COSTA RICAN STYLE RICE AND BEANS ( GALLO PINTO )

This is literally 101 Costa Rican cuisine.
Traditionally all Costa Ricans should know how to do this dish. I tell you a little story, many years ago in Costa Rica that best work was to collect coffee.
Those who did, got up very early and went to what we call coffee farms to collect enough and that way earn the money for that day.
Usually they need a meal to give them lots of energy, thus was born the Gallo Pinto.
Is accompanied with homemade tortillas and plantains.
My grandmother told me that she usually had to make the lunches for the whole family and take them to where they were harvesting coffee.
I know it is eaten in many countries this type of dish, and we Costa Ricans are very proud of this tradition inherited from our grandparents.
Enjoy it.

INGREDIENTS

2 cups cooked black beans (can use fresh beans or a can of 15 oz.)
3 cups cooked long-graind rice from day before
1/2 red onion, finely chopped
1/2 red bell pepper, finely chopped
1 cup finely chopped cilantro stems and leaves
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce or Lizano sauce
1 tablespoon butter
salt and pepper to taste.

DIRECTIONS

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter and saute onion and red bell pepper. Add beans stir well, add the rice.
Add the Worcestershire sauce or Lizano sauce, salt and pepper, cook for 5 minutes until all ingredients are well blended. Remove from heat and stir in the cilantro.
Serve with tortillas and sour cream.

Preparation time 10 minutes.
Cooking time 10 minutes.
Makes 8 servings.
Level of the recipe: Easy.

 FOR THE BEANS.

In a slow cooker add 1 pound of raw black beans, 6 cups of water 6 cloves of garlic, 2 tablespoons of
Dried oregano and 1 cup of cilantro stems and leaves. Cook for 3 hours or until beans are tender.

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GALLO PINTO TRADICIONAL

Esto es literalmente cosina costarricense 101.
Por tradición todos los costarricenses deberíamos saber hacer este platillo.
Les cuento un poco de historia, hace ya muchos anos en Costa Rica el trabajo que mas se hacia era recolectar cafe. Aquellas personas que lo hacían, se iban desde muy temprano a lo que llamamos Cafetales para poder recolectar suficiente y de esta forma ganarse el salario de ese día.
Por lo general necesitan una comida que les diera mucha energía, así nació el Gallo Pinto.
Lo acompañaban con tortillas caseras y platano maduro.
Mi abuela contaba que por lo general ella tenia que hacer los almuerzos de toda la familia y llevarlos al lugar donde estaban recolectando el cafe.
Se que en muchos países se come este tipo de platillo, y nosotros los costarricenses también nos sentimos muy orgullosos de esta tradición heredada por nuestros abuelos.
Que lo disfruten.

INGREDIENTES

2 tazas de frijoles negros cocinados ( puede utilizar frijoles frescos o una lata de 15 onz. )
3 tazas de arroz cocido del dia anterior
1/2 cebolla morada picada fina
1/2 pimiento rojo picado fino
1 taza de cilantro picado fino tallo y hojas
2 cucharadas de salsa worcestershire o salsa Lizano
1 cucharada de mantequilla
sal y pimienta al gusto.

PREPARACION

En una sartén grande a fuego medio, derrita la mantequilla y sofria la cebolla con el pimiento rojo.
Agregue los frijoles revuelva bien he incorpore el arroz.
Agregue la salsa worcestershire o salsa Lizano, sal y pimienta, cocine por 5 minutos para que todos los ingredientes se incorporen bien.
Retire del fuego y anada el cilantro.

Acompañe con tortillas y natilla o crema agria.

Tiempo de preparación 10 minutos.
Tiempo de cocción 10 minutos.
Rinde 8 porciones.
Nivel de la receta: Facil.

PARA LOS FRIJOLES FRESCOS

En una olla a cocimiento lento agregue 1 libra de frijoles negros crudos, 6 tazas de agua, 6 dientes de ajo, 2 cucharadas de oregano seco y 1 taza de cilantro tallos y hojas.
Cocine por 3 horas hasta o hasta que los frijoles estén suaves.

ENGLISH VERSION CLICK HERE

MORE THAN A STRAWBERRY SMOOTHIE

First I want to tell a little story, a few weeks ago my husband bought a Vitamix and for those who know this brand will know that this is the most popular blender at the moment, does much more than blending, is almost magical says my daughter.

