Recently I went back home to Panama for a visit, and met up with an old classmate for lunch. She suggested Mexican, and I quickly agreed. Well, one satisfying steak burrito bowl, and two margaritas each later, and I was totally inspired. Who wouldn’t be? Unfortunately my friend had to return to work in a…
rice
Latin Style Leftover Turkey: Arroz con Pavo
Latin style leftover turkey: 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. If you are feeling overly…
Sushi: Sacred Union of Land and Sea
There is no denying that sushi is a trending food . Today many restaurant menus and large supermarkets carry it. At my house it is a favorite. Even my son who is a picky eater loves sushi. Spicy shrimp, and California roll are his favorites. For the longest time I had been wanting to learn to make…
Dolmas
Dolmas, from the Turkish verb “to stuff”, are the culinary legacy of the mighty Ottoman Empire. Dolmas form part of the meze or hors d’oeuvres menu of the eastern Mediterranean. The precursor to dolmas is thought to be the Greek thrion” a fig leaf stuffed with sweetened cheese. Dolmas can be found in Greece, Turkey,…
Arroz con Gandules
Arroz con Gandules is a Puerto Rican favorite and the accompaniment to many meals. However, it is also popular in other Latin American countries. As an added plus, arroz con gandules goes amazingly well with bistec encebollado. Gandules or Guandu depending on where you are from, are a small roundish bean that grows in a…
Arroz con Pollo
Arroz con pollo is to Hispanics what meatloaf and mashed potatoes is to Americans. It is the ultimate comfort food. What’s great about arroz con pollo is that it is 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…
Bistec Encebollado
Bistec Encebollado is simply steak and onions. But there is nothing simple about this favorite Puerto Rican dish which is not only outstanding in flavor but also incredibly easy to make. Although I had already decided on using flank steak, I emailed a couple of Latin American friends to see what cut of meat they…
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…
Horchata
Horchata is a creamy, smooth sweet summer drink popular in Spain and Latin America. It is traditionally served cold in a tall glass without ice. Unlike Americans, Europeans are not fond of ice in their drinks. Horchata is usually consumed with a pastry. The origin of the name horchata derives from Latin, hordeum meaning barley….
