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  • Paid Internships at Trini Plate

    We’re thrilled to announce that Trini Plate is offering paid internships for young adults, ages 16-24, thanks to our partnership with Workforce Central! If you’re passionate about food, interested in learning more about Caribbean cuisine, and ready to gain hands-on experience, this could be your perfect opportunity.

    We’re currently hiring for two positions:

    1. Market Helper – Assist us at pop-up events and farmers’ markets, interact with customers, and learn the ins and outs of running a mobile food business.
    2. Prep Cook – Dive into food prep alongside our team, helping us create authentic Caribbean dishes that bring warmth and flavor to the Pacific Northwest.

    Both roles are designed to offer real-world experience and insight into the culinary field, with mentorship, training, and the chance to work closely with our team. Join us in making a difference while gaining invaluable skills for your future!

    How to Apply
    If you’re a motivated young adult eager to learn and grow, we’d love to hear from you. Please fill out this quick application to get started, and be sure to let WorkForce Central know that Trini Plate referred you.

  • Trinidad Beef Pies (Fried)

    Trinidad Beef Pies (Fried)

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    Trinidad Beef Pies (Fried)

    • Total Time: 1 hour
    • Yield: 10 pies 1x

    Ingredients

    Scale
    • 3 cups all purpose flour
    • 1 tsp instant yeast
    • 1/2 tsp baking powder
    • 1/4 tsp salt
    • 1/2 tsp sugar
    • 1 cup lukewarm water (approx.)
    • 2lbs lean ground beef
    • 1/2 cup Trini green seasoning (culantro, cilantro, thyme, onion, parsley, garlic, fresh hot peppers pureed into a chunky paste)
    • 1/2 tbsp black pepper
    • 1 tbsp Knorr chicken bouillon seasoning
    • 1 tbsp tomato paste or ketchup
    • 2 tbsp browning (you can make your own)
    • 1/2 cup plain panko breadcrumbs
    • 1/2 cup chicken broth
    • salt to taste
    • Vegetable oil for frying

    Instructions

    1. In a bowl, combine flour, salt, yeast, baking powder, and sugar. Gradually add enough water to form a smooth dough. The dough should not be sticky. If it’s sticky, add a small amount of flour and form into a ball. Cover with plastic wrap, and place a tea towel over the bowl. Set aside in a warm place and allow to rise until doubled. For best results, prepare the dough a few hours ahead or the night before.
    2. In a bowl, combine the beef, green seasoning, black pepper, and Knorr seasoning. Combine and set aside in the fridge to marinate. This is optional, but marinating really allows the flavors in the seasoning to shine.
    3. In a heavy pot, add the seasoned beef mixture and stir occasionally. Once the beef has turned brown in color, add the tomato paste, breadcrumbs, and chicken broth and combine. Add the browning, then add salt to your taste. Set the filling aside to cool.
    4. When you’re ready to make the pies, add about 3 cups of oil or more for deep frying to a heavy pot. Allow to heat up over medium heat.
    5. On a lightly floured surface, form the dough into 2-3 inch balls and roll out into a circular shape. Spoon some of the beef mixture onto the center, fold into a semi-circle shape, then press the edges together with your fingers to seal. Ensure the edges are fully sealed or the filling will come out in the oil. I’ll sometimes brush the edge of the dough with water before folding and sealing. 
    6. Fry in hot oil until golden brown on both sides. Remove from the oil and enjoy!
    7. These can be made in batches ahead of time, and frozen then reheated in an air fryer.

     

    • Author: Trini
    • Prep Time: 45 minutes
    • Cook Time: 15 minutes
    • Method: Fry
    • Cuisine: Caribbean
  • Trinidad Black Fruit Cake

    Trinidad Black Fruit Cake

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    Trinidad Black Fruit Cake

    • Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes

    Ingredients

    Scale
    • 1 cup granulated sugar
    • 1 cup butter, room temperature
    • 5 large eggs, room temperature
    • 1/3 cup dried currants
    • 1/3 cup raisins
    • 1/3 cup pitted dried prunes
    • 1/3 cup mixed peel/fruit cake mix
    • 1/3 cup maraschino cherries
    • 1 cup dark rum
    • 1 cup cherry liqueur or cherry brandy
    • 2 cups all purpose flour
    • 2 tsp baking powder
    • 2 tsp cinnamon
    • 2 tsp nutmeg
    • 2 tsp cardamom
    • 2 tsp vanilla extract
    • 1 tsp almond extract
    • 1 tsp orange extract
    • 1 tsp lemon zest
    • About 1/4 cup or more of browning (you can make your own). The batter should be a dark brown color.
    • Additional cherry liqueur and rum for soaking the cake after baking.

     

    Instructions

    1. Soak the fruits in rum and cherry liqueur for a few hours, days or weeks before making the cake. Soaking helps to soften the fruits.When you’re ready to make the cake, puree the fruit mixture in a food processor until smooth. Measure 2 cups of the pureed fruit mixture and set aside.
    2. Ensure that the eggs and butter are room temperature.
    3. Cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
    4. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs along with the lemon zest, vanilla extract, orange extract, and almond extract.
    5. In another bowl, combine the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, and baking powder.
    6. Gradually add the egg mixture to the butter and sugar, mixing well until combined. Add the fruit mixture and mix to combine. Gradually add the flour mixture until well incorporated. Be careful not to over-mix. Lastly, add the browning and combine.
    7. Preheat oven to 350 F. Line a baking pan with parchment paper and transfer the batter. This recipe makes one 9 inch round cake, two smaller 7-8″ cakes, or 15-20 cupcakes.Bake for 1 hour, then lower the oven temperature to 280 and continue baking for another 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
    8. If baking cupcakes, be sure to use cupcake liners in your pans, and preheat the oven to 280 F. Bake for around 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
    9. Remove the cake from the oven and pour some rum and cherry liqueur mixture over it. Only add a few tablespoons at a time, and allow the alcohol to fully be absorbed before adding more.

    Store the cake in an airtight container. Additional alcohol can be poured over it every few days.

    • Author: Trini Plate
    • Prep Time: 1 hour
    • Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
    • Category: Desserts
    • Method: Baked
    • Cuisine: British