So, I’ve dusted off my blog account, and I must say I like the feel of my fingers tapping away!! This year’s first post is fittingly a Ramble! A tiny slow start to remind me why I started blogging in the first place–to share the agricultural and cooking creativity of my Rock!
A few days ago, I sent out a call on Facebook asking if anyone had some local Basil/Balsam for a Bush Tea Cheesecake I planned to make. It made sense that my friend Frandelle Gerard would be the first to answer. She said, “Come meet me up at the Frederiksted Community Garden and I will pick you some!”
It was late in the day and I hadn’t had a lunch break yet, so I decided to use my time and head over. What a gift!!
The community has put such effort into the garden. Neatly piled rows of pineapples, and basil, and Kallaloo bush, and a million varieties of various fruits and vegetables kept side by side company. Frandelle chatted me up about the way the surrounding community has embraced the land and the goodness it brings. It’s not just in terms of fruits and vegetables, but in pride and ownership and accomplishment. She said the Frederiksted Community Garden is looking for people to take control of various parcels to cultivate.
The garden is an oasis sandwiched between an unfinished church to the left, the entrance to Frederiksted town on the far right, Marley Housing Community at its rear, and the glistening sunshine stained sea in the great beyond! Oh, man, it was beautiful!! I took a few photos of us out there to share a glimpse with you. There is so much being done with food on our tiny island. And I am too glad to bear witness.
If you are onisland and interested in learning more, you can visit their FB Page Frederiksted Community Garden or email them at info@chantvi.org. I hope you are having a wonderful Crucian Day wherever you are in the world!
The Crucian Contessa
Yay! I’m so happy to hear this! Oh, and that garden – wow! Can’t wait to hear how it turns out. Is is supposed to be more of a savory appetizer than a dessert?
Welcome back and here’s to hoping 2017 will be a great year for you. Your art, your words, your passion about food, life and that beloved rock keep my dreams alive.
Clint, you made me smile today! Thank you!! 🙂
Happy New Year! I was sitting here browsing the internet when I thought I heard your familiar voice! It’s good to read your words again. Good to see a smiling face. Good to read about Crucian food. Peace, love, friends, happiness and food to you!
You have been missed! So happy to have you back!! My very best wishes for a healthy 2017 filled with love, peace, joy, great food, wonderful music and art to feed your soul. <3
And the same to you and your family, Jacqui!! I receive that goodwill!
Good to hear from you. I Use sweet basil to make bush tea with bay leaf, lemon grass and stevia.
Is the basil down there different that up in Florida. What is Kallaloo bush.
I was wondering where you have been. To a beautiful and creative new year!
Happy New Year! I am looking forward to reading more words of inspiration!
Thank you, Melissa!!! <3
Happy New all God blessing continue to post your great dishes but I would live the recipes to the post..waiting on more of your wonderful dishes.
LOL. Thank you, Ella!! I am warming up! 🙂
Very nice to hear you. Yes. Happy New year. Looking foraward to hear and see your next creation.
Thank you, Clayton!!
wonderful to see you back !! peace and blessings for an incredible 2017 !!
Thank you, Debb!!
Looking forward to your inspiring recipes and articles in 2017.
Thank you, PJ!!
Yay! You are back. Missed ya. xoxo
How did I not know you had a blog!? Love it!!
went to their FB page and the last, post-maria post was that they were thinking about starting again with new partners, and that somebody had stolen their water tank. heart-breaking. please let us know what we can do to help and keep us posted.
Hello, Jeannette! That made me smile. My father Bernadin Bailey was very close to some of the Ovasens. They went to school together. I believe the person I am thinking about used to work at the post office for many years? Willow is a beautiful human spirit and I love the work he is doing with food and farming in Frederiksted. It is MUCH needed! <3
Sorry for that last response Jeannette. I was actually responding to the message below yours in my admin comments. Thank you for dropping a message! <3
Hello Crucian Contessa,
I hope you have been holding your own in this unbelievable 2020… what a year already! I was wondering if you have switched over to using organic coconut sugar from organic cane sugar and if not, your reasons for sticking with cane sugar.
Another question is whether you have had any call for gluten-free versions of island favorites, such as Johnny-cakes or coconut tarts. My son has autism and therefore, he has been GF for years. I don’t know if it’s the gluten so much as other ingredients that are in prepared foods that often cause inflammation problems; however, I’ve found that I feel better when I avoid gluten products myself.
Thank you,
Ms. Debbie