I’ve upgraded my chicken tamales So, today’s culinary offering is a different twist on tamales, a tasty traditional Latin American favorite. For starters there is no corn involved, and the chicken is not totally wrapped in the corn husk! Are you confused? Don’t be. Introducing chipotle chicken tamales. Something I love about being a food…
Latin American
Pork Loin in Tamarind Sauce
I just got back from vacation, and apart from the usual souvenir purchases, I brought back with me a new recipe. You see, I went home to visit my family, and my sister made this amazing pork loin in tamarind sauce. It wasn’t just finger licking good, it was really easy to make too: DOUBLE BONUS! Naturally, when…
Avocado Chicken Sandwich
Avocados From Mexico are the perfect food! I just came up with this delicious avocado, chicken sandwich. An open face sandwich, just to be exact. Ah, the possibilities of sandwiches! The possibilities of avocados! Whole-grain bread topped with grilled chicken, sliced grape tomatoes, sliced avocados, topped with crumbled queso fresco, and sprinkled with lime juice…
Cinco de Mayo Party
Yikes Cinco de Mayo is like right on the doorstep. Are you having a party? Are you going to a party? Regardless, here are a few Cinco de Mayo party ideas to inspire you. Some of these treats are healthy, some are not! Just warning you. And just a little history lesson before the post….
Latin Style Leftover Turkey: Arroz con Pavo
A delicious, Latin style leftover turkey recipe Meet arroz con pavo! Turkey day coma is now over, and it is now your fridge that is stuffed with enough leftover turkey to feed another family. What to do? Face it, there are only so many ways to relive Thanksgiving dinner that don’t involve a microwave. So…
Turkey Burger Soup Recipe
The days are getting shorter, sigh! The air certainly feels chillier with every passing day. Face it, we are headed for that dreaded winter season whether we want to admit it or not. I am not a cold weather person, can’t you tell? Cold weather is a time for turkey burger soup, the ultimate comfort…
Coconut Mojito
This coconut mojito (moe he toe) recipe reminds me of a silly 70’s song that went something like this “You put the lime in the coconut, and you drink it all up.” The lyrics always bring a smile to my face. To me, nothing says summer like an ice cold mojito. The bright taste of…
Fried Yuca Strips
Fried Yuca Strips The Latin American french fry. Yuca is popular in Latin America, Africa and the Caribbean. These fried goodies make the perfect appetizer for your cocktail party or a side dish. So delicious, you’ll forget about potatoes for a minute. It’s the third largest source of carbohydrates after corn. According to archaeologists, yuca…
2 Minute Spicy Mango Pico de Gallo Salsa
Super Bowl Sunday is just around the corner! Are you hosting? Regardless, one of the great traditions, apart from those multimillion dollar ads are the snacks. Yes, the snacks!!! This post is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group and Del Monte, but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia…
Black Bean Plantain Empanadas
Black bean plantain empanadas is what you might call an unusual combination of ingredients. It is a perfect vegan dish. I am not a vegan or even a vegetarian by the way, but find these empanadas absolutely irresistible. You can stuff an empanada with just about anything, creativity is your friend. I have adapted this recipe…
Arroz con Pollo – Hispanic Chicken and Rice
Arroz con pollo (chicken and rice) is to Hispanics what meatloaf and mashed potatoes is to Americans. It is the ultimate comfort food. It’s healthy too. I think I can state with certainty that arroz con pollo is Latin America’s most popular dish. It is mine, for sure. Every country in Latin America has its…
Pastelitos de Guava
Pastelitos de Guava (Guava pastries) are a typical Latin American/Caribbean dessert made with cream cheese and guava paste encased in puff pastry and baked to golden perfection. In the US they are extremely popular in Southern Florida and other areas with large Hispanic populations. These sweet pastelitos de guava are a close cousin to the savory…
Rice, Black Beans and Pork Chops – The Latin Meal: Chuletas
Rice, Black Beans and Pork Chops: a typical Latin American or Caribbean meal that is rich in flavors, and also nutritious. This is by far one of my favorite comfort foods. The Spanish word for pork chops is “chuletas.” My husband, just to kid around pronounces it “shoo letha”, which he says sounds like shoe leather! He…
Easy homemade mayonnaise- Aioli
Move over Hellman’s, here comes aioli! My all time favorite way to eat aioli a dip with fried yuca, but that’s just my Latin American taste. Aioli, an old Provencal word, essentially comes from two words: ail-garlic and oli-oil. Aioli pairs well with broiled fish, potatoes, crab-cakes, and yes French bread also. In Latin American…
Cuban Vaca Frita – Latin Style Flank Steak
Vaca Frita! Fried Cow? Holy Cow!! Vaca Frita, a dish made with flank steak, was brought to the United States by the Cuban immigrants. Its rich flavors and funky name has made it a favorite of Americans, especially in Miami and other southern cities that host a large Cuban population. A diverse cuisine Cuban food…
