Yes, vacation in a glass may be an over-used phrase, but this time I mean it! My mango martini, originally from Calypso Coolers, is a simple tropical drink that will take you to the beach and beyond. This super simple sip has just three ingredients: vodka, mango pulp, and fresh… Read More →
As some of you may remember (!), I was in a bit of a peach competition last year! Though I lost the battle (!), my love for grilled peaches—and grilled peach salsa—goes on! Earlier this week, I picked up some gorgeous peaches (and some chayote) and started playing. The result is… Read More →
These days I’m thinking in terms of threes! Not sure exactly why—but I do like the trilogy thing! I’ve introduced you to my version of the classic mojito, and then, I presented you with a new favorite, the strawberry-jalapeño mojito. So, mis amigos, today I bring you the third of my mojito posts…. Read More →
Okay all you last-minute Larrys! Wondering what tasty treat to make on July 4th for that maybe-inside, maybe-outside fiesta? I’ve got two syllables for you: na-chos! Of course these are PERFECT with a selection of red, white, and blue cocktails, all shared right here! Nachos—those ubiquitous tortilla-topped snacks—are a fun… Read More →
On this, a steamy Friday, and the weekend before July 4th, I’m thinking a bit out of the box. Okay, this is also the third cocktail in my red, white, and blue series. And so, my friends, I bring you a variation on a classic theme: The Blueberry Pisco Sour. I… Read More →
Last Monday, I had the pleasure of spending the evening with my husband (believe me; it’s a rare occurrence these days!) and walking the High Line. It was a perfect low humidity, crystal-blue sky to a crimson-sunset evening. It was also the night that the U.S.A. team was playing in… Read More →
Even if I didn’t love Ernest Hemingway, and didn’t dream about Cuba, the mojito and I would have been amigos… And, well, it seems I’m in great company! It’s hard, also, NOT to be inspired by sweet strawberries, juicy lime chunks, and aromatic mint leaves. Jalapeño, one of my favorite… Read More →
Deep plum red, rich in summertime flavors, and deliciosísimas, the Blackberry Margarita is the new margarita in my life…and maybe soon in yours! Margaritas, like other lime based drinks (think caipirinhas and mojitos) are akin to canvases: they can be painted with many a fruit. Blackberries have been abundant these… Read More →
Gorgonzola and asparagus are a couple made for each other. .. If you’re a pairing fan, my friend, you know what I mean: there are some things (ah, yes, people too…) that work so well together. This side dish, Grilled Asparagus topped with Gorgonzola Salsa, drives that point home! Asparagus… Read More →
It’s fun to have something interesting on the side; Cilantro Rice might be the one for you! Photo by my daughter, Sofia Markusfeld Yes, mis queridos amigos, with Memorial Day here, and barbecue season upon us, we need plenty of interesting and tasty items to complement the main stars of… Read More →
It’s funny how things go in cycles, including our thoughts. As I just pointed out to my friend and fabulous chef, Chef Stephanie (a.k.a. Chefanie), that it was just about exactly a year ago that I wrote my first jícama post for Small Bites. I then wrote about Jícama Slaw…. Read More →
It’s true: I most tout the virtues of Peruvian ceviche. But, mis queridos amigos, it’s a wide world of ceviche out there! For today’s post I’ve chosen a light, elegant favorite, in honor of spring (have you seen these gorgeous flowers all around us?!) AND, well, Mother’s Day. This ceviche… Read More →
Yes, mis queridos amigos: the sky’s the limit when it comes to so many things and salsa is no exception! My guiding principles for salsa? Winning colors, textures, and of course flavors! This one, the Grapefruit, Cucumber and Mint Salsa, sings the song of spring, and Mother’s Day! Whether you’d… Read More →
With Cinco de Mayo around the corner…not to mention Mother’s Day and wow, SPRING, salsa is still queen! This one—Tomato, Avocado, and Cilantro Salsa—also known as Ají Rojo, is one you may want to serve, or have served to you. I recommend serving it with fresh corn or green plantain… Read More →
My food = magic thing has been going on for some time. This, mis queridos amigos, is inspired by my recent re-viewing of one of my favorite movies, Como el Agua Para Chocolate, Like Water for Chocolate, and the passing of one of my favorite authors, Gabriel García Marquez. Movies,... Read More →
