Putting together a Trinidad care package this Christmas

Putting together a Trinidad care package this Christmas

Christmas is a really important and memorable occasion in Trinidad & Tobago. There are so many annual customs and rituals; painting the house, parang, going house to house for a drink…

As that festive season approaches, the spirit of giving blossoms into full swing. For many, Christmas is a time for family gatherings, joyful celebrations and sharing love and appreciation. However, for loved ones who are far away from home, the holidays can sometimes feel a bit lonely. One thoughtful way to bridge the geographical gap is by putting together a Trinidad care package that embodies the warmth and tradition of the twin island republic.

Soft drinks

Or, as they’re called in Trinidad & Tobago, swee’ drinks. Some, like sorrel, are specifically drunk at Christmas. Others simply give a sweet taste of back home.

Bag of sorrel

Sorrel: This ruby red drink is made from the calyces of the Hibiscus sabdariffa. A thirst-quenching, spiced beverage best poured over lots of ice… with or without added Christmas spirit – see rum below.

Bottles of Matouk's mauby

Mauby: I have a lifelong aversion to mauby. The one and only time I have ever drunk it is indelibly etched on my taste buds and in my memory. That doesn’t mean that I should omit it from my Christmas round-up though – lots of other people love it… you may too. Mauby is made from tree bark and looks a bit like cinnamon – I find the taste indescribable – like nothing else upon this earth!

Bottles of Peardrax sparkling pear drink

Peardrax & Cydrax: One of those drinks that was considered a treat when I was growing up. Special occasions such as birthday parties and Christmas meals would see a tall, slender amber bottle of fizzy Peardrax and/or Cydrax on the table.

Alcoholic drinks

Once again, some of these alcoholic drinks are imbibed all year round. Ponche de crème is considered a Christmas drink, much like Bailey’s is here in the UK.

Carib and Stag lager beers

Carib and Stag lager beers: In T&T, you’re either a Stag or a Carib drinker. Think HP or Daddie’s sauce fan… you get the idea!

Bottle of Fernandez Vat 19 rum

Rum: Depending on the depth of your pockets, you could buy your loved one a bottle of Angostura 3-year-old White Reserva, 5-year-old dark or invest in an ever so slightly dearer bottle of 1997 Caroni 23-year-old Single & Single.

Home made Trinidad ponche de crème

Ponche de crème: Due to its raw egg content, ‘punch-a-crema’ doesn’t travel terribly well, so it’s probably best to rustle up a batch of your own. I’ve had numerous compliments on the mixture I’ve made using this recipe.

Food

Home made Trinidad black cake

Black cake: The quintessential Christmas foodstuff; rich, dark, unctuous. This must be made months, if not a year, in advance for it to be just right. Everyone has their own recipe and secret ingredients – the one ingredient that isn’t secret is lashings of rum… see above.

Pastelles

Pastelles: Another must-eat item at Christmastime. Spiced, ground meat (and these days, meat substitute) enveloped in a cornmeal blanket, wrapped in banana leaf (or tin foil) and tied up with string – to borrow from a classic film – this is one of my favourite things!

Clear plastic box of tamarind balls

Tamarind balls: Or, as it’s pronounced, ‘tambran’ balls are small rounds of tamarind paste and flecks of chilli flakes rolled in Demerara sugar. One of those everyday treats that could be bought from every school tuck shop and ‘parlour shop, either in little plastic bags of 4 or 6, or singly in a little piece of brown paper. One of those things that expat Trinbagonians crave after being away from the islands for any length of time.

Preserved sweet and salted prunes

Salted prunes: Like the aforementioned tambran balls, ‘salt’ prunes and ‘sweet an’ salt’ preserved prunes are pined for by Trinis living ‘in foreign’. The unnaturally red-coloured, latter version are my favourite and have what can be described as an umami taste – they make your mouth water just thinking about them.

Bag of preserved red mango

Red mango: As is the case with salt prunes, red mango’s abnormal colour never put me off eating bags of the stuff. It’s one of your 5-a-day, surely?

Bag of KC dinner mints

KC dinner mints: These are what my Dad turned to when he attempted (and finally succeeded) giving up smoking. They’re not restricted to just dinner time consumption. These little, dainty, hard, white candies are to be consumed at any time of day or night.

Bag of Chief curry powder

Chief curry powder: If you want to accurately reproduce the taste and aroma of a Trini curry, it can only be done by using this ubiquitous brand of curry powder. Rotis, potato, vegetable or meat curries… it has to be Chief.

