk

METHOD:
1. Cream butter and sugar.
2. Add eggs and vanilla and beat for 2 minutes longer.
3. Sift together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
4. Add flour mixture, and coconut to butter and sugar mixture alternately with Evaporated milk.
5. Spread evenly in greased shallow baking tin 8” x 12”.
6. Bake at 400F about 30 minutes

Boil Dumpling

INGREDIENTS :

2 cups flour
1.5 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup cornmeal
1/2 cup cold water

METHOD:

Sift the flour,cornmeal, and salt together into a large mixing bowl. Add the water 3 teaspoons at a time, just enough to bring the dough together with a firm consistency.
On a lightly floured surface, knead the dough well, for about five minutes.
Boil a pot with water
Break off pieces and form the dough into slightly flattened biscuits, about 2 inches across. For spinners roll the pieces between your palms into a pen shape.
Place the pieces, uncrowded, into the pot of hot water --(Approx 5 -8 minutes)
Service hot with other food (Serves 6-8)

Stuffed Roast Beef

INGREDIENTS :

1 medium rib eye
1 small onion
2 gloves garlic
Thyme
Scallion
Crushed pimiento seeds
½ hot scotch bonnet pepper
Pick-a-pepper sauce
Paprika
Corn starch
Soy Sauce
Ketchup
Oil
Salt & Black pepper

METHOD:

Dice all of the seasoning and mix with a little pick-a-pepper sauce and salt.
Make small holes in roast and stuff the mix seasoning in the holes, all around, leaving enough seasoning to make gravy.
Add Soy sauce, ketchup, salt, black pepper, paprika, pick-a-pepper and rub along meat.
Let stand for a while.
Heat oil in skillet, shake excess seasoning off. Add meat.
Cook over medium heat, turning constantly to prevent sticking. Let it brown on each side. Do not add a lot of water. Just a little each time it dries out.
Keep adding water until cooked.
When cooked, remove from skillet to make gravy.
Make corn starch in a paste and add to stock to make gravy. Serve over a bed of white rice or rice and peas

Codfish Balls

INGREDIENTS :

½ lb. salted codfish
2 cups diced raw potato
1 tbsp butter
½ tsp pepper
2 eggs, beaten
Breadcrumbs
Vegetable oil for frying

METHOD:

Soak codfish in water, preferably overnight.
Boil for 1/2 hour.
Drain, rinse under cold water and flake the fish making sure to remove fine bones.
Boil diced potatoes for 20 minutes.
Add butter, pepper and shredded fish to potatoes, mix well.
Form mixture into light, feathery balls.
Dip in beaten egg then breadcrumbs.
Fry in deep oil in fryer basket until golden brown.
Drain on absorbent paper and serve very hot with cocktail sauce. (Yields 12)

Callaloo Fritters

INGREDIENTS :

Callaloo Fritters
2 cups raw callaloo cut up
½ onion
1 tomato
1 tbsp. margarine

BATTER:

1 cup all purpose flour
¼ tsp. salt (optional)
1 tsp. baking powder
1 egg
vegetable oil for deep-frying

METHOD:

Heat margarine; sauté onion and tomato.
Add callaloo and steam for about 5-10 minutes.
Cool and set aside.
Sift flour, measure, and sift again with baking powder and salt.
Beat egg and add to cooked callaloo.
Combine egg and calaloo with flour mixture.
Heat frying pan and add oil to a depth of ½ inch.
Drop by tablespoon in hot oil and fry.
Serve hot.

Quick Vegetable Curry

INGREDIENTS:

Frozen vegetables (Broccoli, carrots, beans, etc)
1 onion - sliced
1-teaspoon salt to taste
2-tablespoons cornstarch
¼ cup water
4-tablespoons olive oil
1-teaspoon cayenne pepper
4 tablespoons curry

METHOD:

Add olive oil into a skillet and heat
Add curry & mix with hot oil
Add onion slices & sauté
Add frozen vegetables to skillet
Mix cornstarch with ¼ cup water until a paste is formed
Add cornstarch paste into skillet until lightly thickened.
Cook for 10 minutes then serve

Jamaican Recipes (Part II)

2010-12-01T16:09:00.000-05:00

Bread Pudding

INGREDIENTS :

1 lb day-old white bread (preferable hardo bread)
1/4 cup melted butter
1/2 cup sugar
3/4 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
1/4 cup rum
1/3 cup raisins
1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
4 cups whole milk
5 eggs (beaten well)

METHOD:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Grease a 9-inch square baking dish with butter.
Line the baking dish with wax paper
Remove the crust from the bread
Break up the bread into small portions.
Combine the bread, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, rum, raisins, and melted butter in a mixing bowl.
Pour into the baking dish.
Mix the condensed milk, eggs and whole milk
Pour this over the bread mixture in the baking dish.
Place the oven
Bake for 1¼ hours. You can test if it is baked by inserting a small knife in the middle until it comes out clean.
erve warm or cool.
Best served with Ice cream or whipped cream.
Serves 6 to 8

Boiled Yam

Gallery

INGREDIENTS :

3 lbs. Yam Teaspoon
Salt or a small piece Salt fish (cod fish)

METHOD:

Put gloves on your hand as touching raw can will irritate the skin and cause it to itch. If you do not have gloves rub oil on your hands.
Boil water in pot on a high fire.
Peel the skin off the yam. The peel should be approximately ¼ inch
Cut yam in small serving portions
Rinse the pieces in cold water.
Place the salt or salt fish in the boiling water
Add the pieces of yam
Cook for approximately 32 minutes until tender
Serve warm

Cabbage Salad

INGREDIENTS :

1 Green cabbage
4 medium Carrot
6 Stalks Celery
1 Cucumber
½ Cup Sugar
½ Cup Vinegar
½ Cup Oil
1 Cup boiling water

METHOD:

Slice cabbage into thin strips
Slice carrot into thin slices
Slice celery in to thin strips crossway
Slice cucumber into thin strips
Place all ingredients in to a container
Pour the boiling water in the container
Cover the container for 20 minutes
Drain the liquid
Serve at room temperature

Cornmeal Fritters

INGREDIENTS:

½ cup cornmeal
½ cup flour
1 tsp baking powder
Salt to taste
3 tablespoons sugar
1 egg, beaten
1 cup milk
2 tbsp margarine
Few drops vanilla
Oil for frying

METHOD:

Sieve salt, flour and baking powder in a bowl.
Add cornmeal and sugar.
Put in beaten egg, vanilla and milk by degrees, after rubbing the margarine into the flour mixture.
Beat until smooth.
Drop by spoonfuls in frying pan and fry in hot fat.
Drain on absorbent paper before serving.

