Book Review: Sian’s Kitchen – Caribbean Comfort Cooking by Sian Anderson

Sian Anderson’s Sian’s Kitchen: Caribbean Comfort Cooking is a beautifully illustrated cookbook that brings the vibrant flavours of the Caribbean straight into your home. With a wide selection of recipes, this book captures the essence of island cooking—bold, aromatic, and deeply comforting.

A Well-Organized Culinary Journey

The book is thoughtfully divided into seven chapters, making it easy to navigate:

• 20 Minutes – Quick and easy dishes for busy days.

• Comforts – Heart warming meals that feel like a warm hug.

• From the Islands – Traditional Caribbean dishes packed with authentic flavours.

• Sunday Service – Special meals perfect for a family feast.

• Sweet Treats – Indulgent Caribbean desserts to satisfy your sweet tooth.

• Seasons, Sauces, and Rubs – The building blocks of flavour, featuring marinades, rubs, and spice blends.

Each section offers a taste of Caribbean cuisine, from everyday meals to celebratory dishes.

Flavours That Transport You

The recipes showcase a mix of exotic ingredients, bold spices, and signature rubs that define Caribbean cooking. Expect rich stews, fragrant curries, and tropical flavours that make every dish come alive. Sian’s use of traditional seasonings like Scotch bonnet peppers, allspice, and thyme adds depth to each recipe.

What recipes did I create from the book?

Some of the recipes I recreated were the jollof rice, stir-fried vegetables with tofu, and plantain and black bean bowl. They all turned out delicious, full of warmth and spice, just as Caribbean food should be!

A Challenge for Vegetarians, But Adaptable

One downside? Many of the recipes are meat-based. However, if you’re vegetarian, don’t let that discourage you! With a little creativity, you can swap meat for tofu, mushrooms, jackfruit, or hearty vegetables to make these dishes plant-based while keeping the authentic flavours intact.

Final Thoughts

Sian’s Kitchen is a fantastic cookbook for those who love bold, tropical flavours and want to explore Caribbean cuisine. While the book leans heavily on non-vegetarian dishes, its vibrant recipes and stunning visuals make it an inspiring addition to any kitchen. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this book will transport you straight to the islands—one dish at a time.

My Thoughts on the Book

Content 4/5

Illustrations  5/5

If you enjoy taking Caribbean food and would like a chance to win a copy of the book, head over to my Instagram page to enter the competition for a giveaway.

Please feel free to enter giveaway if you are in UK

Instagram.com/reel/DHGz1ClIvD1/

*gifted

The Cake & Bake Show ticket Giveaway.

Get Ready to Bake, Create, and Celebrate at The Cake & Bake Show! 

Five days of baking magic at The Cake & Bake Show! From November 27 to December 1 at Olympia London, immerse yourself in a world of creativity, deliciousness, and festive fun! This year’s theme is “All Things Musical,” bringing the magic of musicals to life through baking. Whether you’re a budding baker, a seasoned pro, or just love a good treat, this event is packed with everything you need to get inspired, learn new techniques, and get into the holiday spirit!

Why You’ll Love the Cake & Bake Show

• Get Up Close with Baking Stars: Rub elbows with some of the biggest names in baking! This year’s line up includes 2023 Great British Bake Off winner Matty Edgell, fan-favorite Sandro Farmhouse, and celebrated Bake Off: The Professionals judge Cherish Finden. And don’t miss Emma Wills (Ems Foodie Fix), known for her wildly creative dessert mash-ups with big brands like Whitworth’s Sugar and M&S!

• Level Up Your Skills in Hands-On Masterclasses: Ready to take your baking to the next level? Join interactive sessions with influencers like Simone Taylor (Sims Sweets), Rebecca Honeywell (Honeywell Bakes), and Jessie Marsden (Jessie Bakes Cakes). Learn how to ice festive Christmas cookies, decorate show-stopping cupcakes, or create a Christmas Bento Box with buttercream techniques that’ll wow everyone.

• 

• Discover Unique Baking Gifts & Essentials: Whether you’re shopping for yourself or looking for the perfect holiday gifts, you’ll find everything you need to stock your kitchen. Browse cookie cutters, sprinkles, festive toppers, and more from top brands. Don’t miss KitchenAid’s showcase of their new Espresso Collection and the chic Evergreen Design Series—perfect for holiday gifting!

