tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7315611017081908052012-01-03T22:03:22.025-05:00I published this blog to share my experiences,tips and recipes with my fellow cookers/bakers.Moniquenoreply@blogger.comBlogger591100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-731561101708190805.post-83767175436139022442012-01-03T21:57:00.000-05:002012-01-03T22:02:27.484-05:00

I had some baby arugula laying around in the frig and needed to use it before it wilted and went bad. I don't know what is it about arugula but I am addicted to it. I love it on sandwiches, salads, pasta dishes, pizzas, etc.  Okay...Okay! back to cooking because I can on and on. So, I decided to ask hubby to make his delicious grilled chicken, while he did that I prepared the garlic olive oil.

Moniquenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-731561101708190805.post-66479115793943520272012-01-02T00:42:00.000-05:002012-01-02T22:24:39.305-05:00

After attending Watch Night Service on New Year's Eve my husband and I hosted a family celebration with a selection of bites, laughs and thanking God for seeing us through this year. In the African-American Community, Watch Night Service has added importance and history because of the gathering of slaves on  New Year's Eve, in 1862, to await the news of the enactment of the Emancipation

Moniquenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-731561101708190805.post-46517205867994501242011-12-05T20:24:00.001-05:002012-01-03T22:03:22.038-05:00

I tried to create a healthier waffle. I know it looks like a lot of butter but if it helps its smart balance LOL! Sorry for the photo from my phone. They smelled so good I totally forgot about taking a proper photo so I snapped one with my phone in the middle of eating. My husband and I enjoyed this recipe and I hope you do as well. Whole Wheat Waffles Makes 4 servings Ingredients 1 1/4

Moniquenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-731561101708190805.post-38202556478973220592010-08-23T22:46:00.000-04:002010-08-23T22:46:55.369-04:00

I really don't have too much to say about this dish except that my husband loves it! Anytime I give him a choice of what's for dinner and one of those choices is fish tacos, there is no question he will always choose fish tacos. Hmmmm! unless I am making the traditional Puerto Rican meal which is Pernil (roast pork shoulder) and arroz con gandules (peas and rice) with a tossed salad than the

Moniquenoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-731561101708190805.post-45732311571193097662010-08-23T18:33:00.002-04:002011-12-05T22:18:40.984-05:00

What to do with very ripe bananas? Why not make banana nut bread. Here is my version of banana nut bread. As some of you know I prefer pecans but you may substitute pecans for the commonly used walnuts. Remember the original BeefSteak Charlie's? They had the best banana nut bread. It was moist and had just the right amount of sweetness. I would smother my bread with lots of butter. Boy! was it

Moniquenoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-731561101708190805.post-70057296925402325062010-08-15T22:18:00.000-04:002010-08-15T22:18:20.979-04:00

I have finally did it! After several attempts I have created a granola recipe that I am happy with. This granola is so versitile, you can eat it as a cereal, snack or a healthy dessert with frozen yogurt. Granola 4 1/2 cups rolled oats (make sure not the instant) 1 cup wheat grem 3 cups pecan (roughly chopped) 1/2 cup shredded coconut 3 tbsp smart balance buttery spread 1 1/2 cup of honey or

Moniquenoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-731561101708190805.post-57767852632748188882010-08-15T21:46:00.000-04:002010-08-15T21:46:53.051-04:00

What to do with extra strawberries you ask? Think outside the box and make a Strawberry Galette. A Galette is a flat round or free form crusty tart. There are sweet and savory galette, most commonly is the fruit galette. You can  use a store bought refrigerated pie crust such as Pillsbury or make your own.  I opted  not to use basil cream and fried basil leaves of course the choice is yours. I

Moniquenoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-731561101708190805.post-9603408999855492642010-07-12T17:55:00.006-04:002010-07-12T18:27:10.718-04:00

All who know me, know that soul food is close to my heart but second place is Latin food. During our vacation in Florida we visited the Downtown Disney Area. After looking at all the sights and shops we decided to eat at the Bongos Cuban Cafe. This is Gloria Estefan's restaurant. You remember her, right? She is from the 80's group Miami Sound Machine "Rhythm is gonna get you.........." was one

Moniquenoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-731561101708190805.post-13599715718509633762010-05-09T21:09:00.034-04:002010-09-19T23:45:42.447-04:00

I don't know what is going with the weather these days. We are in May and it feels like October. Yesterday the winds were up to almost 50mph. Tree branches down everywhere and right in the middle of making breakfast, the power went out UGH!!! With this weather there is nothing better then a hot comfy meal like Chicken Parmesan. I tried to make this recipe slightly lighter on the hips. Chicken

Moniquenoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-731561101708190805.post-75095488240801282562010-05-08T18:31:00.025-04:002010-05-08T19:57:01.030-04:00

What shall I make for dinner? I wanted to make something easy yet tasteful. Sometimes the best dishes are the ones that just come to me rather than planning and planning. It also helps when you have all ingredients on hand. This week I stopped at Trader Joe's to pick up arugula and pizza dough, then to John's Farms for prosciutto (they have the best imported at a reasonable price). The end

Moniquenoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-731561101708190805.post-85817472435769351022010-02-14T12:18:00.031-05:002010-02-14T13:57:36.004-05:00

This flaky apple tart is the perfect treat to accompany your breakfast/brunch. I made these today for our Valentine's Day breakfast. They are so light with a hint of sweetness not to be overpowering. This treat can be enjoyed with just a cup coffee and even turned into an amazing dessert.Individual Apple Puff Tartsmakes 61 large Granny Smith Apple2 tbsp sugar4 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)1 1/2

Moniquenoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-731561101708190805.post-66440614646981210552010-02-10T19:52:00.023-05:002010-02-10T21:08:10.454-05:00

I finally did it! This is my version of those Red Lobster biscuits that we all love. No Bisquick mix here!........all homemade. The recipe develops a light, fluffy, buttery, cheesy (shall I go on? LOL) biscuit that make you want more and more. They are the best right out of the oven YUM!Garlic Cheese Biscuits2 cups all-purpose flour1 tbsp baking powder1 tsp baking soda1/2 tsp salt1 tsp sugar1

Moniquenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-731561101708190805.post-86741443620846724722010-01-26T17:12:00.020-05:002010-01-26T17:41:04.361-05:00

Every year we try to commit to a new New Year's resolution. The most common one used is the commitment to losing weight. Here is a smoothie recipe that you can add to your list of healthy foods. It's great for breakfast or a sweet late night snack.Blackberry Smoothie1/2 cup vanilla lowfat yogurt1 cup frozen blackberriestbsp honeyAdd all ingredients to blender and blend until smooth. Pour into

Moniquenoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-731561101708190805.post-78207107249526225592010-01-01T17:58:00.056-05:002010-01-01T20:13:24.714-05:00

Everyone has their preferred way of ringing in the New Year. I enjoyed a nice quiet night at home with my hubby. We enjoyed an arrangement of appetizers accompanied by glasses of chilled bubbly. The menu consisted of an antipasto platter (with several types of peppers, prosciutto, tomato and bocconcini salad and olives), tostones (fried plantains), cilantro-lime shrimp and honey-sesame wings. I

Moniquenoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-731561101708190805.post-90366041842793890932009-11-09T20:15:00.002-05:002009-11-09T20:17:12.422-05:00

I posted a recipe for Orange-Cranberry Scones last week but why stop there. Through trial and error, I created this recipe for Blueberry Lemon Scones with a Lemon Glaze. I have found that frozen blueberries work the best because there is less bruising of the fruit. Do Not defrost blueberries at all. Take them from the freezer and add to batter making sure not to over mix. The lemon zest adds a

Moniquenoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-731561101708190805.post-43981769746636069522009-11-09T16:40:00.002-05:002009-11-09T16:46:49.528-05:00

Soups and Stews has to be the easiest dish to make. It is basically ingredients thrown together. As I have mentioned before nothing is better than a hot bowl of soup on a cold night served with some kind of crusty bread. I like a chunky soup with lot of vegetables. When my father would make soup he would cook it until the vegetables were mush, ok what's the point?lb polish sausage (cubed)2 tsp

Moniquenoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-731561101708190805.post-86181134709316182752009-11-03T17:08:00.024-05:002009-11-09T15:50:30.450-05:00

