Ease Your Headaches & 24 Plus Health Benefits of Cherries

Cherries!  Yummy cherries!!!

Hubby got to cleaning the cherry tree next door.  After snipping and snipping and snipping the dead branches off, he was blessed with an awesome harvest.  He shared with the family downstairs and the rest are in my freezer.

Did you know that cherries are good for reducing headaches?  I don't normally get headaches but it's good to know these things so that I can help others reduce their chemical intake.  Cherries also helps prevent hair loss and dental problems and so much more.  No wonder it's been labeled a 'super food'.  Below is a massive list of 24 plus benefits of cherries followed by the vitamins, minerals and nutrients found in the mighty cherry.

Health Benefits of Acerola Cherries

1. Immune enhancing
2. Helps the growth and repair of tissue,
3. Aids in the production of anti-stress hormones
4. Important role in the human metabolism
5. Protects against the harmful effects of pollution
6. Helps to prevent cancer
7. Helps to protect against infection
8. Increases the absorption of iron
9. May reduce cholesterol levels
10. Helps high blood pressure
11. Helps to prevent arthrosclerosis.
12. Essential to aid collagen formation
13. Protects against blood clotting and bruising
14. Promotes the healing of wounds and burns
15. Elevates the mood
16. Regulates heart function
17. Strengthen the liver
18. Improve the skin
19. Prevents abnormal growth
20. Fights cellular aging
21. Helps with dysentery
22. Helps with diarrhea
23. Improves vision
24. Reduces the risk of cataracts and other eye problems
25. Protects newborns against developement of mental retardation and debilitating diseases
26. Low in calories and therefore good for the weight conscious
27. Prevents skin discoloration and wrinkles
28. Reduces blood sugar levels

Those 27 plus what I mentioned before makes cherries an overall power packed food.  Makes you want to eat nothing else.  But of course we strive for balance in everything that's why the good Lord placed all the other foods on earth for us to enjoy.

Vitamin & Minerals in Acerola Cherries

The amounts below are for 1 cup.

Key: Vitamin/Mineral - Quantity - %RDA

Vitamin A - 752IU - 15%
Vitamin C - 1644mg - 2740%
Thiamin - 0.0mg - 1%
Riboflavin - 0.1mg - 3%
Niacin - 0.4mg - 2%
Vitamin B - 60.0mg - 0%
Folate - 13.7mcg - 3%
Pantothenic Acid - 0.3mg - 3%
Calcium - 11.8mg - 1%
Iron - 0.2mg - 1%
Magnesium - 17.6mg - 4%
Phosphorus - 10.8mg - 1%
Potassium - 143mg - 4%
Sodium - 6.9mg - 0%
Zinc - 0.1mg - 1%
Copper - 0.1mg - 4%
Selenium - 0.6mcg - 1%

Look out for some amazing raw cherry recipes on Thursday God willing.
healthmad.com, antioxidant-fruits.com, associatedcontent.com, regenerativenutrition.com, nutritiondata.com




For more articles on healthy living, raw foods, vegetarian and raw food recipes and more subscribe to the Fruitful Vine Newsletter. 

Raw Food & Other Recipes using Plantains

Some time ago I shared this recipe for Seasoned Plantain Raw Food Snack. Here is another recipe I've done recently:

Plantain & Cucumber Salad

4 very ripe plantains

1 large cucumber(or 2 small ones)

1 clove garlic(grated finely)

1 tbsp coconut oil/olive oil

Sea salt

Method

Peel ripe plantains and slice thinly.  Cut off ends of cucumber and slice thinly as well.  Add garlic, sea salt and oil of your choice.  Toss together.  Enjoy!

I also found some recipes online for you.  Ifoodtv.com has quite a bit of plantain recipes.  The first page has a lot of fried recipes but if you scroll through the pages you will find more recipes that are not like plantains in milk and baked plantains. The How To Make Cuban Lasagna recipe looked interesting because I've never heard of lasagna using plantains.  

This video shows how to make a vegan Ripe Plantain Casserole. Great Latin music to cook along with. Enjoy!

Here is a raw plantain recipe called Plantain Date Cream.  It's like ice cream according to the site.  I am definitely going to try that one.  I was not able to find many raw plantain recipes.  I guess that just means I have to develop my own repertoire.  :)

Do you have any raw plantain recipes to share?  Please do so in the comments or email me.  Thanks in advance.

