Arroz Con Pollo(TODO)

A couple of weeks ago my little cousin Mireya aka Puppet had a request for my mom. She needed to bring a dish to one of her cooking classes and wanted to impress the chefs. What better way then to make Arroz Con Pollo!?! My mom makes a KILLER Arroz Con Pollo, which many of you have tried. I have donned it Arroz Con Todo! Todo in Spanish means EVERYTHING, which is pretty much what my mom puts in this dish.

Since it's a family secret and has been passed down from my beautiful aunts in Costa Rica, to my mom, and now to my cousin...I can't tell you the recipe. I can tell you what is in it...kinda.

The Arroz Con Todo has: Rice, chicken, lil' smokie sausages(my personal fav), green olives, capers, cabbage, onions, carrots, Italian sausage, mushrooms, shrimp, green beans, slices of steak, and peas. It may vary from time to time depending on the person she's making it for but you'll see some or all of these ingredients in the Arroz Con Todo.

Traditionally Arroz Con Pollo is just rice with chicken and you don't see all the other things my mom has added. Lots of people call my mom's Arroz Con Pollo a mix of Paella and Jumbalaya. I call it delicious. Something I have grown up with all my life. Never did I ever think it was special. Just a typical Costa Rican dish that was fed to me and I ate. That changed once I discovered food in a whole different way and have learned a great deal about my love for it. Not just food but the passion about it and the love and care people put into it.

I take great pride in the knowledge and love my mom puts in her dishes. I now know about the secrets and the special ingredients that she puts in these special dishes. I'm extremely proud of my cousin who is studying the art of cooking and hopes to be a professional chef some day. She has learned a great deal from my mom.

So the girls cooked away, and finally finished and emptied the giant pot into a giant dish ready to serve. The culinary faculty at my cousin's school raved and ate their faces off. Her chef instructor along with other chefs took some home. People asked what was in it, how was it made, but my cousin gave very little information out. She came back and told my mom about what all the chefs said and that made my mom happy. Cooking is all about the love you put in the meal. The care you take in picking out the ingredients and prepping the food. The hope that once you plate it someone will like it. Such a personal interaction that people forget. Next time someone cooks something for you, remember that and appreciate it.

Indian food:An amateur with a view

So, I know very little about Indian food. It's really a damn shame. My first experience with Indian food only happened a couple of years ago and I've LOVED it ever since!

Don't know the different plates other than tandoori, masala, and curry...oh and naan. I don't consider myself an expert on Indian food but I do consider myself an expert eater...or as I like to say a whore for food. Let's face it friends...I am. For some unknown reason people love feeding me. I don't know why. Could it be that I'll try anything? Or eat anything? Maybe. I'd like to think that I make an excellent companion at the dinner table. Talking about world issues, and down economics...ok, maybe not those things. More like the unreal reality shows we watch to make us feel better about ourselves. And of course sexual innuendos I murder with each "normal" conversation. Am I really that shallow? I'm working on it!

Yet another wonderful dinner party at Howie's. This time the cooks were Jenne and Howie the dynamic duo that brought us Big Night:Timpano Extravaganza. I am the silent partner, or so I'd like to think. For one, any idea we have about food, they're always game. So, we cook it out and BAM dinner. Okay, maybe I don't "help" with the cooking. I'm the silent partner because I just shut up and eat.

This night the players were Todd, Greg, Miko, Jenne, Howie and well me:). Miko and Todd brought mango lassi. Miko's was homemade and delicious. Todd's was store bought but also a delicious substitute. Now, onto the food.

The menu:

Lamb in Yogurt Cardamom sauce

Cornish Hens in Apricot sauce

Saag(Greens with cubes of cheese)

Buttered smothered cabbage and cauliflower

Sour Mango relish

Paratha(flatbread)

Raita(yummy yogurt dip)

Jasmine rice

Yeah dude. That's what I said!

We sat down at the large dinning room table and began to dig in to the different plates all over the place. The foundation of rice, set up for me to add all the goodies. The Lamb in Yogurt Cardamom sauce was so delicious. The hens were just fallin' off the bone. I mean EVERYthing was spectacular. This night was awesome. AMAZING food.

We sat around picking here and there. Couldn't quite put the forks down. We talked about accents, and languages...one of my favorite subjects. Got good laughs at those who could do all the different ones in the US well. I think Todd won that contest. That's what dinners should be about. The rituals of eating. Great food+Great conversation. My life doesn't suck. It actually rocks.

Black Eyed Peas:Ate some luck for the New Year

I'm a little behind in the food adventures. Mind you, I have had some the best food EVER these past months!

My amigo Howie had invited me to a New Years black eyed peas celebration. Black eye peas for the new year brings you luck, so I ate a whole truck load! The aforementioned festivities where at our friend Cauleen's lovely home. We arrive as the sun went down, so the air was thick with anticipation, as the purple haze of mystery followed our steps as we arrived at our final destination. I, didn't know what to expect.

