Holi is based on the Hindu legend of Holika, a demon goddess, and her ultimate destruction.
Her death represents victory and good over evil.
It stems from the Hindi word Phalguna which corresponds to the months of February and March.
Simply Recipes / Alica Ramkirpal-Senhouse
These sweets are unique to Indo-Caribbean cuisine.
My mom, grandmother, and aunts were all working women.
Food was always at the center of our gathering.
Alica Ramkirpal-Senhouse / Simply Recipes
What brought us all together was not so much the holiday itself, but the cooking.
The unique treats we made were time-consuming and required many hands to prepare them.
Cooking with the women in my family was a special time.
Alica Ramkirpal-Senhouse / Simply Recipes
Now that I am a mother, I realize the value of our time together.
Family traditions and important lessons were passed down between generations through our cooking and dialogue.
My future self would one day lovingly remember these foundational years.
Today, I am thankful.
Even though the pace of the kitchen was fast, somehow we all knew our role.
Save some for your other cousins and family!"
Alica Ramkirpal-Senhouse / Simply Recipes
The phone rang frequentlywell wishers calling throughout the afternoon and evening.
These visitors often brought their own sweets to share with us, too.
Celebrating Phagwah without my family wouldnt feel as important.
Eight years ago I moved to Florida with my husband and kids and started my own Phagwah traditions.
Throughout the day we call our friends and family on video chat to exchange good wishes and laughter.
