Just a word on what I'm craving...

Doubles, man. Doubles. You can't find them ANYWHERE in good old Gainesville. NOWHERE.

It's actually quite upsetting. But anyway, I suppose I should explain what they are and why I love them so much.

Doubles (pictured above) is a common Trinidadian and Guyanese food. As you can see, it's basically a sandwich-type food. The "bread" is somewhat roti-like. It's called bara, it's a bit thicker than roti, and it's smaller. The internet describes it as "flat fried bread". I'm sure you get the point. The filling is called channa - basically curried chick peas.

They're freaking delicious, man. And I miss them so much. Top them off with some pepper sauce, and you have the most delicious meal a vegetarian can down. My mouth is watering.

Recipe time! (I totally got this from the internet, am too lazy and have no time to make them, and will just wait until the next time I go down to SoFlo to eat some).

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Original recipe here: http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Doubles-234097

Ingredients

For dough:
1/3 cup warm water (100°-110°F).
1/4 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon active dry yeast
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

For filling (curried channa):
2 cups dried chickpeas, soaked overnight in 6 cups of water, or 1 (16-ounce) can chickpeas
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 medium onion, thinly sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 tablespoons curry powder (see Tips, below)
Pinch of ground cumin
Salt and ground black pepper to taste

For assembly:
1 cup vegetable oil
Hot pepper sauce (see Tips, below)
Kuchela (see Tips, below)
Thinly shredded cucumber

Preparation

Make dough:

In small bowl, stir together water, sugar, and yeast. Let stand until foamy, about 5 or 6 minutes.

In large bowl whisk together flour, salt, turmeric, cumin, and pepper. Stir in yeast mixture, then add additional warm water, if needed, until mixture comes together into slightly firm dough. Knead dough in bowl 2 minutes, then form into ball and cover with damp cloth. Let dough rise in warm, draft-free place until doubled, about 1 hour.

Make filling:

If using dried chickpeas, drain and add 6 cups fresh water. Simmer until tender, about 1 hour. Drain. If using canned chickpeas, drain and rinse well with cold water.

In heavy skillet

over moderately high heat, heat oil. Add onion and sauté until translucent. Add garlic and sauté 1 minute more. Mix in curry powder and sauté 30 seconds, then add 1/4 cup water.

Stir in chickpeas, cover, and simmer 5 minutes. Add 1 cup water and cumin. Season with salt and pepper and bring to boil. Lower heat and simmer, uncovered, until chickpeas are very tender, approximately 20 minutes.

Assemble:

Punch down risen dough and allow to rest 10 minutes.

Dampen hands, pinch off walnut-size piece of dough, and flatten into 4 1/2-inch diameter circle. Set aside. Repeat with remaining dough.

In deep frying pan over moderately high heat, heat oil. Fry dough circles, in batches if necessary, until lightly browned, about 40 seconds per side. Drain on paper towels or on wire rack set over baking sheet.

Place 2 tablespoons filling on 1 piece fried dough. Add pepper sauce, kuchela, and cucumber. Top with another piece fried dough. Repeat with remaining dough and filling. Serve as snack or appetizer.

Are we a product of our raising? An American Reporter with Guyanese Blood--

Here's the thing... I'm American. A proud one. I'm probably more proud of an American than most Americans I come across. Know why? I'm grateful. I grateful for every single opportunity this country throws my way -- freedom, education, the ability to meet amazing people who have changed my life and continue to do so.

I cannot say I'd have these opportunities if I were back in Guyana. I know I wouldn't. Thank you, 'Merica.

So not only am I grateful for the opportunities I get every day I live in this amazing country - I'm grateful for the people who brought me here - my parents. The people who sacrificed their livelihoods, left their homeland, everything they knew, to bring their children to America - for one thing. Opportunity. One word has never meant so much to me and my family.

Now, growing up with Guyanese parents in America... that's a different story. I'm sure neither of them would have imagined I'd turn out to be a reporter. A doctor, an entrepreneur, a housewife even. If they knew their daughter would grow up to make standing in front of a camera and holding a microphone talking about shootings and drug busts her passion, I'm sure they would have raised me differently.

But I wasn't raised to be a reporter. I was raised in the most Guyanese fashion one can find outside of Guyana.

I'll explain what that means...

The values, the standards, the rules.

For instance...

One of the most common questions I get from my American friends is, "why don't you watch movies?" Yea, it's weird. If someone asked me to make a list of all the movies I've watched in my life, I could probably write them all down on an index card. I don't watch movies.

