5. Dining Etiquette:
- It is customary in Haitian culture to greet elders before beginning a meal as a sign of respect.
- Eating with your hands is acceptable in Haitian dining culture, particularly when enjoying dishes like griot and plantains.
- Sharing food is a common practice in Haitian households, so be prepared to pass dishes around the table.

Douces are a popular sweet snack in Haiti that consists of slices of sweet potato or squash that are boiled and coated in a sweet syrup made from water, sugar, and spices like cinnamon and cloves. These candied treats are often enjoyed as a dessert or during festive occasions.

**How to Pick and Ripen Avocados:**
When selecting avocados, look for ones that are slightly firm but give slightly when gently pressed. Avoid avocados that are overly soft or have deep indentations. To ripen avocados faster, place them in a paper bag with a banana, which releases ethylene gas to speed up the process. Once ripe, store avocados in the refrigerator to extend their shelf life.

4. Storage and Usage:
Once you have created your custom Haitian spice rub, store it in an airtight container in a cool, dark place to preserve its freshness and flavor. You can use the spice rub to season a variety of dishes, from grilled meats and roasted vegetables to soups and stews. Rub the mixture generously onto your protein or vegetables before cooking to infuse them with the bold flavors of Haiti.

- Thyme: Fresh or Satin cap sales dried thyme is a staple herb in Haitian cooking, providing a savory and earthy flavor to the spice rub.
- Scotch Bonnet Peppers: These fiery hot peppers add a distinct heat and flavor to the spice rub. Use caution when handling and adjust the quantity based on your spice tolerance.
- Garlic and Onion: These aromatics form the base of the spice rub, adding depth and complexity to the flavors.
- Smoked Paprika: Adds a smoky and slightly sweet flavor to the spice rub, enhancing the overall profile.
- Allspice: A key ingredient in Haitian cuisine, allspice provides a warm and slightly peppery flavor to the spice rub.

This dish holds a special place in Haitian cuisine, as it is not only delicious but also nutritious and versatile. Legume is typically made with a mix of assorted vegetables, meat, and sometimes seafood, cooked in a savory sauce that is bursting with flavor. Let's delve into the ingredients, preparation, and cultural significance of Legume.

Ingredients:
The key ingredients in Legume include a colorful array of vegetables such as eggplant, cabbage, carrots, spinach, chayote squash, malanga (taro root), and more. It is common to find a protein source in Legume, such as beef, pork, chicken, or seafood like crab or shrimp. Seasonings like garlic, thyme, scotch bonnet peppers, and parsley are used to enhance the flavor profile of the dish. Additionally, rice, plantains, and pikliz (a spicy vinegar-based condiment) are often served alongside Legume to complete the meal.

**Culinary Uses:**
Avocados are incredibly versatile and can be used in both savory and sweet dishes. They are commonly enjoyed in salads, sandwiches, guacamole, and as a topping for toast or burgers. Avocado oil, derived from the fruit, is often used in cooking and salad dressings. Avocados can also be blended into smoothies, used in desserts like mousse or ice cream, and even incorporated into baked goods.

Introduction:
Haitian cuisine is known for its bold and flavorful dishes, with a key element being the use of spice rubs to enhance the taste and aroma of various dishes. One of the most popular and versatile spice rubs used in Haitian cooking is the Haitian spice rub, known for its unique blend of herbs and spices that elevate the flavors of meats, poultry, seafood, and vegetables. In this article, we will explore the secrets behind creating authentic custom Haitian spice rubs and how you can incorporate them into your cooking to add a taste of Haiti to your meals.

2. Customizing Your Spice Rub:
One of the secrets to creating an authentic Haitian spice rub is to customize it to suit your personal taste preferences. While there are traditional recipes to guide you, feel free to experiment with different quantities of ingredients to create a spice rub that caters to your individual palate. You can also consider adding or substituting ingredients based on what you have available or your desired flavor profile.

3. Balancing Flavors:
Achieving the perfect balance of flavors is essential when creating a Haitian spice rub. Consider the interplay of savory, spicy, sweet, and aromatic elements in your blend to create a harmony of flavors that will complement the dish you are preparing. Taste as you go and make adjustments to ensure that no single flavor overwhelms the others.

3. Cooking Techniques:
Haitian cuisine offers a variety of cooking techniques to prepare cassava dishes. One popular method is to boil cassava until tender, then mash it to make a smooth purée known as "patat" or "mayi moulen." Cassava can also be fried to make crispy cassava fries or used in savory stews and soups to add texture and flavor.