THE REAL HAITI
  • Login
    • Printables
    • Video Library
    • Virtual Field Trip
    • Stock Photography
    • Story Time
  • Shop
    • Digital Products
    • Paintings
    • Wall Art Prints
    • Hair Care
    • T-Shirts
  • Blog
  • Login
    • Printables
    • Video Library
    • Virtual Field Trip
    • Stock Photography
    • Story Time
  • Shop
    • Digital Products
    • Paintings
    • Wall Art Prints
    • Hair Care
    • T-Shirts
  • Blog
KREYOL, HAITIAN CREOLE, learn creole, teach haitian creole, kids activities, diversity, multiculturalism, homeschool activity, race, kindness, haitian food, colors, numbers, map of haiti
Freebies: Learn About the Haitian Culture (English + Creole Activity Worksheets)
how to cook haitian food,  haitian recipes, rice and beans, caribbean food, vegetarian, vegan caribbean, peas, congo beans, purree, blended beans, rice, traditional foods in haiti
How to Cook Sos Pwa Congo, a Classic Haitian Rice Dish
kids in haiti, back to school, schools in haiti, haitian school, kreyol, creole, learning, uniforms , discipline, memorization, students, teachers
Get a Glimpse of What 'Back to School' is Like in Haiti
must-see destination in haiti, creole, kreyol, jacmel, bassin bleu, waterfall, natural spring, turquoise water, how to get to jacmel, best city in haiti, art town, fisherman's village
Why Getting Sick on the Car Ride to Jacmel Was Worth It!
michel martelly, haiti president, haitian blogger, award, haiti, diana pierre-louis, endy pierre-louis, white girl blogger about haiti
How We Met the (Now Former) President of Haiti, Michel Martelly
blog about haiti, the real haiti, haitian blogger, diana pierre-louis, real haitian
Scroll to Read More
ABOUT US
GIVE US FEEDBACK
SHOP

Haitian Dous Makòs: The Colorful History Of This Dessert Fudge Candy From Haiti

9/22/2021

2 Comments

 
haitian candy fuge multicolor made from sugar and condensed milk on the real haiti blog dous makòs
By: Ford Pierre

​
Haitian sweet treats are not only delicious, they are beautifully crafted with rich historical meaning behind them. With it's popularity in Haiti and abroad, many love the Haitian fudge candy dous makòs. If you've been lucky enough to taste the delicious Haitian dessert "dous makòs", I bet you haven't thought about how this magic formula originated. Typically, we don't think about the stories behind food, but they are so important, especially in the Haitian culture for preserving the authentic gastronomy. 
 
Today we will explore together one of the tastiest Haitian products, the "dous makòs".
 
The Origin Of Dous Makòs
This rectangular-shaped multicolored candy, made mainly from milk and sugar, is part of the food heritage and marks the identity of the city of Petit-Goâve. "Dous makòs" is a specialty of the city of Faustin Soulouque (Emperor of the Republic of Haiti between 1847 and 1859, under the name of Faustin 1st), this commune, located 68 km south of Port-au-Prince, in the western department. The natives of Petit-Goâve attach so much importance to their product that even a carnaval celebration bears its name "Kanaval Dous Makòs la".
 
Historical Reference For Dous Makòs
​According to what the story tells, the "dous makòs" was created in the 1930s by Mrs. Macoss. This oral history tale turned a corner when in 1939, Mrs. Fernand Labarre, an employee in Madame Macoss's factory, took over the activities of her late boss by marketing the multicolored candy under the name "La Douce de Madame Macoss" hence the name "Dous Makòs". In fact, the creation of this fabulous dessert is attributed to Mrs. Macoss.
 
Dous Makòs Ingredients And Recipe
The formula has been carefully learned and transmitted over the years by the Labarre family; they consider it a family recipe. The candy fudge can be found for sale in all areas of Haiti. It's a staple item to bring as gifts to family and friends, especially when visiting from Haiti.
 
There are three types of "dous makòs" depending on the milk used for a rich range of flavor such as chocolate etc. This candy is striped with five color layers, two of which are pink and brown. It is generally pink in color, this color is obtained by diluting pink cochineal powder in ordinary alcohol or clairin (Haitian Creole for drinking alcohol).
  • Mix the milk with the ingredients
  • Add the sugar while stirring
  • Pour it into wooden molds and cool for about six hours
  • Once cooled, the "dous makòs" forms a paste, ready to be cut into small pieces by hand
 
Today, even if it is a pioneer in the field, the exclusivity of the dous makòs brand is not attributed to the Labarre family because there are other workshops in Petit-Goâve and in neighboring regions which produce it. The delicious "dous makòs" is one of those products that have made a special place for themselves in Haitian gastronomy.

