On my recent reunion trip to Spain, I had the great pleasure of taking a cooking class (at Cook and Taste-), which is a great place to take a class!). By the way, if you are a food fan—and I’m guessing you are if you’re reading this post—taking a cooking… Read More →
Funny how sometime you look at things with different eyes once you’ve tried something outside your home; this is the case for me with sopa de zapallo, pumpkin soup! My mother, as I’ve mentioned, was the consummate cook and entertainer. Growing up, it was my mom who hosted my dad’s… Read More →
This summer I had the privilege of visiting Block Island, which is just off the coast of Rhode Island. If you’ve been there, you know that Block Island, with its idyllic views, fabulous fish, and gorgeous beaches is a dream come true in many ways. Well, I did share, on… Read More →
Last week, I introduced (or re-introduced!) many of you to ceviche—and promised a couple more recipes! (Thanks, by the way, for your support and feedback!) This particular ceviche relatively new one for me; I knew I wanted to use salmon, and wanted flavors that complemented without too much spice (I… Read More →
Several years ago I was a guest on a talk show featuring my cocktails; the topic was pisco. Pisco—a kind of grape brandy—was something I discovered when I lived in Peru (ah…you may have seen my post about Pisco Sours: the national drink of Peru). Turned out, I because the… Read More →
Mis amigos, the first question you may ask is, “Is this a cocktail, or is it a dessert?” My answer: a little bit of both. And then you might ask, “But wow, this is from Jamaica. Does it belong in Latin Twist?” My answer: of course! This drink, which is… Read More →
Yes, another big grilling and get-together weekend is before us, and the weather is luscious, and so, my friends, it’s time to celebrate the season with some new spice in our lives! How about some grilled flour tortillas with Peruvian tapenade…and more? This recipe is simple enough to serve as… Read More →
Feeling peckish? How ‘bout trying a snack with a Latin twist! When I get home from school—and I’m teaching a night class that ends at 9:30 pm—(after working all day!) I’m hungry, thirsty, and really just want to have a quick bite and sip and head to bed soon… Read More →
So many snacks, so little time! This snack—Pepitas—toasted pumpkin seeds—is quite different from the merienda I mentioned last week, though both are Mexican-born bites. I like pepitas on their own; as I said in my Wednesday’s In the Kitchen with Arlen entry, sometimes less is so much more! But, well,... Read More →
Meriendas—snacks—are an important treat in Latin America. Of course they greatly vary from country to country, and even from region to region within a country. And, just like snacks here in the States, they range from sweet to savory. Maybe it’s that after-school thing that started when I was… Read More →
Watermelon Margaritas Last week I saw gorgeous round, light and dark green melons at the New Rochelle Farmer’s market. The vendor caught my eye, “Very sweet!” he smiled. That’s all I needed to hear…I had plans for my melon: Watermelon Margaritas! The Mexican artist Frida Kahlo once said, “Fruits are… Read More →
Though steam has settled here in New York for at least a few days, we are thirsty! Well my friends, I’ve got the drink for you: Ginger Lemonade. This is something you can easily double/triple in quantity, and keep in the fridge (I will, by the way, be serving this… Read More →
Living in Peru taught me many wonderful things; one of them, was how to make and enjoy Pisco Sours! As my friend Martín Fernandez (gracias, Martín!) recently reminded me, these cocktails are perfect party pleasers—and great barbecue beverages. I like to serve them in chilled martini glasses, as pictured here. And… Read More →
Even before I share this week’s recipe, I want to share an invite: On Thursday July 26, from 6pm – 7:30pm, at La Casa Azul Bookstore, I’ll be doing and In the Kitchen with Arlen event: In the Kitchen with Arlen /En La Cocina con Arlen From preparing a… Read More →
When Sofia and Wes, my kids, were in their early teens, I had to double the recipe to have enough for guests, too! (So now I have to double any recipe to make sure my son and his band can have some!) These golden, red pepper-flecked patties are similar to… Read More →
CALIENTE (hot!) is the word of the week here in New York! When it is so summertime steamy out there, I can’t help but think refrescante y delicioso (refreshing and delicious). And so my friends, I bring you my interpretation of the classic Cuban-born cocktail: the Strawberry Daiquiri. Festive and fabulous,... Read More →
Looking for a fun and seasonal drink for your summertime barbecues? Are you a strawberry and/or sake fan? Well, if you’re game for trying new fabulous flavor combos and a bit of Brazil, this Latin Twist cocktail is most certainly for you! You’ve probably heard of Brazil’s national cocktail,... Read More →
Anyone who has been to my house for a soirée knows that there’s one staple (aside from brownies!) that’s consistently part of my repertoire: Brazilian Cheese Puffs. This all started many years ago. My daughter and I were on trip to Brazil. I was on tour for my writing… Read More →
On first trip to Mexico (ah, back when I was just barely a teenager!) I was introduced to many experiences, including new flavors and ingredients: Jícama was one of them. I’d be lying if I said it’s since been in my repertoire. It’s one of those things that I recently… Read More →
I don’t think that the avocado was, for me, a love-at-first-bite kind of thing, but wow, times have changed. These days I find it hard hard to resist the nutty flavor of avocado flesh; it can be eaten with just a squirt of lime and a sprinkle of salt, used… Read More →
Like many of its condiment cousins, this one — chimichurri — is versatile! Not unlike pesto, this basil and herb-based sauce can be a marinade, dipping sauce, and more. I first tried chimichurri years ago, on my first visit to Buenos Aires, Argentina. Luckily my friend Maria Rosa (who, in… Read More →
Hola! I’m so happy to be part of Small Bites, and for the opportunity to bring you tastes and tales of Latin cuisine. Maybe it was the dinner parties my mom always threw — or the hours I spent prepping and cooking alongside her (and then on my own!). Or… Read More →