For more articles on healthy living, raw foods, vegetarian and raw food recipes and more subscribe to the Fruitful Vine Newsletter. 

Treating Wrinkles With Plantains & Other Health Benefits

Plantains are in abundance here.  It is cultivated year round.  This means that in our home we eat raw ripe plantains just about daily unless we have none.  Plantains are similar to banana with the exception that when cooked they remain firm whereas ripe bananas are mushy when cooked.  Plantains can be eaten green as a starchy food or ripe.  As I continue to explore raw foods I found that ripe plantains are delicious when eaten raw.  I asked around and found that many of the islanders expecially those in the country areas have been eating them raw.  Talk about another lightbulb moment.  In fact I've even included them in my Insanely Simple Salads Ebook with more recipes to come in the future.

As regular readers of my blog know, I love finding out what nutrients are in the foods we consume and what their health benefits are.  I was stunned to find out that one can treat wrinkles with a paste made using plantains.  I don't have any wrinkles to try it out on but that was an interesting find.  Click on the link in the list of benefits below to get the recipe and be sure to come back and share if it works.  As a matter of fact you can click any of the links to get more information or recipes dealing with that particular thing.  God's natural foods are so potent!  Alleluia!!!  So without any further ado here are my findings on the health benefits of plantains:

• Plantains boosts kidney health, sexual functions in men
• Plantains are excellent at promoting digestion.
• Plantains will help your body retain more calcium, phosphorous and nitrogen … which will help rejuvenate your healthy tissues.
• The sugar in plantains can easily be metabolized and digested by your body.
• Plantain skin can aid in healing warts, poison ivy and bruises
• Plantains contain high levels of vitamin A, potassium, calcium, iron and fiber.
• Plantains will do wonders at keeping you regular and will relieve you from constipation.
• Plantains are low in sodium.
• Plantains can help alleviate skin allergies
• Plantains don’t contain ANY cholesterol!
• Plantains (and yellow bananas) are an essential food for anyone suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) because they contain natural mood enhancers … so eat more plantains during winter months when the daylight is shorter and shorter.
• Plantains can be used to treat wrinkles

Vitamins

Vitamin A - 1818 I.U.
Vitamin C - 21.8 mg
Vitamin E (Alpha Tocopherol) - 0.3 mg
Vitamin K - 1.4 mcg
Niacin - 1.5 mg
Vitamin B6 - 0.5 mg
Folate - 52.0 mcg
Pantothenic Acid - 0.5 mg
Choline - 25.4 mg

Minerals

Calcium - 4.0 mg
Iron - 1.2 mg
Magnesium - 64.0 mg
Phosphorus - 56.0 mg
Potassium - 930 mg
Zinc - 0.3 mg
Copper - 0.1 mg
Selenium - 2.8 mcg

Amazing isn't it?  Please do share any other uses you've found for plantains.  I would love to know.  Look out tomorrow God willing for raw and other plantain recipes.

mybeautymatch.com, lifestyle.iloveindia.com, ehow.com, trendyafrica.com


For more articles on healthy living, raw foods, vegetarian and raw food recipes and more subscribe to the Fruitful Vine Newsletter. 

My Light Bulb Moment with Chinese Cabbage(Bok Choy)

Many months ago I went to the market to purchase some cabbage. At that time it was a scarce vegetable and so the prices were too high for my budget. One of the vendors introduced me to Chinese Cabbage and gave me hints on preparing it.

Then just recently we received a gift of Chinese cabbage from our new church. As usual I like to research the benefits of whatever the Lord blesses us with. I firmly believe that He gives us all we need when we need it. And of course when I find out I like to share. So here goes. But before I share I want to tell you about a light bulb moment I had about this Chinese cabbage.

After preparing the cabbage I wondered to myself if the Chinese cabbage that we received and the bok choy I had heard about and read about on the internet were related. I had never seen a picture of the bok choy before so it couldn't click before. I did a search for bok choy and lo and behold the picture that wikipedia had was the very same Chinese cabbage I had in my kitchen. I was like Wow! The very same thing. So I've been eating bok choy without knowing it. That was my light bulb moment.  Don't laugh - it felt good making that discovery. :)

Nutrition & Health Benefits Of Eating Bok Choy(Chinese Cabbage)