I adapted this recipe from one of my favorite chef's Ina Garten. I remember watching her make this recipe and I was determined to try it myself. Well the opportunity presented itself. I had cranberries and oranges and the other ingredients I always have on hand. But you know me I to tweak the recipe just a little bit by adding orange zest to the glaze and soaking the cranberries in Grand Marnier

Moniquenoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-731561101708190805.post-4697899951988252352009-11-03T15:13:00.025-05:002009-11-03T17:03:43.249-05:00

Citrus really adds an amazing flavor and compliments fish. It's so common for people to put lemon on their fish, I prefer lime instead. I baked Tilapia fillets with a group of spices and lime. We enjoyed the dish and I am sure you will too.6 Tilapia filletstsp cumin2 tsp Spanish paprikatsp ground chipotle peppertsp garlic powdersaltpepper2 limesextra virgin olive oilbutterPreheat to 400

Moniquenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-731561101708190805.post-12137106210255568012009-09-09T16:24:00.018-04:002009-09-27T00:31:52.063-04:00

Well the summer has come to and end and it's time to start thinking about those comfort meals as the the days become cooler. Fall is around the corner and I can't wait. I love the changing of the leaves and the crisp cool days. I found a great deal on lamb chops, we all know how expensive they can be so I couldn't pass them up. Today I decided to sear the lamp chops and then slow cook them in a

Moniquenoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-731561101708190805.post-25960390469973364952009-08-31T18:11:00.037-04:002009-08-31T19:47:33.558-04:00

Yesterday while shopping with my mom we witnessed a rather overweight child riding in the shopping cart but not in the area where children normally sit. In the other shopping cart pushed by the father was a variety of junk food. Too many young children are developing medical problems before the age of 10. Some schools are trying to practice healthier eating and increase physical activities. With

Moniquenoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-731561101708190805.post-9766632791386579612009-08-29T21:07:00.019-04:002009-08-29T22:14:11.482-04:00

I am sure many will agree with me that nothing is better than a good corned beef hash and eggs. I was given a 1lb of turkey pastrami and was thinking of ways to use it other than slicing it and slapping it between two slices of bread. This morning I decided for breakfast to make my version of turkey pastrami hash. The history of corned beef hash comes from throwing together several left over

Moniquenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-731561101708190805.post-10993289166018322462009-08-25T13:56:00.035-04:002009-09-27T00:35:32.419-04:00

Pastelillos are best understood as a Puerto Rican Beef Patties. Traditional Pastelillos are made with a ground beef filling and then deep fried. Today I decided to try a lighter version with shredded chicken and baked instead of fried.Chicken Pastelillos2 Boiled Chicken Breast (shredded)8 oz can of tomato saucepacket sazontsp adoboSpanish olivesmedium onion (chopped)medium green pepper (chopped)

Moniquenoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-731561101708190805.post-44325339335198578542009-08-24T16:55:00.003-04:002009-08-24T17:10:05.821-04:00

As everyone is trying to watch their figures people are enjoying more salads. Because of this more recipes are in demand. Here's another to add to your recipe collection. Salads are so good for you and should never be boring. Go ahead and create your own.2 Cocoa Spice Dry Rub Chicken Breast (sliced)1 bag of Salad (Dole Field Greens preferred)Sliced red onionSpanish green olivesGrape

Moniquenoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-731561101708190805.post-49317788267929541792009-07-05T16:45:00.001-04:002009-07-05T16:48:27.460-04:00

For this year's Fourth of July I made my famous sticky Asian style wings. With each bite you can taste the ginger, garlic and sweetness of honey. These are a must try, they will be a hit at your next bbq or party.Mo's Asian Style WingsIngredients3 lb package of chicken wings (remove tips and cut wings in half at joint)cup of low sodium soy sauce2 tbsp toasted sesame oil1/2 - 1 cup of honey2 tsp

Moniquenoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-731561101708190805.post-38613035959953983582009-07-05T16:00:00.020-04:002009-07-05T16:47:10.881-04:00

I made this dessert one year for a friend's birthday party and it was a hit. The pastry cream was divine. Imagine a buttery crust topped with a rich creamy custard and on top of that juicy red strawberries. Too die for, right? I adapted this Strawberry Tart recipe from one of my favorite chef's Ina Garten. I made a few changes not that it wasn't fine the way it was but just for my liking.

Moniquenoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-731561101708190805.post-80840252926480464092009-07-05T13:50:00.011-04:002009-07-05T14:04:44.697-04:00

We all know the story with kids and vegetables. It is the forbidden food! I remember as a kid I despised them. It could have been that my father cooked them til they were mush as if he was trying to boil out the evil in vegetables. During my journey in cooking I experienced what vegetable should taste like and I liked what I tasted. I found that they are best eaten crispy and crunchy, from raw

Moniquenoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-731561101708190805.post-51410904071111861922009-06-15T20:19:00.029-04:002009-06-15T21:26:09.283-04:00

Sure brings back memories. I remember eating salmon croquettes all the time growing up. They were inexpensive to make and two cans of salmon went a long ways. The more ingredients you add the further one or two cans would stretch. I thought my parents were making something gourmet. Now food shows make them out of fresh salmon......that can get pretty pricey, I'll say! I will stick with the can

Moniquenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-731561101708190805.post-7018257730324981362009-06-13T15:10:00.032-04:002009-06-14T20:37:28.781-04:00

"Hold the Mayo!" Everyone is trying to watch their waist line these days, especially now that summer is around the corner. We increase exercise and control our fat intake. Kraft has already introduced their mayo with olive oil for those who can't leave without mayo. I made tuna on whole and made my version of mayo with extra virgin olive oil. Just reduce your amount of mayo and add extra virgin

Moniquenoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-731561101708190805.post-5305991002263877932009-06-07T18:47:00.031-04:002009-06-16T13:32:53.451-04:00

As the days get warmer we like to eat lighter. Everyone can admit to needing a change from the same old green salad. Here are two salads you can add to your list of side dishes for summer bbqs. Both salads are fresh, light and full of flavor. I served both salads with grilled chicken seasoned with my cocoa spice dry rub.Whole Wheat Pasta Saladlb whole wheat pastamedium red onion (chopped)medium

Moniquenoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-731561101708190805.post-15840181976663276272009-05-18T17:00:00.022-04:002009-05-18T18:29:00.715-04:00

I created this recipe just by throwing a few things together. I was in the mood for a flavorful shrimp dish so here it is. The key to this dish is to save the shells from the shrimp and make your own shrimp stock to add to the rice. Peel shrimp and place shells in a pot and cover with water. Add a bay leaf, cracked black pepper and crab seasoning (old bay). Bring to a boil and reduce to a simmer

Moniquenoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-731561101708190805.post-78077190605370965872009-05-08T11:31:00.010-04:002009-05-08T11:34:18.030-04:00

During our busy schedules we try to eat breakfast everyday but it may not be what we really want. Sometime we just shovel something in our mouths just to say we ate something. Whether it's rushing for work or just plan lack of time. It's nice to know that on special occasions we treat ourselves. This past weekend I made strawberries and waffles for me and my husband. I used a basic pancake/

Moniquenoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-731561101708190805.post-18019026218228442762009-04-20T13:49:00.022-04:002009-04-20T15:07:06.039-04:00

It amazing how your taste changes as you get older. When I was a child I hated peas! My mother tried everything to disguise them but it never worked. No matter how they were served whether as a side dish mixed with carrots or in my favorite chicken pot pie, I would pick them out. I enjoy them now that my palate has matured, LOL! I found the key is not to over cook them. Bright green peas have a

Moniquenoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-731561101708190805.post-622900059582471022009-04-13T13:19:00.024-04:002009-04-13T14:33:50.740-04:00

One of my favorite sites to visit is Simply Recipes. I have tried numerous recipes from her site. Elise's recent post is for Pecan Meringue Cookies. I love meringues but have never tried them with any type of nuts added to batter. Yesterday I made them and they were delicious! I love that the recipe didn't call for "cream of tartar". Most recipes for meringues call for cream of tarter which is

Moniquenoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-731561101708190805.post-73885833773269322702009-04-11T14:20:00.041-04:002009-04-11T17:10:47.790-04:00