Why? Well, when I was growing up, my parents didn't make that a thing. They didn't set us down in front of a television and have the TV be the babysitter. They made us do our homework. They made us do chores. They made us read books. They made us go outside and ride our bikes. Movies? TV? Video Games? Yea, okay.

I remember having many conversations with my parents where my brother and I sitting in our rooms slacking off and doing nothing productive was just not an option. It was not. And I love my parents for that. I know the meaning of hard work because of that. Today, I always feel bad when I'm not doing something productive. I even feel sort of bad whenever I watch movies or play games.

Well, Americans watch movies. Now... I know it's not a big deal. But I've grown to notice that this has taken away from my ability to small talk, to understand references. Every time someone brings up a classic movie I didn't see growing up, it reminds me my childhood wasn't normal.

How about my life plan?

I'm not completely sure what my parents had planned for me, but I can tell you that one scenario from my childhood has always stuck with me --

When I was younger, I remember my parents would have us do chores, constantly. It taught us the meaning of hard work, and let us get just a glimpse of what their lives were like living in Guyana - working from sun up to sun down.

So, we would wash and clean the car every two weeks or so, clean the house from top to bottom every Saturday, pull the weeds from the garden in our front yard every Sunday. We would always be outside doing something, and I remember our neighbors would constantly comment on how hard working we were, how our house was the nicest on the block. You're welcome, mom and dad!

I'm not sure why this particular scenario has always stuck with me - but one day I was pulling weeds. My mom called me inside to help cook roti. I didn't want to. For some odd reason, I wanted to stay outside and pull weeds. Well, it turns out, according to my dad, at that time, "girls do work inside, boys do the work outside". Meaning, I would have to go inside and cook because that's what girls do.

Looking back on it now, I laugh. I laugh because if I told my dad about that now, he would think he was absurd for saying that. He's changed so much since then - I don't even know how to cook roti and he's fine with that.

But those are the little things that have always stuck with me - things I know are not how "normal Americans" were raised. But that's what my parents instilled in us, the thought process I've had to escape from throughout the years - the boy does one thing, the girl does another. Well, I don't need no man. And when I have a man, we'll share the duties. And my parents know that.

Okay, one last thing, probably one of the most important things that have affected my career...

I wasn't raised to talk - I was raised to speak when I'm spoken to.

That sounds a lot harsher than it is - but it's true. Now, this hasn't stunted my ability to talk - obviously my profession is based around talking. But it has made me hesitate as to when the right times to speak are - and those times don't always match up with the times that are actually right to speak, as a journalist whose constantly trying to get information out of people.

Don't get me wrong - it's not a matter of whenever I would speak, I was told I was wrong for speaking. That's not it at all. Simply put, I was raised to believe that I should always be careful what I say and how it comes out. The teeniest, tiniest hint of rudeness or know-it-all tone would result in obvious disapproval - there's a time and place for everything you say. Careful.

My point is - I wasn't raised like other reporters. I wasn't raised to run my mouth. I wasn't raised to be outgoing to live a life full of fun. I was raised to work hard, make a decent living, get married, have children and make sure the cycle is continued. I was raised like other Guyanese children were - sternly.

I may not be married and I may not have started a family like a traditional Guyanese girl would at this age, but I'm happy.

At the end of the day, my parents support my choice to be a reporter. This is my passion. The life I live today and the job I love doing every day shows that people are not a product of their childhoods. People can change if we set our minds, our hearts and our souls to it. And I have changed.

I've changed from the shy, uncertain little girl who barely ever spoke to anyone to a confident, beautiful, intelligent and hardworking woman my parents are proud of.

2010 - last day of high school (I always wore my hair like that, btw)

2014 - Three months into TV20

I didn't realize it growing up, but happiness is what my parents wanted for my brother and I. In my adulthood though, they've shown that that's the case. And you know what? That's proof they can change. They changed for their children.

Thanks, mom and dad. I love you.

Any Indian would appreciate this --

...Even some non-Indians!
It's an ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL A Cappella of Bollywood Songs from 1940 to 2013, and it truly does make me nostalgic! I grew up listening to all of these songs ... and now bits of them are wrapped into a cute little video, sung by these six very talented men! I know what I'm spending my night listening to... Enjoy!

Sh*t Guyanese Parents Say!

OH MY GOODNESS THIS IS HILARIOUS!

