Carib Bean Coffee is a specialty coffee roaster, based on the island of Antigua.  We source the finest specialty coffee from around the Caribbean Basin as well as other exotics and roast them daily on our Sivetz fluid bed roaster.  With over 20 years in the business, our coffee loving team of professionals have a wealth of experience and a passion for what they do.  

We love nothing more than partnering with people who are committed to delivering outstanding coffee to their customers, and since 2015, we have proudly been working with Cap Maison, and doing just that! 

Bringing together a combination of exceptional coffees from Ethiopia and Java, our Cap Maison EMJ Espresso Blend is one we are fiercely proud of.

The complex Ethiopian Mocha joins well with the floral and rustic earthy flavoured notes of a great Java.  Roasted dark, this is an espresso that doesn’t taste like anything else!

“Bursting with flavor, this pumpkin pie recipe is my very favorite. It’s rich, smooth, and tastes incredible on my fragile pastry base (which will melt in your mouth) and served with whipped cream. You can also leave off the sugared cranberries“. Chef Craig.

Ingredients

Sugared Cranberries

• 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar, divided
• 1 cup (120g) fresh cranberries*
• 1 cup (240ml) water

Fragile Pastry 

• 2 and 1/2 cups (313g) all-purpose flour (spoon & leveled)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup  (225g) unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
• 1/2 cup (120ml) ice water

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 Method 

1. Mix the flour and salt together in a large bowl. Add the butter 
2. Using a pastry cutter or two forks, cut the butter into the mixture until it resembles coarse meal (pea-sized bits with a few larger bits of fat is OK). A pastry cutter makes this step very easy and quick.
3. Measure 1/2 cup (120ml) of water in a cup. Add ice. Stir it around. From that, measure 1/2 cup (120ml) of water– since the ice has melted a bit. Drizzle the cold water in, 1 Tablespoon (15ml) at a time, and stir with a rubber spatula or wooden spoon after every Tablespoon (15ml) added. Do not add any more water than you need to. Stop adding water when the dough begins to form large clumps. I always use about 1/2 cup (120ml) of water and a little more in dry winter months (up to 3/4 cup).
4. Transfer the pie dough to a floured work surface. The dough should come together easily and should not feel overly sticky. Using floured hands, fold the dough into itself until the flour is fully incorporated into the fats. Form it into a ball. Divide dough in half. Flatten each half into 1-inch thick discs using your hands.
5. Wrap each tightly in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours (and up to 5 days).
6. When rolling out the chilled pie dough discs to use in your pie, always use gentle force with your rolling pin. Start from the center of the disc and work your way out in all directions, turning the dough with your hands as you go. Visible specks of butter in the dough are perfectly normal and expected!

Pumpkin

•   2 cups; 450g roast pumpkin puree*
• 3 large eggs
• 1 and 1/4 cups (250g) packed light or dark brown sugar
• 1 Tablespoon (8g) cornstarch
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 and 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger*
• 1/4 teaspoon ground or freshly grated nutmeg*
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves*
• 1/8 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
• 1/4 cup (60ml) milk 
• egg wash: 1 large egg beaten with 1 Tablespoon milk

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Method

1. For the cranberries: Place cranberries in a large bowl; set aside. In a medium saucepan, bring 1 cup of sugar and the water to a boil and whisk until the sugar has dissolved. Remove pan from the heat and allow to cool for 5 minutes. Pour sugar syrup over the cranberries and stir. Let the cranberries sit at room temperature or in the refrigerator for 6 hours or overnight (ideal). You’ll notice the sugar syrup is quite thick after this amount of time. Drain the cranberries from the syrup and pour 1 cup of sugar on top. Toss the cranberries, coating them all the way around. Pour the sugared cranberries on a parchment paper or silicone baking mat-lined baking sheet and let them dry for at least 2 hours at room temperature or in the refrigerator. You’ll have extra, but they’re great for eating or as garnish on other dishes. Cover tightly and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. 

2  For the pumpkin pie filling: Whisk the pumpkin, 3 eggs, and brown sugar together until combined. Add the cornstarch, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, pepper, cream, and milk. Vigorously whisk until everything is combined.