I love to expose myself to different flavors. After watching Iron Chef America where the secret ingredient was chocolate Yum! Iron Chef Bobby Flay made this dry rub with cocoa powder so I decided to make my own version.Cocoa Spice Dry Rub2 tsp smoke paprika1 tsp ground chipotle pepper2 tsp kosher salt 2 tsp brown sugar 2 tsp cocoa powder (dutch processed preferred)2 tsp

Moniquenoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-731561101708190805.post-5059787615788337482009-03-31T19:21:00.025-04:002009-04-24T11:27:09.565-04:00

I made these tonight for my niece. She's 5 yrs old and loves chicken wings. I was a little nervous that she wouldn't like them because of the spice but she surprised me, she loved them. I'm running out of ways to make them, so here is another one I can add to the list. I served it with yellow rice and sauteed spinach and onions, she loves Auntie spinach and so does my hubby.3 to 4 lb of chicken

Moniquenoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-731561101708190805.post-31346683783969769922009-03-31T19:19:00.013-04:002009-03-31T22:23:37.982-04:00

I thought I would try a twist on the average chocolate pudding. Add the following ingredients to your favorite chocolate pudding mix. The key is it must be regular not instant.2 boxes of regular chocolate pudding mix1 tsp cinnamon1/4 tsp instant espresso coffee4 trifle dessert cups4 ginger snap cookiesFollowing directions of the pudding mix of your choice. Add cinnamon and espresso to milk before

Moniquenoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-731561101708190805.post-16534005457903702942009-03-28T18:19:00.011-04:002009-03-28T19:00:31.681-04:00

There is something about a warm thick buttery tart crust and ice cream, with pecans in the crust.....that just sends me over the top. I changed a few things in this recipe from the choice of nuts to the type of fruit. Ina Garten original recipe was for a Plum Tart but I don't prefer plums. So, instead of plums I used apples and instead walnuts I used pecans. Serve warm with vanilla bean ice

Moniquenoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-731561101708190805.post-26373594525722381872009-03-28T17:52:00.014-04:002009-03-28T19:04:57.947-04:00

As we move into the warmer season, we start to wear less clothing. No more hiding under bulky coats. We all hate diets, so why not try eating healthier. This is my version of spaghetti and meat sauce.Sauce1 lb of ground turkeyExtra virgin olive oil1 large onion1 large green peppercrushed pepper flakesground oreganoground basilfresh garlic1 28 oz can tomato pureetsp sugar (to cut acid)

Moniquenoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-731561101708190805.post-89876483224173910622009-03-25T21:17:00.015-04:002009-03-25T22:05:16.613-04:00

This the first time I have used Herbs de Provence and I asked myself what took me so long to try it. Herb de Provence is a mixture of dried herbs from Provence, I call it "savory potpourri". The mixture usually contain savory, thyme, fennel, basil, lavender flowers and other herbs. This particular Herb de Provence contains thyme, oregano, basil, sea salt, garlic, lavender and lemon peel. This is

Moniquenoreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-731561101708190805.post-59998747403397009802009-03-14T14:26:00.029-04:002009-03-14T18:40:30.727-04:00

We're just about in the Spring season but I could resist making this again. Not only that, I have edited the recipe a bit including adding unsweetened cocoa powder (yes I said cocoa powder). It adds a richness to the chili. My chili has just the amount of kick so you can actually enjoy it without calling the fire department for a cool down. Don't get me wrong I love the HEAT but for those who

Moniquenoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-731561101708190805.post-40079329439002653062009-03-06T22:30:00.028-05:002009-03-06T23:38:04.204-05:00

Imagine a crispy juicy chicken cutlet sitting on a bed of a chunky flavorful marinara sauce. I have been dying to make this dish every since it came to me one day. I hope you like it as much as I did.Marinara Sauce28 oz can of crushed tomatoes4 cloves of garlic chopped1 chopped medium onion2 tbsp extra virgin olive oiltsp italian seasoningpinch of sugarSaute garlic and onions until translucent.

Moniquenoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-731561101708190805.post-60908949000130082632009-03-03T13:19:00.015-05:002009-03-03T14:01:54.342-05:00

Certain foods can take you back to your childhood. Grilled cheese does that for me. Remember playing all day outside in the snow building snowmen and snow forts until you couldn't feel your fingers anymore? Then you would hear it, the voice of your mother calling you in for lunch. Now here is my twist on grilled cheese. This is a provolone (w/o smoke) and roasted pepper grilled cheese on

Moniquenoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-731561101708190805.post-34624151267051047762009-03-03T12:25:00.011-05:002009-03-03T14:41:09.293-05:00

"Come in from the cold and have a little heat"! Here is my version of a hot chocolate. Some may compare this to "Mexican Hot Chocolate". When I first served this to my husband he fell in love with it. He loves it so much that it's our weekly treat. Let me introduce you to the layers of flavors. Your first layer is the creamy layer of freshly whipped cream dusted with cinnamon. Then there is the

Moniquenoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-731561101708190805.post-83912386590158254262009-02-03T19:59:00.032-05:002009-02-03T21:58:32.209-05:00

Two of my favorite desserts have become one, in my version of Red Velvet Cheesecake. I've been pulling my hair out trying to create this and finally I'm satisfied. I just didn't want it to look like others I've seen. I find it very disturbing to add red food coloring, buttermilk and vinegar to cheesecake and call it Red Velvet Cheesecake.My Red Velvet Cheesecake consists a layer of vanilla

Moniquenoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-731561101708190805.post-24382795770085927642009-01-27T16:50:00.014-05:002009-01-27T17:36:35.700-05:00

As you know I love to bake. I think I have passed this joy onto my five year old niece. The first thing she usually asks when she comes over is what's for dinner and the second, what's for dessert? We decided to create a cookie recipe so we could stamp it with her name.The recipe is created, now to test it. As we were mixing the batter my niece couldn't help from tasting the cookie batter. I told

Moniquenoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-731561101708190805.post-47808262450471568182009-01-18T23:06:00.012-05:002009-03-24T19:37:53.781-04:00

My husband loves apple pie and I love apple crisp. Who wouldn't love warm cinnamon apples with a sweet crunchy topping. Then to top it off, a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. There are other varieties of crisp. Some recipes substitute the apples with peaches, blueberries, pears, raspberries, plums and the list goes on. In the United Kingdom it is known as a "crumble" Similar apple desserts are

Moniquenoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-731561101708190805.post-13979063238031510292009-01-18T22:05:00.008-05:002009-11-03T18:34:22.791-05:00

After watching one of my favorite chefs Ina Garten, I fell in love with her recipe for lentil soup. I tell ya, it's nothing how I remembered it as a child, so I knew I had to try this recipe. There are a few minor changes I made. For example, instead of fresh thyme I used fresh flat leaf parsley. I sauteed the sausage with the onion, celery and carrot mixture rather than throwing it in at the

Moniquenoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-731561101708190805.post-44486970724148923592009-01-13T17:25:00.012-05:002009-01-13T18:16:55.562-05:00

I love the flavor of citrus, my favorite is lime. I use it in just about every marinade. I think it adds more flavor than lemons. It must be something about that bright green skin.Today I made pan seared lamb served with fried yuca/cassava tossed in extra virgin olive oil, lime juice and cilantro. Forgive me for not putting a step by step recipe.I took two lamb steaks and salt and peppered them,

Moniquenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-731561101708190805.post-14572567749212140162009-01-12T21:59:00.013-05:002009-01-12T23:31:11.788-05:00

By the end of the week the temperature will be in the teens here in New York. Nothing is better than a bowl of hot soup. There's no science to making soup. Just add ingredients that you like to some liquid.......well kind of. Soup may consist of vegetables, beans, meat, aromatics and liquid. The more the ingredients added, the more flavorful and hearty the soup will be. I really don't have a name

Moniquenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-731561101708190805.post-21425359024314706332009-01-06T21:45:00.002-05:002009-01-06T22:03:37.215-05:00

Anything that has soy sauce and ginger is right up there on my list. This is my version of Sesame Chicken served with brown rice because I ran out of white rice lol!While cooking I could hear my niece yelling from the living room, "Is dinner ready yet?" You would appreciate this more if you could see the performance in person. Picture a 5 year old little woman expressing to her aunt that she is

Moniquenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-731561101708190805.post-40630228548963117492009-01-05T13:32:00.000-05:002009-01-06T22:32:20.901-05:00