Home made Caribbean pepper sauce

Pepper sauce: Matouk’s is the pepper sauce brand that I clearly remember from my childhood – my dad used it like other people use ketchup… it was on the table with almost every meal. Either that or a whole, fresh Scotch bonnet on the side of his plate! You could also choose Royal Castle, Berties, Mudda ‘N’ Law… or make your own!

Matouk's green seasoning

Green seasoning: The go-to, all-purpose seasoning for marinading meat & fish of all types – a bottle or jar of it can be found in every fridge, in every home in the land.

Tropical Sun guava cheese

Guava jam and cheese: Guava jam is for spreading on your bread. Guava cheese is the better option for putting on Crix (see below) with a piece of ‘mouse cheese’ – Fonterra cheddar cheese from New Zealand.

Crix crackers from Bermudez

Crix crackers: Known as the ‘vital supplies’, if you can only send one thing to your Trini friends & family abroad, make it these.

Presentation matters

When assembling your care package, presentation is key. Use festive-coloured boxes or baskets that reflect the holiday spirit. You can also decorate the package with ribbons, and perhaps even a little ornament or two, making it visually appealing.

Shipping tips

Sending a care package internationally can often involve unexpected delays. Here are a few tips to ensure a smooth delivery:

  • Plan ahead: Start gathering items early to allow ample time for packing and shipping.
  • Check customs regulations: Make sure that all items comply with customs regulations to avoid any issues during delivery.
  • Choose the right shipping method: Opt for a reliable service that provides tracking capabilities, so you can keep an eye on your package’s journey.

Conclusion

Creating a Trinidad care package is not just about sending products; it’s about sending love, memories and the spirit of togetherness. By including thoughtful items that celebrate Trini cuisine and culture, you can help your loved ones feel cherished and connected to home this Christmas. As you pack the culinary delights, remember that it’s the thought and care behind each item that truly makes it special, embodying the warmth, joy and tastes of the season.

Have we glaringly omitted anything that you think is a must-have for Trinbagonian expats? Let us know in the comments!

A Grand Hamper from Clearwater Hampers

The Grand Hamper from Clearwater Hampers | H is for Home

We’re well into thinking about Christmas now. Festive decorations have started to go up, we’re pencilling in dates to meet up with friends & family, cards and presents have been bought (well, some of them at least)…and we’ve just started picking up all those special food & drink treats. We buy them gradually in various markets and shops – whatever catches our eye – and display them in baskets on a table next to the tree. It’s a lovely sight – and a tempting one too! We’ve just been given an early boost to our haul with this Grand Hamper sent by the lovely folks at Hampers.com. The attractive wicker basket contains a very nice selection of classic Christmas goodies.

Champagne and chocolates in the Grand Hamper from Clearwater Hampers | H is for Home

For starters, many people’s idea of the ultimate treat – champagne & chocolates. Specifically, Autreau Roualet Brut NV Champagne and Hamlet Gold Box of assorted chocolates. Will we have the bubbles at breakfast or for a pre-dinner aperitif… decisions, decisions!

Smoked salmon and Serrano ham in the Grand Hamper from Clearwater Hampers | H is for Home

Or perhaps the champagne will be sipped alongside smoked salmon or cured meat canapés – another delicious option. The hamper contains both traditional Scottish smoked salmon and Spanish Serrano ham.

Cheeses in the Grand Hamper from Clearwater Hampers | H is for Home

Next we have some fabulous extra mature cheddar – Black Bomber from Snowdonia in Wales – great name and a great cheese. And what better to accompany it with than the Tracklements damson cheese? This tangy chutney works well with all manner of cheeses. Perfect with pies or the Christmas ham too.

Crackers and shortbread biscuits in the Grand Hamper from Clearwater Hampers | H is for Home

And of course, your cheeseboard will be needing cheese biscuits too. This luxury selection has a variety of textures, flavours and bakes contained within – they’ll work well with those party dips. And sweet biscuits get a look in also with these luxury chocolate and toffee shortbreads. A cup of tea and a shortbread for those little quiet moments in amongst all the Christmas madness perhaps.

It’s a fabulous selection of items – a perfect present to yourself or a loved one. We’re certainly looking forward to ours!

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Christmas gifts of the day: Christmas gift hampers

Christmas gift hampers | H is for Home

A huge part of the Christmas season is all the tasty food & drink that we don’t often see or consume at other times of the year. The special-occasions Champagne and port, mince pies, Christmas pudding and cake and tins of chocolate assortments. You’d rarely go wrong presenting a Christmas gift hamper as a present.

