Easy Pistachio Cake

Baking purists are going to go after me for this one, but sometimes in life you need to take shortcuts. I have always been the kind of person that takes pride on making things from scratch. From designing and sewing a formal dress for a wedding (which I have sworn I will never do again), to scrapbooking (crafts),…

Arroz con Gandules Apastelado

I am always looking for ways to bring my basic recipes to another level.  Definitely, this time I consider I have accomplished it by taking a great recipe and turning it into, simply put… an AMAZING recipe.  The twist?  Adding shredded green plantain to my Arroz con Gandules. The first time I heard about Arroz…

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…

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….

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…

Chicken Satay with Spicy Peanut Sauce

I have tried this dish several times at restaurants and private parties.  One thing is for sure,  I always love it! Satay refers to marinated pieces of meat that are grilled or barbecued and served with a spicy peanut sauce as a side.  Its origins are found in Indonesia and is also a delicacy in…

Linda’s Carrot Cake

My friend Linda is one of the most organized and practical people I know.  She is also fun and smart, a great friend, mother and wife who splits her time between family life and as an active member of the Board of Directors of Fundación Pro-Ayuda de Puerto Rico. A few months ago while we…

Cherry or Blueberry Topping

When it comes to ice cream, I tend to be a vanilla-flavor kind of gal.  Nevertheless, I love to dress it up with fruit toppings, hot fudge, nutella, caramel or some sprinkles. During last week, we had our niece and nephew stay with us for a few days.  I had fresh cherries and fresh blueberries…

Delicadas de Limón (Lemon Squares)

Lemon Squares, sometimes called in Puerto Rico Delicadas de Limón, are definitely a popular sweet-tangy treat.  I like to make them as tokens of appreciation, for a family gathering or as a get well present.  The recipe I share with you in this post has been the result of years of testing and trying different…