Wow how would one describe the Naparima Girls’ Cookbook? This book has become -the- defacto Trinidadian cookbookfor Trinis both locally and abroad. It’s given to brides and to students preparing to go overseas (that’s how I got mine). In fact it’s such an institution that it’s easy to forget that it only began in 1987! Conceived as a fundraising tool for the Naparima Girls’ High School the Naparima Cookbook recently underwent considerable revision. Gone is the practical ‘copybook’ size and compact printing of yore (that’s my well-loved and worn copy above). Instead gloss and high saturation colours were introduced. I don’t care for the new large elongated size but I appreciate that many of the recipes have been updated to reflect modern health-conscious preferences. I also enjoy the ample use of color photography. However there’s something no-nonsense and utilitarian about the original that I adore.
The Multi-Cultural Cuisine of Trinidad & Tobago & the Caribbean brings together a collection of recipes reflecting the tastes and cultures of the diverse ethnic groups of Trinidad & Tobago. This revised and improved edition includes more than 500 recipes and 32 colored photographs. Thousands of copies of the Diamond Jubilee edition have been sold and we are pleased to know that this book is being used by individuals, families, schools and caterers throughout the world. Many people have referred to the book as a complete one, with great recipes, simple methods and excellent results.
Many of the recipes have been handed down from generation to generation.
For several years now people in the US and Canada were able to purchase the Naparima Girls’ Cookbook on Amazon.com via a local online distributor. I’ve noticed however that that arrangement seems to have ended though, and second hand prices on Amazon have skyrocketed to the insane $148.50 US!
I spent some time the other day looking to see what other alternatives I may be able to offer to people interested in purchasing this book. I was happy to find the following site, calling itself NaparimaGirlsCookbook.com (appears to be Canadian) that promises to have the book in stock at the MUCH more reasonable ($38 CAD). TriniFood.com is also offering the book to US, UK, and Canadian customers for $45US. I have no affiliation with, or first-hand experience of, either operation, so do your due diligence, and if you have any problems feel free to let me know so that I can alert others.
Either way, I consider the Naparima Girls’ Cookbook the best publication for anybody who is interested in learning more about Trinidadian cuisine. You won’t get many stories or context, for that you’ll have to turn to Ramin Ganeshram’s Sweet Hands: Island Cooking From Trinidad And Tobago
Update: 01/03/07
I have been alerted that the Canadian site NaparimaGirlsCookbook.com wanted $90CAD for shipping and handling!
Update: 01/09/07
Valerie at NaparimaGirlsCookBook.com responds! I have combined her replies, you can see them in their original format in the below comment thread.
.
“Naparima Girl?¢‚Ǩ‚Ñ¢s Cookbook New Edition is available on our website,www.naparimagirlscookbook.com. The price is $38.00 CAN. excluding shipping costs. Also available are hard covers that retail for $50.00 CAN. Regarding the comment made about shipping charges of $90.00 Can. for the Naparima Girl?¢‚Ǩ‚Ñ¢s Cookbook, this shipping charge was quoted to us by the Shipping Company to England. This is not our cost, it?¢‚Ǩ‚Ñ¢s the shipping company?¢‚Ǩ‚Ñ¢s cost. The customer can choose a shipper. This was an expedited order.”
.
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You can read the original customer’s reply to Valerie and all subsequent comments here.
Update: 01/10/05
As promised, the Naparima Girls’ High School Cookbook is now available for purchase on TriniGourmet.com at the flat rate of $45 USD (includes shipping and handling). Click here for more details.
About Sarina
Passionate foodie, founder of Trinigourmet and Caribbean Lifestyle Maven. Author of "Glam By Request: 30+ Easy Caribbean Recipes"
This month marks the third installment of my “CookALong” series where a prominent (usually) Caribbean personality follows one of my recipes, and sometimes throws in a few of their own This week however I’m shaking things up a bit by ...
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I went UWI with someone who years later went away…AND NOBODY GAVE HIM THIS COOKBOOOK!!!
