What a wonderful feeling to be able to, once in a while, get together with fun friends, drink good wine in a beautiful natural setting and enjoy delicious food. This frames the perfect ambiance for easy conversation and for your nice bubbly gathering to end up as a full blown party singing and dancing…
Category: Appetizers
Tortilla Española
Tortilla Española or Tortilla de Patatas is one of the most common dishes served all over Spain as well as in many of the former Spanish Colonies in America. The basic Tortilla Española, an open faced omelette similar to a quiche without a crust, includes eggs, potatoes and onions, but there are many variations….
Sorullitos de Maíz (Corn Fritters)
When I was pregnant I had three cravings; cake (sweet), pickles (sour) and sorullitos de maíz (savory). Scary ha! I gained about 30 pounds on each pregnancy. Once I made my husband take me to a restaurant in Cayey, in the puerto rican central mountain ridge, to eat some sorullitos de maíz. Without a doubt,…
Brie en Croute with Apples, Apricot Jam, Caramelized Onion and Candied Pralines
Hendersonville is a small town in the Blue Ridge Mountains near Asheville, North Carolina. It is one of the most tranquil places I have ever visited, where nature can be observed and enjoyed. The people that live in this part of the country are generally people that enjoy natural living, the outdoors and a simple…
Spanish Shrimp Tapa
Tapas Españolas or Spanish Tapas are very much en vogue and are excellent alternatives to offer your guests. Their purpose is to serve as a snack between meals, specially if you are having wine or alcoholic beverages. In addition, a selection of tapas can easily replace a meal at an informal gathering. The word “tapear”…
Classic Meatballs
About a month ago, our niece Camelia texted me to see if I was available to teach her how to make meatballs. One of her best friends was getting married and she didn’t want to come empty handed to the bridal shower, so she offered to bring meatballs as appetizers. Needless to say, she didn’t…
Chicken Satay with Spicy Peanut Sauce
I have tried this dish several times at restaurants and private parties. One thing is for sure, I always love it! Satay refers to marinated pieces of meat that are grilled or barbecued and served with a spicy peanut sauce as a side. Its origins are found in Indonesia and is also a delicacy in…
Croquetas
During the period of time I spent as a college student in Rome (1994), I walked every morning from Piazza Navona, to the Pantheon and towards the terminal in Largo Argentina to catch bus #75 towards Trastevere and got off at the last stop before exiting the city’s walls, in via Pietro Roselli where the…
Spinach-Artichoke Warm Dip
Super Bowl is coming up and football fans are getting ready to party! Here is an easy and delicious hors d’oeuvre or appetizer you can make for your guests. Bake in a baking dish or broil over bagette toasts to make bite sized portions. Also, makes a great crepe filling. Make sure you use fresh…
White Bean Soup with White Truffle Oil and Pancetta Dust
A few months ago I got an e-mail from my friend Michelle R. asking me to cook some of my published recipes at a mother and daughter informal lunch in her new home. After discussing the menu and a convenient date for everyone to attend, the event finally took place a few days ago. My…