Pasteles are a Puerto Rican institution. Without fail, every Christmas, Puerto Rican kitchens the world over are packed with Abuelas and their acolytes, all with one mission: prepare, assemble, and package enough pasteles to divvy up amongst the family. Bundles of meat-filled, ground green banana patties are packed away into plastic bags. The family members disperse to their…
Christmas
Pumpkin Caramel Sticky Buns with Pecans
Thank you Karo® Syrup for sponsoring this post. Celebrate sweet moments together with Karo®! My Pumpkin Caramel Sticky Buns deliver on their promise of sticky, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. These rolls have that familiar flavor (and aroma), which- let’s be honest- is the way to most of our hearts. With the…
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…
Honey Cheesecake with Baklava Crust
Let’s face it, these days we all have some extra time on our hands. Even I, a work from home, homeschool (not quarantine school) mom of teenage twins, have a bit more time on my hands. So, while we’re confined to the four walls of our homes, why not explore new recipes? This week, go…
Coquito Cheesecake (Coconut Rum Cheesecake)
This Creamy Coquito Cheesecake is a spin-off of the popular Puerto Rican holiday drink. I didn’t get into the holiday spirit as much this year as in years past. Because my home wasn’t decorated to the nines like it usually is, I’m not going through that feeling of emptiness I often deal with once everything…
Sweet Potato Cheesecake with Pecan Praline Topping
Unlike me, you’re probably already game-planning your holiday meals. We’re not going to do much this year since we’re in the Traphouse, so my meal plans aren’t as ambitious as they were in years past. I still have to keep up with my dessert plans, though. My family doesn’t give quarter to me in that…
Glühwein: German Mulled Wine
You could use a sultry, warm libation to carry you into the New Year, I know. I’m so excited to share one of my favorite drinks from Europe: Glühwein (GLOO-vine)! Spending six years living in Germany never had its bad moments. If nothing else, I was pissed that the Army made us come back to the…
Christmas Chocolate Truffles (Five Flavors)
Okay, so last week I bombarded you with amazing gift ideas for your favorite guy, gal, kid, novice home cook, and even some things for the chefiest-chef you know. But, what happens when Amazon just won’t get your gifts to you on time? Have no fear! Food is here! Seriously, some of the best gifts…
Coquito: Puerto Rican Coconut-Cinnamon Rum Cocktail
Before we go any further with this Coquito post, I want to remind you that I’m a married woman. I’m won’t tolerate any disrespect to the Soldier. So, that means no marriage proposals, no sending flowers (especially orchids or lilies), and no diamond rings in size seven. I won’t stand for it. Pontificate on how much of…