I was shocked! Family? Friends? I immediately rectified the situation.
My copy from my trips abroad is now in Saudi with my brother and his wife because he misplaced his or something when he came home…I don’t know the whole story…just that my bookpapered copy is off! off! off! far away!
I do like the fact that it has an index now (a better one? I’m not sure…haven’t spent much time with it.) But I don’t mind the curry stains and water stains on my copy but…it might bug me to get it on this one…
I went UWI with someone who years later went away…AND NOBODY GAVE HIM THIS COOKBOOOK!!!
I was shocked! Family? Friends? I immediately rectified the situation.
My copy from my trips abroad is now in Saudi with my brother and his wife because he misplaced his or something when he came home…I don’t know the whole story…just that my bookpapered copy is off! off! off! far away!
I do like the fact that it has an index now (a better one? I’m not sure…haven’t spent much time with it.) But I don’t mind the curry stains and water stains on my copy but…it might bug me to get it on this one…
Wow the Naparima cookbook in Saudi Arabia
that is wild!!!!
Hahaha the index in the original -is- pretty jacked up isn’t it hahaha. I hardly ever rely on it anymore cos you never know what recipe it will really send you to, hahaha.
Yes this version is too pretty to spill anything on. So shiiiny!
Wow the Naparima cookbook in Saudi Arabia
that is wild!!!!
Hahaha the index in the original -is- pretty jacked up isn’t it hahaha. I hardly ever rely on it anymore cos you never know what recipe it will really send you to, hahaha.
Yes this version is too pretty to spill anything on. So shiiiny!
A friend says the new version which she has now in Scotland, doesn’t have some recipes she remembers from when we were in Barbados…but I guess there had to be some sacrifices. Makes the old one that much more valuable, and not just as a historical artifact
A friend says the new version which she has now in Scotland, doesn’t have some recipes she remembers from when we were in Barbados…but I guess there had to be some sacrifices. Makes the old one that much more valuable, and not just as a historical artifact
Yes Chennette! I had originally written that I was under the impression that some recipes were missing, but then when I looked up the book it said everything was still there so I deleted that sentence. But like me and yuh friend was right. DEY LIE!!!
Yes Chennette! I had originally written that I was under the impression that some recipes were missing, but then when I looked up the book it said everything was still there so I deleted that sentence. But like me and yuh friend was right. DEY LIE!!!
I saw the same offer of the book at $38 and didn’t believe it. Presumably there is a new edition planned to coincide with the centenary anniversary in 2012, but that’s rather a long time to wait in my life. So I’ll get my dad to order a copy from Trinifood.com, because Aliyyah won’t let me have her copy.
P.S. Do you get a lot of proposals over the web?
I saw the same offer of the book at $38 and didn’t believe it. Presumably there is a new edition planned to coincide with the centenary anniversary in 2012, but that’s rather a long time to wait in my life. So I’ll get my dad to order a copy from Trinifood.com, because Aliyyah won’t let me have her copy.
P.S. Do you get a lot of proposals over the web?
Lolz
Yes it’s worth it to get it now … 2012 .. oh my who could wait that long??? 
I’m gonna use my Trini maco “busybody” skills to figure out who this Aliyyah is without actually asking you directly
Also curious as to why you are called Trig 
Hahaha web-based proposals. I got one today actually!
Wish they were as plentiful offline 
Lolz
Yes it’s worth it to get it now … 2012 .. oh my who could wait that long??? 
I’m gonna use my Trini maco “busybody” skills to figure out who this Aliyyah is without actually asking you directly
Also curious as to why you are called Trig 
Hahaha web-based proposals. I got one today actually!
Wish they were as plentiful offline 
The original Naps Cookbook is great for TRINIS because we know what the dishes are supposed to look and taste like. I think it lapsed in terms of photos and proper descriptions but it serves a purpose for many TRINIS.
