About

Hi my name is Maria. I'm so happy you found me. I am the cook, recipe developer and photographer of this blog.

  I was born and raise in  the little and beautiful island of Puerto Rico at the end of World War ll. Because of the war, our food resources were very limited. I learned to appreciate the food my mother created every day for us.

  Luckily enough my grandfather owned a farm, and from time to time he was able to bring us fresh corn, plantains,bananas,oranges and many roots like yucca and yautia.
Living near the ocean gave my father the opportunity to go to the beach and catch crabs for the family to enjoy.

  At a very young age I started to follow my mother into the kitchen. It was like magic to see my mother and father star the burning wood over a big cement block. That's the first 'stove'I ever saw and with that first glance my passion for cooking was born. 

  Here, I am going to share with you recipes from the time I spent almost my entire day in the kitchen with my mother. The recipes I have develop and others that were handed to me by family and friends.
                 

Vocational high school, Dress designer

 San Diego Community College Culinary Arts Diploma 2010

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Surullitos fritos (corn sticks with cheese)

Surullitos fritos(corn sticks with cheese)

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      Fried corn sticks or (surullitos de maiz con queso) are one of the most popular appetizers in Puerto Rico. The combination of fine cornmeal and sharp cheddar cheese give them a crunchy texture and unique flavor. Serve them at your next party and your guests are going to be pleased.                                                              dessertsandgoodfood.blogspot.com Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups of water 1/2 teaspoon salt 2 tablespoons unsalted butter 2 cups fine corn flour  1 1/2 shredded sharp cheddar cheese  Oil to fry 1 cup of water at room temperature   in a small bowl In a medium saucepan over high heat add the water, salt, butter and bring to a boil. In a heat resistant bowl add the corn flour and the cheese and mix well. Carefully pour the boiling water over the flour and mix quickly until all the flour is wet. Let it cool for a few minutes until it's cool enough to handle. Place a silicone mat or parchment paper on a baking tray and
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Vanilla Flan

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     This is the first flan recipe that I learned how to make. It is simple, delicious with a creamy texture that melts in your mouth. Use the best vanilla you can find it is worth it.                    This photo was taken a few years ago when I was in culinary school. That day the teacher wanted everybody to bring something from home to share an I was so happy that everybody loved my flan including my teacher.               Ingredients: 1 can condensed milk 1 can evaporated milk 1 cup of heavy cream 4 eggs 4 eggs yolks 1 tablespoon vanilla extract 1 Caramel recipe, refer to the post of  'Caramel for flan or bread pudding' 1- 8 x 8 x 2 cake pan 1 large roasting pan for (Bain Marie) Carefully pour the caramel into the cake pan and coat the bottom and the sides of the pan with the caramel. Set aside to cool.   Combine the condensed milk and evaporated milk into the blender. Mix for 1 minute and scrape down the mixture. Mix for 30 seconds. Add the eggs
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Coquito Ice Cream

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 The inspiration for this this lovely and refreshing ice cream comes from Puerto Rico's traditional drink for Christmas called Coquito. Rich, smooth and creamy this delightful ice cream is a perfect match for summer hot weather.                                                          Ingredients: 1 cup heavy cream 4 egg yolks 2 tablespoon granulated sugar pinch of salt 1 cinnamon stick 1 can condensed milk 1 can coconut milk 2 teaspoon vanilla extract pinch of nutmeg  1 tablespoon coconut rum(optional) In a small saucepan mix the egg yolks with the sugar. Add the heavy cream, the cinnamon stick, a pinch of salt then mix until combined.  Heat the mixture over simmering water stirring constantly with a wooden spoon or until it thickens enough to coat a back of the spoon (nape).  Remove from the heat and continue to stir for a few seconds to keep the mixture from overcooking.   Remove the cinnamon stick and set aside. In the blender combine the condensed milk an
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