There are hampers available to suit every pocket. From the modest £30+ ‘Christmas Carol’ comprising a bottle of Shiraz, yoghurt coated nuts, Belgian chocolates and savoury biscuits to the blow-the-budget Fortnum’s golden wicker basket of goodies that’s almost big enough to be considered a family Christmas dinner in itself!

  1. A Merry Christmas hamper – £425, Fortnum & Mason
  2. 12 Days of Christmas hamper – £50.34, Christmas Hamper
  3. The Ultimate Great British Selection hamper: £155, Whisk Hampers
  4. Winter Spice hamper: £65, John Lewis
  5. Port & cheese hamper: £45, Clearwater Hampers
  6. The Christmas Carol: £32.50 Hamper Gifts
  7. Christmas Gift hamper: £81.95, iHampers

John Lewis Hamper

Selection of John Lewis Christmas hamper items

Christmas officially arrived chez H is for Home on the day this John Lewis hamper was delivered. It was full of the wonderful food & drink goodies that you buy yourself & loved ones as a festive treat! It seemed a bit naughty trying things out in November, but it was all in the interest of research you’ll understand!

tall bottles of infused olive oils from a John Lewis Christmas hamper

We love dipping crusty fresh bread into good quality olive oil & balsamic vinegar. It makes a perfect relaxed pre-dinner snack or starter. These Italian virgin olive oils by Il Boschetto are infused with basil or chilli which will add an exciting twist to the dipping experience. They’re perfect for salad dressings and pasta sauces too.

chutney set from a John Lewis Christmas hamper

One of the little joys of Christmas is that you often have a table of goodies that you can grab something from each time you pass! The cheeseboard is probably our favourite – and these tangy Paxton & Whitefield chutneys give the flavours an extra lift. Really good with cold meats & pork pies as well.

mini mince pies from a John Lewis Christmas hamper

A Christmas hamper wouldn’t be complete without a mince pie. These cute little pies from Cottage Delight have a crunchy almond topping and are really scrummy.

jars of loose teas from a John Lewis Christmas hamper

There are lots of options with which to wash down the mince pies and a nice cup of tea is certainly one. It’s a mug of strong Yorkshire Tea throughout most of the year, but something a little more unusual or delicate for the festive period maybe. These teas from The Lawn fit the bill. One each of a classic English Breakfast Tea and a Rose Garden Fruit Tea with hibiscus, lemon grass, rosebuds & orange flowers.

spiced orange Edinburgh gin from a John Lewis Christmas hamper

Moving onto the strong stuff! This Spiced Orange Edinburgh Gin produced by the Spencerfield Spirit Co is quite exciting. We’re looking forward to trying this – the orange, cinnamon & spice flavours are perfect for Christmas. We think it’s going to be very drinkable on its own – served over ice, sipped & savoured. It will also be perfect mixed with soda for a longer, more refreshing drink. A splash with Champagne or Cava is also going to be delicious.

mulled wine kit from a John Lewis Christmas hamper

The classic mulled wine provides another chance to savour those festive season spices. These mulled wine pouches – again from Cottage Delight Speciality Foods – contain cassia, orange peel, allspice berries and cloves. You just heat a bottle of red wine with one of the pouches for delicious warming mulled wine – and another perfect drink to accompany those mince pies!

Port from a John Lewis Christmas hamper

We always treat ourselves to a bottle of port at Christmas – it’s one of our much-anticipated little indulgences. Snow outside, a winter walk, real fire, glass of port. Life doesn’t get much better than that! We gave it a taste test whilst photographing. It has passed quality control and has been put away until signs of the first snow.

sweets from a John Lewis Christmas hamper

There were sweets & chocolate too of course. We love the chocolate hippo packaging by Baro – and these cute little penguin cookies by Image are charming as well.

sweets from a John Lewis Christmas hamper

Some slightly more grown up confectionery too – chocolate covered pretzels by Hope & greenwood & Holdsworth’s Turkish Delight. Perfect, indulgent Christmas treats.

chocolate bar from a John Lewis Christmas hamper

Items can be bought individually so perfect choose your own selection of goodies – or hampers can be ordered ready made up. You can always rely on John Lewis for a bit of quality – and there’s lovely packaging throughout the range of hamper items – important when it comes to treats or gifts. So it’s an early Merry Christmas wish from John Lewis and the folks here at H is for Home.

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