The new one is not to my fancy, even though there are lots of photos. I find it’s like a textbook. Honestly, I hate cookbooks with calorie counters and all that, I find it a bit patronising but I guess they think they’re appeasing a bug section of the market. I think the book needs more context and more oomph…
Trinifood, I guess you need to get with the times, ALL cookbooks should carry calorie counters, if you have not seen the high number of obese people and obese related illness, you will see that it is important for people who have problems with too much high sugar, salt intake to get the numbers so that they can enjoy food and know how much or how little of these items they can add to enjoy these delicious recipes.
The original Naps Cookbook is great for TRINIS because we know what the dishes are supposed to look and taste like. I think it lapsed in terms of photos and proper descriptions but it serves a purpose for many TRINIS.
The new one is not to my fancy, even though there are lots of photos. I find it’s like a textbook. Honestly, I hate cookbooks with calorie counters and all that, I find it a bit patronising but I guess they think they’re appeasing a bug section of the market. I think the book needs more context and more oomph…
Trinifood, I guess you need to get with the times, ALL cookbooks should carry calorie counters, if you have not seen the high number of obese people and obese related illness, you will see that it is important for people who have problems with too much high sugar, salt intake to get the numbers so that they can enjoy food and know how much or how little of these items they can add to enjoy these delicious recipes.
Oh yeah, I hear it costs ?Ǭ£19. Which is a bit much in my opinion.
Oh yeah, I hear it costs ?Ǭ£19. Which is a bit much in my opinion.
Trinifood – I figured maybe these calorie counters were appealing to the gym posses and the foreigners. I found they cluttered the page. But then again this season I got a lot of hits for ‘how many calories in pastelles’ … which I thought was insane! That’s when you’ve been away too long
Maybe we’ll have to wait til 2012 to see if they strike a balance between aesthetics and content 
Trinifood – I figured maybe these calorie counters were appealing to the gym posses and the foreigners. I found they cluttered the page. But then again this season I got a lot of hits for ‘how many calories in pastelles’ … which I thought was insane! That’s when you’ve been away too long
Maybe we’ll have to wait til 2012 to see if they strike a balance between aesthetics and content 
sarina! i love “old” cookbooks and yours certainly looks very well used. i would be interested to see a table of contents for that one
thanks for including me in your blogroll. glad i found your site; tons of interesting things to go through!
the happiest of new year’s greetings sent to you from snowy & cold canada
sarina! i love “old” cookbooks and yours certainly looks very well used. i would be interested to see a table of contents for that one
thanks for including me in your blogroll. glad i found your site; tons of interesting things to go through!
the happiest of new year’s greetings sent to you from snowy & cold canada
Hi Burekaboy!
A Happy New Year to you too 
Oh I have TON of old cookbooks, much older than this one 
Sometimes they are a little scary and of course they are always vague… things like
“eggs
butter
flour
bake until done”
hahahha
Anyway, here’s the table of Contents from the original version. Not sure how it’s changed in the new version as I’ve only bought it for others
1. Appetizers
2. Soups
3. Salads, Dressing and Sauces
4. Fish and Seafood
5. Meats – Beef, Chicken, Turkey, Lamb, Mutton and Pork
6. Indian Dishes
7. Chinese Dishes
8. Dishes of other countries
9. Vegetable and Vegetarian Dishes
10. Rice and Pasta
11. Desserts – Fruits, Gelatins, Custards, Ice-creams, Pastry
12. Cakes, Squares, Frosting and Fillings
13. Batters and Doughs – Muffins, Biscuits, Cookies and Breads
14. Beverages
15. Candies, Jams, Jellies and Preserves
16. Diet
17. Microwave Recipes
18. Miscellaneous
Hope you’ll be back
Hi Burekaboy!