Well, my youngest daughter was so excited, she loves being in the kitchen with me, we were trying to see what kind of recipe we made first, my precious baby said she wanted a milkshake, I saw her very surprised because I did not know where she had seen that you could make smoothies and I saw that she had the recipe book in hand.
We started to make the smoothie and everyone loved it, my Vitamix has officially become the tool of the smoothies.
I made this smoothie the day that my daughter did not want anything to eat, she has only 3 years so sometimes it is difficult for her to eat.
I try to use fruit that she likes and I add a couple of secret ingredients that nobody would notice. Some times we have to disguise some meals for the children.
This is a unique and fun way to share with family and eat better.
Enjoy it.

INGREDIENTS

*1-1/2 cups nonfat milk
*1 pint fresh strawberries
*2 bananas, peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces
*1/4 cup powdered milk
*1/4 cup oatmeal
*1/4 cup honey
*2 cups cracked ice

DIRECTIONS

In a blender combine all the ingredients until you have a smooth, thick texture.
Serve immediately, preferably chilled glasses.

Makes 4 servings.
Total time counter 10 minutes.
Level of this recipe: Easy.

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MAS QUE UN BATIDO DE FRESAPrimero quiero contarles una pequeña historia, hace unas semanas mi esposo me compro una Vitamix y para muchos que la conocen sabrán que es la licuadora mas popular en este momento, hace mucho mas que licuar, es casi mágica dice mi hija.
Bueno, mi hija menor estaba muy emocionada, a ella le encanta estar en la cocina conmigo, estábamos tratando de ver que tipo de receta hacíamos primero, mi bebe tan preciosa dijo que quería un batido, yo la volví a ver muy sorprendida ya que no sabia donde había visto que se podían hacer batidos y en eso vi que tenia el libro de recetas en la mano.
Hicimos el batido y le encanto, mi Vitamix se ha convertido oficialmente en la herramienta de los batidos.
Este en particular lo hice un dia que ella no quería nada de comer, tiene solo 3 anos así que aveces es difícil que coma. Trate de utilizar frutas que le gustan y ademas le agregue un par de ingredientes secretos que no iba a notar y que para su alimentación son muy importantes.
Esta es una forma diferente y divertida de compartir en familia.

INGREDIENTES

*1-1/2 taza de leche sin grasa
*1 pinta de fresas frescas aproximadamente 20 fresas medianas
*2 bananos pelados y cortados en trozos de 2 cm.
*1/4 de taza de leche en polvo
*1/4 de taza de avena tradicional
*1/4 taza de miel de abeja
*2 tazas de hielo en triturado

PREPARACION

En la licuadora combine todos los ingredientes hasta que tenga una contextura suave y espesa.
Sirva inmediatamente, preferiblemente en vasos que hallan estado previamente en el congelador para mantener el smoothie bien frio.

Rinde 4 porciones.
Tiempo total de la receta 10 minutos.
Nivel de la receta Facil.

ENGLISH VERSION CLICK HERE

BRAZILIAN STYLE COCONUT COOKIES

This recipe is dedicated to all my friends from Brazil. I decided to devote the first recipe of the month to a Latin American country, to know much more about the culture and traditions of the country.

As you know Brazil is famous for its beaches, beautiful women and carnivals which they feel very proud because it is a very important event in the country.
Besides this they have a very delicious variety of meals, which cost me a little to pronounce, but thanks to my Brazilian friends I have known and tasted much more of this delicious culture.
The exotic fruits are part of the appeal they have and coconut is one that is used constantly in the Brazilian food.
It caught my attention, is that it does not contain gluten and are not made with flour, are made with cornstarch.
This is the first time I make cookies of this type.
They are very quick and easy to make, the texture is completely different from any cookie, you must be very careful not to brown too much or burn. It is important to include different styles of cuisines to our family, show our children that the world has great variety of ingredients and different dishes.
And to start you can make these delicious cookies and so we tasted a bit of this exotic and beautiful country.

