Blog Posts
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Chili Dogs
It’s football season, and time to satisfy the pigskin fans in our family. It’s a challenge to come up with something new and inventive every week to satisfy the hungry fans in this family. Chili dogs are neither new nor inventive, but they offer hearty table fare that has earned a spot in our weekly…
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Breaded Chicken Wings
Crispy fried chicken wings are an absolute favorite at sporting events and gatherings. I’ve been a big fan of sports and wings. There is something about them that really hits the spot. They provide a substantial amount of protein that seems to fill a void at many carb-laden gatherings. First, there is that pleasing, crispy,…
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World’s Best Steak – Really!
If you love a good, juicy, flavorful steak, you must try this recipe. It’s simple, foolproof, and will absolutely elevate whatever steak you are cooking to be the best it can be. This recipe is adapted from one I saw on YouTube ten-plus years ago. I wish I could remember who it was, but I…
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Crispy Beer Battered Fish
I’m a fried fish fanatic. I love a good Fish and Chips meal and seek it out whenever we travel. But I’m finicky when it comes to fish. If the fish is not fresh or has been improperly handled, the meal will be a noticeable disappointment and likely taste fishy. Fresh fish should never taste…
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Caesar Salad
This Caesar Salad is delightfully crunchy and spicy. This pungent concoction was created during a period when I was experimenting with very bold flavors. I often serve it with pasta, which seems to bring the entire meal to a new level. The combination of finely minced garlic and citrus will pop out of your salad…
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Pork Belly Chunks
Growing up in a Cuban family, pork has always been a comfort food for me. An even more special treat is chicharrónes. Chicharrones are fried pork belly – sometimes with the skin. Originally from Spain, the dish is found throughout Latin America. The Spanish word chicharrón translates to “crackling” or “cracklins” – depending on where…
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Cuban Jambalaya
I love the warmth of spicy dishes which inevitably led me to explore Cajun cuisine. This Jambalaya recipe has become one of my favorites and also one of my family’s top requested meals
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Christmas Pig
The centerpiece of every Cuban Christmas celebration is a Christmas pig. This is one family tradition that has remained intact every year for my entire lifetime. Throughout my childhood and later as a young adult, I have vivid holiday memories of preparing a whole pig roast with my beloved father. Nochebuena Cubans, along with many…
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Colombian Arroz con Pollo (Chicken and Rice)
Arroz con Pollo (chicken and rice) is a staple in every Latin country. Each country has its own version, and they can be quite different. For example, I’m Cuban American and the Cuban version of arroz con pollo is very different. Most notably, the Cuban version is prepared with leg quarters (dark meat) bone-in, while…
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Pumpkin Crunch Cake
A Thanksgiving dinner favorite at our home is Pumpkin Crunch Cake. This recipe came to us from our dear friend Chelsea. She had invited us over for a dinner party on a beautiful fall evening. This occurred during a period of time a few years back when I was unable to consume sugar. She had…
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Black Beans (Frijoles Negros)
A staple in Cuban home cooking is Black Beans. More often than not, they are served on top of white rice. This is a rich, filing and savory addition to any main protein course. No Christmas roast pig dinner would be complete without a generous serving of black beans and rice. My mom would soak…
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Mimi’s Flan
It didn’t take long to get to a desert. What’s a good meal without a good desert? This flan is another family favorite from my beloved mother. This is also my son’s favorite. I’ll be making one this week and surprise him for his birthday. This flan is the perfect combination of velvety creaminess with…
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Hawkeye Sloppy Joes
My friend Marcy shared this sloppy joe recipe with me. She made it one time when we visited her lovely home in Iowa. She prepared it with her typical midwestern laissez-faire elegance. Iowans are no-nonsense, quick and efficient in their movements. I think it’s something about growing up in a farming community. I watched her…
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Carne con Papas
I’m going to start off by blog with one of my favorite recipes. This recipe is from my beloved mother. She prepared it with such ease and grace. The end result was always love – always lots of love. I can still smell meat browning and hear it sizzling in her giant cast aluminum caldero…