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

3. Roll out the chilled pie crust: Remove 1 disc of pie dough from the refrigerator. On a lightly floured work surface, roll the dough out into a 12-inch circle. Make sure to turn the dough about a quarter turn after every few rolls. Carefully place the dough into a 9-inch deep dish pie dish. Tuck it in with your fingers, making sure it is smooth. With a small and sharp knife, trim the extra overhang of crust and discard. Crimp the edges with a fork or flute the edges with your fingers, if desired. Brush edges lightly with egg wash mixture. Line the pie crust with parchment paper. Crunching up the parchment paper is helpful so that you can easily shape it into the crust. Fill with pie weights or dried beans. (Note that you will need at least 2 standard sets of pie weights to fit.) Make sure the weights/beans are evenly distributed around the pie dish. Par-bake the crust for 10 minutes. Carefully remove the parchment paper/pie weights.
4. Pour pumpkin pie filling into the warm pre-baked crust. Only fill the crust about 3/4 of the way up. Bake the pie until the center is almost set, about 55-60 minutes give or take. A small part of the center will be wobbly – that’s ok. After 25 minutes of baking, be sure to cover the edges of the crust with aluminum foil or use a pie crust shield to prevent the edges from getting too brown. Check for doneness at minute 50, and then 55, and then 60, etc.
5. Once done, transfer the pie to a wire rack and allow to cool completely for at least 3 hours. Decorate with sugared cranberries. You’ll definitely have leftover cranberries – they’re tasty for snacking. Serve pie with whipped cream if desired. Cover leftovers tightly and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

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Historical Fiction

 August 1^st was Emancipation Day in St. Lucia. I read The Yellow Wife by Sadeqa Johnson

Some books are hard to read. The Yellow Wife by Sadeqa Johnson was one of those books.

Slavery was a horrible uncomfortable part of our history. But it was part of it. And as much as we want to hide the ugly parts of us, sometimes we need to just stare it in the face. We don’t give any power to it by looking at it, but we just need to recognize it for what it is. And by doing so, we can better understand the big picture. Why some things evolved the way they did.

Some say that we can’t move forward until we understand the past. But there are many successful people with no knowledge and no desire to learn about the past. Personally, I don’t believe that I need to understand the past to move forward. But, if I at least know it, the present, makes a lot more sense.

Throughout history, there have been good and bad people.

This book will change you. You will cry. You will swear. You will put it down and not want to pick it up again. And when you are done, you will need to purge yourself. It took me almost a week to start reading again.

All this said, The Yellow Wife was an awesome read! So well written, and well researched. Five Stars. My favorite historical fiction of the year. If this is out of your comfort zone, take the step. I hope you enjoy it.

And I promise a really wonderful romcom in November.

Until then, I hope you feel wordy…

Wanda

Wanda Octave is the St. Lucian author of My life Interpreted. A novel of witty, thought provoking insights on life. When she is not writing or reading, she begrudgingly works in Real Estate and Marketing.

October

Oct 1st begins Creole Heritage month in St. Lucia

A month of activities devoted to celebrating the culture that evolved from the island’s French and English colonization. For the whole month, various communities throughout the island host activities that highlight traditional music, food, games and dance. The last Sunday in October is ‘Creole Day’ which I will talk about later, but it is usually my recommendation for the most exciting time to visit the island, if you want to experience a true taste of Saint Lucian Culture.

A little earlier than our US & Canadian neighbours, Oct 1 is Thanksgiving in St. Lucia

We do not celebrate Thanksgiving like they do in the US. I think most of us are just thankful for the day off work!

Oct 1 also happens to be World Vegetarian Day

So here is a reason to make an extra effort to eat more veggies or cook a vegetarian meal. Technically, you can have fish but no animal products. If you do not feel like being an experimental chef today, go to a vegan restaurant. If you are on property at Cap Maison, be sure to try any one of the many vegetarian or vegan options on our menu.

Oct 1 is also International Coffee Day

Soooo, have as many cups of coffee as you want today (between your veggie meals). If you are on island, be sure to visit Fond Dou Estate or Hotel Chocolat. St. Lucian coffee is so good, we have award winning hotels and restaurants dedicated to coffee and chocolate!

Oct 2nd – Name Your Car Day

My husband and I have shared a car for the past few years but my last car was called Bambi. She was different. A bit exotic, elegant and a head turner. She passed away in a fire (long story) but she will always be with me. If you haven’t named your car yet, go outside and give it a long hard look. Then decide on a gender, or pronoun, and go for it!

Oct 3rd – National Boyfriend’s Day

Men always claim that they are left out, so here is an opportunity to pamper your partner today. Learn his love language, and speak it.

