grilled cheese

Grilled Cheese and Chocolate Sandwiches

March 19, 2020

You need to know something before you go turning up your nose at this Grilled Cheese and Chocolate Sandwich recipe: many Puerto Ricans drink hot chocolate with a chunk of cheese melted in the bottom. It’s just what we do. So, if you want to be all “intolerant” and whatnot, go ahead. You’re going to…

Vitamin C Bomb Smoothie, because even though I hav

Vitamin C Bomb Smoothie, because even though I have no idea what day it is, I know my body can probably use something healthy. Click on the link in my bio for this refreshingly healthy libation, then do your girl a solid by commenting what day it is below. Thanks.

Pineapple 101! What are they, how are they used,

Pineapple 101! What are they, how are they used, and more importantly: how the heck do I cut it?!? I was the equivalent of a scullery maid when I first started working in restaurants. Sunday brunch service meant I was cutting more pineapples than you could imagine. There are many techniques and gadgets available which make the process "faster", but that doesn't mean they're efficient. Product loss should still mean something- especially when it's your money going to waste. Time is also important. I'm not cutting out every little brown speck for the fun of it. Click the link in my bio to learn more about this tropical fruit and what to do with it.

If you've never had Habichuelas Guisadas you've be

If you've never had Habichuelas Guisadas you've been missing out. Rice and these stewed beans are a prominent part of many Hispanic meals. So much so, my mother told me she grew up eating chicken, rice, and beans every single day of her life. Since she was the oldest of 9, it wasn't hard for me to believe her. While we have more choices to choose from- even during this chaotic time- this is still a dish I recommend learning. Dried, canned, or frozen beans can be used, but I prefer the texture and availability of dried beans. A sofrito provides the base for this filling dish. Flavorful meat and potatoes make this a meal in itself. Grab the recipe by clicking on the link in my bio.

I'm feeling very "pioneer-like" these days. It's l

I'm feeling very "pioneer-like" these days. It's like I'm living on a finca in the Puerto Rican mountains or in a cabin in the country. There's just a weird atmosphere of fending for ourselves right now. Arroz Blanco (Steamed White Rice) is on heavy rotation and baking is more frequent. Let me tell you about my ancestors from both my Black and Puerto Rican cultures- those folks didn't bother with measuring cups. For a while I tried following the instructions that are on the bags of rice. It always turned out amogollao (gummy), which, in my culture, is akin to being a wanton harlot (not really, but close). So, I went back to my roots. When making white rice, I was taught to measure "con el dedo" (with a finger) or- especially in my family- "con la mano" (with your hand). Cover the rice in the pot with enough water to reach the second line on your finger or the last knuckle on your flat hand. Makes sense, right? Turns out it's an inch of water above the rice. Granted, we could measure it properly- I give you the proper measurements for this recipe, but why not keep it old school? How do you make rice? Is it as "unique" as my family's method? Click the link in my bio to find out more tips on making the fluffiest pot of rice.

Don't YOU put cheese in your hot chocolate?!? I fi

Don't YOU put cheese in your hot chocolate?!? I find it shocking that not everyone enjoys theirs this way. I described the way Puerto Ricans/Caribbeans drink their hot cocoa and got the biggest side-eye. Don't knock it until you try it. I'm easing you into it with my sammie-spin: Grilled Cheese and Chocolate sandwiches. @borden_cheese and @chocolatecortespr come together between thick slices of Pan Sobao to form an edible version of a childhood treat. I'm giving you options to use what you have on hand, too! Clickable link is in my bio!

As a member of the foodservice community for my en

As a member of the foodservice community for my entire teenage and adult life, I know the stress restaurants are facing right now. People are worried about how to pay their bills and how they'll provide for their families. The government will bail out banks and financial institutions, but restaurants are forgotten. Let's support those who serve us everyday. Post your location below. Share with your friends.

What do you do to maintain your mental health in t

What do you do to maintain your mental health in times of chaos and uncertainty? For me, it's creating food that I share with the people in my life. We really are facing some odd circumstances these days. Uncertainty is running rampant where I live, so, in spite of everything that's going on around me, I want something that's familiar. While I know that my Baked Corned Beef and Cabbage isn't Irish- nor is it the traditional way to prepare the recipe- it's traditional for me to serve it on St. Paddy's Day. It's familiar to me and my crew. When we, as a culture, are fighting for food and paper products that will be there a week from now (if we don't hoard it), I realize things which remind me of my customs, tradition, and simpler times are vital to my mental health. Food is powerful like that. Strangely enough, there was plenty of corned beef brisket in my grocery store. Grab one and create some normalcy or start a new tradition for St. Patrick's Day tomorrow. God knows we need it. Clickable link is in my bio.

What's more Irish than corned beef and cabbage? An

What's more Irish than corned beef and cabbage? Anything, really. While corned beef and cabbage is an Irish-AMERICAN favorite, Fish and Chips- or "One and One" is more along the lines of what the Irish would eat. Make yours even MORE authentic by using an Irish ale like @smithwicks_us . But no mushy peas. That's just too Irish for my blood. @thermoworks Chef Alarm guarantees, both, the fish AND your chips are fried to a crisp that would make any pub proprietor in Ireland grin with pride. Click the link in my bio to celebrate St. Paddy's Day with a favorite Irish dish.