Recipes | I've Been Cooking

Poi Fa'i

Poi Fa'i is a traditional Polynesian (Samoan/Tongan) green banana pudding gently cooked, mashed, and enriched with coconut cream, a touch of raw sugar, vanilla, and lime, then served with toasted coconut—often nestled in banana leaves.

🇼🇸 Samoa$$

Granita Siciliana

A classic Sicilian lemon granita made from water, sugar, fresh lemon juice, a pinch of salt, and mint. Bright, icy, and ultra-refreshing—perfect for hot days or a light palate-cleansing dessert.

🇮🇹 Italy$

Nkatie Cake

Nkatie Cake is a classic Ghanaian peanut brittle-style candy: crunchy, nutty, and lightly spiced with ginger, with a hint of lemon to brighten the caramel.

🇬🇭 Ghana$

Tabbouleh

A bright, herb-forward Levantine salad of finely chopped parsley, mint, tomatoes, and cucumber folded with tender bulgur, lemon, and extra-virgin olive oil. Light, zesty, and perfect as a mezze or side, served scooped with crisp romaine leaves.

🇱🇧 Lebanon$

Kabalagala

Kabalagala are Ugandan banana–cassava fritters: lightly sweet, warmly spiced with cardamom, and crisp outside with a tender, chewy center—perfect with tea or coffee.

🇺🇬 Uganda$

Bambalouni au Gingembre

A Tunisian-style fried doughnut scented with warm ginger. Crisp outside, tender inside, and lightly sugared, Bambalouni au Gingembre is a simple, comforting street-food treat.

🇹🇳 Tunisia$

Akpeteshie Kelewele

Akpeteshie Kelewele is a Ghanaian street-food classic: ripe plantains marinated with ginger, garlic, cayenne, warm spices, lime, and a splash of akpeteshie, then fried until caramelized and crisp at the edges. Finished with roasted peanuts for crunch and aroma.

🇬🇭 Ghana$

Belizean Mint Cacao Sorbet

A refreshing Belizean-inspired sorbet that blends rich cacao with cool mint, bright lime, and a hint of vanilla. Dairy-free and deeply chocolatey, it’s a vibrant, palate-cleansing treat.

🇧🇿 Belize$$

Te Bwabwai

Te Bwabwai is a traditional Kiribati taro pudding, steamed in banana leaves and enriched with coconut cream, toddy syrup, and grated coconut. Fragrant pandanus leaf and a pinch of salt balance the natural sweetness for a comforting island treat.

🇰🇮 Kiribati$$

Sugar Cakes

Traditional Caribbean-style Sugar Cakes made with grated coconut and a spiced sugar syrup, brightened with ginger, vanilla, and lime zest. Chewy, fragrant, and colorful, they’re an easy stovetop sweet perfect for gifting or celebrations.

🇧🇧 Barbados$

I've been...

Poi Fa'i

Granita Siciliana

Nkatie Cake

Tabbouleh

Kabalagala

Bambalouni au Gingembre

Akpeteshie Kelewele

Belizean Mint Cacao Sorbet

Te Bwabwai

Sugar Cakes

I've been...

Poi Fa'i

Granita Siciliana

Nkatie Cake

Tabbouleh

Kabalagala

Bambalouni au Gingembre

Akpeteshie Kelewele

Belizean Mint Cacao Sorbet

Te Bwabwai

Sugar Cakes