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Catch the spirit of the island – Bajan style

NEW RELEASE IN MYSTERY SERIES

The featured setting in my latest release ONE, Sydney Jones Series, book 3 is Barbados. Ah, and what a beautiful scenic destination with beautiful people dedicated to keeping their culture alive.

In all my novels, food is important to the family and cultural exploration of the scenic vistas. The recipe below is one of Sydney’s son, David’s favorite dishes. He believes no one can cook it like a native, and he’s right!

Macaroni Pie – Bajan Recipe (Barbados.org)

  • 1/2-pound tubed macaroni
  • 4 cups grated cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup evaporated milk
  • 1/3 cup ketchup
  • 1 tbsp. yellow mustard
  • 1 small onion, grated
  • 1 egg, beaten

Bring salted water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Break the macaroni tubes into thirds and add to the boiling water. Cook uncovered until macaroni is tender but still firm.

Preheat oven to 350F (180C).

Drain the macaroni and return to the saucepan.

Add the onion, cheese, milk, ketchup, mustard, and egg. Add salt and pepper to taste. Herbs such as marjoram and thyme can also be added.

Pour into a greased dish and top with more grated cheese. Fine breadcrumbs can also be added as a topping.

Bake for 30-40 minutes or until golden brown.

Macaroni pie can be served as a side with fish, chicken, pork, stew… whatever you wish really.

Do you want to explore touristy destinations with mystery and political suspense hidden behind every dune, then the Sydney Jones Series (Trilogy) is your next read! The complete series is now available at Amazon in the box set. I can’t wait for your ah-ha moment!

Follow on Pinterest for my attempt on the dish’s native to the regions in the Sydney Jones Series! Warning, David, Sydney’s son has it right the natives serve it up best! Join the fun and post to my novel fan pages with cultural and/or scenic images that remind you of the book. Thanks, Carolyn Bowen

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Sydney Jones Series Book 3

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ONE: Now Available in Paperback!

Mystery Book-Lovers!

Exciting news! Today, the paperback version of ONE, Sydney Jones Series Book 3, is available at Amazon. The eBook is FREE for download with Unlimited. Read today and travel without moving your feet to a tropical paradise – Barbados. Scroll to the end of the post for the book trailer.

Tap the link below to order the paperback!

ONE – Sydney Jones Series Book 3 – Paperback

A Taste of Bajan Culture

As mentioned in a previous post, I enjoy learning about cultures especially in the regions that become settings in my novels. I found that food plays an important role in the world. As family and friends gather to celebrate important occasions, the local delicacies are abundant for the guests. 

In all my novels, food preparation and dining have been important elements for developing scenes and showcasing the setting, while character building. A fun and courageous feat for me!

Many of the scenes in my latest novel, ONE, are set in Barbados. So, of course, Bajan cooking found its way onto the pages. Here’s one of my favorite dessert dishes — Bajan Pineapple Pie. 

Bajan Pineapple Pie Recipe

Ingredients

1 – 14 ½ oz can of chunky pineapples

1 – 8 oz Cream Cheese

1 – Envelope Unflavored Gelatin

1 – 8-inch Graham Cracker Pie Crust

Directions

  • Drain pineapple chunks – keep syrup, add water if necessary, to make one cup.
  • Heat syrup and add gelatin, stir till dissolved – divide in half. Keep one half in the pot.
  • To the half in the pot, add cream cheese. Heat and stir until melted and smooth. Pour into graham cracker crust. Chill until firm.
  • Once firm, place pineapple chunks on top and pour the remainder of the warm ½ gelatin mixture over the pie to glaze. Chill and enjoy it!

A new book trailer for ONE is now ready to view. I hope you enjoy it!