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  • The perfect caramel sauce

    The perfect caramel sauce

    Naomi Anderson, the founder of Unicakery, a renowned baking studio in Port of Spain, Trinidad & Tobago, has shared her cherished caramel recipe that has captivated her students and garnered rave reviews. This simple yet elegant recipe employs the dry method, akin to making browning but with a lighter touch, ensuring a smooth, glossy, and buttery caramel that is versatile enough for drizzling, filling, or flavoring a variety of desserts.

    **Ingredients:**
    – 1 cup sugar
    – ⅔ cup heavy cream
    – 1 tbsp unsalted butter
    – 2 tsp salt
    – Dash of vanilla extract

    **Instructions:**
    1. Place the sugar in a medium saucepan over medium heat, stirring continuously until it melts and turns a deep amber or copper color. Be vigilant to avoid burning.
    2. Carefully pour in the heavy cream while stirring; the mixture will bubble up. Continue stirring or whisking until smooth.
    3. Add the salt and remove from heat.
    4. Stir in the butter until melted, then let the caramel cool slightly before adding the vanilla.

    **Chef’s Note:**
    As the caramel cools, it thickens into a rich, velvety sauce, ideal for enhancing cakes, ice cream, pancakes, brownies, or even as a macaron filling.

    **Serving Ideas:**
    Drizzle it over your favorite desserts, use it as a filling, or swirl it into buttercream. The possibilities are endless.

    Naomi Anderson, with over 12 years of professional pastry experience, has transformed Unicakery into a hub for specialty cakes, desserts, and hands-on culinary education. She continues to inspire through community-driven classes, mentorship, and creative desserts. For more information, visit @unicakery on all social media platforms or www.unicakery.com.

  • The last chance

    The last chance

    As the FIFA international match window approaches, Trinidad and Tobago (TT) men’s football team coach Dwight Yorke is leaving no stone unturned in preparing his squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers. With critical matches against Jamaica on November 13 and Bermuda on November 18 at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Mucurapo, Yorke has been conducting intensive training sessions to ensure his team is in peak condition.

  • Police, Army lock horns in servicemen’s TTPFL derby

    Police, Army lock horns in servicemen’s TTPFL derby

    The TT Premier Football League (TTPFL) is set to witness an early-season blockbuster as defending champions Defence Force face off against title contenders Miscellaneous Police FC on November 9 at the St Police Barracks. The match, scheduled for 7 pm, promises to be a thrilling encounter between two of the league’s most formidable teams. Police FC has begun the 2025/26 season in dominant fashion, securing back-to-back victories. They opened their campaign with a resounding 4-0 win over San Juan Jabloteh on October 24, followed by a hard-fought 2-1 triumph against MIC Central FC Reboot on November 1. In contrast, Defence Force has struggled to find their rhythm, starting their title defense with two consecutive draws. They were held to a goalless stalemate by 2023/24 champions AC Port of Spain in their opener and then squandered a lead to draw 2-2 with FC Eagles on October 31, conceding a late stoppage-time goal. Despite their slow start, Police FC coach Todd Ryan remains wary of the defending champions. ‘Police and Army, that’s probably the biggest rivalry in top-tier football,’ Ryan remarked. ‘We don’t care what start they got…they’re still unbeaten from last season. We need to ensure they stay at the bottom of us.’ Ryan emphasized the importance of this match, calling it a ‘local derby’ and a crucial step toward achieving their ultimate goal: qualifying for Concacaf football. Meanwhile, Defence Force’s interim coach Devorn Jorsling remains optimistic, dismissing their early struggles as a temporary setback. ‘When the smoke clears, we will be champions of the league,’ Jorsling asserted. The clash is part of a packed matchday, with Caledonia AIA vs. Terminix La Horquetta Rangers and AC Port of Spain vs. FC Eagles also set to take place on November 9.

  • San Juan North, Trinity draw 1-1 in SSFL rescheduled tie

    San Juan North, Trinity draw 1-1 in SSFL rescheduled tie

    In a tightly contested rescheduled Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) premiership fixture, Trinity College (Moka) and San Juan North Secondary played to a 1-1 draw at Trinity College Grounds in Maraval on November 7. San Juan North, currently positioned 13th in the 16-team league, took the lead in the first half with a goal from Malique Marrast. However, Trinity Moka quickly responded as Anton Joseph equalized before halftime. Despite both teams pushing for a decisive goal in the second half, neither could break the stalemate, resulting in a shared point. The outcome had minimal impact on the league standings, with Trinity remaining in sixth place and San Juan North holding onto their 13th position, just two points above the relegation zone. Both teams have one league match remaining to conclude their campaigns.