I used to have this great fear of making caramel sauce. Every attempt would be a failure. I must have gone through pounds of sugar because was determined to overcome this fear. For many years the caramel got the best of me. I'm quite sure some of you can sympathize with me. I would burn the sugar or just when I thought it would be a success, the caramel would seize up into a hard sticky mess. Ugh

Moniquenoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-731561101708190805.post-56961503271933454482009-01-04T22:12:00.001-05:002009-01-04T22:12:32.492-05:00

When someone asked me what I normally watch on TV, I simply reply anything that has to do with cooking. Here are just a few of the chefs I admire for their work. My favorite chef to watch would be Ina Garten. My style of cooking is similar to hers, she never limits herself. Her style varies from simple to elegant, there is always a challenge. Other chefs like Bobby Flay who I like for his

Moniquenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-731561101708190805.post-36982922564117274582009-01-03T12:12:00.001-05:002009-01-04T22:13:24.539-05:00

I have been trying to find out the true history behind the southern favorite "Red Velvet Cake". I know for a fact it did not originate from that urban legend of the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel. Red Velvet Cake is not a chocolate cake with red dye. It seems to be most bakers mistake by taking a chocolate cake recipe and adding red dye and calling it red velvet. Please understand that a true Red Velvet

Moniquenoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-731561101708190805.post-68454318791917666692009-01-02T20:35:00.011-05:002009-01-04T00:01:03.915-05:00

On cold days there is nothing better than a hot soup or stew with some crusty bread. Take a piece of bread and dump it in the broth Yummy!This stew consists of shrimps, potatoes, celery, onions, carrots, calamari, clams and tomatoes.This is my favorite shot. I like the way the steam comes off the stew. I couldn't get that shot again if I tried.

Moniquenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-731561101708190805.post-62711824506313102822009-01-01T10:18:00.006-05:002009-11-09T16:41:27.741-05:00

Sofrito is the base for many dishes from soups, stews, rice and meats. It is made differently in many cuisines but it seems that garlic is the common ingredient. I will tell you this, they all consists of some type of aromatic like carrots, onions, tomatoes, red or green peppers, fresh herbs.I make my version of Puerto Rican style Sofrito, which consists of green peppers, onions, cilantro,

Moniquenoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-731561101708190805.post-80371384242580970662008-12-22T13:06:00.001-05:002009-01-04T22:28:06.836-05:00

I like to keep different types of nut on hand mainly pecans. To keep nuts from going stale or even rancid I keep them in the refrigerator or even the freezer. Make sure you keep them in an airtight container or a ziplock bag like I do. This will assure that they don't absorb any type of odors. Peanuts, walnuts and pecans are your top spoilers. Almonds and cashews take a little longer. To be on

Moniquenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-731561101708190805.post-19015215210642065362008-11-28T15:48:00.001-05:002009-01-05T00:19:38.228-05:00

My favorite cookies are chocolate chip cookies but nothing fancy, I only like the Toll House recipe. Iced Pumpkin may just be my new favorite. I tried these at my friends house around Thanksgiving this year. It was my friend and I enjoying a hot cup of coffee and conversating, the conversation was good but the cookies made it phenomenol. She told me her daughter made them and when her daughter

Moniquenoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-731561101708190805.post-84700398316933902362008-11-24T17:23:00.006-05:002009-01-05T00:06:53.637-05:00

I love the way this photo turned out, the design of the cheesecake has this artwork look. Of course each time it comes out different but still art. It's very simple to do, just reserve a cup of the cheesecake batter before adding the pumpkin puree. Once you pour the pumpkin cheesecake batter in the pan, then drop dollops of the vanilla cheesecake batter. Take a wooden skewer and swirl around

Moniquenoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-731561101708190805.post-67851012985955251332008-10-02T12:55:00.002-04:002009-01-05T00:12:42.499-05:00

Here are few tips before you start to bake. Unlike cooking there are very few ingredients that can be substituted. 1. Make sure you have all your ingredients2. Make sure ingredients are not expired. ex: yeast 3. Always bake with ingredients at room temp. unless instructed not to. 4. Read through recipe maybe and follow each step. 5. Pre-measure dry ingredients6. Break eggs in bowl first before

Moniquenoreply@blogger.com1