Curried Callaloo

INGREDIENTS :

1/3 Cup of bell pepper (sweet pepper), chopped and de-seeded.
3 scallions, crushed and chopped
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
3 cups calloloo
3 medium potatoes
½ Cup fresh corn
2 sprig thyme
1 tomato chopped and de-seeded
½ Cup of Curry

METHOD:

Wash callaloo leaves
Cut up callaloo leaves in pieces.
Dice and boil the potatoes for approx 2 minutes. Do not overcook.
Heat the vegetable oil in a saucepan
Sauté the scallions and bell pepper in the vegetable oil
Add the other ingredients and let simmer for 7 minutes. Stir during this time.
Serve will hot with yam, dumplings and boiled green bananas

Oven Baked Breadfruit

INGREDIENTS:

1 Mature Whole Breadfruit
1 Teaspoon vegetable or coconut oil.
Alumni foil

METHOD:

Preheat your over to 425F
Rub the outside of breadfruit with the oil
Bake for approx. 1 hour
Use skewer to check if cooked.
When cooked use pot holder to hold and peel off skin.
Cut in half.
Cut out the 'heart'(uneatable portion in the middle with seed).
Cut breadfruit into pegs and serve.

Ackee Dip

INGREDIENTS :

2 Cups boiled ackee
2 ½ tbsps grated cheddar cheese
2 table spoons onion
½ tsp lemon juice
Salt and hot pepper to taste

METHOD:

Mash ackee
Combine and mix with other ingredients
Chill in the refrigerator for 2-3 hours before serve
Serve on Jamaican crackers or crumpets.

Quick Jamaican Rice & Peas

Sunday Rice and Peas is a must but when you are on the go it can be a challenge. Our quick rice and peas is for the person on the go that wants to have Jamaica’s “Coat and Arms’, but quickly with a Rice Cooker and pre-cooked pigeon or red peas.
INGREDIENTS :

2 Cups Uncle Bens Rice
3 Sprigs thyme
2 Clove Garlic
2 Stalks scallion
1 tablespoon salt
1 tablespoon pepper
1 can green pigeon or red peas with coconut milk (Ocho Rio brand)
3 1/2 cup water (Or use the required amount for the rice cooker)
1 Scotch bonnet pepper

METHOD:

Pour the rice in the Rice Cooker.
Combine the water with the green pigeon peas with coconut milk into a pot.
Be sure the rice is completely covered with water
Add the salt, pepper, thyme, Garlic and scallion
Place Scotch bonnet in the pot
Turn on the rice cook
Serve once the rice cooker has completed cooking. Do not keep the rice cooker on warm as it will burn the bottom of the rice.

Quick Festival Mix

INGREDIENTS :

2 cup flour
1 teaspoon salt to taste
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 cup cornmeal
2 tsp. baking powder
1 cup water
1 quart vegetable oil for frying

METHOD:

Mix dry ingredients together.
Add water to make soft dough.
Divide into 5x3 inch flat shape in long dumplings.
Heat the oil to 350° in a large saucepan,
Fry the dumplings until golden all over, 2 to 3 minutes.
Drain on paper towels and serve hot.

Gizzada

Ingredients for filling:

1 cup Water
1 ½ cups Grated Coconut
1 ½ cups Brown Sugar
¼ tsp. Grated Nutmeg
1 oz. Butter

Method:

Boil water and sugar together to make syrup (low heat)
Add the grated coconut and Nutmeg to the syrup.
Stir the ingredients so it does not thicken. Boil for 15 minutes
Add the butter
Stir ingredients for another 6 minutes. Be sure the butter is not visible in the filling.
Allow the filling to cool.

Ingredients for pastry:

2 cups Flour
Ice water
1 tsp. Shortening
1 tbsp. Butter
½ tsp. Salt

Method:

Sift flour and salt together.
Cut the butter and shortening in to small pieces, add to the flour along with the cold water.
Make into pastry (dough).
Place the pastry into a plastic wrapping or foil wrap.
Put the pastry in the fridge for ½ an hour.
Remove the pastry from the fridge.
Use a rolling pin to roll the pastry on a cutting board to a ¼ inch thickness. (Flour the board first)
Cut circles in the pastry using an 8-oz cup/glass. (You can also use a cookie cutter)
Cut 16 circles from it
Crimping (Pinch) each of the pastry circles to form a casing. It will be holder for the filling.
Crimp in a uniform pattern as this will give the decorated effect.
Place the casings on a greased tray and part-bake in the oven (at about 350 degrees Fareinheit for 15 minutes)
Place the pasty on a greased baking sheet. Bake the dough pieces at 350 degrees F for 15 minutes.
Remove it from the oven and then add the filling to the baked pastry. Bake the gizzadas for another 20 minutes.
Remove them from the oven allow to cool.
The gizzadas are now ready to be served

Steamed Cabbage and Saltfish

NGREDIENTS :

1 medium cabbage
1/2 lb. Saltfish (codfish)
2 tablespoon margarine
1 scotch bonnet pepper (cut up and add for spicy)
2 sprig tyme
1 crushed garlic or 2 teaspoons garlic powder
2 or 3 small slices of a sweet green pepper.
1 medium chopped onion or 2 table spoon onion powder
black pepper
salt to taste
1/4 cup water

METHOD:

Wash cabbage
Cut up/slice cabbage leaves in pieces.
Soak saltfish in water to remove some of the salt or boil. in water for 5-7 minutes
Cut or pick up the saltfish to make small pieces.
Sauté saltfish, onion, garlic, pepper, tyme in margarine.
Add cut up cabbage water and stir.
Cover saucepan and cook cabbage are tender.
Add whole scotch bonnet pepper
Sprinkle with pepper and salt.
Simmer then serve with avocado pear.

Jamaican Recipes (Part III)

2010-12-01T15:43:00.002-05:00

Jamaican Guinness Stout Punch Recipe

The Jamaican Guinness Stout Punch is very similar to Irish Moss. Like the Irish Moss the Guinness stout was introduced to Jamaica via the Irish. Also like the Irish Moss drink the Jamaican Guinness Stout Punch is a notorious drink among men (and some women) who seek “vigor”. It is believed “to put lead in your pencil “, “put it back” and boost energy that will lead to an increased libido.
Ingredients:

12 oz. bottle Guinness stout
½ cup sweetened condensed milk
½ teaspoon Nutmeg
1 teaspoon Cinnamon
1 raw egg (beaten)

Methods:

Break and beat the raw egg in a bowl
Place the Guinness stout, raw egg and condense milk in a blender.
Mix the ingredients in the blender
Pour the drink into a covered drink jug
Add Cinnamon and Nutmeg
Stir lightly
Place in the refrigerator to chill.
Serve cold.

Jamaican Peanut Porridge

Jamaican Peanut porridge is a delicious breakfast treat. It is a favorite of vegetarians because it is high in protein. Before it became “main stream” dish it was categorized as “street food”, as it was mainly served by street food vendors in Jamaica. It is now enjoyed by Jamaican tourists and locals alike.
Ingredients

1 cup raw peanut
1 cup oatmeal
1 tbsp. Flour
1 tbsp Cornmeal
½ Cup Sweetened Condensed Milk
½ cup evaporated milk
A pinch of nutmeg
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
½ tsp Salt
Water as needed (approximately 2 cups)

Method:

Place the peanuts in a blender and process until it is almost smooth.
Remove the peanuts and place in a container.
Place 1 cup of water in a pot to boil and add ½ tsp of salt.
Place the oatmeal in a blender and process until it becomes power.
Combine the flour, cornmeal, peanut, oatmeal in a container.
Slow pour water in the container and mix the ingredients to make a liquid paste.
Pour the liquid paste into the boiling water.
Stir until evenly mixed. (Do not let the flour get lumpy)
Cover and cook on medium setting. To prevent the porridge from boiling over, lift the cover and allow steam to escape.
After 12 minutes turn the setting to low then add the vanilla extract, nutmeg, sweeten condensed milk and evaporated milk.
Stir until evenly mixed. Cover and cook for another 2 minutes.
Turn of the heat and allow the porridge to slightly cool before serving.

