Rum Cream

• 14 oz can Sweetened Condensed Milk

• 1 cup Spiced Rum

• 1 cup Heavy Cream or Half &Half

• 3 tbsp Chocolate Syrup

• 2 tbsp Fresh Brewed Coffee

• 1 Tsp Real Vanilla Extract

• 1 tsp Coconut Extract

Mix all ingredients in a blender on low setting for a 30 -45 seconds or until ingredients are blend well.

Refrigerate for an hour for flavors to blend before serving . Serve over ice. You can add your coffee, ice cream etc.

Recipe Notes:

Yield 1 Liter ( A little over 1 quart)

***If you’re looking for a non-alcoholic option – you may substitute the rum with rum extract.

Last approximately 14 days and taste better if left to sit overnight.

Unlike any other part of the hemisphere, better yet the world, the communities of the Caribbean has the most commonalities between each other, yet, vastly unique in their own rights. From Anguilla to Turks and Caicos the similarities are unintentionally ubiquitous but also exceptional in their differences. My First trip to Nassau, Bahamas 2004, was extremely eye-opening, when I realized the similarities between Jamaica and that country. My �irst contact on the ground was the chauffer/ tour guide, who ably assisted us with some potent history of the islands.

Jamaican Diaspora

One very revealing aspect was that of his schooling, where he learnt quite a bit about the other Islands. Like all the Caribbean Islands, Nassau is big on marine life and fisheries, my first taste of conch fritters was during that time. The friendly and welcoming nature of the Bahamians especially in the markets, was synonymous to that of the markets in Jamaica. I truly felt as if I were in the Ocho Rios craft market.

The following year I did some Island hopping, not too much to report on St. Martin/ St Maarten two countries sharing the same island with very similar names. The stopover was just for a plane swap, so, not much experience garnered there. Barbados was the next stop on that trip. Factoid: Barbados was where the grapefruit originated. Bajans in George Town, astutely copied the Jamaican dialect. As I was greeted by a vendor plying his wares, sounding no different from me. “Wah gwaan supastar? Yuh ago buss de place layta!” Meaning, I will do good on the show which I am slated to perform on. I’ve always been a big fan of guava jam, which we produce in Jamaica, but it was my first-time having guava cheese. It took that trip to find out that we also produce guava cheese. We may not produce it on the same scale, but nonetheless we have that in common.

I then journeyed to St. Vincent and the Grenadines, where I spent a couple of days touring the small island. Again, one major similarity is the fishing industry. However, with the exception of St. Lucia, which I haven’t yet visited, St. Vincent seems to be the closest to Jamaica in relations to its mountainous terrain. I ventured on a road trip in one of their public passenger mini vans during my stay there, and for the entire ride all I could hear was Jamaican recording artistes, such as, Elephant Man, Spragga Benz, Bounti Killa, Sean Paul, Ce’cille and a host of other Reggae/Dancehall artistes. The island had other stark resemblance and connections to Jamaica. Much to my dismay, the driver navigated the narrow roadway in a very dangerous manner at intense speed. I could only manage to remain composed as it was something that I was accustomed to back home.

My sojourn into the Turks and Caicos revealed much of the same, unlike the other Islands, they are not as huge in the fishing industry, but nonetheless fully acquainted with marine life. This Island saw me visiting no less than three times as they are an emerging entertainment hub. By now the picture should be resoundingly clear that, the Caribbean is the most unique and extraordinary melting pot of the world, unlike any other region. We host a wide variety of ethnicity and their cultures on a vast canvas. If one should truly experience the entire world, the Caribbean has the most offerings on show. From the Lesser Antilles, the Greater Antilles, the Leeward Islands, the Windward Islands, the Eastern Caribbean, Central and Southern Caribbean all the way to the Gulf of Mexico. Big up to my Caribe Family.

Written by Melvin Pennant J.P aka M.A.P