If you're looking for dous makòs for sale, check out Bon Bon Lakay to purchase online!  

Let us know in the comments if you've tried dous makòs and what you thought of it!

2 Comments

Take a Tour of our Haiti Inspired Playroom

8/1/2018

0 Comments

 
haiti inspired playroom by the real haiti, playroom, caribbean, tropical, upcycled art, papier mache, paintings, haitian art, coastal
Since we have little ones now,  I've done something I never thought I'd do - I converted our dining room (which we actually used) to a playroom! Crazy, I know. I am an interior design wannabe with a wannabe minor in decorating.

Our home is full of Haitian art in all different forms like paintings, sculptures, statues, papier mache, woven materials and mosaics. Since I had so much of the Haitian decor already, I figured why not create a Haiti inspired playroom! 

First thing first, I had my husband raise the gigantic chandelier so adults would stop bumping their heads on it. Some of the Haitian paintings were already hung so that made the wall decor easy. Check out our unique Haitian paintings for sale here.


Playroom Decor from Haiti or Inspired by Haiti
Then, I moved this super bold green, beige and black rug into the playroom. 
You can purchase the rug on Houzz.com - it's only $102 now for size 8 x 10! That's an amazing price because the rug is awesome quality, thick and easy to spot clean.  ​
geometric pulitzer rug from houzz, 8 x 10 rug for playroom, playroom inspiration, wool rug, green, beige, black run, carpet, area rug
Next, I gathered some of my favorite art that was colorful. The papier mache pieces were made in Jacmel, Haiti and are of a Haitian tap tap bus, a rooster and a giraffe. I bought these in Haiti so I can't link them, but I found these awesome ones:
  • papier mache tap tap bus on ebay
  • metal rooster on jet.com
  • papier mache giraffe on ebay​
haitian art, affordable, ship from u.s., unique paintings, ayiti, haiti, haitian painter, free shipping
​

papier mache art, giraffe, taptap bus, haitian taxi, rooster, chicken, caribbean, jungle, haitian woman painting, neg mawon sculpture, big wood art, upcycled picture fram, thrifting, goodwill find, furniture redo, haiti babi blanket, handmade items from haiti, haitian art, play room, caribbean inspired playroom, grey and turquoise blanket, nursery, toddler room, bedroom, haiti inspired home decor

​These paintings were done by my husband's cousin in Haiti. The one in the green frame was painted on a burlap sak and glued to a hard cardboard material. The frame is actually one that I found in the garbage! It was originally gold and had an ugly horse painting in it. Thankfully the Haitian painting was the exact same size! (fun fact - I love repurposing things and thrifting...it's one of my favorite things to do!) ​
haitian art, haiti, inspired decor, caribbean art, tropical, palm tree painting, beach house, beach art, island art, vibes, black and white, boats, custom frame by michaels, playroom decor, haitian inspired playroom
The Neg Mawon wood sculpture is also one of my favorites! We bought it from a local Haitian artist named Francois Sanon in La Boule 12. (fun fact - This heavy sculpture was our carry on item on the airplane from a trip to Haiti. Everyone was stopping to ask about it.) The video is an interview and tour of his studio in Haiti!

This is my most favorite blanket that I have for my boys! I bought it when I was pregnant with the first baby. I love buying handmade items from Haiti and when I saw this baby blanket, I couldn't resist! It has kept the same exact shape since when I bought it, it's just softer now. It's 32'' x 32'', a perfect size for baby or even a toddler. It's not too hot or heavy; it's really perfect. Shop the link or click here. The toddler rocking chair is from Home Goods.
toddler rocker, rocking chair, giraffe, caribbean, jungle, recliner for kids, haiti babi blanket, handmade items from haiti, haitian art, play room, caribbean inspired playroom, grey and turquoise blanket, nursery, toddler room, bedroom, haiti inspired home decor
Playroom Inspiration
If you're tired of stepping on legos and tripping over trucks, try dedicating a corner (or a room if you have the space) for the toys to make a playroom or play area. It's nice to have the toys in one area so that we could have our living room back. I have a playroom board on Pinterest where I got my inspiration! Check it out here.
thrifted toys, garage sale, how to buy cheap toys, second hand, used, good condition, bouncy chair activity center, wood toys, toddler, baby, haiti, haitian baby, deals on toys, baby einstein, fisher price, goodwill finds
Save Money and The Earth by Adding Thrifted Toys to Your Playroom
These toys have nothing to do with Haiti, but I thought I'd share some tips with you. As a first time mom, I bought so much stuff that I thought I needed or the baby needed! This second time around, I am much more aware of what I buy because I realize how short of a time the baby will use it. 

