TREASURES OF MY CARIBBEAN KITCHEN

HEAD CHEF

Anne Marie Whittaker

Anne-Marie Whittaker was born in Guyana, South America and spent many of her growing-up years in Barbados where she now lives with her husband and two children. Her love of entertaining and cooking has resulted in her being nicknamed ‘The Mighty Entertainer’ by her friends. She is an Entrepreneur who manufactures exotic Gourmet products and an accomplished steelpan player – the steelpan, which is made from used oil drums, is the only musical instrument invented in the 20th century. Her biggest challenge is to balance her love of music (performing with a steel orchestra) with the management of her business since both demand her full attention.

Anne-Marie’s interest in Caribbean food has lead her to channel her creativity into the manufacture of her Gourmet Sauces, Jams and Confectionery which are made in Barbados and sold in the United States, England, Canada and the Caribbean under the Native Treasures Label. Along with Rum, she uses exotic fruit and peppers found in the region to produce her Tamangy Island Chutney, Rum BBQ Sauce, Pina-Colada jam and Rum Balls which are but a few of her creations.

Her slogan ‘Spread a Little Sunshine’ reflects her belief that the ‘Hot and Spicy’ cuisine of the Caribbean, which until now is one of its best kept secrets, should be shared with the world. She has authored ‘Treasures of My Caribbean Kitchen’, a cookbook which features authentic Caribbean recipes and culture from many Islands. She is frequently invited to make presentations on our food around the globe and has also hosted cooking shows on our local television channel.

In her quest to continue ‘Spreading a Little Sunshine’ she has conducted cooking demonstrations aboard cruise liners and has traveled as far away as Japan’s Tokyo Prince Hotel and the Intercontinental Hotel in Frankfurt, Germany. On these occasions, in addition to her presentations, she takes on the role of ‘Guest Chef’ where she works alongside the Executive Chefs, guiding them in the creation of unique Caribbean cuisine, a role which she finds most rewarding.

Let me tell you what to expect.

Hi,
My name is Anne Marie, author of 'Treasures Of My Caribbean Kitchen' and it my pleasure to be your guide through this full day “hands on”
culinary experience that takes your taste buds on an exciting Caribbean adventure and allows you to live & eat like a Bajan.
This unique journey takes you to the heart of Caribbean culture…….our food.
You will experience family style cook-ing in a real Barbadian home!
I will teach you one of the best kept secrets in the Caribbean.
How to cook authentic Caribbean food and have some fun while we
enjoy the hospitality of my Barbadian home.
After spending a day with us tasting, cooking and sharing food around the table, you will become part of the family.
Your “Hands On” day of food & fun begins with a pick up at 7.30 am. I will meet you in the Cheapside Public Market at 8.00 am for an authentic local breakfast.

Traditionally, Caribbean people worked the fields, tending the sugar cane crop and therefore, a hearty breakfast was eaten to provide the energy necessary to work all day in the hot sun.

Our Breakfast:-
Salt bread & Fish cakes
Bread & TwoTwo saltfish (salted cod) cakes placed on a thick slice of English sharp cheddar cheese, in a
“Bajan Salt Bread” (bun) which is unique to Barbados. (The bread does not taste salty)

A sweet sticky coconut and almond pastry
Coffee or Tea
Local Fruit Juice

After breakfast it’s time to acquire ingredients necessary to prepare our lunch. I will separate you into groups and you will be given money & a shopping list. You will need
to interact with vendors to select the best produce to be used in the preparation of each dish
Next, we will cross the street to the nearby fish market & learn how flying fish are deboned & made ready for chefs to work their magic. You will be given the opportunity to try your
hand at this process if you wish. I will provide hairnet, gloves and apron.

Our hearty breakfast provides a “solid foundation” for the next step…..
On arrival at my home, the first order of business is a lesson in how to make genuine “Bajan Rum Punch”.
This is the fuel that will power our engine today!!!......and it’s unlimited all day. For those who don’t drink
alcohol, sorrel drink will be available.Sorrel, is a plant closely related to the hibiscus and the succulent dark
red buds are used to make a refreshing drink.
First we need to suit up (cap, apron & gloves and then I will guide each group how to make this extremely
popular local Rum Cocktail. Each member of the winning group (judged by my husband Keith) will receive a prize.
Be prepared to laugh a lot, as this segment is usually accompanied by heated debate and howls of laughter!!!!

Now that we have wet our whistle, it’s time to prepare lunch. Each group, guided by a leader, uses the
ingredients they bought, to prepare an authentic Bajan dish.
While we cook, DJ Snake Oil (Keith) sets the mood with hip swinging Caribbean music and very soon
we’ll be ready to sit & enjoy the fruits of our labour, while sharing experiences, laughing & bonding over more Rum Punch

In the Caribbean it is customary that when family visit they never leave empty handed. My gift to you will be an electronic copy of my book, “Treasures Of My Caribbean Kitchen”.
With over 200 recipes and stories of how our food evolved, you will beable to entertain
your friends back home in fine Caribbean Style.

I look forward to welcoming you to my home and sharing an unforgettable day of fun, music &
mouth- watering Caribbean Food.
Departure for your accommodation is at 2.00pm.