Simple Braised Beef Short Ribs.
Here’s one of those comforting type dishes you and your family will enjoy on a cold Winter night.…
Vegan Caribbean Rum Cake + Cookbook Giveaway!
While we were in Barbados a couple weeks back I ran into Taymer Mason, the best selling author of Caribbean Vegan – Meat-Free, Egg-Free, Dairy-Free, Authentic Island Cuisine for Every Occasion (Expanded Second Edition). Taymer is a long time friend, food blogger and someone I have a lot of respect for, especially since she’s one of the pioneers when it comes to “Caribbean” food blogging and documenting recipes in a format that’s easy to follow and replicate.
Our meeting was very coincidental as we were about to head out for a scheduled event in Bridgetown and it just so happen that Taymer was at the resort we were staying at for a lunch date with a friend.. we were just finishing up a couple adult beverages at the same restaurant/bar. After doing the obligatory selfie for Instagram, Taymer gave me a peek at her NEW baby (I remembered the same pride I had when I published my first cookbook). I was immediately impressed.. “wow no she didn’t just hit us 200 Caribbean recipes.. VEGAN?” Since we were on our way out, I didn’t have time to go through the entire book, however I have a copy in hand now, so here are some quick observations…
- 200 vegan recipes
- ALL 200 recipes are “Caribbean” in nature
- NEW ways to use vegetables
- A great representation of the ENTIRE Caribbean
- Fresh, Healthy and TASTY (yes, I’ve given a few recipes the test-drive since getting my copy)
- The images jumps out at you and demands you give the recipes a try
- Easy to follow recipes, with simplified step by step cooking/prep instructions
- This in NOT a book just for the kitchen.. this one is right at home on the coffee table as you’ll want to show it off
To prevent this post becoming overly long I won’t go on further, however I’ll hit you with a recipe from Taymer’s book below and immediately after you’ll get a chance to win a copy so you too can fall in love with Caribbean Vegan – Meat-Free, Egg-Free, Dairy-Free, Authentic Island Cuisine for Every Occasion
Rum Cake
There are two common rum cakes in the Caribbean. One, called “black cake,” is made during Christmas holidays and for weddings using rum-soaked fruit. The other is made like a regular cake and has a buttered rum glaze, which is this recipe. (Serves 8)
Ingredients
Cake
¼ cup (60 ml) plus 2 tablespoons dark rum, preferably Mount Gay
¼ cup (60 ml) white rum, or additional dark rum
2 tablespoons falernum (see Island Tips)
½ cup (75 g) raisins
½ cup (115 g) vegan margarine
½ cup (115 g) vegetable shortening
1 cup (200 g) light brown sugar
2 tablespoons warm water
1 tablespoon Ener-G egg replacer
1 teaspoon vanilla essence, or ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups (250 g) unbleached all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon pink or sea salt
½ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
1 cup (240 ml) nondairy milk
1 tablespoon molasses
Rum Glaze
¼ cup (60 g) vegan margarine
¼ cup (60 ml) water
3 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla essence, or ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ cup (60 ml) dark rum, preferably Mount Gay
1. To make the cake, pour ¼ cup (60 ml) of the dark rum, the white rum, and the falernum over the raisins and let them soak overnight in a covered container.
2. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9 × 3-inch (23 × 8 cm) Bundt pan.
3. Cream the margarine and shortening with the sugar until fluffy using an electric mixer. Whisk the water and egg replacer together, then add to the sugar mixture, along with the vanilla essence. Stir until evenly incorporated. Add the flour, cinnamon, salt, baking powder, and baking soda and mix until just incorporated.
4. Stir the vinegar into the milk, then mix into the batter. Fold in the raisins and their liquid, the molasses, and the remaining 2 tablespoons of dark rum.
5. Scrape the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until brown and the top of the cake springs back when gently pressed.
6. Meanwhile, make the glaze. Combine the margarine, water, brown sugar, and vanilla essence in a small saucepan over low heat. Cook, stirring frequently, until the sugar has dissolved. Turn off the heat and stir in the rum. 7 Glaze the cake as it cools. Let cool completely before serving.
ISLAND TIPS
Falernum is a flavored syrup from the West Indies. It is full of tropical flavors, including lime, ginger, and almond. Look for it in well-stocked liquor stores. For a stunning presentation, toss slivered almonds with sugar over medium heat for a few seconds and decorate the cake.
Cookbook Giveaway!
- open to US and Canada residents only
- enter as many times as you want
- there are 3 ways to enhance your chances of winning (see the contest below – comment, follow us on twitter & Facebook)
- you MUST leave a comment to win. (should your name be chosen at random and we notice that you didn’t comment below, we WILL select another winner)
- 1 winner will be selected, then contacted for your shipping details
Good luck to everyone who enters and be sure to check out Ms Mason’s Caribbean Vegan – Meat-Free, Egg-Free, Dairy-Free, Authentic Island Cuisine for Every Occasion It’s definitely worth adding to your cookbook collection.. even if you’re not a vegan.
