Planning to make a bunch of Hispanic or Caribbean recipes? Well, Friend, Achiote Oil is your weekend project. Many dishes in the Hispanic culture include achiote in some shape or form. Its oil is easy to make and even easier to use. The only warning I offer: don’t get it on anything you care about! What is Achiote Oil? Achiote…
Hispanic/Latin
Arroz con Gandules (Rice with Pigeon Peas)
Arroz con gandules is a very popular Puerto Rican rice dish. Rendered pork fat and spices flavor the rice before the pigeon peas are added and the whole lot is steamed until fluffy and soft. You’ve probably seen, if not tasted, Arroz con Gandules if you’ve ever had the honor of being invited to a Puerto…
Pernil (Puerto Rican Roast Pork Shoulder)
Let me tell you about the time my husband almost stabbed a guest in our home over the skin you see in the photo above. It was traumatic. It was scary. Totally justifiable, but still scary. That right there sitting atop that mound of deliciousness is chicharrón. Pork rind. Crackling. Heaven. It is one of…
Rellenos de Papa (Picadillo-Stuffed Potato Fritters)
Is it a potato or a snack? It’s both! My Rellenos de Papa, also known as Papa Rellena, are an optical illusion. They look like a potato, but when you bite through their crisp exterior, a savory meat filling is there to greet you. Lately, I’ve been on this cuchifrito kick. It might be that I’ve…
Pinchos (Puerto Rican Grilled Pork Kebabs)
OOOP! Better watch out! Hector’s making his hand modeling-career debut! You don’t even know how excited I am to give you this recipe for Pinchos. If you have a day for marinating and a grill, this is going to be your next favorite recipe. Dozens of Hispanics (and people who live amongst them) can’t be…
Agua de Jamaica (Hibiscus Iced Tea)
One of the recipes I became obsessed with while living in El Paso, Texas, was Agua de Jamaica, or hibiscus iced tea. The tea was served at most (if not all) taquerias throughout the city. Its ability to cool even the spiciest of salsas and chilies made it a staple. My version of the beverage…
Puerto Rican Sofrito- Authentic Culantro Cooking Base
This is a picture of Green Gold, my friend. It’s commonly known as sofrito, or sometimes, recaito. No matter what it’s called, this flavoring blend, used in most Caribbean cuisines, is money. I once knew a family in Brooklyn who got busted in a sting for operating an illegal sofrito supply chain. Word on the…
Adobo Homemade All-Purpose Seasoning
Well, well, well! It seems as though food is more controversial than anyone expected it to be. Today, ladies and gentlemen, we will learn that we can make any thing we want to. Yes, even spice blends that we only thought to buy before can (and should) be made at home. As a woman who…
Sazón Seasoning with NO MSG
*I wrote this post days before the CEO of the world’s largest Hispanic food supplier made polarizing comments. As a result, images include the original product.* Go into any Hispanic or Black person’s kitchen and you’ll probably find a box of Sazón there. This flavor enhancing spice blend is a favorite, especially amongst Caribbean-dwellers. Because…
Watermelon Italian Soda- Refreshing for Summer
I could drink a Watermelon Italian Soda every single day. In fact, I often do. I can pronounce all of the ingredients and make it with little effort, so, why not? Plus, I always have what I need to make them. The simple syrup is made from fresh fruit juice and sugar. Afterwards, seltzer water…