* Contains excellent amounts of beta-carotene which aids the body to reduce risk of certain cancers and cataracts.
* It is a rich source of vitamin D. Vitamin D helps the body to absorb calcium and phosphorus with the indirect result being that it helps in building stronger teeth and bones.
* It contains little fat, little carbs and is low in calories which makes it great for those seeking to lose weight or maintain a low carb, low fat or low calorie diet.
* The potassium in bok choy helps the body in its various functions, like regulating heart function, maintaining blood pressure and maintaining electrolyte balance.
* Rich in vitamin C, a natural antioxidant that saves the body from free radicals and removes toxic substances from the body as well.
* The great amounts of calcium resident in bok choy aids in building stronger and healthy bones and teeth.
* It is rich in vitamin A which is essential for maintaining healthy teeth, mucous membranes, skeletal and soft tissues, and skin.
* Bok choy also contains vitamin K which helps the body to coagulate the blood, maintain body density and make the absorption of calcium easier.

Minerals & Vitamins in Chinese Cabbage(Bok Choy)

Potassium - 631 mg
Phosphorus - 49 mg
Magnesium - 19 mg
Calcium - 158 mg
Iron - 1.77 mg
Zinc - 0.29 mg
Copper - 0.032 mg
Manganese - 0.245 mg
Selenium - 0.7 mcg
Sodium - 58 mg
Also contains small amounts of other minerals.


Vitamin C - 44.2 mg
Niacin - 0.728 mg
Vitamin B1 (thiamine) - 0.054 mg
Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) - 0.107 mg
Pantothenic Acid - 0.134 mg
Vitamin B6 - 0.282 mg
Folate - 70 mcg
Vitamin A - 7223 IU
Vitamin E - 0.15 mg
Vitamin K - 57.8 mcg
Contains some other vitamins in small amounts.

I am continually amazed at the wonders of God's natural foods. Tomorrow God willing, I will share a couple of ways I used the chinese cabbage and recipes I've found.

For more articles on healthy living, raw foods, vegetarian and raw food recipes and more subscribe to the Fruitful Vine Newsletter. 

healthalternatives2000.com,lifestyle.iloveindia.com

Papaya Seeds For Healing & Detoxification

In my research on the health benefits of papaya, I found out that the seed were edible. Surprise, surprise. Of course this helped with my desire not to throw anything of value away so I continued the research and found out that the papaya (pawpaw)seeds are antihelmintic which means they are great for expelling worms and they are given with honey. It was said that you have to chew and swallow two teaspoonfuls of seeds after each principal meal (three times a day).

Now in my personal experience and what I've read also, the pawpaw(papaya) seeds are a bit bitter so we just decided to swallow them whole instead as we ate the pawpaw. Then I found out that since it tastes a bit like black pepper it can be blended with other ingredients and used as a dressing on salads. Interesting.

According to wikipedia, papaya seeds could be used as an antibacterial agent for Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhi, although further research is needed before advocating large-scale therapy.  Wikipedia also stated that papaya seed extract may be nephroprotective (protect the kidneys) in toxicity-induced kidney failure.  Even more interesting.

According to healthdiaries.com here are 4 more health benefits of papaya seeds:

Antibacterial Properties
Research has found that papaya seeds are effective against E. coli, Salmonella, and Staph infections.

Kidney Protection
Research has found that papaya seed extract may protect the kidneys from toxin-induced kidney failure.

Eliminates Intestinal Parasites
There is evidence that papaya seeds eradicate intestinal parasites. In a study done on Nigerian children with intestinal parasites, 76.7% of the children were parasite-free after seven days of treatment with papaya seeds compared to only 16.7% of the children who received a placebo.

Liver Detoxifier
In Chinese medicine, it is believed that a teaspoon of papaya seeds will help detoxify the liver. Papaya seeds are often recommended by natural doctors in the treatment of cirrhosis of the liver.

So please, don't throw away the papaya(pawpaw) seeds next time you eat a papaya.  It is extremely beneficial to the healing of our bodies and prevention of ailments. 

hubspot.com, wikipedia.com, healthdiaries.com

Learn more about health & healing

• Exclusive content not shared on the Facebook page or the blog
• Vegetarian & raw food recipes
• Get discounts on future products
• Raw foods & herbs

Email Address *

First Name *

Last Name *

Close

CLICK ON THE IMAGE TO BELOW FOR MORE INFORMATION ON MY NEW EBOOK

The Healing Power of Ripe Papaya (Pawpaw)

We've had quite a bit of papaw (also known as pawpaw or papaya) come into our home in the past couple of weeks. I decided to research papayas to see exactly what nutrients the Lord was blessing us with.