INGREDIENTS

1 stick butter at room temperature
2 egg yolks
3/4 cup coconut milk
1 cup sugar
4 1/2 cup cornstarch
1 teaspoon coconut extract
1 cup shredded coconut
1 pinch of salt

DIRECTIONS

In a large bowl cream butter with egg yolks and sugar, set aside.
Combine the cornstarch with the grated coconut.
Alternate adding the coconut milk and the cornstarch mixture in to the creamed mixture. Then add a pinch of salt and teaspoon coconut extract.
Mix well until dough is formed soft but not sticky.
Roll balls of dough and place them on a grease baking tray. Press with a fork to give them a simple decoration.

Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 35 minutes or until cookies fell tight when you press them in the center.
When ready, removed them from the oven and place on a rack, allow to cool completely. Store in an airtight container.

This recipe makes 22 cookies.

Preparation time 1 hour.

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BROCCOLI AND SHRIMP

Whenever I can I like to share with you recipes fast, easy and with ingredients we usually have in the pantry or refrigerator.
This is that sort of recipes perfect for a quick lunch because it only takes 30 from start to finish.
Seasoned in a balanced way, so that the whole family to enjoy.
Shrimp cooked just right and crunchy vegetables, definitely the perfect pair.
I invite you to enjoy this dish.

INGREDIENTS

2 pounds of peeled and deveined shrimp
2 heads of broccoli cut into flowers
1 cup of slice red pepper
1/2 red onion, cut into julienne
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
1/2 cup water
1/2 teaspoon olive oil
juice of 1/2 lemon
1/2 cup chopped parsley
Salt and pepper to taste

DIRECTIONS

In a skillet heat oil and add onion, red pepper, garlic, salt, pepper, stir and add the broccoli and worcestershire sauce.
Add water and cook the vegetables for 8 minutes.

In a bowl season shrimp with salt, pepper and old bay seasoning.

Add shrimp to vegetables and stir well, cover the pan and cook 3 more minutes.

Before serving, sprinkle with lemon juice and parsley.

Serve immediately accompanied by mashed potatoes if desired.

Makes 6 servings.

Preparation time 30 minutes.

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BBQ PORK TACOS

These delicious Mexican style tacos are the perfect choice to prepare a quick dinner.

Made with pork loin in a barbecue sauce and pico de gallo-style salad.
I assure you that your family will love. Ideal for parties or special events, all you need are many napkins or you can lick your fingers because you will not be able to eat just one.
Delight loved ones with this delicious recipe and make the weekend the perfect excuse to enjoy these tacos.
Enjoy it.

INGREDIENTS

2 pounds of pork loin
2 cups barbecue sauce of your choice
1 cup ketchup
1/2 cup water
2 tablespoons garlic powder
1 red onion, minced
6 Roma tomatoes diced
1 cup chopped cilantro
juice of 1 lemon
salt and pepper to taste
25 corn tortillas

DIRECTIONS

PORK
Place pork in a pot, ketchup, barbecue sauce, garlic powder and water, simmer for an hour and a half, until the meat is very soft. You can use a slow cooker.

SALAD
Place all ingredients in a bowl stir well.

TO SERVE
Heat 2 tortillas and place 2 tablespoons of meat and a teaspoon of salad, and ready to enjoy.

Cooking time 2 hours.

Makes 25 servings.

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TRADITIONAL CHICKEN WITH POTATOES

As I said one day the chicken meat is one of my favorite and I try to create recipes that are easy and delicious for my family.

What better way to do it as a main dish by adding potatoes, the vegetables we all have in our pantry is versatile and does not need anything else.
Your family will love this different way of eating the chicken and potatoes as they complement each other perfectly in this recipe.
It only needs an occasional complement ingredient for this dish and you’re done, enjoy a delicious dinner. If you never tasted this kind of recipe I assure you that you will be happy and it will be one more way to prepare so delicious ingredients.

INGREDIENTS

2 chicken breasts boneless skinless cut into squares
8 medium potatoes cut into chunks
1/2 onion, chopped
1/2 chopped red pepper
1 teaspoon of garlic powder
1 cup of cilantro
1 teaspoon of dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon of achiote paste
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 cup water
1 teaspoon vegetable oil
Salt and pepper to taste

DIRECTIONS

In a saucepan heat oil and add onion, chicken, oregano, red pepper, stir and cook for 5 minutes.
Add garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, achiote and potatoes, stir well to coat chicken and vegetables with achiote.
Mix ketchup with water, add to the above, season well with salt and pepper, cover the pan, reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes or until potatoes and chicken are well cooked.
Finally stir in cilantro and serve.