• Marvel at Spectacular Cake Displays & Enter Themed Competitions: Get inspired by this year’s competition themes: “All Things Musicals” and “Gingerbread House.” Show off your baking skills, or simply admire the jaw-dropping entries from bakers of all levels. With categories for everyone, there are prizes for first, second, and third place—and a “Best in Show” cash award!

• Taste, Watch, and Learn with Live Demos: Experience live baking demos and taste samples that’ll inspire your own kitchen adventures. You’ll learn techniques, discover new recipes, and head home with tons of ideas to try out!

• Don’t Miss the Showstopper: A must-see centerpiece, this year’s “Wicked”-themed showpiece, crafted by Fabulously Fondant, is inspired by the musical’s upcoming movie release. It’s a magical display that’ll leave you inspired and ready to bake up something extraordinary.

Event Details

• Dates: November 27 - December 1
• Time: 10am - 5pm
• Location: Olympia London
• Tickets & Info: Visit www.thecakeandbakeshow.co.uk

Kick off your holiday season with a fun, festive, and flavour-packed day at The Cake & Bake Show. Bring your friends, family, or just your sweet tooth, and enjoy the ultimate baking adventure!

I’ve teamed up with The Cake & Bake Show to bring you an amazing giveaway! One lucky Simplyf00d reader will win a pair of tickets to this year’s Cake & Bake Show in London, running from November 27 to December 1. 

Imagine spending the day surrounded by incredible cake displays, baking demos, and festive goodies, plus the chance to meet some of the biggest names in baking! It’s the perfect event to find holiday inspiration, learn new techniques, and pick up unique baking gifts. 

To take part in the giveaway follow these instructions:

How to Enter:

·         Simply complete the Rafflecopter widget below to verify your entries

·         Entries can be via blog comment, Facebook, Twitter etc

·         Please read the rules they form the terms and conditions of this Giveaway

·         Closing date –Sunday 17th November 2024 12.00 AM

How Rafflecopter works:

1. You will need to complete the mandatory entry first usually making a blog comment. You can do this by clicking on leave a comment at the bottom of the post and leaving your reply in the comment box. Please note your comment will not show immediately as it needs to be moderated however rest assured it will appear on the site, so carry on with rest of entries.
2. Login to Rafflecopter click to see what the question is. Make a comment answering the question on the blog.
3. Go back to Rafflecopter and click the green button to tell me you have made a comment, this will unlock all the other options. All entries are checked to see that the mandatory question is answered, if its not all bonus entries will become void. 
4. Rafflecopter will tweet, like and follow on your behalf.
5. For bonus entries you can return to this page and enter the daily bonus entries. 

      Rules:

• This giveaway is open to all readers over 18 who live in the UK.
• The winner will be chosen via Rafflecopter (which uses random.org) and announced on this page.
• Prize:  2x Cake and Bake Show Tickets
• simplyfood is hosting this giveaway with the Cake and Bake Show.  Their decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into. They reserve the right to withdraw the competition at any time should any unforeseen circumstances arise, in case that the prize is not available a similar prize of same value will be substituted.  No monetary compensation will be given.
• Cake and Bake show will be provide the prize for the winner, by entering you are **consenting** to share your address for the prize to be sent and be contacted by email to notify you if you have won the prize. 
•  Please note to be compliant with the new GDPR rules by entering the giveaway you are consenting to allow simplyfood to contact you if you win the prize. Your data will NOT be used for any other marketing purposes.
• All entries will be verified, failure to follow instructions correctly will result in participants being disqualified. Please do not cheat.

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Giveaway Hydration Hamper with Accessories

We are enjoying some lovely summer weather but did you know how important it is to keep your self hydrated?

What are the best ways to stay hydrated?

Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, diluted squash and fruit juices. You should drink at least 6-8 mugs of water throughout the day. In hot weather or when you're active, you're more likely to become dehydrated. The cells, tissues, and organs in your body require water in order to function properly. The water in your body maintains your body's temperature, removes waste, and lubricates your joints, for instance.