Irish Moss

The Irish Moss is a seaweed that was original found near Ireland hence the name. The Irish consumed Irish moss during the famine of the 19th century in Ireland. The seaweed grows on rocks in Jamaica. Irish migrants to Jamaica brought the tradition of the Irish Moss to Jamaica. It is one of Jamaica’s most notorious drinks among men (and some women) who seek “vigor”. It is believed “to put lead in your pencil “, “put it back” and boost energy that will lead to an increased libido. It is also used by many as a herbal medicine.

¾ lb Irish Moss
3 oz. gum arabic ( known as gum acacia is a natural gum made of hardened sap taken from two species of the acacia tree)
¾ cup natural honey or 1 can sweetened condensed milk (use natural honey)
¾ pound sugar
5 oz. isinglass
5 oz. linseed
3 tbsp. vanilla extract
5 qt. water
2 tablespoons of powdered nutmeg

Method

Wash the Irish Moss to remove sand and other matter.
Place the Irish Moss in water overnight. One part Irish moss to two parts water. (Optionally can cook right away however you will have to cook it longer)
Place 5 qt. water in a pot and bring to a boil
Add Irish Moss, gum arabic, isinglass, and linseed.
Cook for ¾ hour until all the ingredients, with the exception of the Irish Moss, has dissolved.
Pour the liquid into a strainer to another container. Throw away the boiled Irish Moss.
Add the rest of ingredients to the liquid and mix well. Boil for an additional 10 minutes.
Let the mixture cool and then place in the refrigerator for 5 hours before severing.

Coffee Jamaican Style

INGREDIENTS:

2/1-2 cups hot, freshly brewed Jamaican Blue Mountain arabica coffee
1/2 cup Tia Maria
2/3 cup dark Jamaican rum
8 tablespoons of light cream
2/3 cup brown sugar, packed
chocolate shavings

Directions:

Place freshly brewed coffee in a saucepan. Heat over low heat. Add Tia Maria, rum and brown sugar. Heat until nearly boiling, continuing to stir the whole time.
Remove from heat and pour into 4 heat-proof glass coffee cups until 2/3 full.
Using a round-bottomed spoon, float 2 tablespoons of cream onto the top of the coffee.
Garnish with chocolate shavings. Serve hot.

SERVES 4

Escovitch Lobster

INGREDIENTS :

1 Cup vegetable oil
6 lobster tails, shelled
4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon white sugar
1 teaspoon onion salt
1 teaspoon garlic salt
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon cornstarch
1 ½ cup milk
3 eggs (beaten)
1 cup white Vinegar (For Escovitch Sauce)
1 cup water (For Escovitch Sauce)
2 table spoons vegetable oil (For Escovitch Sauce)
1 table spoon sugar (For Escovitch Sauce)
2 Onions (For Escovitch Sauce)
4 Scotch Bonnet Peppers (For Escovitch Sauce)
20 pimentos seeds (For Escovitch Sauce)

METHOD:

In a bowl combine the flour, thyme, sugar, salt, black pepper, onion salt, garlic salt, paprika and cornstarch together in a small bowl.
Combine the egg and milk in another bowl. Beat well.
Place oil in a frying pan/sauce pan. Enough to fry one side of the lobster. Please note that this is not a deep fry therefore the lobster
Cut the lobster tails in the bite size pieces.
Dip in the lobster tail pieces in the egg mixture then the flour mixture.
Heat the oil to 400 degrees and place the lobster tail pieces in the frying pan/sauce pan
Fry crisp until golden brown. Turn down the heat as necessary.
Turn other side and fry crisp until golden brown.
Set lobster aside in a dish
Slice onions, scotch bonnet pepper (For Escovitch Sauce)
Combine the vinegar, water, 2 table spoons sugar and oil in a small pot (For Escovitch Sauce)
Place on stove and boil. (For Escovitch Sauce)
Place onions, scotch bonnet pepper, and pimento in the pot (For Escovitch Sauce)
Boil contents on stove for approx. 5 min. Be careful of your eyes burning if contents are overheated. (For Escovitch Sauce)
Pour contents on the fried lobster tails
Serves 6

Boiled Banana

INGREDIENTS :

3 fingers of green bananas
1 cup milk
5 cups water
1/2cup flour
1/2 tsp. salt sugar to taste nutmeg [vanilla optional]

METHOD:

Wash,peal and grate bananas
Add flour and salt to grated bananas and mix well.
Beat mixture with fork while adding water until smooth.
Sweeten to taste and add nutmeg and vanilla.
Pour mixture into boiling water, stirring constantly to prevent lumping, stir until mixture thickens.
Continue cooking, and milk ,and let it simmer over low heat .
Cook for about 30 mins. 8. Add sugar to taste and spices.

Jamaican Pumpkin rice

INGREDIENTS :

2 cups uncooked white rice
½ lb. Cod fish/salt fish
½ lb diced pumpkin
2 tsp. Vegetable oil or Olive oil
1 medium onion (chopped)
3 ½ cups water
Salt (to taste)
Black pepper
A sprig of thyme
2 stalk scallions, chopped
2 -3 tbsp butter or margarine
1 Scotch Bonnet Pepper (Optional – used to taste )

METHOD:

Soak (6 hours) or boil Cod fish/salt fish to remove most of the salt
Drain the water
Remove the Cod fish/salt fish and place in a dish.
"Pick up" (break in to small portions and remove any bones) Cod fish/salt fish and Set aside
Peel pumpkin and dice
Add to water and boil for 10 minutes.
Add vegetable oil while boiling.
Cook until pumpkin is fully cooked (soft...easily mashed with a fork).
Add rice and all the other ingredients except the Scotch Bonnet Pepper.
Mix while it's cooking to distribute the color
Add the whole Scotch Bonnet Pepper after 20 minutes on top of the rice. If you want spicy rice dice the Scotch Bonnet Pepper and add directly to the rice & mix.
Steam for 25-30 more minutes or until done.
Taste to ensure that the rice is seasoned
Serves 4 -6 people.

Sorrel Chutney

This Christmas make a nice, sorrel chutney! If you have fresh Jamaican sorrel give it a try! This is absolutely excellent on chicken, fish, or pork, or in sandwiches. It is great for when you have an over-abundance of sorrel during the Christmas season.
INGREDIENTS :

7 cups of sorrel calyces
2 ½ cups brown sugar
2 ½ cups water
2 small onion (diced finely)
1 garlic clove (minced)
2 inch piece of ginger (finely grated)
1 lime (juiced)
1 tbsp white cane vinegar
¾ cup golden raisins
7 pimento (allspice) grains, crushed
2 yellow Scotch Bonnet pepper (de-seeded & finely chopped)

METHOD:

Wash sorrel thoroughly, using the fingers to lift it from the water.
Put into stainless steel container and set aside.
Combine water, brown sugar, pimentos, ginger and garlic in a large saucepan.
Cook over high heat for five minutes then reduce to a simmer.
Add sorrel calyces, raisins, lime juice, vinegar and scotch bonnet
Stir all the ingredients
Cover, cook and stir occasionally until the mixture has a jam consistency.
Removed from heat and chill in refrigerator for at least 3 hours before serving.
Place chutney in spotlessly clean jars for storage. The flavor improves after a couple days.
This chutney can be stored in the refrigerator for 1-2 months.

