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Over the years, I have become enthralled with the idea of having my own edible garden. I would fantasize about spending time tending to my greens, picking red ripe on the vine Roma tomatoes and biting into fresh fruit from my own patio. My harvests so far have been limited to cherry tomatoes, a [...]
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Emilio and I don’t go out to celebrate Valentine’s Day. Period. Once, many years ago, on a trip to Miami that coincided with the date, we went out with some friends and it was a total nightmare. It’s difficult to sit down, relax and enjoy a nice meal and expect good service on such [...]
My Bittersweet 40th Birthday When I was a teenager and I looked at people in their thirties I considered them to be really, really, old. As time went by, people in their thirties didn’t seem old anymore, simply, more experienced. Today, on the eve of my BIG 4-0, I’m hit with the brutal reality that [...]
It’s that time of year again, Super Bowl 2013 will be next Sunday when the Baltimore Ravens and the San Francisco 49′rs will battle for the title in New Orleans, Louisiana. I don’t follow american football, but I attended many Super Bowl parties, b.c. (before children). My guess is that I don’t like football [...]
Hi everyone! Just wanted to remind you to LIKE my Facebook Page where I post a little extra foodie stuff I encounter daily and repost some of my older recipes. Simply another way of staying connected and following my foodielicious and foodieventurous travels! Don’t forget to share with your friends and leave me comments. You [...]
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. [...]
Tortilla Española or Tortilla de Patatas is one of the most common dishes served all over Spain as well as in many of the former Spanish Colonies in America. The basic Tortilla Española, an open faced omelette similar to a quiche without a crust, includes eggs, potatoes and onions, but there are many variations. [...]
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 [...]
There is something about Red Velvet Cake that appeals to the inner child in everyone. The combination of a moist cake with a hint of cocoa and velvety cream cheese frosting is awesome! The color contrast is also striking and appealing. It is a popular dessert in the South of the United States as well [...]
Serendipity: the accident of finding something good or useful while not specifically searching for it. I have experienced this event or feeling many times in my life, but none as defining as with my first encounter with my husband of almost 15 years at the end of summer 1997. I am sure he will agree… [...]
Pot stickers (how they are called when pan fried) and Chinese dumplings (when they are steamed) are huge crowd pleasers. Bottles, a local restaurant, serves dumplings by the truck load, for they are a favorite among regulars. Usually, they serve them with a side of peanut sauce similar to my recipe for Chicken Satay, bean sprouts [...]
SOMETIMES, WE HAVE TO DISCONNECT TO CONNECT… It has been over a month since I’ve posted a new recipe, but I took a little vacation from the blogosphere, first because my camera broke and then because I was enjoying the company of my children during school break and they adamantly scold me if I’m at [...]
There are certain things we can only learn through our own experiences. Countless times I told my children as toddlers not to touch the stove top because it was hot and they both disregarded my commands and burned the tips of their fingers at least once. I’m an innate caretaker and am always sharing advice [...]
I have never been a big enthusiast of salad dressings. I am more of a olive oil and vinegar kind of girl. There are a few commercial brands I like, like the Brianna Salad Dressings. The Blush Wine Dressing, with the strawberry on its label is very good. Also, I use the Honey Mustard, with [...]
Over the past few years, I’ve made it a habit to have Meatless Mondays. It started with just me and now the whole family has joined in. My husband, an enthusiastic carnivore, complained at first, but now has hopped on the wagon. As I have mentioned before in other posts, this was a gradual change [...]
My husband Emilio is a super-mega-huge fan of Joe’s Stone Crabs Restaurant and the kids and I must agree with him, for everything there is fresh and really delicious. He lived in Miami for several years as a college student and every time his parent visited he would take them there (of course, so they [...]
Blog: Its short for “web log”. A personal journal published in the World Wide Web consisting of posts (entries) displayed in reverse chronological order where readers, if allowed by the writer, can comment. Ever since the Julie and Julia movie came out in 2009, the blogosphere has grown exponentially. For the first time, blogging was [...]
Hey everyone! Please take a moment and visit my new page on Facebook. To do so, once you sign in Facebook, search Foodielady and click “Like” in the page to receive updates of my daily musings, photos, adventures and foodieventurous travels. Through this website/blog you will continue to receive my posts and recipes as always. [...]
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 [...]
Recently PF Chang’s opened its first restaurant in Puerto Rico in Plaza las Américas, the Caribbean’s largest shopping mall. This event has caused a huge furor among Chinese food lovers and followers of the PF Chang’s brand which created long waiting periods and lines for patrons to have a taste of what the casual dinning [...]
