Maïzena koekjes

Maïzena koekjes (also referred to as "gomma koekjes") are sweet light cookies made from corn flour. Some people also add custard to their mix but I prefer them without.

In the shop's you'll often find the cookies piped or pressed in pretty flower shapes. The home-style ones my mom used to make were just little patted down balls with fork-added texture. Nowadays I often use a cookie cutter to make them in whatever shape fits my mood. An old lady once told me that way back in the days they were made in little ball-like shapes as well.

Unfortunately my stand mixer was out playing at my sis' so I had to use an old school hand mixer :(
But my cookies turned out perfect! Was actually very surprised on how easy to use the cookie press was.
I had tried it out before, but apparently hadn't used it correctly cause it didn't really work for me back then. Today it was easy breezy. I'm so impressed with the effort-result-ratio that I think I might be using it a lot more in the future!

Surinamese literature

I'm pretty sure you weren't expecting it, but Suriname has some skillful artists who have written several beautiful books. Cynthia Mcleod is probably Suriname's most celebrated author of historical novels on Suriname. She has written quite a few and they're all equally captivating and beautifully written. What makes these books especially precious is that they're based on actual historical facts. Mrs Mcleod has dedicated herself to years of research before putting pen to paper. So let yourself be swept away by her works of art on slavery, the history of Suriname, ethnical diversity and the complexity of Surinamese society. I love the detailed way she goes about telling her stories. You can almost smell the sweet sent of Surinamese air, feel the wind as it sweeps over the fields and taste the b-b-met-r that her characters dig in to. My personal favorite is "Welkom el Dorado", a stunning story about the Couderc family that portraits how the stretch of time can change personal views, society and even the way one views oneself.


Two titles are also available in English  "The cost of sugar" and "The free negress Elisabeth". You can buy them here, here, here and hopefully also in your local bookstore :)
If you happen to be in Suriname (you never know...) do take a tour along the beautiful plantations and maybe you'll be lucky enough to have your trip narrated by mrs. Mcleod herself!

Another must read is "De koningin van Paramaribo" (The queen of Paramaribo) by Clark Accord. Don't let the title fool you, Suriname is a republic and has never actually had a queen. The lady in question miss Maxi Linder was Suriname's most notorious prostitute. In fact her reputation preceded her all the way to The Netherlands. It was the many sailors and soldiers who frequented her services whom lovingly gave her the name "the black queen of the west". Clark Accord has been able to write a captivating chronicle on her life's story; her startling rise and unfortunately also her painful demise. Mr. Accord has also written two other books "Tussen Apoera en Oreala" and "Bingo" but personally I think his first novel is his best work.

You can buy his work here and here. Unfortunately they're not available in English, his first novel however is translated in Spanish and German. 

Now of you go and get reading!

Djiendja bierie

Djiendja bierie is the Surinamese version of ginger beer. Sweet and spicy at the same time, it is THE best thirst quenching drink ever. Perfect for those hot summer days (which is every day in Suriname). It's considered to be a treat, so it's a typical party drink. Often you'll find a punch bowl or even a bucket of djiendja bierie from which you can scoop up your own drink.

I remember watching my grandmother while she grated the ginger and mixed it with water and cloves. Later on she would add almond extract, sugar and citric acid to taste. I used to be fascinated by the way she would bring a spoon to her mouth and then add a bit of this and that. Like a witch stirring her brew.
It wasn't until much later that I discovered how simple this recipe is. Which makes me wonder, why don't I make this more often?

Niws here's the recipe to my granny's version of djiendja bierie.