What drinks are suitable for hydration?

Drinking water is the best way to stay hydrated, but other drinks and foods can also help. Fruits and vegetables such as watermelon, tomatoes, and lettuce contain water. Did you know that having a hot drink rather than an iced drink in the warm weather is actually better to regulate your body temperature.

You can create your own flavoured smoothies, slushies and juices. Below are some recipe ideas for you to check out.

Cucumber and Lemon Water-This is a really refreshing water to have. It keeps you fully hydrated. You can make flavoured fruit waters by adding any fruits of your choice. I have tried adding strawberries, orange slices, kiwi and also ginger.

Virgin Strawberry Mojito-Mojito is a Cuban cocktail that is made using five key ingredients, rum, sugar, lime juice, mint leaves and sparkling water. This is a twist to the traditional Mojito where I have made it non alcoholic by omitting the rum and adding a summer  flavouring to it with the use of strawberries.

Orange, ginger and lemon iced tea-Orange and Lemon Grass iced Tea, This refreshing tea is really refreshing and the perfect cooler to enjoy on a hot summers day.

Chai Spiced Dalgona Coffee-Chai Spiced Dalgona Coffee- There is a craze for this whipped coffee at the moment which you can serve hot or cold. What is Dalgona Coffee? It's basically coffee granules, sugar and water in equal quantities whipped up at high speed to make a frothy cream to use as a topping on hot or cold milk. This is a twist to the standard dalgona coffee and I got the idea to make the chai spiced dalgona coffee as I am a big fan of masala chai. I also love adding spices to my coffee in different way such as this cinnamon coffee. Did you know coffee can make you healthy and happy.

Masala Milk-Creamy and Delicious saffron and cardamom flavoured Masala Milk. The masala milk was flavoured with saffron, cardamom, nutmeg and had a blend of  mixed nuts which are rich in protein, fibre and essential fats.

Salted Jeera Lassi- Chaas, Lassi, Buttermilk are all the same just know as different names in different regions of India. It is natural yoghurt that is whisked with water and made  as a sweet version by adding fruits so it's similar to a smoothie. It can also be made as a savoury version by adding salt and spices. It is a common accompaniment to any Indian meal or just served as a refreshing drink in the summer to beat the heat.

Indian Masala Tea-Strong spiced Indian tea flavoured with aromatic spices.

Strawberry Lemonade-Refreshing and delicious summer strawberries with a lovely citrus tang from lemons makes this lemonade simply delicious.

These are just a few drinks ideas to keep you hydrated. For more delicious recipes check my beverages recipes.  

Keeping hydrated is very important for everyone despite their age or activity. To encourage you all to keep hydrated I have put together a Hydration hamper as a giveaway to one lucky winner. The hamper includes some quirky coasters, a denby mug, a water bottle, bottle tops, fruit infusers, coffee and some fruit tea.

To take part in the giveaway follow these instructions:

How to Enter:

·         Simply complete the Rafflecopter widget below to verify your entries

·         Entries can be via blog comment, Facebook, Twitter etc

·         Please read the rules they form the terms and conditions of this Giveaway

·         Closing date – 14th  August 2023

How Rafflecopter works:

1. You will need to complete the mandatory entry first usually making a blog comment. You can do this by clicking on leave a comment at the bottom of the post and leaving your reply in the comment box. Please note your comment will not show immediately as it needs to be moderated however rest assured it will appear on the site, so carry on with rest of entries.
2. Login to Rafflecopter click to see what the question is. Make a comment answering the question on the blog.
3. Go back to Rafflecopter and click the green button to tell me you have made a comment, this will unlock all the other options. All entries are checked to see that the mandatory question is answered, if its not all bonus entries will become void. 
4. Rafflecopter will tweet, like and follow on your behalf.
5. For bonus entries you can return to this page and enter the daily bonus entries. 