Ital Stew Peas (Veggie Stew Peas)

Ital Stew Peas is sometimes called Veggie Stew Peas or Vegetarian Stew Peas
INGREDIENTS :

2 cups red peas (kidney beans)
2 whole scotch bonnet peppers (if you like it hot cut the pepper up)
¼ cup water
2 cups coconut milk
bay leaves
10 pimento grains (allspice)
cloves garlic (1 crushed and 3 whole)
3 chopped scallions
1 small onion chopped
3 sprigs of thyme
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon natural sea salt (sold in stores)
2 potatoes (Irish), cubed
1 sweet potato, cubed
3 carrots, sliced
Veggie spinners/dumplings (See Recipe Below)

METHOD:

Soak the peas in water for a least 10-12 hours in the pot
Place coconut milk, bay leaves, scallion, pimento grain, whole garlic and whole pepper in the pot.
Slowly boil and simmer for 1 ½ hours or until the peas are tender.
Season by adding the onions, crushed garlic and thyme.
Add carrots, spinners and potatoes
Let simmer for 30 minutes
Remove the scallions, bay leaves and hot pepper before serving.
Serve hot with white rice.

Veggie Spinners
INGREDIENTS:

1 cup wheat flour
Enough water to bind

METHOD:

Place flour in a medium bowl.
Work mixture with hands while adding enough water to bind, making a stiff dough.
Roll into 1 inch long pieces, drop into boiling stew peas or soup.
Boil until they float or add them during the last 20mins of the cooking process. Enjoy

Red Stripe Chicken

INGREDIENTS :

¼ cup vegetable oil
3 pounds chicken
2 cups canned coconut milk/cream
1 cup Red Stripe beer
1 Large onion (chopped)
1 large green bell pepper
Salt and pepper

METHOD:

Cut the chicken into serving pieces
De-deseed green bell pepper and chop up onion
Heat vegetable oil in Dutch pot
Brown the chicken in oil (both sides)
Remove the chicken
Pour off some of the oil.
Leave 2 table spoon of oil in the pot
Return the chicken to the pot
Add the coconut milk and red strip beer
Once the pot is boiling reduce to heat to a simmer
Cook for 30 minutes
Add onion, bell pepper
Add salt and pepper to taste
Let simmer for 15-20 minutes as the liquid reduces and thickens.
If the liquid evaporates before the chicken is done replenish more Red Stripe beer.
Serve while hot
Serving size 4-6

History Of Gully And Gaza

2010-11-28T10:02:00.000-05:00

When it comes to Dancehall now adays it seems that the biggest news is Gully verse Gaza. The word Gaza mi say and Gully mi say seem to be on every mixtape because of the Twins of Twins latest release named, you guessed it, Gully Vs Gaza. If you were to travel Jamaica you would see tags of Gully or Gaza. You hear reports of violence because of the feud. Where exactly did the feud start?
Well once upon a time Gully nor Gaza didn’t exist. Kartel was Killa’s right hand man and Mavado was just buzzing. The only war we knew of was Bounty Vs Beenie. The final round to me was on the Show Off Riddim. Hands down Bounty earned his title as the victor. All though Kartel and Beenie weren’t going at it Kartel was on Bounty’s side because he was part of the Alliance.
What happens next was much like what happened between The Game and 50 Cent. Now remember around this time D’Angel left Bounty for Mr. Moses and later on she became his wife. Kartel was chatting with Beenie, calling himself the 5 Star General, and all sorts of things Bounty would see as betrayal. This is basically what lead to Kartel being kicked out of the Alliance.
Kartel put out tracks, and records and showed the Dancehall community that him still have it and he nah need Killa fi mek money. At this point the rising star Mavado becomes Killa’s right hand man. Kartel has the Empire and he is doing him with the occasional shot to the Alliance and its members. The shots became more so at Mavado. This is when the whole Mafrado and Song Writer thing come out. There were reports of people from the camps doing drive by’s and fighting and the war was on. Both of them from different Mavado from Casava Piece and Vybz Kartel the Portmore representer. This fared into the Gully Gaza territories. The artists that supported either artist became a part of the camp.
Then Sting ‘08 come and people wanted a clash. The clash came and went with mixed feelings from fans and the artists. Kartel said he was ready to clash any day, any time, any mic. Mavado on the other say “anyway” and moves on stating that he doesn’t need to be like jack the ripper killing dead people aka Kartel.
I think Kartel won the clash because is supposed to showcase lyrical talent. Mavado barely said anything that wasn’t “level”. This is the same reason why Beenie lost to Killa on diss tracks. Mavado is more versatile as far as making songs and can create a hit, something that you can hear in the club and just dance to but Kartel is not to far behind. He has improved in that category. He has been on some conscious tracks and held his own and is also able to create witty lyrical tracks.

A Few Jamaican Jokes

2010-11-22T18:37:00.000-05:00

An old couple in Jamaica was puzzled when the coffin of their dead relative arrived from foreign.
The corpse was so tightly squeezed inside the coffin that her face was practically touching the glass cover. When they opened the coffin, they found a letter pinned to her chest which read:
Dear Mama and Papa:
Mi a sen yu wha lef a Puncie fi di funeral dung deh inna Jamaica. Sarry seh mi couldn't mek di funeral cause dem seh di expenses dem too high. Yu wi find inside a di coffin, unda Puncie body:
12 can a Bully Beef
12 bottle a Posner Shampoo
12 bottle a Posner Conditioner
12 bottle a Vaseline Intensive Care Lotion
12 tube a Colgate toothpaste
Pon Puncie body is a brand new pair a Nike (size 8) fi Keefa.
Unda Puncie head is four pair a Nike fi Boysie son dem. Puncie a wear six Fubu t-shirt - one is fi Trevor and di rest fi im son dem.
Puncie a wear one dozen Wonder Bras (a fi mi favorite), jus devide dem mongst the likkle gal dem inna di district.
Di two dozen Victoria Secret panty dem dat Puncie have on is fi mi nieces and mi cousin dem.
Puncie also have on eight Levi pants, tek one fi yuhself and give di rest of dem to di likkle boy boy dem whey work pon Papa truck.
Di Swiss diman watch yu did ask mi fa de pan Puncie lef wris and di tings dem wha yu did sen come beg mi for Mama (di earrings, ring and chain), dem is where dem suppose fi wear pon Puncie body, please tek dem before anybody come fi view di body.
hope seh yu get everyting alright. Di damn palitishan dem mek yuhaffe tiefall kina way fi get tings eena di kuntri.
God bless yu and keep yu,
Your loving daughter,
Babsie
P.S. Mi a beg yu find a dress fi Puncie bury eenna.