Oct 5th is World Teacher’s Day

We hear all the time that teachers are undervalued, overworked and underpaid. Right now, this is an understatement. With virtually all kids having access to the latest electronics and extreme social media influence, teachers are finding it more challenging to hold the attention of students and be the positive influence that they need to look up to. Find a teacher and honor them today.

Oct 7th International Frugal Fun Day.

Ditch the electronics and grab a board game. Have a pantry cooking challenge. Go on $50 date. Have a neighbourhood treasure hunt. Take a hike. Literally. Have a pot luck with friends. Fun is multiplied with good company. With all these ideas you could just have a frugal fun week!

Oct 9th is Mouldy Cheese Day.

If you do not love blue cheese. Give it another try. Invest in a smooth creamy gorgonzola. Try it on a nice rice cracker, with tart jam, accompanied by some grapes and walnuts. This might be my frugal blue cheese plate. But you get the idea. I love blue cheese, so I may be biased. I once had a blue cheese soufflé that kept me drooling for days. When I couldn’t take it anymore, I drove back to the restaurant one night ordered two. The next week they changed the menu. I almost died.

If you are on property at Cap Maison, order a cheese plate after dinner, or better yet, book a wine and cheese tasting in the Cellar. Awaken your taste buds!

Oct 11th is Take Your Parents to Lunch Day.

I know as we get older, for various reasons, taking out parents out to eat may not be easy. But you can also order in and sit for a formal lunch. It is heart warming, how much they appreciate it. If you are able to get them out of work, or their homes or able to get them to agree to be together, take them to a nice restaurant.

Oct 12th is World Egg Day.

There are so many dishes that you can make with eggs. But for today, try as much as possible to find and use organic eggs. Which you will definitely need on Oct 14th for National Dessert Day. If you are on property at Cap Maison, try one or two deserts with every meal. Yeah, it’s National Dessert Day after all. If you are not on property, seek out your favorite deserts an enjoy!

Hopefully Oct 15th was a day of juicing, because Oct 16th is World Food Day.

The UN wants to use this day to bring attention to the quality of food production and increasing food supply and distribution, to the areas where it is most needed. While many countries will be having World Food Day Celebrations dedicated to savoring the flavours from around the world, let us also use this day to give a food hamper to a needy family, or donate to a food bank or like organization. If you are on property at Cap Maison, step off your comfort zone and order something new at each meal.

Oct 20th is International Chef’s Day.

If you are on property at Cap Maison, tip the chef today! We always tip the wait staff for the service but how often do we tip the chef and kitchen staff for the wonderful meal that was prepared. If you go out to eat in your home town, go prepared. After the meal, ask to see the chef and hand him a tip.

Oct 25th International Artist Day.

Today, find some time to appreciate art. First, simply go outdoors and appreciate the beauty of nature. Our first experience with visual art, comes when we step outside. Just pause, and look around you. That’s art. Then, listen to the sound of the wind and the birds in the air. That’s music. Appreciate the artists that bring these to life, the visual and performing artists who usually work for little or no pay to give birth to the beautiful works of art and theatrical performances that we don’t spend enough time and money on.

October 25th is also World Opera Day. Again, Opera singers usually work very hard, and do not get the recognition or pay that they deserve. If you are lucky enough to live in a city where you can attend an Opera, go. It is mesmerizing.

Today also happens to be World Pasta Day. Of course, an Italian restaurant may be the best place to appreciate a good pasta dish, but we do have a few on the menu, if you on property at Cap Maison.

Oct 27th is Black Cat Day.

Whatever meaning you associate with this. You have been warned!

Oct 29th is Creole Day in St. Lucia.

As mentioned in the opening, all celebrations come to a head on the last Sunday in October where about three or four communities are chosen to host Creole Day Activities. Cultural artifacts are on display, various performances of song and dance, and a huge variety of food is on sale. Lots, and Lots of food. Some prepared by traditional methods in honor of the celebrations. This is a melting pot of St. Lucian cuisine as it is the one time of year where you can find all the traditional dishes in one location. I really do hope you get a chance to visit then!

Oct 30th is Mischief Night.

I cannot elaborate on this. Do as you please.

Oct 31st is Halloween.

Carved Pumpkins, Witches, Treat or Trick, Scarecrows & Skeletons in your driveway; However you celebrate, have an Awesome time! If you are on property at Cap Maison, be on the lookout, we do have some fun Halloween surprises in store!

Love and other Lost Words

If you don’t believe in love and fairy tales, kindly skip to the third paragraph.