Papaya is a delicious orange colored fruit when ripe. It is sweet with black seeds that are edible. Papaya is about 88% water and contains about 103% of the recommended daily allowance(RDA) of Vitamin C for an adult. The vitamin A in a papaya is about 18% of the RDA for an adult.

According to the book Healthy Foods, papayas are very easy to digest and they contribute to the digestion of other foods as well. It is used in the treatment of various ailments such as:

• stomach disorders
• Papaya is recommended in cases of difficult digestion and gastritis.  It helps neutralize excess gastric acid and as a result it is extremely good for gastroduodenal ulcer, hiatal hernia, and pyrosis(heartburn).
• intestinal disorders
• The papaya's emollient and antiseptic effect on the digestive mucosa makes it useful in any type of case of gastroenteritis or colitis, even irritable bowel.
• skin disorders
• Papaya is can be part of the suggested diet for those with skin disorders such as eczema, furunculosis(boils) and acne because of its rich amounts of Vitamin A.

The papaya(pawpaw) has a lot of nutrients and vitamins in varying amounts.  The highest amounts being Vitamin C, Vitamin A, Folate and Calcium.

• 
  
  
  Vitamin A : 1,750 I.U
• Phosphorus : 16 mg.
• Potassium : 470 mg.
• Folate 115.52 mcg
• Vitamin C - 61.8 mg
• Calcium - 24 mg
• Magnesium - 10 mg
• Sodium - 3 mg
• Vitamin E - 1.12 mg
• Niacin - 0.471 mg
• Iron - 0.1 mg 
• Zinc - 0.07 mg
• Vitamin B2 - 0.032 mg
• Vitamin B1 - 0.027mg
• Vitamin B6 - 0.019 mg

Since discovering that the seeds are edible we do not scoop out the seeds anymore.  They are bitter when chewed so we simply swallow them along with the pawpaw.  I'm also researching the health and healing benefits of the seeds and ways to use it other than just swallowing it like we do.  More on that later this week. Praise God from whom all blessings flow.  I'm enjoying all that he provides.

Look out for and eat more papaya.  It's good for you.  And if you know anyone who is suffering with any of the above ailments point them to papaya.

For more information you would enjoy reading this article about papaya. There are so many things that can be done with it and this article lays out many more uses and benefits.

whfoods.com, hubpages.com, healthy foods, amazing power of healing plants

Learn more about health & healing

• Exclusive content not shared on the Facebook page or the blog
• Vegetarian & raw food recipes
• Get discounts on future products
• Raw foods & herbs

Email Address *

First Name *

Last Name *

Close

CLICK ON THE IMAGE TO BELOW FOR MORE INFORMATION ON MY NEW EBOOK

Raw Food Recipe: Carambola and Pine Nut Pudding

I made some Carambola(starfruit) juice on Saturday.

I didn't want to waste all that good pulp so I modified a recipe I had for pine nut pudding and made the following recipe.

Pine Nut and Carambola Pudding

1 cup pine nuts
sweetener to individual taste
3/4 cup water(more water can be added to thin if pudding is too thick)
1 cup carambola pulp

Method

Blend and sprinkle with nutmeg.

Very simple and very tasty. Enjoy and let me know how it turned out for you.

Carambola/Starfruit

Carambola is a star-shaped fruit hence its other known name - star fruit.  It is green when not ripe and turns yellow when ripe.  It is at its sweetest when very yellow. I personally like it when the edges just start to turn a little bit light brown.  The entire fruit can be eaten including the skin.  They are eaten raw, used to make juice or cooked. I discovered this recipe for Carambola chips. Jams and jellies are also made using carambola. 

wikipedia.org

Nutrients and health benefits of Carambola/starfruit


Carambola is rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, and low in sugar, sodium and acid. It is also is a potent source of both primary and secondary polyphenolic antioxidants. About one cup (132grams) of Raw Carambola contains Vitamin A(2% RDA), Vitamin B1(Thiamin-1%), Vitamin B2(Riboflavin-1%), Vitamin B3(Niacin-2 %), Vitamin B5(Pantothenic Acid-5%), Vitamin B6(1%), Vitamin B9(Folate-4%), Vitamin C (76%), Vitamin E(1%), Protein(3%), Iron(1%), Magnesium(3%), Manganese(2%), Selenium(1%), Copper(9%), Zinc(1%), Sodium(0%), Potassium(5%), Phosphorus(2%), Calcium(0%), Water(121g).

