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…
New Year
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…
Homemade Banana Pudding- No Boxed Mixes
Creamy, homemade vanilla pudding is sandwiched between layers of fresh bananas and crispy cookies. My Homemade Banana Pudding has what all banana puddings should have: real ingredients. Don’t be put off by the word “homemade”. Once you know the basic recipe, everything about this dessert comes together quickly and smoothly. Unlike its box-made counterpart, this homemade…
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…