Just wanted to take some time to share this amazingly funny video. As a child, I got every single one of these from my parents & this video had me dying! Any Guyanese kid can attest that this is exactly how Guyanese parents act. I'm SO glad there are others who got this - WAY too funny. Props to the actors who put this together - you pulled it off perfectly!

Dhal & Rice & Caraila

Dhal & Rice & Caraila - it doesn't get any more Guyanese than this. This meal is my childhood. It's like the Guyanese version of what American kids think of broccoli - it's disgusting when you're a kid... but you magically love it as you grow up.

Caraila is also known as bitter melon. Yes. Bitter is the perfect word to describe it. It's got a kind of taste that I'll never be able to explain... so I won't even try. I found a very informative site on it that you should definitely check out if you're interested -- http://caribbeanpot.com/tag/guyana-corilla/

I absolutely devoured that caraila today & I think what I appreciate most about it is it's extreme health value. From what I've been told & what I've read, caraila is "good for your blood" and has been suggested as a substitute for insulin for diabetic patients.

I've always had caraila with shrimp - it just adds more flavor and makes it seem like you're not just eating a big old bowl of bitter.

Dhal is a staple of India that was brought over by the Indians when they were taken to Guyana by the British. It's basically "split pea soup" with added Indian spices and seasonings & I would never be caught eating caraila without it! Check out the Wikipedia page here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dal

So after doing some further research, I've discovered there are a million crazy ways to make "dhal" & they all come out way differently from each other. But luckily I was able to find the Guyanese version here: http://www.inner-gourmet.com/2011/08/guyanese-staple-dhal.html

That's almost identical to how my mother makes her dhal & it's got pretty pictures to help you along!

The best thing about dhal, in my opinion, is that if I want a quick meal, I can just pull out some roti & dip it in my dhal & call it a day. It's basically what I grew up on & it fills my right up!

And that, ladies & gentlemen, was my Guyanese meal of the day. Oh - and there was pepper sauce right to the side, buried in the caraila... mustn't forget that ;)

The best Guyana-themed movie I know!

For anyone looking to learn more about the history of Guyana & doesn't want to spend time reading up on the country, this Guiana 1838 will capture your heart & educate you at the same time! The movie tells the story of the African & Indian slaves who were brought to the country by the British. It shows the foundation of the country & the reason behind many of the cultural tensions that are still present today. It was also shot in Guyana, so you'll get a glimpse of the beauty of the country as well. I definitely recommend for anyone who is interested in learning more!

An easy Friday night meal - Bake & Salmon

I've never shared my Guyanese meals on social media before, but there's a first time for everything, right?! Bake & Salmon is so easy to make, healthy(ish) & so delicious. I guess I should mention now that I'm a "Pescatarian" (I gave up meat about two years ago but still eat seafood - sometimes). So this meal is perfect for my diet & still allows me to stick to my roots.

If you're wondering, I converted to Pescatarianism because not eating meat makes me feel so amazingly good about myself. I know... I shouldn't eat seafood. They were once alive, too. But sometimes there's nothing else to eat. And in a family that eats duck curry & chicken stew on a regular basis, sometimes you have to settle for shrimp curry unless you want to eat bare roti. So there. I've also lost about 15 pounds since I converted to this diet, so that's a plus. For the most part, I don't miss chicken at all. Being completely honest... sometimes I get cravings & I've been known to cave in once or twice, but hey, were' human, right?!

But I digress. This meal was a staple of my childhood whenever my mom wanted to cook something up real quick on a Friday night that actually had substance. If you know Guyanese people, we don't frequently go out to eat. We cook - it makes sense, it saves money & it's less gluttonous. My mother is an AMAZING cook, so I can't even compare myself to her when it comes to cooking. For your convenience, I've included some more information about this meal:

Bake - bake is similar to bread. It's more coarse, crispy on the outside & somewhat fluffy on the outside.

