"Meh son, le me mekase gu a Exira's Kitchen Fu a me din, din." (My son let me hurry up and go to Exira's Kitchen for my food!)
In Exira'a Kitchen is a delectable compilation of recipes passed along three generations of Cruzans-from the author's maternal grandmother, Christiana Henry Sackey, to her mother, Exira Marie Sackey Milligan.
The recipes are unlike any others, not only because they are unique, but they represent who we are as native Cruzans and who we are as family in our community. A quick perusal reveals each recipe and chapter is eventful, with Morning Glory, Start-up, Belly Full, Wash Me Down, and Sweet Tooth representing a feeling either before or after a meal. It is not unusual in the Cruzan culture to hear someone say at the end of a meal that they just had a belly full, meaning they had a great satisfying meal such as Red Peas Soup or Okra Fungi and Conch in Butter Sauce. And, at Christmas time a Cruzan home is not without a Cruzan Christmas Sweet Bread-when visitors drop by, offering a treat and a small glass of Guavaberry rum is the expected respectful gesture and a reminder that the holiday season is in full swing.
The many unusual terms used throughout this cookbook reflect terms of endearment that make meals total enjoyment and add the cultural depth of the people of St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands. People familiar with the Cruzan culture near and far will find in the cookbook memorable, and those unfamiliar are in for a special treat! Each recipe is filled with traditional African blends and artful traditional preparation.
As you try each recipe, you'll have both a grand time preparing and a grand time eating. For Cruzans, we love our way of life, which first but first and foremost starts with a belly full. Experience each recipe and enjoy the results!
Catherine Milligan Terrell lives in her native home on the island of St. Croix, US Virgin Islands (one of the three Virgins; the other two are St. John and St. Thomas). She graduated from Temple University (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) with a degree in Elementary Education and doctoral degree from Columbia University (New York, New York) in Educational Administration