One night a man was was relaxing watching TV when out of the kitchen
comes his wife with a pan --BOOF!-- "a who nayme Shiela?" asked the wife, "mi disya
payp eena yuh pocket wid di nayme Shiela pon it, who is she?". The man rubbing his
headback said "me and Richie did dung ah di racetrack tiddeh an dat is di nayme of di
horse weh we bet pan, a wah duh yuh?!!". So the wife apologized, kissed his
headback, and went back to her chores. 15 minutes later the wife storms out of the kitchen
again --BOOF!! BAM!!-- "A WHA DUH YUH?!!" shouted the husband, and the wife shouts
back "YUH HORSE DEH PON DI PHONE!!".

A RASTAMAN WENT TO VISIT AN OLD FAMILY FRIEND. RASTAMAN KNOCK PON DI
DOOR
AND SMADDY INSIDE SEH: " A WHO DAT"
RASTAMAN----- " I AND I, JAH RASTAFARI, KING OF KINGS, LORD OF LORD:
CONQUERING LION OF THE TRIBE OF JUDAH, SON OF HAILE SELASSIE I"
THE PERSON INSIDE REPLIED: "A ME ONE DEY YAH, AN MI NAH OPEN DE DOOR
FI SO MUCH AH OONU".

Nursery Rhymes - Jamaican Style
Mary had a likkle lamb
Her father shot it dead.
Now it goes down quite a treat,
with rice and hard dough bread .
Simple Simon met a Pieman, going to de fair.
Said Simple Simon to de Pieman,
What have you got there?
Said de Pieman unto Simon,
Pies, you fool whappin, you a hidiot!!
Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall
Humpty Dumpty had a great fall.
All de kings horses and all de kings men,
said " cha , 'im, only a egg."
Jack and Jill
Went up de hill
to have a likkle fun.
Idyat Jill forget she pill
and now them have a son.

a jamaican guy enters a resturant and while sitting at his table he notices a gorgeous woman sitting at another table alone. he calls the waiter over and asks for a bottle of the most expensive champagne to be sent over to her knowing that if she accepts it she will be his.
the waiter gets the bottle and quickly takes it over to the young lady, saying that its from the gentleman. she looks at the champagne and decides to send a note back to the jamaican, the note reads...
"for me to accept this bottle you need to have a mercedes in your garage, a million in the bank and 9 inches in your trousers."
After Reading this note the jamaican sends back a note of his own, it reads...
"jus su yuh know...me av a bran new benz an a bran new bimma park up inna mi yard, an mi av over 10 million inna de bank but nuhbaddy an mi mean NUHBADDY nah gon mek mi cut 3 inch off a wah mi av inna mi pants...suh yuh can jus sen back di

this mad dread locks man named kiddy liked my mother and when ever he sees her she would run and hide.
one day my mom was on the verandah with my sister and she spotted kiddy coming into the yard and ran into my gran aunts room to hide.
kiddy came upon the veradah calling my mom and saying he had seen her so she can come out.
now my gran aunt a big time coward took brave heart and went out to tell kiddy that my mom is not there and who he saw was two country girls who came to visit.
my aunt was fearful and wanted to get away so she lied and told kiddy that she's not feeling too well.
so kiddy said he would pray for her... he then put his hand on her head and started praying.
while he's praying all of a sudden kiddy shouted and said "RISE!!!!! my gran aunt with no hesitation jump up quick to his order. so mom asked her why she jump so quickly.... she said because she heard that he was praying for a woman the week before and he told her to rise and she did not and he gave the woman a lick in ar head.

An elderly Jamaican man lay dying in his bed. While suffering the agonies of impending death, he suddenly smelled the aroma of his favorite Jamaican pastry, 'Gizzada' wafting up the stairs. He gathered his remaining strength, and lifted himself from the bed.
Leaning against the wall, he slowly made his way out of the bedroom, and with even greater effort, gripping the railing with both hands, he crawled downstairs. With labored breath, he leaned against the door frame, gazing into the kitchen. Were it not for death's agony, he would have thought himself already in heaven, for there, spread out upon waxed paper on the kitchen table were literally dozens of 'Gizzadas'.
Was it heaven? Or was it one final act of heroic love from his devoted wife of sixty years, seeing to it that he left this world a happy man? Mustering one great final effort, he threw himself towards the table, landing on his knees in a rumpled posture. His parched lips parted, the wondrous taste of the 'Gizzada' was already in his mouth, seemingly bringing him back to life.
The aged and withered hand trembled on its way to a 'Gizzada' at the edge of the table, when it was suddenly smacked with a 'dutch-pot' by his wife...... "Move yu back-side!" she said, "Dem ya a fe you funeral."

One day bigboy go a school an di teacher say
everybaddy fi draw sup n
So when di teacha luk pan everybaddy drawing
Di teacha seh good good
Den when it reach to bigboy him come up an di teacha dey dey a luuk pan di paypa an seh
but bigboy mi no see nutn me ongle see waan likkle dat.
So hair bigboy him now yes teacha es a plane but it dey far out u caaan seet. fuuunnny eh Thats mutombo frm santa Cruz

Once upon a time in the kingdom of Heaven, God was missing for six days. Eventually, Michael the archangel found him, resting on the seventh day. He inquired of God. "Where have you been?" God sighed a deep sigh of satisfaction and proudly pointed downwards through the clouds, "Look, Michael. Look what I've made!"
Archangel Michael looked puzzled and said, "What is it?"
"It's a planet," replied God, "and I've put Life on it. I'm going to call Earth and it's going to be a great place of balance."
"Balance?" inquired Michael, still confused.
God explained, pointing to different parts of earth. "For example, northern Europe will be a place of great opportunity and wealth while southern Europe is going to be poor. Over there I've placed a continent of white people and over there is a continent of black people," God continued pointing to different countries. "This one will be extremely hot and while this one will be very cold and
covered in ice."
The Archangel, impressed by God's work, then pointed to a land mass in the Caribbean and said, "What's that one?"
"Ah," said God. "That's Jamaica the most glorious place on earth. There are beautiful beaches, blue mountains, streams, hills, and water falls. The people from Jamaica are going to be very handsome, modest, intelligent and humorous and they are going to be found traveling the world holding good jobs. They will be extremely sociable, hardworking and high-achieving, and they will be known throughout the world as diplomats and carriers of peace, play football and go to the Winter Olympics."
Michael gasped in wonder and admiration but then proclaimed, "What about balance, God? You said there would be balance!!!"
God replied wisely, "Wait until you see the idiots that run their government."

Two years ago i visited Jamaica. I went to the hospital to visit a
friend. I overheard the nurses giggling about something one of the dying patients said.
Curious to hear the joke i asked them what it was: A nurse went up the the dying
councillor and asked him if he was feeling pain. The dying man turned to the nurse and
shouted paaaain,paaaaain tell me about PPPPPPPPP NNNNNNNNNNNNNN PPPPPPPPPPPPP
OF COURSE THIS MAN WAS A 36 YEARS VETERIAN IN THE PNP PARTY.