• 4 cups all purpose flour 
• 4 teaspoons baking powder 
• 1/4 tsp salt 
• 1 Tbsp white granulated sugar 
• A pinch ground cinnamon (optional) 
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter 
• Lukewarm water 
• Oil for deep frying 

Preparation:

1. Add flour, baking powder, salt, sugar and cinnamon (if using) to a large bowl and mix thoroughly. 
2. Rub in butter to flour mixture. 
3. Add enough water to make a soft dough. When the dough comes together, knead for 2 - 3 minutes. Rub the dough with oil and let rest, covered for at least 30 minutes. 
4. Knead rested dough for 1 minute and then divide the dough into 10 equal pieces and form into balls. 
5. Heat oil in a deep pan and let come up to 350 degrees F. The oil should be hot but definitely not smoking. 
6. Roll one piece of dough into 3 1/2 to 4-inch circle. Add dough to oil - the dough should sink and within 2 second start floating to the top of the pan. Using a long-handled pot spoon, spoon oil over the top of the dough so that it continues to puff up, as soon as it puffs up, flip it over. You will notice that it starts to bubble and move around the pan. Let cook until the side is nicely browned. 
7. Using a slotted spoon, remove bake from pan draining off the excess oil. Add to a paper-toweled bowl. 

Salmon

The number one reason I say this meal is quick is because we use salmon from a can - simply purchase at your local grocery store, crack the can open & season with some salt, pepper, paprika & whatever your favorite seasonings may be. We also add some tomato, onion, shallots & raw pepper in there to give it a kick. Remember - less is more!

It's important to note you can have bake with other foods - I enjoy it with some egg or salt fish.

That oh-so-amazing Pepper Sauce you see near the bottom right

I would never be able to call myself a Guyanese if I didn't eat the pepper sauce with every single meal I eat. I put that stuff on EVERYTHING - fish, pizza, egg - EVERYTHING!

It's so simple to make... and if you like spicy, it's for you!

We just blend up some "wiri-wiri" peppers (see below) & add some cucumbers & mustard if it's too spicy for ya. It has an amazing flavor that just can't be found in American pepper or hot sauces.

There ya have it - if you decide to try this simple meal for the first time, let me know how you like it!

WHERE are you from?!

As I embark on my journey as a television news reporter, I've come to see patterns whenever I introduce myself to someone. Ninety percent of the time, the absolute first question I get, whether I'm talking to a news director, reporter, assignment desk editor, anchor, or an engineer, is, "So... where are you from?" And of course, my response to that is, "Well, I grew up in New York & Florida, but originally, I'm from Guyana." Every. Single. Time. I've probably said that line eight million times since I started in this business.

 I've gotten everything from "Your skin tone looks amazing in front of the camera" to "You'd never be able to work in a market with 99% Caucasians" to "You'll have to try twice as hard because there aren't many people who look like you" - and even - "You're going to go far because your last name is Baksh".

I'm not racist or anti-American, so please don't mistake this blog for anything of the sort. I love America. Growing up in America will probably always be the best thing that has ever happened to me. I moved to the states when I was a little under knee-high, just two years old. September 14, 1994. Funny story - I was three days under two years old, so I still got a free ride on the airplane. Ha. But anyway, being in this country has given me opportunities that I would have never gotten if I still lived in Guyana. I'm a reporter. If I could take a guess as to where I'd be if I had grown up in Guyana - I'd probably be married by now, living in a village, either as a teacher, or who knows what. And that's not the life I want. America has given me the freedom to be who I want, do what I want, work hard for everything I have. It's made me appreciate my parents more for sacrificing the home they know to give their children a better one. It's made my English absolutely superb. It's the reason I'm sitting on this laptop writing this blog.

So I'm absolutely grateful for every opportunity given to me in this great land. I'm thankful for the soldiers who protect it & I sometimes cry when I hear the Star Spangled Banner. That is how much I love America.

But being Guyanese & in news has taught me how important my roots are, because face it, no matter how well I speak English, no matter how short I cut my hair or "American" I try to look, the first question I answer from people will most likely be, "Where are you from?". And I'm okay with that.

Now... a quick Geography lesson. Because well, the second question I get is, "OH! Where's that?"

Some people think Guyana is in the Middle East, some people think it's near India. No. Guyana is in South America - right there... between Venezuela & Suriname. See --

Since I left, I've only been back about three times, for about a week each. But I savor every day I have when I'm there. I savor the culture -- colonized by the British, we are a mix of African, Indian, Chinese & Native Guyanese. So the country is RICH in culture. We're an English-speaking country that associates itself more with the Caribbean than South America. We pride ourselves in cooking good food, working hard & never taking family for granted. Our natural resources are abundant & up top, you can see a picture of me & my cousin at Kaieteur Falls, one of the world's longest single-drop waterfalls.

To learn more about my place of birth, I've linked the Wikipedia Page for Guyana.

I'll be sharing my journey as a journalist, my travels, vegetarian Guyanese food & treats, amazing stories & more on this blog -- so stay tuned & thanks for following me as I embark on this ride!