Busy Signal cooks sardines. - Francine Black

Busy Signal has been cooking from an early age and recently showed off his skills for THE STAR.

The artiste, who has been a semi-vegetarian for the past six years, prepared a meal of rice, sardines and lemonade.

Busy's first step was to wash the Jasmine rice, his favourite type of rice, and add water before steaming. He seasoned the rice with butter, salt, scallion, a Scotch bonnet pepper and garlic.

While the rice was steaming, he prepared the lemonade. First step was to squeeze several limes into a jug. He does not strain the lime juice, noting that he believes everything has to be in the drink. He then adds brown sugar and water and stir to taste.

After putting the lemonade in the refrigerator to chill, he takes a break to enjoy a snack of bulla and pear. He lowers the heat under the rice and cuts up tomatoes, onion, garlic and the pepper to cook the sardines.

He then puts a frying pan on the fire and added vegetable oil and the seasonings. After allowing them to cook for a few minutes, he added the sardines and black pepper and simmers.

Facts about cooking with Busy.

His favourite dish: Ackee and saltfish and yam, banana and dumpling.

Other favourite foods: Sardines, crackers, cabbage, callaloo and fish.

Favourite drink: Lemonade.

How did he learn to cook: He was taught by his mother and grandmother and often had to prepare food for his younger brothers when he was growing up.

Favourite things to cook with: Anchor butter, garlic, scallion, hot peppers.

Things Busy must have in his kitchen: Sardines, onion, tomatoes, sea salt, brown sugar, lime, pear, water, paper towels and kitchen towels.

Busy's kitchen must be: "Clean". "Even if is peanut trash me a cook, it must be clean."

Win a Date with Busy Signal

Star of the Month, Busy Signal is giving a lucky female fan a

chance to win a date with him.

To qualify, you must be at least 18 years old. You must submit, via email, a photo, your contact number,

and a 100-word letter to Busy telling him about yourself.

Address entries to 'A Date with Busy Signal' and send to entertainment@gleanerjm.com.

Entries close Friday, October 17.