  • Four schools vie for honours as Royal Slam basketball reaches crescendo

    Four schools vie for honours as Royal Slam basketball reaches crescendo

    The stage is set for an electrifying showdown as the semifinals of the RBC Royal Slam College Basketball competition kick off on November 8 at the Eastern Regional Indoor Sporting Arena in Tacarigua. Four elite schools will battle for a spot in the championship, with Fatima College, Presentation College San Fernando, St Mary’s College, and Queen’s Royal College (QRC) vying for glory. The action begins at 4 pm with Fatima College taking on Presentation College, followed by St Mary’s College facing QRC at 6 pm. The stakes are high, as the winners will advance to the gold-medal match on November 9 at noon, while the third-place playoff will commence at 10 am. The semifinalists have little time to recover, making endurance and strategy crucial. Fatima College enters the semifinals with momentum, having dominated QRC 112-67 in their final preliminary-round game on October 26, thanks to standout performances from Williams Francis, Zachary Julien, and Idriis Martin. St Mary’s College also impressed, securing their Group B victory with a 96-83 win over St Anthony’s College on October 25, led by Nkobi Ince’s 35 points and Zane Peters’ 31 points. This weekend, one of these four teams will emerge victorious, claiming the prestigious RBC Royal Slam title and etching their name in college basketball history.

  • Caribbean Airlines unaffected by FAA orders to reduce flights

    Caribbean Airlines unaffected by FAA orders to reduce flights

    Caribbean Airlines Ltd (CAL) has confirmed that its operations remain unaffected despite recent guidance from the US Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) urging airlines to reduce flights at 40 of the nation’s busiest airports. The FAA’s directive, issued as the US government shutdown extended into its 38th day, calls for a ten per cent reduction in flights to alleviate congestion. CAL, which operates flights to and from four major US airports—John F. Kennedy (JFK) in New York, Miami International (MIA), Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International (FLL), and Orlando International (MCO) in Florida—has assured passengers that all its US-bound and departing flights are proceeding as scheduled. However, the airline has advised travelers with connecting domestic flights within the US to stay in touch with their respective airline representatives for updates. CAL also encouraged passengers to register for real-time travel notifications via its official website and social media channels to stay informed. The FAA’s list of affected airports includes prominent hubs such as Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International (ATL), Los Angeles International (LAX), and Chicago O’Hare International (ORD), among others. While the broader aviation sector grapples with the impact of the shutdown, CAL remains steadfast in maintaining its service continuity.

  • TTMA delegation prepares for trade mission to Chile

    TTMA delegation prepares for trade mission to Chile

    The Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturers’ Association (TTMA) is set to embark on its inaugural trade mission to Chile from November 10 to 14, marking a significant step in expanding business opportunities and fostering economic ties with Latin America. The mission was officially celebrated during a reception hosted by Chilean Ambassador Hernán Núñez at his residence in Ellerslie Park, Maraval, on November 6. Ambassador Núñez emphasized the importance of this initiative, describing Chile as a nation with a globally open economy and a strategic gateway connecting the Caribbean to Asian markets. He highlighted Chile’s robust export figures, exceeding US$100 billion in 2024, and its network of 35 commercial attachés worldwide. TTMA CEO Dr. Mahindra Ramdeen noted that the delegation includes representatives from 14 companies across sectors such as agro-processing, chemicals, services, and health. He expressed optimism about forging lasting partnerships and accessing new markets. Ismail Ali, the mission’s leader, underscored the significance of this venture as TTMA’s first business engagement in South America, driven by three bilateral agreements signed last year. The mission aims to explore opportunities in Chile and beyond, with plans to expand into markets like Panama, Colombia, and other Caribbean nations. This initiative reflects TTMA’s broader strategy to internationalize Trinidad and Tobago’s manufacturing sector, building on recent successful trade missions to New York and the Trade Mission on the Seas 2025. The association has also outlined plans for additional missions to China and follow-up initiatives in New York, signaling a strong commitment to global economic collaboration.