Try Goodwill for amazing gently used toys like the wooden activity toy in our playroom. I got ours for $5.99 (compared to $59.99 brand new)! I was not looking for any toys on that trip, especially one like this, but I could not pass up this amazing deal. I also found the zebra walker at Goodwill for $3.99! I had given our old one away, so I am glad I found this one on the cheap. 


I found the Baby Einstein bouncy chair at Once Upon a Child, a thrift store with kids clothes and gear. It was $50 versus $88.99! 
Other Fun Haiti Inspired Things in Our Playroom
​Add this short story book to your collection! It was written and designed by me :) 

Mermaid Violette is madly in love. Her friends -- a crab, fish, dolphin, jellyfish and shrimp, all wonder who Violette loves so much and can't live without. Read the book to find out who the lucky one is!
The story is written in English. Bonus pages of sea creatures in English and Haitian Creole!
short story book in haitian creole, multicultural book, violette, story about a mermaid, haiti, haitian, ayiti, love story about haiti, kids book, children's book, haitian creole, english
Add these customizable wall art prints to your little one's room or playroom! Designed by me :) 
animal art prints, customizable art for kid's room, playroom, haitian creole art, haitian painting, nursery decor
animal art prints, customizable art for kid's room, playroom, haitian creole art, haitian painting, nursery decor
sea creature art prints, customizable art for kid's room, playroom, haitian creole art, haitian painting, nursery decor
sea creature art prints, customizable art for id's room, playroom, haitian creole art, haitian painting, nursery decor
goat art print, kabrit, customizable art for kid's room, playroom, haitian creole art, haitian painting, nursery decor
turtle, sea life, art prints, customizable art for kid's room, playroom, haitian creole art, haitian painting, nursery decor
I plan to do more blogs about Haiti inspired rooms and home decor so stay tuned! ​Thanks for stopping by!

​JOIN THE FÒS (FORCE)

Subscribe
0 Comments

Handmade in Haiti: Blankets by Haiti Babi

1/29/2015

2 Comments

 
I am in love with this blanket from HaitiBaby.org! Being that I love Haiti and handmade items, I had to support them as we are expecting our first baby soon. 

The whole experience from their beautiful website to the checkout process and shipping was so easy! Also, if you sign up for their newsletter, you will get a 25% off coupon emailed to you!

The quality of the blanket is AMAZING!!!! It is something that we will have forever and it will grow with our son through the years.

From the Haiti Babi website:

"Haiti Babi was created to keep kids out of orphanages and with their parents. Haiti Babi’s mission is to create jobs for moms."

Go on over to their website and check out their items and story...it's incredible!


I love it! 
Picture
Follow DianaPL's board Handmade in Haiti on Pinterest.
2 Comments

Handmade in Haiti: Baby hats by 1000 Jobs Haiti

1/27/2015

1 Comment

 
As you well know, if it was made in Haiti, I must buy it! I have an obsession with handmade items from Haiti and I feel it's a small way of helping keep eyes on the country that has so much talent. 

I bought these baby hats on www.1000jobshaiti.org. They are beautifully made and I can't wait to get them on our new bundle of joy coming soon! (I think I just officially announced that we are expecting! :))

Go check out their site for some quality handmade baby items as well as holiday, household items and accessories. 

From 1000jobsHaiti.org's website: 
WHEN YOU PURCHASE HANDMADE HAITIAN GOODS, 
YOU EMPOWER WOMEN IN WAYS THEY HAVE NEVER KNOWN BEFORE
Our goods are made in feminine co-operatives in Hinche, Mirebalais, Port-au-Prince and Cange, Haiti
.
Picture
1 Comment

Wearing Cute Things While Supporting Haiti

1/16/2015

0 Comments

 
I am a sucker for all Haitian made items. If it was made in Haiti, it's for me! I ordered these adorable bracelets from www.SimbiHaiti.com over the holidays. The shipping was lightning fast and the product is great quality. They are also super adorable, but most importantly they help bring clean water and jobs to Haiti! mesi anpil!
Picture
0 Comments
    Haitian flag, flag of haiti, caribbean flag, drapo

    FEEDBACK?
    COMMENTS?
    SUGGESTIONS?

    Click here!

    teach haitian creole, creole for kids, kreyol, learn haitian creole, haiti, foreign language, multiculturalism, bilingual, diversity, openminded

      JOIN THE FÒS (FORCE)

    Subscribe

    Another side of haiti

    Learning everything I can about the Haitian culture to teach the world about The Real Haiti. Please participate in the conversation to teach each other something! 

    Have your opinions about Haiti changed? Maybe you stumbled upon this site to learn more about the country, the people, the culture. Maybe you were looking for news, or tourism information. 

