Peach Melba

    I am pretty sure many of you have heard of (George) Auguste Escoffier. This french chef was often called “the king of chefs and a chef of kings” because he cooked exceptional dishes for royalty both in France and England and was a prominent figure among cooks and gourmands during the early 20th century….

Clarified Butter

When butter is moderately heated and liquifies, water evaporates and milk solids sink to the bottom.  The clear yellow liquid on top is called Clarified Butter.  Simply put, it is the butter without the milk solids and water, hence mostly fat.  It also tastes and smells really good. One notable characteristic is that Clarified Butter…

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”…

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…

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…

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…

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…

Dorado Livornese

Many of you know I have been a “fishing widow”  for the past 13 years of my life.  Wait a minute…I am not complaining!  I recognize that through my husband’s love affair with fishing, I have had the chance to travel and fish with him in places like Venezuela, Madeira, Mexico, Dominican Republic, USA and…

Veal Scallopini

Veal Scallopini are usually called cutlets of veal that have been pounded thin and coated with flour.  My version of this recipe is a favorite family mid-week meal.  I usually serve it with salad or Simple Whipped Potatoes.  My children also like it with some Basic White Rice.  This is also the basic procedure for…