  • Yandy Stafford cops Trinidad and Tobago’s first-ever gold at Pan Am Artistic Gymnastics Cup

    Yandy Stafford cops Trinidad and Tobago’s first-ever gold at Pan Am Artistic Gymnastics Cup

    In a historic achievement for Trinidad and Tobago, young gymnast Yandy Stafford clinched the nation’s first-ever gold medal at the Pan American Junior and Youth Artistic Gymnastics Cup held in El Salvador on November 6. Stafford triumphed in the vault event, delivering a flawless performance that earned her a score of 13.35 and a place in the record books. This milestone marks a significant moment for Trinidad and Tobago in the realm of international gymnastics.

    Stafford was part of a five-member national team that traveled to El Salvador on November 3 to compete against some of the region’s most talented young gymnasts. The team included Shanika Joseph, Asia Ali, Zariah Gittens-Dopwell, and Caeli La Roche, representing both the Pan American Gymnastics Union (PAGU) hopes level two and level one divisions. All five athletes participated in the all-around competition on November 5, with Stafford finishing fifth in her division with a total score of 46.75.

    On the second day of competition, Stafford showcased her versatility by qualifying for three event finals: vault, beam, and floor. While she placed sixth in the floor exercise with a score of 11.45, her defining moment came during the vault finals. Executing a Yurchenko pike vault with precision and a perfect landing, Stafford secured the gold medal, a first for Trinidad and Tobago in this prestigious event. She later concluded her day with a seventh-place finish on the beam.

    The Pan American Junior and Youth Artistic Gymnastics Cup is a biennial event aimed at preparing young athletes for senior elite competition by the age of 16. Following their strong performances in El Salvador, Stafford and her teammates are now gearing up for their next challenge: the 2025 Carifta Artistic Gymnastics Championships, which will be hosted by the Trinidad and Tobago Gymnastics Federation (TTGF) in Couva on December 6 and 7.

  • Trinidad and Tobago artistes miss out on Grammy nominations

    Trinidad and Tobago artistes miss out on Grammy nominations

    Despite a robust presence of Trinidad and Tobago (TT) artists in the preliminary considerations for the 2026 Grammy Awards, none secured a nomination. The Recording Academy announced the nominees on November 7, revealing that 18 TT artists were in the running across various categories, including Best Global Music Performance, Best Reggae Album, and Best Jazz Instrumental. Notable contenders included Kes the Band, Machel Montano, and Freetown Collective, who were considered for multiple awards. Kes the Band was in contention for Best Global Music Performance with their track ‘Cocoa Tea,’ while Machel Montano was considered in four categories, including Best Global Music Album for ‘One Degree Hotter.’ Freetown Collective’s ‘Beyond the Machine’ was also a contender in the Best Global Music Album category. Other prominent names included Yung Bredda, Anika Berry, and Etienne Charles, who were considered for their contributions to global music, jazz, and instrumental compositions. Historically, TT has seen Grammy success with artists like Heather Headley and Billy Ocean, but this year’s nominations did not include any local talent. The extensive list of considerations highlights the vibrant and diverse musical talent emerging from TT, even though it did not translate into nominations this time.

  • Sabgas ‘excited’ by Kamla’s plan

    Sabgas ‘excited’ by Kamla’s plan

    At the recent unveiling of Trinidad and Tobago’s Revitalisation Blueprint, Ansa McAl’s executive chairman, A. Norman Sabga, and his son, group CEO Anthony N. Sabga III, shared their optimism about the government’s ambitious plans. The blueprint, introduced by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, outlines over 100 construction projects aimed at creating more than 50,000 jobs and revitalizing key areas across the country. Sabga described the initiative as ‘huge’ and emphasized the importance of dreaming big to drive national progress. Speaking at the launch of Ansa McAl’s financial results for the year ending September 30, Sabga III echoed his father’s sentiments, calling the government’s vision ‘ambitious’ and ‘colourful.’ He highlighted the group’s commitment to supporting the government’s efforts, noting that Ansa McAl, which will celebrate its 145th anniversary next year, remains apolitical and focused on sustainable development. The blueprint includes projects such as transforming the Port of Spain waterfront, redeveloping Invaders Bay, and converting prisons into cultural centers and luxury resorts. The Sabgas’ matching yellow ties, coincidentally aligned with the ruling United National Congress’s color, sparked curiosity, but Sabga III dismissed any political connotations, emphasizing the group’s neutrality and dedication to economic growth.