Carambola improves wound healing, prevents cells from damages, improves gums health, improves teeth health, improves Immune System, protects from free radicals, reduces aging, lowers risks of some cancers, improves iron absorption, improves lung health, prevents one from having frequent colds, protects from frequent infections, reduces constipation, may reduce or prevent hemorrhoids, helps improve blood sugar levels, helps improve cholesterol levels, supports weight loss.

Warnings
Carambola contains oxalic acid which can be harmful to individuals suffering from kidney failure or under kidney dialysis treatment. Consumption by those with kidney failure can produce hiccups, vomiting, nausea, and mental confusion.

Medicinal Uses
In India, the ripe fruit is used to stop hemorrhages and to relieve bleeding hemorrhoids; the dried fruit or the juice may be taken to counteract fevers. It is said to help with diarrhea and "hangovers" from excessive drinking. A salve made of the fruit is utilized to relieve eye afflictions.

In Brazil, the carambola is recommended as a diuretic in kidney and bladder complaints, and is believed to have a beneficial effect in the treatment of eczema.

In Chinese Materia Medica it is stated, "Its action is to quench thirst, to increase the salivary secretion, and hence to allay fever."

A decoction of combined fruit and leaves is drunk to overcome vomiting. Leaves are bound on the temples to soothe headache. Crushed leaves and shoots are poulticed on the eruptions of chicken-pox, also on ringworm.

A decoction of the crushed seeds acts as a galactagogue and ernmenagogue and is mildly intoxicating. The powdered seeds serve as a sedative in cases of asthma and colic.

Other uses
The acid types of carambola have been used to clean and polish metal, especially brass, as they dissolve tarnish and rust. Interestingly enough while researching carambola I found out that the juice will also bleach rust stains from white cloth. 


wikipedia.org,hort.purdue.edu,seekthat.net,nutritiondata.com

Raw Food Recipe using Christophene

Christophene is a wonderful food to eat. I newly discovered that it can be eaten raw. This dish is very simple to prepare and can go with anything. Here is the recipe that I've done. It tasted really good if I do say so myself.


1 christophene
1/2 an onion
1 clove garlic
sea salt to taste

Method
Grate christophene(the seed can be grated, as well as the skin if soft enough). Grate onion and garlic. Add sea salt. Mix thoroughly. The christophene releases its own juices when grated so expect a bit of liquid in the bowl. The liquid can be consumed as well.

I had this as part of lunch on Tuesday and topped it with a bit of tomato sauce. Here is a picture of the lunch - the christophene is whitish looking with a bit of red on top(the tomato sauce). The only things cooked in this plate are the fish and tomato sauce. I love eating raw! I need to do more though. I'm getting there.

My camera is acting up so bear with me. This is how it came out:

I attempted to do a closeup:

Enjoy! If you try this let me know how it turned out.

Health Benefits of Christophene

Christophene(also spelled christophine) is in abundance now in my kitchen so I decided to research the nutrients and benefits of this God created food and share with you. Christophene is a vegetable from the squash family. It is shaped like a pear and has a seed in the middle. The skin can be green or an off white, light yellowish color. The skin also can be smooth or prickly. It is known by many names depending on the region. Among its many names are chayote, mirliton, brione, chow chow, sayote and chouchoute.

 

Nutrients and health benefits

Christophene is rich in amino acids and vitamin C. For centuries people on our island(Dominica) have used it to lower high blood pressure. The leaves and fruit have diuretic, cardiovascular and anti-inflammatory properties, and a tea made from the leaves has been used in the treatment of arteriosclerosis and hypertension, and to dissolve kidney stones. Also found in the fruit in small amounts are calcium, sodium, thiamine, vitamin A, riboflavin and ascorbic acid.  Very low in saturated fat and cholesterol. Very high in dietary fiber, vitamin K, folate, zinc, copper and manganese. High in niacin, vitamin B6, pantothenic acid, magnesium and potassium. Infusions of the fruit are used to alleviate urine retention.

Culinary Uses

The taste of the christophene is mild and any seasoning of your choice can be added to it. It cooks very quickly so it's great for healthy eating in a hurry.

