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…
Día de los Reyes (Three Kings Day)
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…
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…
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…
