Bucatini Bolognese della Mamma

  We’ve all been there! Trying to say a compliment to someone and ending up being disrespectful or insulting. This time it was my dear brother who put his foot in his mouth and told my sister in law, that the way she prepared bistec encebollado was very good but… it didn’t taste like the…

Gorgonzola-Cognac-Candied Pecan Steak Sauce

  “Will you give cooking lessons anytime soon?” people often ask.  I concede I enjoy the whole process of creating in the kitchen, entertaining dinner guests, talking about ingredients and sharing my passion about cooking at HOME.  Offering hands-on cooking classes and/or demos is something I have given serious consideration and I definitely see myself…

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…

My Ragú Bolognese

As you have probably noticed by now, many of my recipes build upon each other.  I often mix two of my basic recipes to make a new dish. Ragú Bolognese is a sauce made of ground meat, soffritto (the italian version of mirepoix- sauteed carrots, celery and onions in butter by the French, but instead, sauteed…

Black Truffle Burger with Brie Cheese and Crisp Pancetta

A couple of weeks ago, I attended the 10th annual South Beach Wine and Food Festival in Miami, Florida. You see, last October (2010), my cousin Priscilla, who lives in this city, sent me an e-mail with information about the festival in which her public relations company, Acqua Communications, would be producing multiple events for…

Ropa Vieja

Ropa Vieja, which means “old clothes” in Spanish, is one of the recipes people ask me for the most.  Years ago, I used to have at hand index cards printed out with my recipes for Risotto Milanese, Mascarpone Cream Sauce, Marinara Sauce and Ropa Vieja, so I didn’t have to write the recipes over and…

Piñón de Plátano Maduro

I want to introduce to you the “Caribbean Lasagna”!  Tiers of fried ripe sweet plantain strips, picadillo (cuban style ground beef) and mozzarella that is baked until golden brown.  The mix of sweet and savory is absolutely perfect! A great alternative for boat trips, picnics, feeding large groups and easy make ahead meals.  It goes…

Meat Lasagna

As I have mentioned before, lasagnas are great alternatives for boat and fishing trips.  Last week, it was Club Nautico de San Juan‘s International Billfish Tournament, the longest consecutive fishing tournament in the world (57 years).  Anglers from all over the world come to Puerto Rico to this tag-and-release tournament and its a week full…

Baked Empanadas Argentinas

Argentinian Empanadas are filled dumplings or turnovers made of wheat flour and lard  that can be fried or baked. I have found a brand of dough that has both options called Fargo.  Fillings vary from region to region and they may include sauteed and cubed churrasco, cheese, ground beef, chorizo, fish or spinach among others….

Emilio's Prime Rib

This is my 50th posting, so I have decided to take this opportunity to start a series of “guest appearances” in my blog with my husband’s Prime Rib recipe. A few weeks ago, my youngest brother Manolo surprised us with the news that he was engaged to be married.  My parents invited Janitza’s immediate family…