Top 10 Richest Jamaican Dancehall/Reggae Artistes (Alive)

2010-11-22T17:04:00.000-05:00

So… has it ever crossed your mind, who are the richest Jamaican entertainers? Usually, we love information like these by Forbes, but too bad — this list doesn’t exist in their catalog. However, according to the Jamaica Observer, someone — whosoever sat down and did a quite interesting research and so, we are not sure if these are just speculations or actual facts.
Anyways, Shaggy reportedly tops list of richest Reggae acts. There are no doubts that if this list was for the all time richest reggae musician, the number one person would be Bob Marley, with an estimated worth of over US$130 million.
Shaggy topped the list due to selling over 20 million copies worldwide of his 2001 album Hot Shot, but equally due to securing a lucrative royalty deal for that album better than 90 per cent of the industry. We spotted the list as followed below.

1. Shaggy at US$22 million (JM$1.8 billion)
2. Jimmy Cliff at US$18 million (JM$1.5 billion)
3. Sean Paul at US$11 million JM($944 million)
4. Ziggy Marley at US$10 million (JM$858 million)
5. Sean Kingston at US$7 million (JM$601 million)
6. Damian Marley at US$6 million (JM$515 million)
7. Maxi Priest at US$4.6 million (JM$395 million)
8. Buju Banton at US$4 million (JM$343 million)
9. Beenie Man at US$3.7 million (JM$318 million)
10. Bounty Killer at US$3 million (JM$258 million)

Shaggy managed to sign a sweet deal with UMG, named MCA Records at the time, where he earned (greatly on) each album sold for Hot Shot. Majority of artistes are lucky to earn $1 off each album sold. The Marley’s on the other hand having their own company to work with, puts them at an advantage to earn more off album sales.
Regarding tour dates, again each artist’s earnings vary according to their popularity and demands. Therefore, when artistes like Sean Paul or Sean Kingston would earn an average US$40,000 per tour date, other artists like Bounty and Beenie would be brushing an average US$10,000.
Sean Paul is very conservative, and it is possible that Bounty Killer accumulated that amount because he is also a conservative spender and has other businesses. Regarding Jimmy Cliff, he has been around from in the early days of reggae and has been involved in music, songwriting and movies. He did songwriting for big artistes and also got his songs covered by the likes of Bruce Springsteen with Trapped.
According to the Jamaica Observer, the total combined worth at US$90 million is greater than the annual earnings from Jamaica’s major exports including bauxite at US$85 million in 2009 (separate from the US$368 million earned from alumina exports) and sugar at US$72 million according to Bank of Jamaica statistics.
It signifies the earning potential of the nation’s music which has come under threat in recent years from international gay and government lobby groups. Consequently, all the top 10 artistes made the bulk of their income prior to the mid 2000′s.

Jamaican Culture And Jamaican Traditions

2010-11-22T16:43:00.000-05:00

Amaican culture can be aptly described as the Jamaican human activity within different aspects of everyday life that relate to Jamaican traditions. Jamaican culture can be divided into several sectors or sects, usually called Jamaican aspects of culture.

Origin: Jamaican culture is defined as the origin of its entire population. The Jamaican culture is mixed as most of the society is ethnically diverse. There are several nations and peoples, the majority are African, then Indian and Chinese, then the minority being European. There is a North American contingent but they did not contribute to the origin and main stream Jamaican society.

Traditions: Jamaican traditions assist in defining the culture of the society. Jamaican traditions are ritualistic acts that are carried out over a specific period of time or at a specific event. This is very prevalent in Jamaican society and is fundamental in defining Jamaican culture. The most popular Jamaican traditions are for most national holidays, such as Christmas cake, Sorrel, pudding at Christmas time, Fried fish, lent at Easter time and other national holidays. Rituals such as the famed Nine Night after the death of a loved one are a popular Jamaican tradition that characterizes the Jamaican culture.

Cuisine: Jamaican cuisine and cooking is an important aspect of cultural embodiment. The foods and the recipes make a culture richer. The Jamaican culture has been enriched by superb Jamaican foods such as Jerk Chicken Recipes, Jerk Pork and the infamous Red Stripe Beer. It is foods such as these that help to define Jamaican culture.

Religion: Another key indicator and unifying aspect Jamaican culture. Jamaican has developed a unique type of religion. The primary type called Pocomania which was a blend between European Christianity and African religious practices, the secondary is Rastafarianism. This religion is practically by a small amount of people in the country, hence is not really a unifying aspect but gives Jamaican culture through religion its uniqueness and hence requires mention.

Music: Reggae and its derivatives such as dance hall, rock steady are key for the development of Jamaican culture. This music has its origins in Jamaica and cannot be claimed by any other nation. The captivating type of music has led to a growing following. The music has an upbeat aspect to it’s with constant rhythmic beats.

Art and Clothing: Jamaican Art and Clothing are both very important in defining Jamaican culture. Jamaican art has steeped in the depicting Jamaican everyday life. This has manifested it self in sculptures, paintings, collage and craft works. This is a direct shift from the more abstract type of European art and even the African more morbid types of art that focus a lot on history. Jamaican art culture at most does not focus on history. Jamaican clothing does reflect culture. Though Jamaican clothing and fashion is not as popular as European and African clothing it is defined by the use of primary colors and the popular use of cotton because of the tropical climate.

Folk Lure: This is yet to be aptly recognized as a part of culture. Folk lure can often be cited as a part of Jamaican tradition however folk lure is stories and ballads passed down through the generations. However this is not really the case but folk lure and happenings are carried through in dance and drama which fall under ‘other arts’ another corner stone of culture.

Other Arts – Jamaican dance, drama and speech in culture. Primarily Jamaican culture is depicted in dance by folk music, dancing kumina, the quadrille and other Jamaican dances which tell stories of the history of Jamaican sending the message to the young through dance. This technique has kept even to this day with dancehall reggae and the many dances and dancers such as Gerald ‘Bogle’ Levy a popular Jamaican dancer of the new era that passed in 2006. Jamaican speech is defined as patois. Though this is actually incorrect as patois is really broken English and French, Jamaica really speaks broken English. The distinct accent of a Jamaican almost embodies the Jamaican culture. There is another great aspect to the arts and culture as the speech or language carries in both, music and art. Jamaica culture is unique not just to the Caribbean, but to the world and the Jamaican Diaspora has carried the Jamaican culture worldwide. It is reported that there is at least one Jamaican living in every country in the world, a most admirable feat and a huge benefit for Jamaican traditions.

Tattoos and Piercings In Jamaica

2010-11-22T14:50:00.000-05:00

Portrait

Courtney Buckley
( Klymax-elite Tats )

Cover Up

The old ancient art of tattoo and piercing is vastly taken over the city of Kingston,once labeled as evil or wicked if seen sporting a tattoo or piercing here in Jamaica.Jamaica is vastly becoming Americanized due to the fact that people are travelling more and learning new cultures as well the nationwide popularity of cable television.

The tattoos these days are far more advance than it's predecessors mainly due to the fact of advance in technology and equipment.There are many tattoo and piercing artist here in Jamaica but i am only going to focus on one(1) and his name does not need and introduction really and thats Courtney Klymax Buckley.