For many years, I’ve always started Monday mornings with a fruit smoothie, then I have a salad for lunch and a light meal for dinner. I simply call it Detox Monday. Weekends are usually intense, packed with high calorie foods and the occasional alcoholic beverages. Fruit smoothies are fulfilling and refreshing. I don’t know, but [...]
Yes, I admit it. I am one of millions of people that always has the same New Year Resolution at the top of my list; losing weight. Other goals include being more organized, driven and focused to juggle between work, family, friends and social responsibility. Re-taking old hobbies like crochet and scrapbooking, doing more yoga, read more, [...]
When I was pregnant I had three cravings; cake (sweet), pickles (sour) and sorullitos de maíz (savory). Scary ha! I gained about 30 pounds on each pregnancy. Once I made my husband take me to a restaurant in Cayey, in the puerto rican central mountain ridge, to eat some sorullitos de maíz. Without a doubt, [...]
Hendersonville is a small town in the Blue Ridge Mountains near Asheville, North Carolina. It is one of the most tranquil places I have ever visited, where nature can be observed and enjoyed. The people that live in this part of the country are generally people that enjoy natural living, the outdoors and a simple [...]
Pumpkin is one of my favorite ingredients. It is versatile and nutritious and can be used in sweet or salty dishes. I have shared with you several recipes which include this fruit like Perfect Pumpkin Soup, Barrigas de Vieja and Pumpkin-Asparagus Risotto. Don’t hesitate to give this recipe a try on Thanksgiving Day and you [...]
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” [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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. [...]
Some people don’t like to share their recipes. Period. I have a great aunt who shares her recipes only with her family members and has told me that she will come after me if I publish them! Even from the grave!!!!! Ja! I truly respect that, especially with people that make money from their recipes [...]
Well my friends, here is the long awaited recipe for a foolproof meringue frosting! This is one of the recipes people ask for the most. I had previously published a recipe for a meringue frosting (which I will substitute with this one), but that frosting technique had its disadvantages. The previous meringue frosting recipe had [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
There are many fulfilling experiences someone can have in life and harvesting your own food is right there among my top 10. Unfortunately, I sometimes believe I have the record of having the worst “green thumb” in the world! I try to educate myself, read and learn from trial and error, but I admit, mostly [...]
My grandpa Abo has always been a great example of healthy living. No excessive drinking or smoking, eating super nutritious foods and always being an athletic guy, training every afternoon until his 80′s. His only weakness… SWEETS! For many years, he travelled the world representing Puerto Rico as part of the track and field team [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary an entrepreneur is someone who organizes, manages and assumes the risk of a business and enterprise. I come from a long line of entrepreneurs. My great-grandparents and great-ucles on my father’s side, like many other immigrants, came to Puerto Rico from Spain during the beginning of the twentieth century in [...]
Cupcakes are one of my weaknesses. There are few things in life I can unashamedly say; “I simply can’t resist to having one… or two!” . For most of the other temptations in my life, I’m pretty much in control and can keep my cool. However, there are weak points in my human imperfection that, like [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
An the winner of the 15 inch Paella Pan, Bomba Rice and Smoked Sweet Paprika is….Lilly Oronoz from Puerto Rico. Thanks to all who participated in my first giveaway! Look out for other giveaways in the future!!! Share with Friends
I am enamored with traditional Paella! The first time I actually attempted to make a Paella was in 2000, a couple of years into our marriage (about 11 years ago). We were still childless and had recently moved to a house in a nice neighborhood filled with young couples with little or adolescent children. [...]
Volcanic Chocolate Cakes (Molten Lava Cakes) used to be a rare delicate dessert only found at high-end restaurants. Nevertheless, similar versions can be found today either boxed, at family restaurants and even at fast foods. It is a treat few can resist, but keep in mind not all moltens are created equal. Most people I [...]
During the period of time I spent as a college student in Rome (1994), I walked every morning from Piazza Navona, to the Pantheon and towards the terminal in Largo Argentina to catch bus #75 towards Trastevere and got off at the last stop before exiting the city’s walls, in via Pietro Roselli where the [...]
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 in France, but sauteed in olive [...]
Royal Icing is traditionally made with egg whites, powdered sugar and lemon juice. Most bakers use it to decorate cookies, cakes or make intricate design patterns. I use it mostly to frost my Fairy Cakes, decorate Sugar Cookies or glaze Flower Tea Cakes. This version is made with meringue powder (dried egg whites, sugar, salt, [...]
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 [...]
