The most popular kind of pesto originates in Genova in Northern Italy. It gets its name from the word “pestare” which means “to pound” in italian and its also the root of the word pestle. Its main ingredients are basil leaves, pine nuts, garlic, parmigiano reggiano, salt and extra-virgin olive oil. In the traditional way…
Category: Sauces
Panettone Bread Pudding
We spent New Year’s in Miami since my husband’s cousin Anna was getting married on 1/1/11. During our stay in this vibrant city, my godparents invited our family over for brunch at their apartment on December 31st . It was a joyful afternoon in which we enjoyed their loving company and lively conversation. While remembering stories…
Apricot Glaze
I love apricots, apricot juice, apricot chutney, apricot desserts and apricot preserves. I make my apricot glaze for pork loins, bbq pork chops, turkey, tarts (like my Apple-Almond Tart) and cookies. Also, amazing over brie cheese or with bleu cheese. Add a pinch of red chili pepper flakes and you have a delicious sauce for…
Arugula-Walnut Pesto
A few weeks ago, I had to fly to Florida unexpectedly due to a family member’s operation. Before I left, I saw I still had some arugula in the fridge which would have been spoiled by the time I returned home from my trip. So a few minutes before leaving for the airport, I decided…
Mascarpone Cream Sauce
My Mascarpone Cream Sauce is simply the best! I don’t like to thicken pasta cream sauce with flour or cornstarch, so I find the Mascarpone is a great alternative to reach the desired creaminess adding subtle flavor. Savory, easy and quick to make. I use it for raviolis, gnocchi or penne pasta with veggies. Also,…
Basic Tomato Sauce
I use this basic tomato sauce for many dishes including as a dipping sauce for mozzarella sticks, fried calamari, for meat or eggplant lasagna, spaghetti with meatballs, penne all’arrabiatta, vodka sauce, pizza sauce, soups and Mom’s one-pot-spaghetti among others. It is very simple and versatile, just use your imagination. Enjoy! Basic Tomato Sauce (yields 3…
Mojito Caribeño
Tostones, twice fried green plantains or breadfruit (pana) patties, are a staple in caribbean cuisine and often served as a side dish, appetizer or snack. They are called “patacones” or “tachinos” in some South American countries and can be made fresh or nowadays they also come frozen. Some people season them with plain salt, garlic…
Béchamel Sauce (Besciamella)
Béchamel sauce is one of the “mother sauces” in french cuisine. It is traditionally made by whisking scalded milk (milk heated up to 180º f ) gradually into a white “roux” (look for recipe under cooking basics). It is mainly used in French, Italian and Greek dishes. Also, used as the base for other sauces like…
Marinara Sauce
Marinara Sauce is mainly used for pasta, but it can also be used as the basis or complement for many other dishes like lasagna, vodka sauce, fried calamari and veal parmigiana among others. Since making fresh marinara sauce is so easy, you have no excuse to make it homemade every time! Many of you might…
Guava and cilantro sauce
Guava (guayaba) is a tropical fruit mostly found in Central America, northern South America, South East Asia and the Caribbean. It has also been naturalized in Hawaii, India and Tropical Africa. Guava trees give 2 crops a year. One of the reasons I loved going to Mami Chelo and Papi Bartolo’s (my grandparents on my…