Anthea's Kitchen

09/06/2026

Let's talk about one of the unsung heroes of Caribbean cooking: green seasoning.

If you've never come across it before, green seasoning is a blend of fresh herbs and aromatics, often including onions, garlic, thyme and peppers, that is used as the flavour base for countless dishes.

It's one of those things that doesn't always get the spotlight, but plays a huge role in creating the depth of flavour people associate with Caribbean food.

In Jamaican cooking, we often talk about layering flavour rather than simply adding seasoning at the end. Green seasoning is a perfect example of that philosophy. It helps create a foundation that allows every ingredient that follows to shine.

Like many traditional recipes, there isn't one "correct" way to make it. Families pass down their own versions, and cooks adapt it to their tastes.

That's what I love most about food. The techniques are shared, but every kitchen adds its own story.

Have you ever made green seasoning before, or do you have a family recipe that's been passed down through generations?

07/06/2026

It's funny how a smell can take you back years in an instant.

For me, that smell is pimento wood.

The moment it hits the air, I'm no longer thinking about work, to-do lists or what's happening tomorrow. Instead, I'm back in Jamaica, surrounded by family, good food and the sounds and smells that shaped my childhood.

So much of Jamaican cooking is rooted in tradition, and pimento wood plays an important role in authentic jerk cooking. It brings a distinctive flavour that can't quite be recreated any other way.

But beyond the flavour, it's the memories that make it special for me.

Food is about so much more than what's on the plate. It's about culture, family, stories and the moments that stay with us long after the meal has finished.

Every time I smell pimento wood, it reminds me where my passion for food started and why sharing Jamaican food with others means so much to me.

I'd love to know, what smell instantly takes you back to a happy memory?

05/06/2026

One of the things I enjoy most about cooking for people is hearing the stories behind the meals they want to eat.

A recent client came to me with a lovely idea. She had embraced the tradition of a Sunday dinner and loved everything it represented. Slowing down, gathering around the table and ending the week with a proper meal.

The only problem was that she wanted something a little different from the traditional English roast.

Not being English herself, she wanted to enjoy the tradition but bring more of her own personality and taste preferences into it. More flavour, more excitement, more variety.

I thought that was such a wonderful way to look at food.

Traditions are important, but they don't have to be followed exactly as they've always been done. Food has a beautiful way of evolving, borrowing inspiration from different cultures and creating something new.

At the heart of it, Sunday dinner isn't really about what's on the plate. It's about taking time to share good food with the people around you.

That said, if I can sneak a little Jamaican influence onto the table, I absolutely will.

I'd love to know, what does the perfect Sunday dinner look like to you?

02/06/2026

Another meal prep order collected and ready to fuel the week ahead.

One of the things I love most about offering meal prep is knowing that I'm helping people take a little pressure off their week. Life is busy, and having nutritious, home-cooked meals ready to go can make a real difference.

Whether you're trying to save time, eat more consistently, balance work and family life, or simply enjoy good food without the daily cooking, meal prep is designed to work around your lifestyle.

Every menu is tailored to your tastes and preferences, so you're getting meals you'll genuinely enjoy eating, not just meals that tick a box.

Collection and delivery options are both available, making it easy to fit into your routine.

If you'd like to find out more about meal prep or discuss a menu that's right for you, send me a message. I'd love to help.

31/05/2026

People often think meal prep is simply about saving time in the kitchen, but the feedback I get from customers is that it's about so much more than that.

It's about getting home after a long day and not having to think about what's for dinner. It's about knowing there's a nutritious, home-cooked meal ready and waiting for you.

It's about having one less thing to worry about during a busy week.

Good food should make life easier, not add more stress to it.

That's why every meal prep menu I create is tailored to the individual. The goal isn't to put you on a diet or have you eating the same thing day after day. It's to make sure you have delicious, flavour-packed meals that fit your lifestyle and keep you fuelled throughout the week.

If you'd love to spend less time cooking and more time enjoying your evenings, send me a message and let's create a meal prep plan that's perfect for you.

30/05/2026

One of the things people say to me most often is, "I wish I could cook like you."

The truth is, it's rarely about being able to cook or not.

More often than not, it's about understanding the little techniques that bring a dish to life.

In Jamaican cooking, marinating is everything.
Giving your meat time to sit with the seasoning allows all those wonderful flavours to develop properly. If you can leave it overnight, even better.

Then the next day, before you add your meat to the pan, take a moment to heat your seasoning first.

Onions, thyme, garlic, ginger, peppers... let them warm through and release their aroma before anything else. It's one of those simple steps that creates the deep, rich flavours people associate with good Jamaican food.

I always say there are many ways to cook and food should never feel intimidating.

But if you've ever wondered why your food doesn't quite taste the way you hoped it would, sometimes it's the small details that make all the difference.

What's a cooking tip you've learned over the years that changed the way you cook? I'd love to hear it in the comments.

21/05/2026

Someone asked if I wouldn't mind being interviewed about my career and the choice I made to be in hospitality. I hope you find it inspiring.

The Career Cafè is back on Monday with my guest, from Anthea's Kitchen, Anthea Bradshaw.

Anthea will be telling us about her career journey as a chef.

Her passion shines though, so make sure to look out for the next episode of The Career Cafe - Restart Your Career Journey and access it wherever you get your podcasts.

18/05/2026

The next recipe is getting ready to land in the mailing list and I’m very excited about this one 👀

One thing about me… I’m always going to want people to understand the why behind Caribbean cooking, not just copy a recipe and hope for the best.

From seasoning properly to layering flavour and knowing when to trust your instincts in the kitchen, these recipes are written the same way I’d teach somebody standing beside me while I cook.

No watered down versions.
No shortcuts that take the soul out of the dish.

Just proper Jamaican food and all the little details that make the difference.
If you want access to the next recipe drop, make sure you join the mailing list via the link below.

https://mailchi.mp/f6388a37b7cb/mailing-list-sign-ups

16/05/2026

This is what meal prep looks like before the containers, labels and delivery.

Proper seasoning.
Time.
Patience.
And flavour in every layer.

A lot of people think meal prep means boring food or eating the same thing every day but that’s never been my approach. I want you eating food that still feels comforting, satisfying and full of culture, even on your busiest week.

Every order is tailored to you too, so whether you’re after healthier options, family style portions, Caribbean classics or a mix of everything, we can create a menu that works for your lifestyle.

If you’ve been thinking about taking the stress out of cooking without sacrificing flavour, send me a message and let’s build your perfect meal prep menu.

14/05/2026

There’s just something about a BBQ that brings everyone together…

The smell of the grill going, the seasoning in the air, people gathering round waiting for that first plate - it’s a whole experience, not just a meal.

This is exactly what I bring when I cater.

Proper Jamaican food, cooked with time and care.

Big portions, full flavour and food that people actually remember.

Whether it’s a small get together, a birthday, or a bigger celebration, there’s no minimum, it can be as simple or as big as you need.

You enjoy the moment, I’ll handle the food.

If you’ve got an event coming up, feel free to message me and we can chat through what you need ❤️