Makes 6 servings.

Preparation time 30 minutes.

If you like serve with a simple salad.

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EDAMAME WITH GARLIC

The Edamame, or soybeans, has a lot of protein and fiber to the daily diet is available in the frozen food section at the supermarket.

Very healthy and easy to prepare and eat them just to open the pod with the mouth to extract the beans. This recipe is delicious and different to enjoy the small bits of garlic that literally melt in your mouth.
Enjoy it as much as us.

INGREDIENTS

4 cups of edamame
6 cloves of garlic sliced
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons coarse salt
1 tablespoon pepper

DIRECTIONS

For this preparation you can use a wok or large skillet.

Heat the olive oil and add the garlic, add the 4 cups of edamame and stir well to coat completely with garlic and oil, add salt and pepper.

Continue stirring, that will allow the garlic does not burn, about 10 minutes on medium high heat.

Remove from heat and serve immediately.

Preparation time 15 minutes.

Serves 6 people.

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CHICKEN WITH VEGETABLES

I admit it I love chicken in all its forms.

I consider this type of meat one of the most versatile in the kitchen.
Fast to cook and can be include in almost any dish.
Roasted, grilled, in soups, etc., is always delicious.
This recipe is incredibly delicious and very easy to make, is prepared with ingredients that usually we have on hand.
If you have trouble getting your kids to eat vegetables, this recipe will help you to consume more often. We must be practical in the kitchen and this kind of recipes are ideal.
Enjoy it.

INGREDIENTS

2 chicken breasts without skin or bone, cut into small pieces
1 head of broccoli into florets
1/2 onion, chopped
1/2 chopped yellow pepper
1 cup sliced ​​mushrooms
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon ketchup
1/4 cup water
1 teaspoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon water
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
salt and pepper to taste

DIRECTIONS

In a hot skillet place the oil, add onion, yellow pepper and cook for 3 minutes.
Add chicken and mushrooms, mix the Worcestershire sauce and ketchup with rice vinegar and stir in the preparation.
Let cook for 10 minutes.
Add the broccoli and mix, add water and cover the pan, allowing it to cook for 7 more minutes, add salt and pepper to taste.
Finally mix the cornstarch with water, add to mixture and is ready.

Preparation time 20 minutes.

Serves 6 people.

Serve with white rice, mashed potatoes or couscous.

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TORTILLA SOUP


This recipe takes me back to my childhood.
My grandmother made ​​us this soup on rainy afternoons, or when there was a lot of tortillas at home.
I’m not sure who invented the soup, I only know that for many years was consumed in my house and we all loved it.
I was surprised when one day my husband told me that he also made ​​him this soup as a child and is one of their favorites.
What I do now is to make it on occasion for my family, trying to follow the tradition that started many years ago my grandmother.
I hope you make it and enjoy it as much as we do.

INGREDIENTS

4 cups of milk
12 corn tortillas
1 1/2 teaspoon salt

DIRECTIONS

In a saucepan, heat milk and crumble the tortillas, add salt and stir.
Wait until the milk begins to boil and apart from the fire.
You will notice that it will thicken as they cool.

Serve immediately.

Preparation time 10 minutes.

Makes 4 servings.

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STRAWBERRY PANNA COTTA

This is a delicious and delicate ideal dessert to serve after a heavy dinner.

The strawberry flavor is delicious and is a different way of eating this fruit.
It’s so easy to do that will impress your family and so transform a simple night in an elegant and formal dinner.
Delight your family with this delicious flavor.

INGREDIENTS

1 1/2 cup strawberry puree
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 envelope unflavored gelatin
2 tablespoons water

DIRECTIONS

Mix gelatin with water and allow it to make solid.
In a bowl mix the strawberry puree, heavy cream, milk and sugar, stir well until fully incorporated.
Heat the gelatin for 30 seconds in the microwave and add to mixture.
Place in ramequins and refrigerate for 4 hours.
For the decoration of strawberries, cut into small squares and add 5 strawberries 1/2 teaspoon sugar.
To unmold place ramequin in hot water, being careful not to touch the Panna Cotta, dump on a plate garnish and serve.

Preparation time 4 hours and half.

This recipe makes 4 Panna Cotta.

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