After leaving Jamaica at age 13, I migrated to Canada to live with my aunt in Calgary. My aunt Evadnie was a chef. She catered to the hospitals in Calgary and the City of Calgary. She catered to many functions such as Taste of Jamaica, weddings, and for the city and community on a larger scale. Being around my Aunt Evadnie taught me all the skills I needed to know about food, ingredients, mixing, catering, cooking, professionalism, and how to be in the kitchen. Even though she did not bake, I had to bake every Sunday without using a recipe.

History

Swaby’s kitchen started during the COVID-19 Pandemic in March 2020. Just like everyone else, I was baking up a storm. I would come home from work every day to bake. Baking is a way for me to get lost in flavours and a way to experiment with different ingredients, which is very therapeutic for me. I have always had a passion for cooking and baking.

I developed a passion for baking, especially sweet potato pudding and Rum Cake when my father used to bake for me every Wednesday after school in the backyard on a cold stove. Back then, all the baking was done on cold stoves. This is the original way of making sweet potato pudding. So I had firsthand experience of how to make authentic Jamaican puddings.

History

Swaby’s kitchen started during the COVID-19 Pandemic in March 2020, just like everyone else I was baking up a storm. I would come home from work every day to bake. Baking is a way for me to get lost in flavors and a way to experiment with different ingredients, which is very therapeutic for me. I always had a passion for cooking and baking.

I developed a passion for baking, especially Sweet Potato Pudding and Rum Cake when my father used to bake for me every Wednesday after school in the backyard on a cold stove. Back then all the baking was done on cold stoves. This is the original way of making Sweet potato Pudding. So I had firsthand experience in how to make authentic Jamaican puddings.

 

Tradition

I also developed a passion for baking Jamaican Christmas Rum Cake when every year during the Christmas season my two sisters and I were responsible for baking it. My oldest was responsible for the final product. I was responsible for putting together the sugar, butter, and eggs. Back then, and I know some of you can remember this, we used a wooden spoon to soften the sugar and butter. This would take us at least half a day. My little sister was responsible for mixing the fruits. So every year we did this. This was and still is a tradition in any Caribbean home.

 

Tradition

I also developed a passion for baking Jamaican Christmas Rum Cake when every year during the Christmas season my two sisters and I were responsible for baking it. My oldest was responsible for the final product. I was responsible for putting together the sugar, butter, and eggs. Back then, and I know some of you can remember this, we used a wooden spoon to soften the sugar and butter. This would take us at least half a day. My little sister was responsible for mixing the fruits. So every year we did this. This was and still is a tradition in any Caribbean home.

Epiphany

Fast forward a few years, when one day I baked a cake, Jamaican Rum Cake to be specific, and I let my business partner try a slice when he said "I think you should start a business in baking". "I mean, this cake is really good." I looked at him and laughed and said, "No way, no way are people going to like my cakes." He looked at me and said, "Well, your cake is really good and you should turn it into a business." I took his advice, gave out a few samples, received positive feedback, and now here we are.

Epiphany

Fast forward a few years, when one day I baked a cake, Jamaican Rum Cake to be specific, and I let my business partner try a slice when he said "I think you should start a business in baking". "I mean, this cake is really good." I looked at him and laughed and said, "No way, no way are people going to like my cakes." He looked at me and said, "Well, your cake is really good and you should turn it into a business." I took his advice, gave out a few samples, received positive feedback, and now here we are.

Gallery

Testimonials

  • Maaan pure childhood Jamaican memories in this picture while stuffing these bad boys in my face from #swabyskitchen. The gizzada was my absolute favorite.  I also had coconut drops, peanut drops, and grater cake.  While I didn’t get the chance to meet the maker behind these treats, face to face, the transactions and communication were pleasant and a breeze.
    Nicola Smith
    Calgary, Alberta
  • This is not my first time buying from Swaby’s Kitchen, but this was my first time trying her gizzada, and as expected it never disappoint me.  The coconut filling is so delicious and not too sweet; it complements the crust, which is absolutely delish and not dry.  It’s good to know we can taste home away from home.
    Connor K
    Edmonton, Alberta
  • Hands down, Swaby’s Kitchen has the best Jamaican Treats and Jerk Chicken in Alberta. Great  people with excellent customer service.
    Nelz
    Edmonton Alberta

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