Hoping to preserve more than just the Island’s natural beauty and wildlife, the National Trust is running cooking classes for traditional Caymanian cuisine.

While generally associated with environmental issues and preservation, the National Trust is involved with more than you might think. The traditional cooking evening is one such aspect which Cindy Adam, Education and Development Specialist for the National Trust, feels it is important to support.

“This is part of our heritage. The National Trust is not just about environmental initiatives but also history and culture,” said Ms Adam.

The traditional cooking project started at the end of 2005 and has been run once a month ever since, with a few exceptions. Staff at the National Trust started the regular event in an attempt to preserve some of the wonderful cuisine that the Cayman Islands has produced over the years. It was felt that these traditional dishes were in danger of being lost as the Islands became more developed, and the younger Caymanian generations were not taking up the torch. “We saw a lack of knowledge of Caymanian dishes and cooking. We hope these events will help keep these traditions and pass them on to the next generation,” Ms Adam said.

Scheduled to last for an hour, the evenings follow a fairly simple format. The volunteer chef prepares a traditional Caymanian meal prior to the event, which is then sampled by the guests as the cook explains how the dish is made. While a recipe is followed, the sessions almost take the form of a forum with guests asking questions, and often answering them, throughout the evening.

There is a lot to be learned about Caymanian cuisine both from the chef of the evening and also the other attendees who all seem happy to share ideas and tips. “We encourage interaction and the sharing of ideas. It’s a very easy going evening,” said Ms Adam.

This laid back approach makes these events great fun and you never know what you might pick up in the course of the evening. The last class, held on Wednesday 14 March, had every available seat filled and those in attendance were both enthusiastic and knowledgeable.

Advice was given, questions were raised and animated discussions ensued, including a detailed debate on dumplings and the mystery of how to get them fluffy. These evenings are a great way to learn - both for those experienced in the kitchen and for those who know nothing about cooking.

During the last traditional cooking class, the chef for the evening was National Trust Field Officer Paul Watler who was cooking and presenting a recipe that came courtesy of Bergman Ebanks. “I’m not the celebrity chef, I’m more like the stunt man,” Mr Watler said, raising a laugh from his audience. Mr Watler can normally be found leading tours of the Mastic Trail or the Botanic Park but seemed to know his way around the kitchen equally as well.

Although not a chef, celebrity or otherwise, Mr Watler did an excellent job both as cook and as host and the dish he prepared, Stew Fish, was delicious. His delivery style mixed teaching with humour and kept his audience alert and entertained throughout the entire class.

Although scheduled to last until 8:00 pm, the involved discussions (along with second helpings of Mr Watler’s tasty Stew Fish) meant most people stayed long after the hour mark.

Held just once a month, the organisers are aware that preparing and presenting a meal can be time consuming, as well as a daunting prospect for some. Previous recipes include such traditional favourites as fried crab, cassava stretchers and Christmas beef. These have been cooked by a variety of local chefs and cooking enthusiasts like Bergman Ebanks, Denise Bodden and Boosie Arch.

While the events have thus far been successful, the National Trust is eager to promote further support for this worthwhile venture.

“We need local chefs and local support - people who want to share their recipes, even if they don’t want to demonstrate them,” said Ms Adam. To date, the majority of participants have been in their late twenties or older and the National Trust are keen to encourage younger people to take an interest.

If you have a traditional Caymanian recipe you would like to share, the National Trust welcomes both suggestions and volunteer chefs. For more information on these classes, or on any of the other National Trust run activities, please contact Ms Adam at the Dart Family Park office; cadam@nationaltrust.org.ky or 949-0121.

andy@caymannetnews.com