It’s not just because these beans are named after Lima, Peru that I like them. No, my friends, the buttery flavor of lima beans caught my attention before I knew that. And so, mis queridos amigos, I’m inaugurating a springtime series on salsas! Versatile, bright, and always tasty, salsas—as you know… Read More →
What is a caipirinha? Aside from being Brazil’s national cocktail, it’s a sultry burst of springtime flavors, blended with samba and all I adore about the biggest country in South America. I’m in love with Brazil, and dreaming about my next visit. Another sip of caipirinha… So, why do Iove caipirinhas… Read More →
If you’re a fan of sweet and salty, well, my friends, this one is for you! Recently I rediscovered this one…originally published in Calypso Coolers and “brought it back” for a Caribbean-themed cooking class. I had forgotten how lovely the sweetness of the roasted ripe plantains blends with the salty… Read More →
Yes, my friends, spring is here! As I write this, I’m listening to Celia Cruz (ah…magical!) and looking out at the sun shining, shining, shining. We all need this. And speaking of needing, this cocktail, Caribbean in a glass, is a welcome burst of spring. I originally wrote about my… Read More →
Lately many people have been asking me about my source of inspiration for my Latin-influenced recipes. Well, my friends, many of you know, there are so many: I pull from my collection based on my travels, life abroad, and my friends, and my students—who hail from all over the globe…. Read More →
Every once in a while I rediscover the merits of a particular ingredient. This, my friend, is the case with peppers and me. Right now I’m focusing on one of my personal favorites: the bell pepper. Even a short period of time on a grill or in the oven transforms… Read More →
Amigos, We’re back in the cold, cold weather…and comfort food calls. One of those warming dishes is rice and beans. Still, my friends, it’s important to note that when people talk about rice and beans, they might not realize that, as you know I love to say, the sky’s the… Read More →
Maybe it’s this crazy weather, or maybe it’s the fact that life has just starting going so quickly that it’s hard to keep up. But, whatever the reason, it seems that comfort foods are what many of us crave most these days. Recently I’ve been thinking more and more about… Read More →
Mis amigos, I’m sure you’ll agree that sometimes simple is best. An evening at home, with a great book (nice glass of wine…) or a walk on a beach (ah…remember the beach?) can be beyond dreamy. Well, friends, the same can apply to the food arena, and even to those… Read More →
When I was growing up, chef’s salads were all the rage. I remember trying to transport this idea to Spain; we, one of my roommates and I, were hosting a luncheon in her mom’s home in Tarragona. I don’t remember what else was on the menu, but I do vividly… Read More →
Variations on classics are born from many different types of inspiration; these Stuffed Brazilian Cheese Puffs are no exception! First, let’s start with the classic pão de queijo, or “cheese bread.” These sweet yuca-flour and parmesan cheese “balls” are ubiquitous treats throughout Brazil, and here in New York, as many of… Read More →
Yes, my friends, many of us have two things on our mind: getting rid of this frigid weather and the Super Bowl. Okay, of course I may be oversimplifying, but I bet I’ve touched a familiar chord with many. And speaking of familiar chords, let’s talk about things we might… Read More →
It was probably the first day that I arrived in Peru—before I even knew that I’d end up living there for a year—when I fell in love with two things: pisco sours and sweet potato chips. Well, actually, I fell in love with the whole country. I left New York about… Read More →
I didn’t grow up with black beans. What I remember most, actually, are the Boston baked beans my mother made. Lima beans were also visitors to our table, though I wasn’t a huge fan. Well my friends, in my old age (!), I’ve become quite fond of many varieties of… Read More →
Way before sparky chocolate was popular here in the States, it was alive and well in Mexico…and when I was a little girl, my mom made Mexican chocolate cookies. Like me, my mom always had an affinity for Latin culture, and spent some time in Mexico (actually both my parents… Read More →
