Every time the temperature drops outside the idea of apple pie seems to always creep into my mind. Making a really good pie crust certainly has some complicated obstacles, so an apple crisp is an equally exciting easier option. And even better … both the filling and crumb topping can pre-made and stored in the…
Puerto Rican Sofrito, Freshly Made
Chef Daisy Martinez first opened my eyes to the process of making Puerto Rican sofrito, which is a staple in Caribbean Latin cuisine. Basically the concept of is to act as a sautéed seasoning for any oil or fat which contributes to any base flavor in a recipe. Instead of sautéing each vegetable individually, sofrito is a…
Vodka Watermelon Cocktail with Mint
As seedless watermelons begin to arrive in stores, you should also be on the lookout for some fresh mint leaves to enjoy this refreshing watermelon cocktail. Carving out a watermelon and infusing melon balls in vodka is so easy. It’s also a fun, crowd-pleasing presentation that makes everyone want to party. Guests love it. The…
Piña Colada with Guava Nectar
There are two types of people in this world … those who love piña colada and those who don’t. A common complaint among the haters is that its too sweet and they don’t like the coconut milk/cream. So, my spin on a piña colada tackles both of those issues. With the introduction of guava nectar,…
Spicy Lime Baked Chicken Wings
If you like spicy as well as tangy flavors together, welcome to the easiest baked chicken wings recipe in the world. Red Devil hot sauce and fresh lime juice are combined with some really standard powdered seasonings to yield a succulent chicken wings that fall off the bone … provided you have some patience! This…
Tostones (Fried Smashed Green Plantains)
Lots of people passing through my kitchen are fans of Tostones – a savory, twice-fried snack from unripened plantain. Guests of mine who claim they “don’t like fried food” will find themselves making an exception with these. The recent trend in making smashed potatoes seems strikingly similar to this traditional Latin American appetizer. After trying…
Bittersweet Chocolate Chunk Cookies
I have been perfecting this recipe for chocolate chunk cookies since I was a kid. It originated from following directions on the back of a bag of Nestle Toll House chocolate chips when I was about 8 years old. My sister burnt a batch of cookies and I was determined to learn how to make…