A tradition from my country that surprises foreigners…

Funeral culture in The Bahamas is a whole thing. The themes, the colors, limousines and boutonnières and corsages. The parades to the graveyard. It is often a full weekend of happy and sad moments blended altogether to celebrate the life of a loved one.

The dish from my country you have to try is…

As we approach the cooler months on this side, my mind immediately goes to soups. Peas soup and dough comes to mind. This hearty, filling soup has everything but the kitchen sink in it -- hand-rolled dumplings, pigeon peas, various meats and seafood and lots of starchy vegetables. Second day soup is best because the flavors have time to meld together.

Three small things that make me happy…

A good cup of hot coffee that has the right balance of creamer and sugar that doesn't overpower the coffee flavors. When I cook a meal without tasting it during the seasoning process and it comes out really well. When I go to the beach, sitting in the water and splashing around like a big kid.