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Island Thyme

Tastes and Traditions of Bermuda

Published By The Bermuda Junior Service League

Island Thyme is Bermuda time, and her Table of Contents display the traditions of a Bermudan year: The Easter Season, Bermuda Day, Cup Match, Afternoon Tea, the Christmas Season and Historic Bermuda. In addition, find a  section on recipes gathered from some of Bermuda’s leading restaurants.  A third and final section simply reflects on favorites of the Bermudan people, reflecting gheir ancestral ties to both the United Kingdom and the fishing culture of Portugal. See additional food information on BERMUDA.

Locally-grown fruit is a delight in the Bermudian diet. Native Cedar Berries, Bay Grapes, Loquats, Papayas and Surinam Cherries become desserts, chutneys, ice cream toppings and serve as bastings for various savory dishes. Banana leaves hold delicious food combinations in bundles for outdoor roasting. 

Below see descriptions of recipes used on the island utilizing, whenever possible, their abundance of fruit, vegetable and food from the surrounding sea:

• Chilled Tequila Soup made with strawberries, peppercorns, yoghurt, wine and lime, a dish featured by La Coquille Restaurant in Hamilton.
   

• One famed drink from the island is Bermuda’s Dark ‘n’ Stormy, a cocktail of Goslings Black Seal rum and Barrits Ginger Beer garnished with a lemon slide.
   

• East Indian Cheese Spread:  Mix walnuts, golden raisins, Cheddar cheese, cream cheese, white wine and curry powder.
   

• A Bermuda Codfish Breakfast consists of the fish, potatoes, onions, bananas, avocado, tomatoes and Tomato Sauce and an Egg Sauce.
   

• Curried Hollandaise Sauce contains shallot, curry powder, spices, lime juice, eggyolks and melted butter.
   

• Caldo Verde, a Portuguese soup, is made from olive oil, onion, garlic, potatoes, Tabasco, sausage and mustard greens.
   

• Carrot Soup is a simple mixture of fresh carrots, green onions, chicken broth, mango chutney and half-and-half cream.
   

• A curious Junkyard Salad: four colors of sweet peppers, tomatoes, onion, butter, butter lettuce, feta cheese almonds and vinaigrette.
   

• Spinach salad made with peanuts, apple, mango chutney, curry power and cayenne.
   

• Roasted Portuguese Sausage is a mixture of potatoes, a yam, carrots, turnip, pumpkin, red onion, Bermuda onions and spices.
   

• Paw Paw Montespan, contains mashed paw paws, chorizo, onions and ground round.

Bermuda is an island surrounded by gorgeous scenery, so beautiful even public bus rides are scenic occasions. Island Thyme reflects this island beauty and the book will make an attractive addition to coffee tables anywhere.

Contact the cookbook’s editors at:  IslandThyme@northrock.bm
Website:  ISLAND THYME

©Marty Martindale, 2005, Largo FL
mm@FoodSiteoftheDay.com

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