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…
Seasons
Persimmon-Walnut Muffins
Is there ever a time when stealing is okay? Asking for a friend. Okay, okay, I’m that friend. Honestly, I’m currently staring out of my office window at my neighbor’s tree. It’s loaded down with ripe persimmons, and this Persimmon-Walnut Muffin recipe is begging to be made with them. But then I think of how embarrassing it…
Pasteles Puertorriqueños (Puerto Rican Pasteles)
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…
Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon-Sugar Topping
I was going to name these cookies “Pillowy Clouds of Fall Goodness,” but that didn’t have the same umph. You have to possess a serious amount of confidence to say something is the softest ever. Between the light-as-air texture of these cookies and the bold, spiced flavors inside (and out) of them, I’m over here…
Spiced Pumpkin Muffins with Streusel Topping
Tis’ the season for Pumpkin Spiced everything, y’all! I held out as long as I could before sharing a pumpkin recipe, but time waits for no woman. These Spiced Pumpkin Muffins are moist, spicy with the flavors of fall, and use a whole can of pumpkin puree! That’s right, no more trying to figure out…
Pumpkin Pie Spice Blend: Better Than Store-bought
Pumpkin Pie Spice Blend made with a combination of bright, earthy spices is much better than anything you can pick up in the stores. Since I have never been a fan of paying for things I know I can make myself, I started making my own Pumpkin Pie Spice Blend at home. This year, I hadn’t gotten…
Berry Tiramisu (Berry-Flavored Tiramisu)
My friend…we need to talk about this here dessert. There are some things I’m really bad at: math is one of them. One thing I’m not bad at, though, is pastries. Tiramisu is one of my specialities and I’m not trying to be cocky. This berry tiramisu is a riff on my classic recipe. Something…
Blueberry Balsamic BBQ Sauced Grilled Pork Chops
Grilled Pork Chops with Blueberry Balsamic BBQ Sauce are the answer to monotonous dinners. Like most people, I often find myself stuck in a food-rut. My go-to pork chop recipe involves frying. Not only does my scale hate me for it, my cardiologist is looking to quit me, too. Grilled pork chops are considerably lower…
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…
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…
