If you’ve never made a batch of Creole Red Beans and Rice from scratch, you are missing out on so much. Canned beans can’t hold a candle to the texture and flavor of beans made from their fresh or dried state. The snap of a bean when you bite it, the spices and herbs that penetrate…
gluten-free
How to Make Coconut Milk at Home
Here’s a quick “tute” all about Coconut Milk. How to make it. Why you should make it. And what you can use it in when you make it. Besides being creamier and more refreshing than that stuff in a carton or can, fresh coconut milk is easily customizable to add (or not) flavorings you might be keen…
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…
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…
Fruit and Yogurt Smoothie- Just 4 Ingredients!
The base to the easiest smoothie consists of fruit and yogurt. What kind of fruit? That’s up to you. What kind of yogurt? Again, that’s your call. Since I know the ends and outs of quick breakfasts that aren’t too complicated, I’m going to hand over as many suggestions as my little brain holds. After…
Guacamole Dip: Chunky and Ready to Party
Guacamole is the king of Mexican meals. It sits on its throne of dishes most sought after. I’ve never had too much guacamole, but I’ve been annoyed when it’s run out. And it always runs out. The creamy, veggie-studded dip goes well with most proteins or simply scooped up with chips. What is Guacamole? The…
Pico de Gallo Recipe: Easy to Make
Pico de Gallo means “rooster’s beak”, but I have no idea what beaks have to do with this recipe. Maybe it’s because it looks like food a bird would peck at or has pecked over? Who knows? The colors of pico de gallo pay homage to the Mexican flag. So it makes sense that this…
Vitamin C Bomb Smoothie: Drink to Your Health
Vitamin C Bomb Smoothies are probably the tastiest way to increase your daily intake of vitamins. I mean, without that nasty, vitamin-y after taste, that is. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is friend to very few chefs, and I’m no exception. Personally, I think they involve themselves in too much of our day-to-day…
Mango Lassi with Rosewater and Cardamom
Do you need a break from the world (I’m looking at you “the Media”) right now?!? ‘Cause I sure as heck do. Most of your kiddos have started classes again and I’m sure the days are starting to run together. Well, in case they are, I’m sharing one of my favorite, easy-to-make, easy-to-drink morning meals….
