ITVET Culinary Classes Bring Belizean Christmas Traditions to Life Through Black Cake and Rum Popo
A Taste of Tradition Without Compromising Your Health
The Christmas season in Belize would hardly feel complete without the familiar taste of traditional black cake and a glass of rum popo. Bringing these beloved holiday favourites to the forefront on Open Your Eyes, Chef Steph shared her approach to preparing these traditional treats while encouraging Belizeans to remain mindful of their health. During her appearance with hosts Isani Cayetano and Sabreena Daly, she highlighted how people can continue enjoying the flavours and traditions they love while making healthier choices.
Chef Steph placed particular emphasis on finding balance, explaining that maintaining a healthy lifestyle does not necessarily mean giving up every food or drink you enjoy. Her approach is about being conscious of what you consume while still allowing yourself to enjoy life’s little pleasures, especially during the holidays. She demonstrated that traditional Belizean treats can be enjoyed with a little creativity and consideration for different dietary needs.
Making Holiday Favourites More Inclusive
One of the highlights of the conversation was her special rum popo preparation designed for people living with diabetes. Recognizing that dietary restrictions can sometimes make it difficult for individuals to participate in traditional holiday celebrations, Chef Steph has worked on creating an alternative that allows them to enjoy the seasonal experience too. Her efforts reflect the importance of making traditional foods more inclusive without losing the joy and cultural connection that come with them.
Beyond the kitchen, Chef Steph also opened up about her personal life and weight-loss journey, sharing how she has worked towards a healthier lifestyle while still enjoying the foods and drinks she loves. Her experience offered an important reminder that healthy living is about consistency, moderation, and making better choices rather than completely depriving yourself of the things you enjoy.
Passing On Belize’s Culinary Traditions
Chef Steph is also sharing her culinary knowledge with others through her work alongside ITVET and its culinary class. Through this collaboration, she helps teach students how to prepare traditional black cake, rum popo, and a variety of other delicious dishes. The experience provides an opportunity for students to develop practical culinary skills while learning techniques that help preserve Belize’s food traditions.
As the holiday season approaches, Chef Steph’s message is simple: Belizeans can embrace healthier habits without losing the traditions that make this time of year special. From preparing black cake and rum popo to passing down culinary knowledge to the next generation, her work celebrates the idea that food is more than just what we eat; it is culture, creativity, and connection. Her appearance on Open Your Eyes served up a timely reminder that you can make room for healthier choices and still enjoy a little taste of Christmas.