      Rules:

• This giveaway is open to all readers over 18 who live in the UK.
• The winner will be chosen via Rafflecopter (which uses random.org) and announced on this page.
• Prize:  1xHydration Hamper with accessories worth £50.00
• simplyfood is hosting this giveaway  Their decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into. They reserve the right to withdraw the competition at any time should any unforeseen circumstances arise, in case that the prize is not available a similar prize of same value will be substituted.  No monetary compensation will be given.
• Simplyf00d will be responsible for sending out the prize to the winner, by entering you are **consenting** to share your address for the prize to be sent and be contacted by email to notify you if you have won the prize. 
•  Please note to be compliant with the new GDPR rules by entering the giveaway you are consenting to allow simplyfood to contact you if you win the prize. Your data will NOT be used for any other marketing purposes.
• All entries will be verified, failure to follow instructions correctly will result in participants being disqualified. Please do not cheat.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Samuel Groves Casserole Pan Review and Giveaway

We are almost into the 7th week of lock down and I am spending even more time in my kitchen. I have been clearing out the cupboards and being ruthless. I am sure like me, many of you also have pots and pans with handles missing, nonstick coating coming off that you hoard, so I decided it was time to clear out and replace my cook ware with good quality cookware. My search led me to the amazing Samuel Groves Tri Ply Stainless steel range. The heavy duty pans are made from Tri-Ply Stainless Steel and are suitable for hobs that are induction base, gas, electric or ceramic.

There are various different pan sizes available in the range but my favorite is the 20 cm casserole pan with lid. It's so versatile in its use, I use it for boiling pasta, for making stock and stews in it and its great for making a large batch of soup or chilli. The pans are dishwasher safe which is a must in today's kitchen. I also like that the handles are really secure and durable, unlike some of my cheaper pan where they are loose and dropped off. These pans are superior quality and fully designed, made and shipped in England. The pans looks sleek, smart and stylish too. The full range is available on the Samuel Groves website .

I love my 20 cm casserole pan with lid and as always I love one of my readers to be able to try the product out. The lovely people at Samuel Groves have offered to send one of my readers a 20 cm pan casserole pan with lid as a prize.

Prize:  1x20 cm Samuel Groves Casserole Pan with Lid
This giveaway is open to all readers over 18 who live in the UK.
Giveaway closes 10th June 2020 12 am

How to Enter:
Complete the three mandatory questions and then follow the bonus entries on rafflecopter for more chances of winning.

The winner will be chosen via Rafflecopter (which uses random.org) and announced on this page.

• Simplyfood is hosting this giveaway in collaboration with Samuel Groves. Their decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into. They reserve the right to withdraw the competition at any time should any unforeseen circumstances arise, in case that the prize is not available a similar prize of same value will be substituted.  No monetary compensation will be given.
• Samuel Groves will be responsible for sending out the prize to the winner, by entering you are **consenting** to share your address for the prize to be sent and be contacted by email to notify you if you have won the prize. 
• Please note to be complaint with the new GDPR rules by entering the giveaway you are consenting to allow simplyfood to contact you if you win the prize and to share your details with Samuel Groves so that you can be sent your prize. Your data will NOT be used for any other marketing purposes
• All entries will be verified, failure to follow instructions correctly will result in participants being disqualified. Please do not cheat.

**Images copyright of simplyfood
**Post in collaboration with Samuel Groves

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Flavoured fruit waters and a Zero Water Jug Giveaway.

Keeping hydrated is extremely for our body and health Water is essential for the kidneys and other bodily functions. During the day water is lost by the body in the form of sweating and urination, and this needs to be replaced. The amount of water needed each day does vary from person to person.However the average recommended amount for men is 3.7 litres and 207 litres for women. This seems rather a lot but this amount is made up from water you get from food, fruits, food, tea, coffee and drinks and drinking plain water too.

Water quality differs from area to area and this also affects the taste if it. With my 12 cup Zero Water jug gives me perfectly clear water no matter where I am. The jug is big enough for a family and is stylish in design. It is NSF Certified and comes with a 5-Stage Dual-Ion Exchange filtration system that reduces Lead, Chromium and Mercury and  removes 99.6% of all dissolved solids.

The filtered water taste delicious and it's perfect for drinking and cooking with too. The Jug comes with a filter, a water quality meter tool for checking the water quality and it has a push button tap at the base of the jug to allow filling bottles easily. This function is handy to use when the jug is full and too heavy to lift for some people.