Courtney is the founder and owner of Klymax Tattoos which can be found on 55 slipe road .Kingston, Cross Rds, Shopping Plaza Shop 21. (firts plaza on ur right below courts).Tattoos and Piercings is these days synonymous with being hip and swagg due to large amount of entertainers and sports personnel both locally and internationally most of which models there tattoo and piercing in their videos and respective sporting venues.

(to be con't)

Hot Spots in Kingston, Jamaica

2010-11-22T14:02:00.000-05:00

Welcome to Kingston, Jamaica

Lots of people want to know where to go when they don't want to party but just hangout with friends or meet new people. These are the top five hottest hangout spots in Kingston, Jamaica.

Kingston hotspot

#1

Cuddy'z Sports Bar and Restaurant

Cuddy'z, founded by the great cricketer Courtney Walsh, is a state of the art sports bar that is located in the New Kingston Shopping Centre. It's perfect for persons who want to unwind with friends after work not just because of the convenient location but because there is absolutely no problem parking. This place is not just for sports personalities and fans but for anyone who wants to be at the #1 hotspot. Cuddy'z is famous for naming dishes and drinks after our Jamaican and West Indian sporting heroes. During the 5-8 p.m. happy hour, one can sip cocktails honouring the island's amazing sporting personalities while relaxing in the high-tech bar watching a game of cricket or football. The drinks include the Cuddyztini, an intoxicating mix of June plum juice and vodka and Asafa's 4x1 honouring Asafa Powell. And for the alcohol free patrons, (they didn't forget about you) they've recently added a wide range of non-alcoholic cocktails to their menu. Come in and dine at Cuddy'z- they accomodate ALL sporting fans.

Shop 10B to E
New Kingston Shopping Centre, New Kingston
Open: 11:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Sundays to Thursdays,
and to 2:00 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays

Kingston hotspot

#2

Jamrock Sports Bar and Grill

Located on Kingston's one and only "Hip Strip," this happening sports bar and restaurant has been visited almost by every who's who of the entertainment and sporting industry. The restaurant setting and ambience is true to form providing bar stools, television, music, game tables and full bar. If you're staying at a hotel in the area you can just swing by for lunch or dinner. It's within easy walking distance from the three hotels on Knutsford Boulevard. You can carry out or eat in the bar/restaurant section while watching all kinds of sports. Foreigners can spend about US$5 for dinner and be very full. The bammy strips are top notch as an appetizer. Another good appetizer, is a beef or chicken patty. And beerchuggers, note that the beer (Red Stripe) is actually cheaper than the soft drinks. Definitely give this place a try as the service is great and the experience is one of a kind.

69 Knutsford Blvd
Kingston, NB E5N Jamaica
Open: 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Mondays to Saturdays

Kingston hotspot

#3

Christopher's Jazz café

At the island's only multi-level high energy nightclub, Christopher's Jazz Café is the landing area in the QUAD as it is the first point of contact once you get inside. Situated on the ground floor, it offers a warm, swanky, inviting and comfortable upscale décor complete with lounge seating, a baby grand piano and an Appleton V/X Bar. It also provides a light menu. That means that patrons of The Quad nightclub floors will not have to leave the multi-level club to find food. Christopher's Café is open until the early morning hours. They offer light meals such as fish and chicken sandwiches and finger foods such as shrimp. Happy hours, live jazz entertainment and a well stocked wine cellar are signature features of Christopher's Jazz Café. Christopher's has a variety to offer- if you get tired of one thing, you can move from floor to floor! If you want to hear current music then Oxygen is the place for you. If you want to hear retro music then Voodoo Lounge is the place to be. You do not pay to enter Christopher's however there is a one cover charge to enter the Voodoo and Oxygen night-clubs, beginning at 10 o'clock each night. For variety to satisfy all moods come to Christpoher's at the QUAD.

20 - 22 Trinidad Terrace, New Kingston,
Kingston 5, Jamaica W.I.
Tel: 876.754-QUAD (7823)

Kingston Hotspot

#4

Whatson Cafe, Devon House

This hot and savvy Internet café is located at one of Kingston's famous historical sites- Devon House. Created by where-to-go gurus, Whatsonjamaica, it gives you all that you could possibly dream of in a café and even more. You can even tote your wireless laptop and logon at the indoor and outdoor cafe! The service is excellent in the open yet private setting of the cafe that facilitates dates and business meetings just the same. They offer cappucinos and frappucinos that are to die for and a menu of satisying sandwiches and light meals! For everyone that wants to be in the know for where to go courtesy of Whatsonjamaica while keeping up with the many amenities in cyberspace Devon House's Whatson Cafe has been created for you.

Shop #5&6, Devon House,
26 Hope Road,
Kingston, Jamaica.
Open: 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM Monday - Thursday, 9:00am-10:00pm Friday and 10:00am-10:00pm Saturday and Sunday

Kingston hotspot

#5

Up on the Roof

Along the hip Knutsford Boulevard and adjacent to several clubs, Up on the Roof has been the spot most famous for live performances by upcoming international and local artises of all genres. This is in their encouragement of support for live music in Jamaica. In its existence for over two years, the rooftop restaurant has been making its fair contribution to the New Kingston scene and has doubled its size with a canopied bar area. It features popular shows such as LIVE UP ON THE ROOF which is is a weekly live music series that gives exposure to underground artistes across the genres of music. They also host WORDPLAY - a cool combination of jazz & poetry for the night. If you haven't already, we urge you to visit Up On The Roof especially on a Saturday night so that you can experience and support live music in Kingston.

73 Knutsford Boulevard
New Kingston

There is also "Acropolis" and "Medusa"

Blackberry Craze In Jamaica

2010-11-22T13:46:00.000-05:00

Ping! The Blackberry craze is taking the world by storm and more so, the entertainment fraternity.
The popular cellular phone is reaching far and wide - with BlackBerrys often in hand at events, the premier of the first BlackBerry party and even a BlackBerry song.
It is not uncommon to go to popular events and in the midst of the party vibe, persons are spotted using their BlackBerrys rather than dancing up a storm.
'Crackberry', as it is often called, has persons hooked on their phones no matter the environment. Disc jock Richie Dee, and artistes Leftside and Raine Seville have captured the trend adequately in a new song that has recently been getting some airplay.
BB messaging
Titled What's Your Pin, the song, which is produced by Leftside, speaks about a male who has an iPhone rather than a BlackBerry and won't be able to 'pick up' as many girls because he doesn't have a BlackBerry pin.
In the song, Richie Dee deejays, "what's your pin, it's just a BlackBerry ting, the storm, di bold, di javelin. What's your pin? BB messaging." While Leftside joins in later saying, "mi step to her big and bold compliment her on her curve, and tell her sey inna fi har lane mi want to merge, she sey can I get your pin? Be specific which pin? The one fi di berry or di one to mek yuh merry?"
he party Rumberry, being held at Belvedere Road in Red Hills on May 24th, allows BlackBerry users an even more special privilege - getting into the party free with any BlackBerry.
Promoter Andre Young said, "the concept came from ever since BlackBerry has taken the world by storm. Myself and three of my friends decided to have a BlackBerry party. You can email in your BlackBerry pin to our email address and get on the guest list to come in free. Digicel is also on board for the party and persons who had to pay to come in who don't have a BlackBerry, can get the chance to win one."
The mix drinks for the party are aptly named after the phone, with mixes such as 'Black Pearl', 'Curve Ball', 'Sky Javelin' and 'Silent Storm'. While Young hasn't received the 500 emails from persons with BlackBerrys wanting to attend, with over 250 emails received so far, he is optimistic that the party will go well.

