If you're Haitian and/or familiar with Haitian culture, this is one of the most memorable and cherished dishes. This soup is prepared for New Year’s Day.

I prefer making the pate brisée dough the day before and storing it in the fridge. You can also use ready-made pie dough or puff pastry, but you will not regret making your own. It's fun, and you will have earnt bragging rights.

The mushrooms (Djon Djon) need to be soaked, and the soaking liquid is what makes this dish unique, offering an earthy taste and signature black color. You can make this dish with or without shrimp.

I like to add a hint of good olive oil and serve with either toasted, sliced baguette, country bread, or for a healthier option, vegetables such as baby carrots, cucumber sticks, or endive leaves (my favorite).

This is a brilliant dressing to have up your sleeve, easy to make and extremely versatile. It’s great with steamed green vegetables – broccoli or green beans for example, or spooned alongside some grilled chicken. It keeps well for a couple of days in a sealed container in the fridge.