If you kept on reading, you’re either intrigued or a hopeless romantic like I am. I always wonder why some people drown themselves in the spirit of Christmas with gifts, movies, food and family and yet, brush over Valentine’s Day. Is the day of Love not meant to be celebrated? Aren’t you not meant to soak yourself up in the spirit of love, whether you have a partner or not?

The Book of Love is long and boring. No one can lift the damn thing. It’s full of charts and facts and figures, and instructions for Dancing’” – Peter Gabriel

The book of Love by Peter Gabriel is a soft romantic ballad that just screams true love and fairytale romance. It felt like a soundtrack to my next book recommendation.

 

‘Part of Your World by Abby Jimenez’

was one of my favorite reads of last year and has joined my top shelf as one of my favorite romance novels of all time. It was swoon worthy. A sweet love story of two people from different socio economic backgrounds, who had to navigate career, family and societal pressures, to find a way to be together. The writing is raw and funny and features one of the most honest male voices I have read in a really long time. I read it in almost one sitting. And I will read it again with you this month. I love it that much.

 

 

 

 

If you would rather pass up on romance this month, or want something refreshingly different, ‘The Dictionary of Lost Words’ by Pip Williams will delight you. The Dictionary of Lost Words is an extraordinary portrayal of one woman’s contribution to the compilation / publishing of the Oxford Dictionary, the words that got printed, the meanings they hold and how these meanings were contrived. There are so many words that never got printed because they were deemed unfit for society, or were only spoken by ‘commoners’.

Based on actual events, this book will make you question your vocabulary in the most unusual way. Heartfelt and thought provoking, The Dictionary of Lost words is sure to become a sleeper favorite!

 

Until next month, I hope you feel wordy…

Wanda

 

Wanda Octave is the St. Lucian author of My life Interpreted. A novel of witty, thought provoking insights on life. When she is not writing or reading, she begrudgingly works in Real Estate and Marketing.

Cap Maison’s lush landscape adds another layer of natural beauty to its Caribbean surroundings, making the spacious Gardenview Room a unique tropical hideaway perfect for the traveler looking for intimate accommodations with sophisticated Saint Lucian charm. Take a walk-through with a virtual tour below…

Wake up and greet the day on your terrace or balcony overlooking the verdant gardens, the perfect spot to enjoy your morning cup of coffee or just relax in the sunshine. Late risers can stay in bed and cuddle up to Egyptian cotton sheets and plush down pillows and listen to the soothing sounds of nature. Guests enjoy hearing the hummingbirds flit about the gardens at daytime and listening to the exotic sounds of tropical frogs greeting them at dusk. You can have a look around the lush grounds from a recent Facebook LIVE broadcast with the team that designed the gardens.

En suite bathrooms feature island-inspired, hand-painted tiles to continue the cool blue Caribbean aesthetic. Indulge in a large, spa-style shower and luxury bathroom amenities to relax your mind and surround yourself in Saint Lucian serenity.

Every detail has been accounted for, including an in-room air conditioning unit, tea/coffee maker, a safe, iron/ironing board, BOSE docking station and an Amazon Echo for your convenience.

Come discover your serene island escape in Cap Maison’s Gardenview Rooms. Saint Lucia is waiting for you!

 

In less than a month, Cap Maison will welcome Ed Roland of Collective Soul to our resort for Unplugged in Paradise, and we want you to join us.

From April 26-29, Collective Soul frontman Ed Roland will take St. Lucia experiential travel to all new heights with three acoustic performances over four days at Cap Maison. There are only a couple of rooms left available, so don’t miss out on this four-day experience!

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Click here for booking code for this special event and to reserve your Cap Maison stay.

More About Ed Roland of Collective Soul

As the lead singer and songwriter for the multi-platinum band Collective Soul, Ed Roland has written multiple No. 1 songs including “Shine,” “The World I Know,” “Run,” “December” and many more. The band has sold more than 10 million albums and just released their latest record, Collective Soul – LIVE, in December 2018.

Collective Soul has had 7 songs on the Billboard Hot 100 over the years including “Shine”, “Precious Declaration”, “December”, “Listen” and “The World I Know”. Add on top of that countless radio hits across multiple formats and you’ve got the makings of an incredible weekend of live music with Unplugged in Paradise at Cap Maison.

St. Lucia Experiential Travel

As mentioned, very few rooms are left for this once-in-a-lifetime rock n’ stay experience. All-Inclusive packages are also available for guests looking for the ultimate luxury Cap Maison experience.

Click here to learn more about available rooms and packages to get your rockin’ vacation experience started.