Jamaica’s Hottest Nightclubs

2010-11-22T12:39:00.000-05:00

When the sun sets on the Jamaican horizon and gives way to the intoxicating moonlit sky, it is time to work up a sweat in one of Jamaica’s hottest nightclubs.

When the sun sets on the Jamaican horizon and gives way to the intoxicating moonlit sky, it is time to work up a sweat in one of Jamaica’s hottest nightclubs. Though Jamaica is traditionally known for its street parties (dances), more traditional nightclub venues are becoming a staple in Jamaican nightlife, especially in the hub of tourist areas.
Catering to the entertainment pleasures of all kinds of jet setters, Jamaica’s nightclubs offer an array of musical styles and that keeps patrons coming back for more.

Margaritaville, Montego Bay

Located in the heart of Montego Bay’s Hip Strip, Margaritaville got its name from the world-class helpings of margaritas bartenders serve up at this trendy club. A prominent hotspot among teens, locals and tourists, the three-level club sits on a cliff overlooking the Caribbean Sea.

During the day Margaritaville is a sports bar and cafe, but at nights this place truly comes alive. Step unto the thumping dance floor on the ground floor, go to the second floor to enjoy live music or go and have a tropical Jacuzzi experience on the water-themed third floor. Here you can find floating lilo beds, a 110 foot water slide leading from the rooftop to the Caribbean Sea below, two water trampolines; anything for your aquatic pleasure.

Margaritaville serves pizza, hamburgers, sandwiches, traditional Jamaican eatery and an array of pricy drinks. Entrance fee is US$15 and tour buses are available for pickups and drop offs at nearby resorts.

Amnesia Nightclub, Ocho Rios

The name says it all. At this trendy nightclub in Ocho Rios you can party all night to your heart’s content. But beware, there is a good chance you won’t remember a thing in the morning. If the hard partying doesn’t do you in the tasty beverages served at this club coupled with the high tech sounds and flashing lights sure will.

At Amnesia international music flourishes and so more visitors than locals are attracted to this booming venue. Amnesia comes complete with an open air patio, two dance floors, a different part theme each night its open and features many celebrities, entertainers and guest DJs. The club is open from Wednesday to Sunday.

Quad Night Club, New Kingston

The Quad night club is Kingston Jamaica is piped as Jamaica's only multi-level and high-energy night club. Located at 20 - 22 Trinidad Terrace in New Kingston Jamaica, the club is situated almost next door to a Police Post in the heart of the capital business centre. With a nifty contact number in 876-754-QUAD [7823]. Making calls to this Kingston Jamaica night club is easy

to make and more importantly to remember. But what has made this Kingston Jamaica night club such a prime spot, is it because of the location of the Kingston Jamaica Real Estate, or its variety is liquors atmosphere and even Jamaican food. We have visited the Kingston Jamaica night spot and have released the novelty that continues to attract a host of Kingston Jamaica travelers is the multi-levels in the night club each delivering a different Kingston Jamaica vibe.

Christopher's Jazz Café: Christopher's Jazz Café is the first point of contact inside the Quad Kingston Jamaica nightclub, aptly located on the ground floor the club is deck with one of the warmest and inviting upscale décor in the Kingston Jamaica area. The décor is complete with lounge seating and the only baby grand piano in any Kingston Jamaica venue. To top this café the bar of the Appleton V/X is complimented with a light menu of Kingston Jamaica foods and Jamaican recipes. The night spot features one of the most visited happy hours, live entertainment and a well stocked wine cellar, which have made the Kingston Jamaica night clubs a significant and must see stopover by travelers staying at the prominent Kingston Jamaica hotels. A popular feature of Christopher's Jazz Café is that free wireless internet compliments of Cable & Wireless in Kingston Jamaica. The capital of Jamaica is fortunate that the Christopher's Jazz Cafe' is open six days a week. A cover charge is applicable to enter the Kingston Jamaica night spot after midnight.

The Jungle Night Club And Sports Bar And Grill, Negril

The Jungle Night Club and Sports Bar in Negril Jamaica, known as the most popular dance club in Negril our bar and night club features the latest and greatest in Jamaican music along with top quality intelligent lighting and a breathtaking Jungle theme and rain forest decor that are sure to excite.
The Jungle also features the Amazon Gaming Lounge (104 Slot Machines), A Sports Bar, Live shows on Friday nights, 2 raised bars, 4 raised seating areas, a circular dance floor, a games arcade and a souvenir Shop. The Jungle Sports Bar features a wooden deck partially covered with seating for over a 100 guests, a pool table, a full service bar and a fast food grill. The Sports Bar is equipped with 6 television sets showing your favorite game, and has male and female restroom. It joins the Night Club via a staircase that leads from the small bar.
Our VIP lounge overlooks the hottest dance floor in Negril and our Sports Bar has the latest games and sports events playing on our Big Screen T.V.'s.
Open Hours 6pm - late daily.

Clothing Trends in Jamaica

2010-11-22T11:26:00.000-05:00

These days Jamaican Clothing trends have been fast changing through the years,I remember days when wearing tight/close fitting clothing would be deem as homophobic.Now since about 2008 it's been seen as sexy and swaggerific,this is due to dance hall music and European fashion (Haute Couture).What's Haute Couture u may wonder well it's French for "high sewing" or "high dressmaking".
The so called roomy or big clothes is no longer hip in Jamaica and now it's time for skinny jeans,low rise boot cuts and straight legged jeans.Now in 2010 it's time for colors and swaggin even in school uniforms where kids will take their uniforms to a tailor or dress maker to have their uniforms altered to their liking,i myself also practice this trend and nearly all my clothing has been customized and altered to suit my own personal liking and sense of swagg/style.
Let's go in depth with this new alteration craze here in Jamaica,lets face it Jamaica is a third world counntry with a high and huge demand for fashion and designer clothing is very expensive so here in Jamaica people buy lesser brand clothing and alter them and they looks jus as great and they fit comfortable it's like it was tailor made jus for you.

Great Eat Outs In Kingston

2010-11-22T09:26:00.000-05:00

In the tiny Island of Jamaica there is alot of great eat out spots (Restaurants) starting with the Metropolis (Kingston).Lets first start with 24 Seven Cafe` (Pegasus Hotel), Alexander's (Courtleigh Hotel),China Express, Chez Maria, Cuddyz, Dragon Garden, Gee Wee, Golden Bowl, Golden Gate Restaurant, Guilt Trip, Haagen Daz, Heather's, Hotel Four Season's, Jewel Of India, Jole's, Kic Bac, Mango Tree (Altamont Court), Melting Pot (Knutsford Court), Prendy's, Rib Kage, Terra Nova, Strawberry Hill, Springroll And Pushpa Indian Restaurant. All the above named are some of the many places where you can have a great meal and fun time simultaneously.