It can be prepared steamed or eaten raw. The raw part surprised me. In conversation with one of the ladies at church she said that she grates it and eats it just like she would do with a cucumber. I had never heard that before.  My only experience with christophene while I was growing up was using it in what we call a 'braff' (a sort of soup made with fish and or smoked meat, ground provisions(tania, dasheen, potato, green bananas). Since I've been married I've used it in various ways.  I've added it to my fish gravy, steamed it, lightly sauteed it with onions, garlic and a little sea salt.  I've used it in vegetable soups.  I've done a pumpkin and christophene medley as well.  Let's just say that I've broadened my scope from just 'braff'.  Seeing that my desire is to eat as much raw foods as possible, it was a wonderful discovery both from the sister at churh and my research to learn that it can be eaten raw.

Christophene is used in gravies as well with both fish and meat. It can be used in soups, stews, casseroles, salads. It is a very versatile vegetable. It can be stuffed, grilled, used in stir fries or roasted as well.

Storing

I’ve found that christophene lasts a very long time in the fridge. Christophene can last in the refrigerator in a plastic bag for almost a month. When left outside of the refrigerator I’ve found that it doesn’t last as long. If you peel and cut it and then refrigerate it doesn’t last long either. So the key is to keep it in its skin in a plastic bag in the fridge for it to last longer.

In researching I found out that the seed is edible. I’ve always removed it but since reading that I’m going to try using the seed as well. Definitely don’t want to miss out on a potential health benefit that may be present in the seed. Another new discovery is that the leaves and root can also be consumed. Interesting!

To read more on Christophene read Medicinal plant called sayote.

Here are some delicious christophene recipes for you to enjoy!

Christophene and Tomato Stir Fry	Crustless Christophene Quiche	Carrot, Pumpkin and Christophene Slaw

Here are some other Christophene recipes.



Answers.com, Wikipedia.com, blog.agriculture.ph, nature100percent.com

Recipe for Hot Cocoa - Dominican Style

Dominican hot cocoa or "cacoa tea" as we call it(pronounced "kako") locally is a blend of flavors and aromas like no other. The scents and the taste gives you an out of this world experience.

After discussion with my hubby, for the past few mornings I've been waking everyone up at 6am for family devotions. I've been serving us a hot cup of tea while we sit around the dining table having devotions.

Last night we got some cocoa sticks from my hubby's mom(she makes them using cocoa beans from the trees in their garden). Click HERE or the picture below for a brief explanation of how the cocoa sticks are made. This photo came from www.coffeeandvanilla.com.



That gift of cocoa sticks gave birth to the idea of adding "cacoa tea" to our line up of teas during family devotions. We've had peppermint, lemongrass and cinnamon tea all freshly brewed(no processed packages). So this morning we had "cacoa tea". It's been so long since we've had it. Everyone loved it. And if I do say so myself it was better than I've ever tasted it. I used freshly made coconut milk and some vanilla extract(none of the imitation stuff) to add to the rich and full flavor. I wish I had pics to share but my camera is still on the fritz.

Here is the recipe for Hot Cocoa(CACOA TEA) - Dominican Style:

5 - 6 cups of water
1 cocoa stick(medium size)
2 bay leaves
1 cinnamon stick
1 tbsp vanilla extract(approx.)
1/2 cup coconut milk(approx.)
Brown sugar/honey or your sweetener of choice

Bring cinnamon stick, bay leaves, cocoa stick and water to a boil and boile for another 15 minutes or so. Please do not cover the pot completely because it may spill over the edge. Strain liquid. Add the coconut milk, vanilla extract and sweetener. Mix well. Pour and enjoy!

Serves 4.

That's it. simple enough. Please bear in mind that traditionally we in the Caribbean do not use measurements when doing our food preparation. However I attempted to estimate what I had used in this morning's tea. Alternatively some people boil the coconut milk with the others things as well. So feel free to tweak to your taste.

Coconut tablet

A sweet treat! That's what coconut tablet is. My mother in law spent almost the whole day with us on Thursday last week. While here she made this scrumptious too sweet to eat everyday treat. As promised in a previous post here are the pics and the recipe. Bear in mind that most older Caribbean cooks do not use measurements so I won't be able to give quantities but enjoy the pictures nonetheless.

The ingredients are grated coconut, water, lots of brown sugar, grated ginger and vanilla essence.

First step remove the coconut from the shell and cut into pieces.
Rinse the pieces
Grate the coconut:

Grate the ginger into the same bowl. Put into a pot, add a little water, the brown sugar and the essence.
Stir continuously to avoid burning.
When done, remove by spoonfuls onto a baking sheet and leave to get dry and firm.
The final step - Enjoy! That's it. I wish I could have shared quantities so that you could try it.