    Regardless of your impression of Haiti before you entered the site, I hope that you leave with something positive that you can tell others about The Real Haiti.

    what do you mean i don't look haitian tshirt, haiti shirt, haiti clothing
    DOWNLOAD FREEBIES
    Tweets by @TheRealHaiti

    Archives

    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    February 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    July 2020
    May 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    May 2018
    February 2018
    November 2017
    July 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    November 2016
    July 2016
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013
    January 2013
    December 2012
    November 2012
    October 2012
    September 2012
    August 2012
    July 2012
    June 2012
    May 2012
    April 2012
    March 2012
    February 2012
    January 2012
    December 2011
    November 2011

    Categories

    All
    Acffc
    Adventure Tourism
    Airlines
    Art
    Aux Cayes
    Ayiti
    Back To School
    Battle Of The Vertières
    Beaches In Haiti
    Biracial Children
    Books
    Branding
    Branding Expert
    Cap Haitien
    Caribbean Vegetables And Roots
    Chef Alain Lemaire
    Citadelle Laferrière
    Clothing
    Colors In Haitian Creole
    Conference Call
    Contest
    Count In Haitian Creole
    Curly Hair
    Curly Hair Brush
    Curly Hair Routine
    Depression
    Disapora
    Discount Coupon
    Dous Makòs
    Downloads
    Events
    Every Day Life In Haiti
    Family
    Fashion
    Fet Gede
    Food
    Food Festival In Haiti
    Forf
    Fort Jacques
    Freebies
    Freedom Soup
    Gastronomy In Haiti
    Gift Guide
    Google Searches On Haiti
    Gout Et Sauvers Lakay
    Guest Photographer
    Haiti
    Haitian Adoption
    Haitian American
    Haitian And Italian Couple
    Haitian Author
    Haitian Comedy
    Haitian Creole
    Haitian Culture
    Haitian Food
    Haitian Food Blog
    Haitian Hair
    Haitian Heritage Month
    Haitian History
    Haitian Independence
    Haitian Independence Day
    Haitian Kids Books
    Haitian Made Items
    Haitian Music
    Haitian Poses
    Haitian Pride
    Haitian Radio Station
    Haitian Recipies
    Haitian Soup Joumou
    Haitian Sweets
    Haitian Tourism
    Haitian Traditions
    Haitian Tshirt
    Haiti In The Classroom
    Halloween
    Halloween In Haiti
    Healthcare In Haiti
    Healthcare Workers In Haiti
    Helping Haitians
    History
    Holidays
    Hotel Reviews
    Hotels
    How To Brush Curly Hair
    Ile A Vache
    Immigration
    Invest In Haiti
    Islands Off Of Haiti
    Jacmel
    Jeremie
    Jeremie Haiti
    Jewelry Line
    Jobs
    Kids
    Kites
    Konparet
    Learn About Haiti
    Learning While Educating
    Ley Cayes
    Logo/Slogan Launch
    Made In Haiti
    Marketing
    Mental Health
    Mental Health In The Haitian Community
    Minister Of Tourism Info
    Mixed Kids
    Mom Blogger
    Music
    Must-see Destination
    Nancy Francois
    Negative Image Of Haiti
    New Years Day
    Not A Shithole
    Not Seen On The News
    Odette Roy Formbrun
    Our Trip 2011
    Palm Beach County
    Partners
    People
    Photos Of Haiti
    Port Morgan Hotel
    Postpartum Depression
    Pregnancy In Haiti
    President Michel Martelly
    Publicity
    Radio
    Rara In Haiti
    Seo
    Seo Consultant
    Shop Haitian Items
    Some History
    Sos Pwa Congo
    Soup Joumou Recipe
    Southern Haiti
    Sundays In Haiti
    Talent
    Tangle-free Brush
    Teach About Haiti
    Teaching
    The Guédés Festival
    Then Vs. Now
    The Real Haiti About Us
    The Real Haiti Academy
    The Sweetest Girl: A Forbidden Love Story
    Things
    Tonm-tonm
    Tourism
    Toussaint L'Ouverture
    Travel
    Travel Destinations
    Travel To Haiti
    Tshirt
    Voluntourism
    Website-professional
    What Do You Mean I Don't Look Haitian?
    What Do You REALLY Know?
    What Do You REALLY Know?
    Why I Do This Blog
    Worksheets

    RSS Feed

JOIN THE FÒS (FORCE) 

submit
(561) 450-9657
HOME
LOGIN
 SHOP 
ABOUT
BLOG
CONTACT
FIRST TIME VISITORS
​MARKETING
The Real Haiti Inc. © 2022 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

❤︎ I may earn a small commission on affiliate links with no cost to you ❤︎