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…
holiday recipes
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…
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…
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…
Pomegranate-Rosemary Sparklers
Did you know that you tend to get drunk faster on champagne than with most other alcoholic beverages? It’s true. I read it in Cosmo once. Something about the oxygenated bubbles causing the alcohol to go to your brain quicker. I think that’s what it said, at least. I find, personally, that I’m a bit…
Baked Brie Topped with Caramelized Onions
I recently took one of those online Buzzfeed tests. The test diagnosed me as being an “Extroverted Introvert”. That basically means that I’m a social recluse who throws a wicked party. My personality-type prefers to avoid mingling; opting instead to gawk at the cocktails and hors d’oeuvres in a desperate attempt to appear too engrossed to converse…