A Happy New Year to you too 
Oh I have TON of old cookbooks, much older than this one 
Sometimes they are a little scary and of course they are always vague… things like
“eggs
butter
flour
bake until done”
hahahha
Anyway, here’s the table of Contents from the original version. Not sure how it’s changed in the new version as I’ve only bought it for others
1. Appetizers
2. Soups
3. Salads, Dressing and Sauces
4. Fish and Seafood
5. Meats – Beef, Chicken, Turkey, Lamb, Mutton and Pork
6. Indian Dishes
7. Chinese Dishes
8. Dishes of other countries
9. Vegetable and Vegetarian Dishes
10. Rice and Pasta
11. Desserts – Fruits, Gelatins, Custards, Ice-creams, Pastry
12. Cakes, Squares, Frosting and Fillings
13. Batters and Doughs – Muffins, Biscuits, Cookies and Breads
14. Beverages
15. Candies, Jams, Jellies and Preserves
16. Diet
17. Microwave Recipes
18. Miscellaneous
Hope you’ll be back
wow, sarina — thank you for that detailed reply to my comment. i’m sure there must be some good recipes in there judging from all the reprints of the book (and positive comments upthread). somehow the older copies of books always seem more appealing to me than the newer reprints.
btw, i love your blog! ;p so, yes, i’ll be back to visit you!
wow, sarina — thank you for that detailed reply to my comment. i’m sure there must be some good recipes in there judging from all the reprints of the book (and positive comments upthread). somehow the older copies of books always seem more appealing to me than the newer reprints.
btw, i love your blog! ;p so, yes, i’ll be back to visit you!
It turned out that the Canadian wanted $38 for the book but $90 for the postage! We cancelled the order and got a refund. Aliyyah will be getting me a copy of the original book from Trinidad in February. I look forward to it.
It turned out that the Canadian wanted $38 for the book but $90 for the postage! We cancelled the order and got a refund. Aliyyah will be getting me a copy of the original book from Trinidad in February. I look forward to it.
Oh that’s INSANE Trig! I’ll update the post to reflect that point. Thanks for updating me
You should be coming down for Carnival too 
Oh that’s INSANE Trig! I’ll update the post to reflect that point. Thanks for updating me
You should be coming down for Carnival too 
i reside in maryland, USA and when i heard there was a cookbook of trini recipes and favorites i just begged my brother to get me one, since he told me that there is a recipe for sorrel liquer and i have been looking and asking around if anyone knew how to make it for years. i didn’t let up till he sent it up with a friend of the family. my girlfriend who is from guyana has one and she is so excited about the different recipes.
if anyone could help me out i would like to know what is the name of the fruit/spice that is at the bottom right of the cover (it looks like a pommecetae seed) waiting to hear the answere.
thank you i finally have the liquer recipe.
i reside in maryland, USA and when i heard there was a cookbook of trini recipes and favorites i just begged my brother to get me one, since he told me that there is a recipe for sorrel liquer and i have been looking and asking around if anyone knew how to make it for years. i didn’t let up till he sent it up with a friend of the family. my girlfriend who is from guyana has one and she is so excited about the different recipes.
if anyone could help me out i would like to know what is the name of the fruit/spice that is at the bottom right of the cover (it looks like a pommecetae seed) waiting to hear the answere.
thank you i finally have the liquer recipe.
hi Mary
So glad you were able to get a locally obtained copy of the Naparima Girls Cookbook! You know I have never noticed that fruit on the cover before. I am looking around to see what the answer is, and if I don’t get it today I’ll make a post about it tomorrow so more readers can chime in … thanks for asking 
Hope you’ll be back!
hi Mary
So glad you were able to get a locally obtained copy of the Naparima Girls Cookbook! You know I have never noticed that fruit on the cover before. I am looking around to see what the answer is, and if I don’t get it today I’ll make a post about it tomorrow so more readers can chime in … thanks for asking 
Hope you’ll be back!
Mary, ‘boo’ one of TriniGourmet’s visitors was able to help me out
It is achiote, it is used to make a coloring … you can read more about it here en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Achiote
i learnt something new! thanks so much
Mary, ‘boo’ one of TriniGourmet’s visitors was able to help me out
It is achiote, it is used to make a coloring … you can read more about it here en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Achiote
i learnt something new! thanks so much
thanks for that information. i too have learnt something new.
thanks again
thanks for that information. i too have learnt something new.
thanks again
Hello there,
I am delurking, sort of as I had recently posted a comment on Life of a Chennette’s blog. Anyway, regarding the book from the website naprimagirlscookbook.com. Fortunately for me, I live very close to the address given on the website and have asked about the cost of shipping by mail or if the book can be picked up. Apparently, they would deliver to me for free or I can pick up. I read Trig’s comment about the $90 shipping charge and I find this to be ridiculous. Maybe she should email them to find out why the mail out cost is so much.