To encourage my family to drink more water during the summer months I make my own sugar free fruit infused waters using the filtered water from my Zero Water jug.

You can make zero sugar fruit infused waters, our favourites are cucumber and lemon, cucumber and mint, pineapple and mint, mixed berries with mint. You can add any fruits to your water to flavour it and it makes a refreshing healthy sugar free flavoured fruit waters. I also make my ice cubes with the filtered water to add to the drinks.

I love my new jug and as always I love my readers to get a chance to try it out too.Zero Water have agreed to send one simplyf00d reader a jug to try out.

How To Enter:

• Simply complete the Rafflecopter widget below to verify your entries
• Entries can be via blog comment, Facebook, Twitter etc
• Please read the rules they form the terms and conditions of this Giveaway
• Closing date – 16th June 2019 12.00 am
• Prize  One 12 cup Zero Water Jug
• Open to UK residents  and over 18 years of age.

How Rafflecopter works:

• You will need to complete the mandatory entry first – usually making a blog comment. You can do this by clicking on leave a comment at the bottom of the post and leaving your reply in the comment box. Please note your comment will not show immediately as it needs to be moderated however rest assured it will appear on the site, so carry on with rest of entries.
• Login to Rafflecopter – click to see what the question is. Make a comment answering the question on the blog.
•  Go back to Rafflecopter and click the green button to tell me you have made a comment, this will unlock all the other options. All entries are checked to see that the mandatory question is answered, if its not all bonus entries will become void. 
• Rafflecopter will tweet, like and follow on your behalf.
• For information on how to find the URL of your tweet click here. 
• For bonus entries you can return to this page and enter the daily bonus entries. 
• If you are still unsure as to how Rafflecopter works please do check out this short video.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

**In collaboration with Zero Water

Veganuary with Indigo Herbs

After an indulgent festive period it's time to think of getting into shape, stick to the New Years resolutions and follow a healthy eating programme. I have created a plan for my self that I am going to try and follow, not just for January but throughout the year.

The plan is:

• To eat healthy
• To exercise
• Maintain a good work/life balance
• Sleep well
• Reduce time on social media and spend more time outdoors
• Spend time with family.
• To slow down and enjoy life(I am very hyperactive)

My main focus is to eat healthy and exercise more.I have always been a vegetarian but on this blog I do share vegan recipes too. During the month of January my aim is to support #veganuary and post more vegan recipes on the blog. Being Vegan is not really difficult as most ingredients can be substituted with plant based products, such as nut milks, nut butters, vegan cheese too.

I particularly like the range of the raw seed and nut butters that are available form Indigo herbs. I always keep a supply of them in my pantry together with their organic dried fruits and fruit powders.

I love using the nut butters in my smoothies, in baking, making truffles and also just dolloped on my oats or porridge in the morning. My favorite morning routine is overnight oats with berries and almond milk with a generous dollop of almond butter in it. It really is a delicious breakfast to kick start the day. 

I also like making my chocolate oat shake with cacao, banana and indigo peanut butter. My family call it snickers smoothie. It really is absolutely delicious.

For lunch the black sesame seed tahini in a wrap with roasted peppers is absolutely delicious too.

You don't have to be a vegetarian or vegan to enjoy these nut and seed butters but if you planning on doing #veganuary they would be perfect to include in your diet. Do check out Indigo Herbs recipe ideas here.

The indigo range has a selection of different nut and seed butters and they have been very generous and have agreed to send one simplyfood reader a selection to try.

How to Enter:

·         Simply complete the Rafflecopter widget below to verify your entries

·         Entries can be via blog comment, Facebook, Twitter etc

·         Please read the rules they form the terms and conditions of this Giveaway

·         Closing date – 19^th Jan 2019 12.00 am

How Rafflecopter works:

·        You will need to complete the mandatory entry first – usually making a blog comment. You can do this by clicking on leave a comment at the bottom of the post and leaving your reply in the comment box. Please note your comment will not show immediately as it needs to be moderated however rest assured it will appear on the site, so carry on with rest of entries.

·        Login to Rafflecopter – click to see what the question is. Make a comment answering the question on the blog.

