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….

Platanutres (Plantain Chips)

Once again I tell you, if you still don’t have a mandoline (cooking utensil), buy one soon or ask someone to give it to you for your next birthday, because if you want to make crispy Platanutres-Plantain chips-Mariquitas, you are going to need i! It is not only convenient and fast, but precise in cutting…

Titi Magüi’s Bread Pudding

Titi Magüi was my “tia-abuela”, my grandma’s sister.  She never had children of her own, but she was always a constant in our lives, like a third grandmother.  As a little girl, she would babysit me so that my parents could go to the movies (I was an only child for 7 years).  Also, I…

Yuca-Bacon Bites

These Yuca-Bacon Bites are one of my trademarks. I always have the ingredients in my freezer in case I need to prepare a quick appetizer for a house warming, baby shower or dinner invitation. People love them!  I learned to make them from my sister in law Frances in one of our visits to their…

Barrigas de Vieja (Pumpkin Fritters)

Barrigas de Vieja means “the belly of an old lady”, because they are flabby, soft and without a consistent shape. I know its a funny name, but these sweet pumpkin fritters are truly delicious. They are also called “tortitas de calabaza”.  I grew up having these fritters sometimes as a snack or appetizer before dinner….

Double Chocolate Brownies

There are so many different recipes for brownies out there that it is a bit overwhelming to look for one in the internet. Everyone claims to have the ultimate brownie recipe. Most people I know are very particular about their standards of what a great brownie should taste like. Some like crumbly, others fudgy, others…

Cucumber Tea Sandwiches

One of the best investments I have made for my “batterie de cuisine” is buying a good mandoline.  A mandoline is a kitchen utensil used for slicing, julienne or crinkle cut vegetables. One of the many advantages is the speed and uniformity in the thickness in which slicing can be done with very little effort….

Almond Mantecaditos

As a young girl my grandmother Ita would make Mantecaditos for me every time she came to visit from Ponce, the southern part of the island.  I learned to make her recipe, a variation of  Carmen Aboy Valdejully’s cookbook Cocina Criolla.  Ita would alter the recipe and substitute vanilla for the almond extract and place…

Sandwichitos de mezcla- Pimento and cheese sandwich spread

Sandwichitos de Mezcla- Pimento and cheese sandwich spread These sandwiches are a must at birthday parties and school activities in Puerto Rico.  It is easy and savory and totally addictive for kids and their parents! Here I will post my recipe and a variation.  I have made both for many years and both have a…

Pico de Gallo- Mexican Salsa

One of my favorites snacks is homemade Mexican Salsa (Pico de Gallo) with chips. It is colorful, refreshing, savory and crispy. Also, it is very easy to make.  Coming from a family that never cooked or ate spicy (hot) food while I was growing up, as an adult I have become a spicy food lover…