I will keep you posted once I get the book.
Hello there,
I am delurking, sort of as I had recently posted a comment on Life of a Chennette’s blog. Anyway, regarding the book from the website naprimagirlscookbook.com. Fortunately for me, I live very close to the address given on the website and have asked about the cost of shipping by mail or if the book can be picked up. Apparently, they would deliver to me for free or I can pick up. I read Trig’s comment about the $90 shipping charge and I find this to be ridiculous. Maybe she should email them to find out why the mail out cost is so much.
I will keep you posted once I get the book.
Helen – Hi there! I am grateful for your ‘delurk’
Do let me know how you find the book! Are you of Trini/Caribbean heritage? 
Unfortunately that website is not the only one to have astronomical charges for shipping, there is demand for the book, and well I figure with the costs they have to ship it to them, and then to ship it out again, then adding profit.. maybe that’s why… I would like to think it is not just greed. That is why I am offering it to people for $45USD flat, including shipping and handling. I am in Trinidad already so I only have one shipping cost to think about… I look forward to hearing about your adventures with the book and hope you’ll stick around 
Helen – Hi there! I am grateful for your ‘delurk’
Do let me know how you find the book! Are you of Trini/Caribbean heritage? 
Unfortunately that website is not the only one to have astronomical charges for shipping, there is demand for the book, and well I figure with the costs they have to ship it to them, and then to ship it out again, then adding profit.. maybe that’s why… I would like to think it is not just greed. That is why I am offering it to people for $45USD flat, including shipping and handling. I am in Trinidad already so I only have one shipping cost to think about… I look forward to hearing about your adventures with the book and hope you’ll stick around 
I am a Trini but I have been living in Canada since I was fourteen and I have been here a long time. I won’t reveal my age…lol…Anyway, I also have seen the enormous shipping charges on other websites. This is what had stopped me from purchasing it online. Since naparimagirlscookbook.com was so close to me, I thought I would check out the legitimacy of the business because the shipping charges of $90. still concerns me. So, I might go to the address stated on the website to purchase the book.
I will keep you updated on my adventure to get this book.
I am a Trini but I have been living in Canada since I was fourteen and I have been here a long time. I won’t reveal my age…lol…Anyway, I also have seen the enormous shipping charges on other websites. This is what had stopped me from purchasing it online. Since naparimagirlscookbook.com was so close to me, I thought I would check out the legitimacy of the business because the shipping charges of $90. still concerns me. So, I might go to the address stated on the website to purchase the book.
I will keep you updated on my adventure to get this book.
Helen – Thanks for keeping me/us updated. It’s almost like a mystery novel!
Helen – Thanks for keeping me/us updated. It’s almost like a mystery novel!
LOL…I’m going over in a few hours to pick up the books (ordered 2). I will ask her about the ridiculous shipping charges and quickly discuss with her about how this is a deterrent to her potential customers.
The mystery will soon be solved. :~)
LOL…I’m going over in a few hours to pick up the books (ordered 2). I will ask her about the ridiculous shipping charges and quickly discuss with her about how this is a deterrent to her potential customers.
The mystery will soon be solved. :~)
Helen – Woo!
Helen – Woo!
Naparima Girl’s Cookbook New Edition is available on our website,
www.naparimagirlscookbook.com. The price is $38.00 CAN. excluding shipping costs. Also available are hard covers that retail for $50.00 CAN.
Naparima Girl’s Cookbook New Edition is available on our website,
www.naparimagirlscookbook.com. The price is $38.00 CAN. excluding shipping costs. Also available are hard covers that retail for $50.00 CAN.