·         Go back to Rafflecopter and click the green button to tell me you have made a comment, this will unlock all the other options. All entries are checked to see that the mandatory question is answered, if its not all bonus entries will become void. 

·        Rafflecopter will tweet, like and follow on your behalf.

·        For information on how to find the URL of your tweet click here. 

·        For bonus entries you can return to this page and enter the daily bonus entries. 

·        If you are still unsure as to how Rafflecopter works please do check out this short video.

Rules:

• This giveaway is open to all readers over 18 who live in the UK.
• The winner will be chosen via Rafflecopter (which uses random.org) and announced on this page.
• Prize: A selection of Indigo seed and nut butters worth £50.00
• Simplyfood is hosting this giveaway in collaboration of Indigo Herbs. Their decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into. They reserve the right to withdraw the competition at any time should any unforeseen circumstances arise, in case that the prize is not available a similar prize of same value will be substituted.  No monetary compensation will be given.
• Indigo Herbs will be responsible for sending out the prize to the winner, by entering you are **consenting** to share your address for the prize to be sent and be contacted by email to notify you if you have won the prize. 
•  Please note to be complaint with the new GDPR rules by entering the giveaway you are consenting to allow simplyfood to contact you if you win the prize. Your data will NOT be used for any other marketing purposes.
• All entries will be verified, failure to follow instructions correctly will result in participants being disqualified. Please do not cheat.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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or click the link below:

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*Giveaway in collaboration with Indigo Herbs

Review and Giveaway ~Nala Cutlery Gift set by Viners

I love entertaining and host many dinner parties. Together with planning the menu, it is equally important that your tableware goes hand in hand with the menu. Having a beautifully set table with appropriate crockery and cutlery is an equally important part of entertaining. Your guests will love to sit at a table that is beautifully dressed to enjoy the meal.

This Christmas I am planning my table settings to be very traditional with greens, reds and gold. I have chosen gold place mats with red chargers and classic white plates with a simple gold inlay on the rim. To complete the setting I have chosen the most beautiful Nala range of cutlery from Viners.

The Nala range is ombre effect finish that blends from long, elegant matt handles out to a bright mirror polish. 

It is made from high quality 18.10 stainless steel and finished with a titanium coating. The finish is resistant to corrosion, rust and tarnishing. The 16 piece range comes presented in a flock inlay gift box and consists of a set of  4 x Table forks, 4 x Table knives, 4 x Dessert spoon, 4 x Tea spoons. This stunning cutlery is dishwasher safe and comes with a 50 year guarantee.  

My family have always purchased Viners cutlery, it is long lasting and gives great value for money. The range is available from many kitchen ware stockists and retails at RRP £144

As a Christmas special, We have a  10% off the Nala collection discount code for you to use
Your unique code is SSF10OFF and will be valid until 24.12.2017

*This post is in collaboration with Viners.

As always I love it when my readers can get a chance to try products that I have used. Viners have been very generous and they have agreed to send one simplyfood reader a set of Nala cutlery  RRP £144 so they too can have a beautiful dinner table at Christmas.

How To Enter

·         Simply complete the Rafflecopter widget below to verify your entries

·         Entries can be via blog comment, Facebook, Twitter etc

·         Please read the rules they form the terms and conditions of this Giveaway

·         Closing date – 14/12/2017 12.00 AM, Open to UK residents over 18 yrs only.

How Rafflecopter works:

• You will need to complete the mandatory entry first – usually making a blog comment. You can do this by clicking on leave a comment at the bottom of the post and leaving your reply in the comment box. Please note your comment will not show immediately as it needs to be moderated however rest assured it will appear on the site, so carry on with rest of entries.
• Login to Rafflecopter – click to see what the question is. Make a comment answering the question on the blog.
•  Go back to Rafflecopter and click the green button to tell me you have made a comment, this will unlock all the other options. All entries are checked to see that the mandatory question is answered, if its not all bonus entries will become void. 
• Rafflecopter will tweet, like and follow on your behalf.
• For information on how to find the URL of your tweet click here. 
• For bonus entries you can return to this page and enter the daily bonus entries. 
• If you are still unsure as to how Rafflecopter works please do check out this short video.

a Rafflecopter giveaway