I am often told that I am bold, creative and have a fearless approach to food. And that is correct. As you all know, I like to play around with my food… in a culinary capacity. Adhering to the norm is oh so boring. I like to step outside of my comfort zone, and that is exactly what I did with Ackee in this creation. I paired it with lima beans and okras and it was amazingly d’luscious.

Ackee is traditionally prepared with Salted Fish in Jamaica, the land of my birth. It is Jamaica’s National dish. Yes we do have a national dish. There is a celebration in Jamaica for just about everything. The culture in itself is very festive. Ackee is traditionally served with Salted Cod. Nowadays salted haddock and pollock are sold and utilized frequently. I don’t think the consumer actually realizes that it isn’t salted cod, for the mere fact that the average individual do not read the ingredients on the labels. However, any salted fish paired with ackee will suffice.

I utilize all things food in every way possible. I do so even more, now that I am becoming  health conscious. Stepping outside of my comfort zone and creating new and vibrant dishes such as this one, is effortless.  Ackee has a buttery texture and so does the lima beans. The okra adds its signature by providing that extra crunch, and I love love love crunchy vegetables.That plate above was my breakfast with another twist on the traditional ackee. I usually plate, photograph and also have the honor of devouring my authentic creations. I’m the cook. I put all the footwork in…so why not enjoy it too? Who would’ve thought that this combination of ackee, lima beans and okras would appeal to the taste buds the way that it did? It surely is a success, very enticing and it’s definitely one of those dishes that  will have you saying: “Oh my, I have to try that!”