It has been 79 years, and a lot has been accomplished, but she has not stopped dreaming. And now, another dream becomes reality.
By popular demand, Vernice Bodie, better known to many as "Mother Bodie", on October 18 launched her first collection of some of her famous recipes in her recipe book, "Fabulous Recipes for Bahamian Cooking at its Finest: A Cookbook of Favourite Bahamian Dishes".
It was Mother Bodie's dream to ensure that the culinary delights of "Mother's kitchen" will live on through generations, and as she celebrates her 79th birthday, she finds it a blessing from the Lord to be able to share her passion with others with this first edition. This book brings Bahamian cooking to light Mother Bodie's way, but the recipes are very simple to understand and follow, so that the real Bahamian culinary experience can be enjoyed by all, both locally and abroad. The book has very basic Bahamian dishes, ranging from boiled fish and Johnny cake and tuna salad and grits for breakfast, to peas and rice, macaroni and cheese and cracked conch for dinner, to guava duff, banana bread and pineapple upside down cake for dessert. This collection can be enjoyed by the aspiring chef in primary and high school; by the college student needing that Bahamian experience while in college; by the homemaker needing to make that perfect dish for someone, and even by the visitor who must take a piece of The Bahamas with them to their home destination. The book brings the Bahamian cooking basics to every table, and is a must-have for every household.
Vernice Diana Ferguson-Bodie was born on the island of Exuma on October 18, 1935, and later relocated to the capital, Nassau. After graduating in 1963 from the prestigious institution of etiquette training and development of her day, the Dundas Civic Center, she began her illustrious career of working and cooking for the rich and famous, domiciled in exclusive areas in Nassau, a job which enabled her to travel to various well-known cities in the United States along with her employers. As she celebrates her 79th birthday, she finds it a blessing from the Lord to be able to share her passion with others with this first edition. Mother Bodie has two sons, five grandchildren, a very large extended family and numerous "spiritual children". She serves as an elder in United Faith Ministries International and is well-loved and greatly admired by all. This is the Lord's doing and it is marvellous in our eyes!
For further information on how to get a copy of this recipe book, Mother Bodie can be contacted directly on (242) 328-0958, or via email at bahamianrecipes@yahoo.com.

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