Jamaican Beauty: Chocolate


Anna-Lee

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The Calming Effects of the Caribbean Sea


These images were taken at Treasure Beach, St. Elizabeth. One dog took a dip to wash away the day’s grime and the other merely lay gazing out to sea. I love photographing animals, because their beauty and “poses” are natural and I get a glimpse into their kingdom.

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The Cliffs


This picture was taken at Samsara Resort in Negril. The sea was very rough, but gave us a spectacular water show. I was lucky to capture this photo…it took a lot of patience.

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Photo of the Day: Starfish


Starfish

I captured these happened-upon-pictures of this incredible starfish at Ocho Rios Beach. To see one so close amazed me. I always keep an open eye to capture life’s unexpected beauty…guess I was in the right place at the right time. The world is full of such unexpected occurrences; we get to experience them by getting out, observing our surroundings, and taking time to enjoy life’s awesomeness.

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Pictures of the Nine Mile Music Festival 2012


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19th Annual Nine Mile Music Festival: Two Lion Paws fi Bob


There was “a natural mystic blowing through the air” at the 19th Annual Nine Mile Music Festival. Artists like Cocoa Tea, Capelton, and Ritchie Spice set the stage for a relaxing, peaceful, and harmonious day. The hypnotic and mellow sound of Burning Spear got the people chanting for more old-time reggae. What a performance by Burning Spear, who proved less is more! That is less singing and more music by the energetic band. They all took time out to honor the Legend and his legacy…Nesta Robert Marley.   

Damian, Stephen, and Julian Marley finished off the evening by singing Bob’s songs. The brothers performed with such respect for their father and the crowd…they sang their hearts out. It was and always has been an honor to be apart of such a diverse group of people who love and understand, who Bob was. Everyone came together to celebrate “One Love”.

All the artists made mention of Buju Banton.

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Jamaica’s Finest


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At the Market…


It’s so righteous to see all these fresh from the garden roots and vegetables. One cannot help but wonder…how bountiful Earth can be…and being in Jam Rock brings me back to my roots and a place of peace. Going to the market is one way I connect with nature. It reminds me of a simpler life. I think one way Mother Nature manifests herself is through plants and the ability to produce food, from just a seed, to a mature plant, to food…which our bodies need to stay alive.  Words cannot express the shear inner peace that is attained by understanding such an amazing process.

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Related Link:

Hard-working Jamaicans: Market Day

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Gungo Peas and Rice


Just the other day I was chatting with a friend of mine and she wanted to know how to make rice and peas. Well, I decided not only to jot down a few pointers for her, but for everyone else as well. This way I can get feedback on how each meal turns out. Fortunately this meal is easy to prepare, healthy, mouth-watering, and takes little time to cook. Also, there are many delicious and creative ways to enjoy Gungo Peas and Rice, and the best way to have it…is with a lot of gravy. This type of dish is flexible and is vegan friendly due to the peas which contain protein. I do hope you will enjoy making this simple and healthy meal. Nyam Nyam… 

      

 Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs of green gungo peas
  • 11/2 cups of rice
  • 1 can of coconut milk
  • 2 teaspoons of brown sugar
  • A pinch of salt
  • ¼ stick of butter
  • 6 berries of allspice (Jamaican pimento)
  • All purpose seasoning (season to liking)
  • 1 green scotch bonnet pepper (whole)
  • 3 pieces of scallion smashed
  • 3 bulbs of garlic smashed
  • Thyme

Preparation:

  • Add gungo peas and smashed garlic in a pot with water
  • Cook for about 45 minutes ***Do not over cook peas***
  • After the peas are cooked add all other ingredients, stir and bring to a boil (remember to smash scallion before adding)
  • Add rice and stir thoroughly
  • Cover with a lid and set temperature to low until cooked (about 20-25 minutes)
  • Check after 10 minutes
  • Before serving remove thyme, pepper, and scallion
  • Serve and enjoy

What can I eat Gungo Peas and Rice with?

Well traditional Jamaicans eat Gungo Peas and Rice with:

  • Brown stew chicken
  • Escovitch fish
  • Stew pork
  • Mutton
  • Callaloo…or any spinach type greens
  • Cabbage
  • Jerk chicken and pork
  • Ackee and salt fish

A Note: Gungo Peas are also known as pigeon peas and are available in cans, but I believe fresh is always better! 🙂

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Jamaican Beauty: Spicy


Anna-Kay

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