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love love love Caribbean flavors!!!
I would love to win this. Have been thinking about going vegan for awhile now.
It would be very nice to win this because I’m vegan!
Happy holidays to you and family. Great giveaway. Can’t wait to try the recipe!
Taymer Mason, the best selling author of Caribbean Vegan – Meat-Free, Egg-Free, Dairy-Free, Authentic Island Cuisine for Every Occasion
I am so so SO excited to make this- I love rum cake, but haven’t been able to indulge in it for a while since going dairy-free. I’d love to win the copy of Taymer’s book, as I’ve recently moved to Grenada from the U.S. and would love some new recipes that utilize the unique selection of produce here.
I’m looking forward to making some delicious treats from this book for my family!!!
I’d love this a present to me, lol!
Caribbean Vegan – Meat-Free, Egg-Free, Dairy-Free, Authentic Island Cuisine for Every Occasion Expanded by Taymer Mason
Caribbean Vegan by Taymer Mason
Love this site
Happy Holidays
Happy Holidays from your kitchen to mines… Awesome recipes… Thanks much 🍝
Its cookbook sounds amazing!
I would love to win this cookbook!
Comment. Lol
Caribbean Vegan – Meat-Free, Egg-Free, Dairy-Free, Authentic Island Cuisine for Every Occasion Expanded by Taymer Mason
I love Caribbean foods and hope to be chosen…💖
Definitely a must have as I am gluten free & it is hard finding good island recipes to meet such diet.
This book would so helpful in my clean eating journey and incorporate Caribbean dishes! Respect!
Caribbean Vegan by Taymer Mason
OMG This sounds AMAZING. would love to win
I’m happy to see two of my favorite Caribbean food bloggers link up. I don’t know you guys but it’s still cool to see:) I’d love to win this cookbook. I have the first edition and it’s a great addition to anyone’s collection whether you’re vegan or not (I’m no longer strict vegan but the curry-stained pages show it still gets good use). Good luck everyone!
I’d love to add this to my collection, thanks Chris!
Best rum cake recipe ever!
This is what living the irie life is all about!
Thanks, Chris! 😘
This is so great – a vegan Caribbean cookbook! Would really love to own and use this cookbook!
Thanks for the great rum cake recipe!
Yo Chris keep up the good work man. Thanks for promoting this vegan book!
I would love to have this book as I am on a journey to clean up my diet to manage my blood pressure and help with my husband’s thyroid issues. I have struggled to incorporate my traditional Caribbean flavors in healthier ways. This book would be a great help.
Hi Chris! Happy Holidays! Thanks for the opportunity to win this cookbook- Island Cuisine for Every Occasion Expanded Second Edition by Taymer Mason
I’ll proudly add Taymer’s Book to my collection.
After all, Vegans are people too! Weird people, but, hey, we cannot all be perfect!
BTW, I tried your Shepherd’s Pie and liked it a lot. I’ve been meaning to tell you that!
Caribbean recipes are always welcome!
I am a South American and I Love Caribbean Food, keep up the good works.
Love my Caribbean food they the best
Merry Christmas🎅🏾 Wishing all a blessed new year.
Thank you Chris for this healthy cookbook. I can’t explore.
*Ican’t wait to explore
I’m so excited to win this cookbook since I’m eating so much healthier now and in the further would dolce to go vegan. To be able to use my Caribbean cuisine would only make it better.
All the best with your book Taymyr.
Happy holidays! I would really like to try all those vegan recipes.
Would love to win cook book as i have become a vegan
So exciting .Have used many recipes and LOVE them Now can offer my vegan friends the very best tasty food.Thanks
Tee
Looking forward to reading…cooking… and eating!
Caribbean Vegan by Taymer Mason …. hope to win a copy!
Hi Chris, tried entering giveaway for the Caribbean Vegan – Meat-Free, Egg-Free, Dairy-Free, Authentic Island Cuisine for Every Occasion Expanded Second Edition by Taymer Mason and it won’t let me “comment”, not sure why… 🙁
Island veggies is the way to go 😊
I have been a vegan for 7 month now and been trying to find ways to bring my culture in to what I eat and thank you for this cookbook it will help me in so many ways
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year 2017!
Season Greetings!! Caribbean cooking all the way!
Caribbean Vegan by Taymer Mason sounds like a book that needs to be on my shelf. If the recipe for the rum cake is an indication of other recipes in the book then those who own it are in for a treat!!!
Thanks for showcasing Healthy Caribbean food!
OMG , I can’t wait to have that book in my kitchen. I am a vegan and it is very difficult for me to prepare a variety of food choices . This book will do justic for me if I get it. 😊
I am excited for my change to win this lovely looking and yummy looking cookbook!!!!!!
