Pumpkin Flan

Pumpkin is one of my favorite ingredients.  It is versatile and nutritious and can be used in sweet or salty dishes.  I have shared with you several recipes which include this fruit like Perfect Pumpkin Soup, Barrigas de Vieja and Pumpkin-Asparagus Risotto. Don’t hesitate to give this recipe a try on Thanksgiving Day and you…

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”…

Apple Strudel

In Puerto Rico we always have an excuse to celebrate.  I believe we are the number one country in the world with the most holidays in the calendar. We not only commemorate our own, but cheerfully adopt other countries’ festivities. My Puerto Rican friend Maryse is married to a German and recently moved from New…

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…

Ensalada de Amarillos

Some people call ripe plantains amarillos other call them plátano maduro. Regardless of how you call it, you should know how to make this salad! It is very easy and refreshing.  I simply serve with mesclum salad or baby greens and warm goat cheese toasts. Also, is a great side dish to Arroz con Pollo….

Mama Italia’s Melenzane alla Parmigiana

Some people don’t like to share their recipes. Period. I have a great aunt who shares her recipes only with her family members and has told me that she will come after me if I publish them!  Even from the grave!!!!! Ja!  I truly respect that, especially with people that make money from their recipes…

Meringue Frosting

Well my friends, here is the long awaited recipe for a foolproof meringue frosting!  This is one of the recipes people ask for the most.  I had previously published a recipe for a meringue frosting (which I will substitute with this one), but that frosting technique had its disadvantages. The previous meringue frosting recipe had…

Traditional French Toast

Given the choice of pancakes, waffles or french toast for a Sunday brunch, I will always go with the latter one.  French Toast or Pain Perdu (lost bread in French) has always been my favorite!  Ever since I was a little girl, I have made this recipe.  Yes, this same recipe… I prefer to use Challah bread…

Pumpkin and Asparagus Risotto

During the beginning of the summer I received an e-mail from a social club we belong to promoting a culinary event called the Caparra Iron Chef. Participating members of Caparra Country Club would become the main attraction cooking for the judges and public in attendance during that night and compete among 4 different categories:  rice/pasta…

Banana Bread

There are many fulfilling experiences someone can have in life and harvesting your own food is right there among my top 10. Unfortunately, I sometimes believe I have the record of having the worst “green thumb” in the world!  I try to educate myself, read and learn from trial and error, but I admit, mostly…