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…

Blueberry Muffins

For years I was trying to find a homemade Blueberry Muffin recipe that I felt was truly worth the calories.   Since I was a child, I have been obsessed with these treats.  Anything with berries actually, but Blueberry Muffins are irresistible to me. Blueberry Muffins were not popular in Puerto Rico while I was…

Apple-Almond Tart

Although I live on an island, its hard to find a beachfront restaurant (outside of a hotel) in San Juan due to urbanization as well as construction restrictions.  I adore and respect everything about the ocean and can’t imagine a nicer way to celebrate a special occasion than with lunch or dinner on the beach…

Arroz con Gandules

The Holidays are here and in Puerto Rico this means having a weekly overdose of Arroz con Gandules, pasteles (ground plantain patties filled with stewed pork or chicken), lechón (bbq whole pork), Tembleque (coconut custard) and Coquito (Puertorrican eggnog spiced with rum) in every celebration.  Here, we make any excuse to have a party, so…

Annatto Oil (Aceite de Achiote)

Annatto, the seed of a fruit, is used to give natural color and flavor to certain foods.  It is also used to make products like lipsticks and insect repellent.  Annatto or “achiote” originates from Brazil, but today it is also popular in other countries in Latin American and Asia.  It is soluble in water and…

Thanksgiving Leftovers

Thanksgiving Leftovers Recipe Ideas Here are some ideas of dishes you can make with your Thanksgiving leftovers: Turkey Tacos–  Make delicious turkey tacos by shredding leftover turkey meat.  Add chopped lettuce, cheese and sour cream and of course your favorite hot sauce! Sweet Potato Flan– Add 1 cup of your leftover Sweet Potato Casserole (no…