Taymer Mason, the best selling author of Caribbean Vegan – Meat-Free, Egg-Free, Dairy-Free, Authentic Island Cuisine for Every Occasion (Expanded Second Edition).
Would love this book. I love food and would love to try a new lifestyle aswel vegan lifestyle.
Someone sent me a link to Taymer’s soursop “fish” recipe. I got a chance to try it and thought it was pretty good. I’m not sure if the recipe is in her book but I’m sure I’ll enjoy the rest of the recipe as my family is vegan/vegetarian. Thanks Chris for the giveaway.
Caribbean Vegan by Taymer Mason, would love to win.
I love Caribbean Cooking!! Your recipes are awesome!!
Hope to win a copy!! Thank You!! Merry Xmas
I would LOVE to begin cooking up recipes from “Caribbean Vegan!” My daughter is vegan, I would blow her away, if when visiting, I could whip up something for her from Sistah Taymer Mason’s cookbook. Praying I WIN!
What a great giveaway! It’s always a little jump-for-joy moment when I see you post a vegan video… it’s been difficult to create vegan Caribbean dishes on my own and there’s very little on the menu for me even in Caribbean restaurants. I’d love to win this myself, but I hope whoever winds of winning takes full advantage of everything inside!
Would love to add to my collection what a way to start 2017…
Caribbean Vegan
By: Taymer Mason
Happy Holidays!
Love this website and the recipies
Merry Christmas to you and your family! Chris, thank you for all the great recipes!
Caribbean Vegan by Taymer Mason.
This seems to be an amazing book. I love to cook and I cook mostly vegetarian so veganism is just one step away.
I hope to win this book as it seems the recipes will be an easy step in that direction.
Taymar Mason – Caribbean Vegan – Meat-Free, Egg-Free, Dairy-Free, Authentic Island Cuisine for Every Occasion
Caribbean Pot , has been very helpful with fantastic Caribbean recipes. Makes me feel like I’m back home.
Excellent recipe.
I have been looking for some new vegan recipes, these look great
Caribbean Vegan by Taymar Mason….
wihing yu all a very maeery xmas… keep on the good work.
european lover of Caribbean food.
Gin
I need this cookbook!
Love Caribbean cooking!
Would love to receive a copy of “Caribbean Vegan” by Taymer Mason. My daughter is a Vegan and it would be great to try the recipes on her and see her Smile.
I’ve tried a few of your recipes and loved them! The vegan cookbook would definitely be a great addition. Is there a vegetarian or pescatarian version too?
I love your recipes they remind me of home.
This sounds very exciting. Would love to win this and try some of these recipes.
Hi I would like to have this book because I’m a young mother of two and I would like to explore or try making different healthy recipes for them to enjoy thank you.
Try so many times to win something and never did.
I love your cooking. My hubby can’t eat just anything, so this cookbook would be perfect for the strict eating he has to do and it would help me too. To help keep him healthy and our family.
Hopeful……..keep them recipes coming
Would be a nice birthday present.
I’m surly trying this Vegan Cake recipe for Christmas.
Hi Chris, I am a “late Bloomer” I discovered your site and at every meal you are in my kitchen. You are much appreciated. I enjoy every recipe that I have followed. Lots if blessings and thanks. Wishing you a wonderful Christmas and Prosperous New year 2017.
CHenry
Caribbean Vegan by Taymer Mason, best selling author
Caribbean Vegan – Meat-Free, Egg-Free, Dairy-Free, Authentic Island Cuisine for Every Occasion, Taymer Mason
I’m obsessed! You make me enjoy the challenge of cooking!
I would like to own this book. Hope I can purchase this book since a whole lot of people is trying to win it
Caribbean Vegan by Taymer Mason. I want to start cooking vegan and I know this book will help me out a lot. I am from Barbados and I have been using your recipes for a long time and this book will help me out. Thank you and have a great holiday
Taymer Mason, the best selling author of Caribbean Vegan
I would LOVE 🙏 To win this cookbook. My fiancé is Bahamian and I would love nothing more than to cook him up some meals that he misses from home. Thank you for the opportunity & for sharing your recipes & videos with us. May your holidays be blessed.
Terri Syperda-Turner
Caribbean Vegan – Meat-Free, Egg-Free, Dairy-Free, Authentic Island Cuisine for Every Occasion Expanded Second Edition by Taymer Mason
Caribbean Vegan by Taymer Mason
Happy Holidays everyone! Taymer Mason, the best selling author of Caribbean Vegan – Meat-Free, Egg-Free, Dairy-Free, Authentic Island Cuisine for Every Occasion. This is a great way to start the new year. I enjoy the Island flavors.
I LOVE TO OWN THIS VEGAN CARIBBEAN COOKBOOK FOR MY COLLECTION.
AND I LOVE COOKING THESE GREAT RECIPES.