We step into the cozy home and are greeted warmly with hugs and my favorite thing...food. A beautiful table set up with elegant colors from the citrus salad. Deepest of reds...grapefruits, blood oranges and if memory serves, sprinkled with pomegranate seeds. Love anything that involves citrus. Our host guides us to the kitchen which is a field of pots staring at us, waiting for the harvest. I have a smile from ear to ear, because I know, that good food comes from pots. We dig into the collard greens(Veggie and meat options), Hoppin' Johns(also Veg and Meat options), pot of white rice(my heroin), mac'n'cheese, stuffing, corn bread, and pulled pork. Honestly, one of the best pulled pork situations I have ever had. It was spiced just right and boy was it just melting in your mouth. Man, that was delicious. The Hoppin Johns(Black eyed peas dish) were fantastic and went excellently well with the white rice...I love things that go well with white rice or rice period. Collard greens were mopped with goodness and fresh. The mac'n'cheese was one of the best I've had. Everything hands down was excellent.

After getting seconds, so much for the New Year resolutions, we sat around and conversed about all the madnesses of the world. Ate cookies, and bread and drank wine and whatever else was around. Fat and stupid from the amazing food, it was time to go. Feeling a since of 'We just conquered something' we stepped proudly into the night. Beast wanting more. That dinner was intoxicating. Very grateful for the awesome food and wonderful host. Boy are we lucky. Next time I'm getting thirds.

Christmas food 2009 part 2

My family has a tradition during the holidays. It's a tradition that for the past 2 years I've been learning as much as I can to continue on when those that have skilled it, are gone. That family tradition is Costa Rican tamales. My mom says that you aren't a Costa Rican if you do not eat a tamale(specifically Costa Rican one) during Christmas. It's a lot of hard work but the rewards are simple. Just watching those you love enjoy the tamale during Christmas is something special. I now understand why my mom endured this all these years.

It starts out with the ingredients. We first cook a pork shoulder in lots of spices in a giant pot and let it just boil and cook for a couple of hours. Let it cool down and pull it apart for the tamales. The water that was used to cook the pork shoulder is saved to cook the masa or cornmeal dough. You put the masa in and stir for a long time it seems, constantly stirring until the masa becomes thick. After the masa is at the right consistency you prepare the banana leaves. Usually they can be bought and come in a bag frozen. Thaw them out and separate them. Then you gently stir some rice with some sazon in a pot but do not cook the rice. Just enough for the rice to be warmed up and covered in sazon. Chop up some carrots, green bellpepper, red bellpepper, cook and chop up potatoes. Then we add green olives, capers, and peas.

We clear the kitchen and table and start setting up the "Tamale station" as I call it. This year I stuffed these bad boys myself. My mom watching everything with a very critical eye. She is very protective of these damn tamales. I think it's more of a pride thing. She takes a lot of pride in them so she doesn't want me to mess them up. It would give her a bad name. Anyway, so my mom set up the aluminum foil put the banana leaf square in the middle of the aluminum foil then put a dollop of masa in the middle of the banana leaf. She then handed them over to me and I added the bellpeppers, carrots, rice, peas, capers, olive, potatoes, and shredded pork. Handed back to her and she would wrap them up. This year I PACKED those bad boys. Ever step is crucial, and if you mess one thing up...the tamale is ruined. I love helping my mom because we talk and bound and she shows me what not to do and tricks that have taken her years to learn. Everyone said this years tamales were the best. I'd like to think that I had something to do with that.

After we make about 15 or so we put them in a big giant pot and boil them. This year we made about 50 and give them away to special friends and of course family. I think we only have a handful left and those we are saving for my big brother who will be home...eventually. This year we went to El Centro to spend Christmas with my cousin Carolina and my nieces. We brought the tamales and I actually cooked a ham. Had a hundred cookies and tons of ham, I thought "I'm never gonna be hungry again". Christmas was fantastic and our family had such an awesome time. Hope you had a good one too.

Christmas food 2009 part 1

It's true. I love singing Christmas songs. The only place were I feel it is acceptable, is at Camp Steven's. My friend Jenne's(frequently mentioned and one of two of my subscribers, and of course best friend) parents, Vicki and Peter, help run Camp Steven's. Every Christmas they have a delightful caroling party at their home on the camp. The home is filled with friends and family, delicious food and colorful Christmas decorations. A warm feeling of home and love. After much noshing and nibbling we gather around the piano and are guided to sing our little hearts out. Truly so filled with Christmas spirit and love for those around you. A booklet of Christmas songs and holiday cheer, you feel like that kid again doing one of those recitals we are all familiar with. You become an 8yr-old spontaneously who just wants to sing and dance and show your stuff. Not something that's part of my Christmas tradition but very much welcomed and needed.

The Spread:

Artichoke dip made by Jenne. Creamy and delicious. The meats and cheeses: Ham, turkey, smoked salmon, blue cheese, aged jack, and brie...A slight hint to make your own sandwiches. Homemade goat cheese...yes, homemade. There was a mashed potato bar/buffet. Basically build your own mashed potato mound. Your options of toppings are: Bacon, cheese, sour cream, gravy, and other things I can't seem to remember...but they were excellent choices to put on your mashed up goodness I'm sure. Which if you are like me and love mashed potatoes as much as I do and would have them as a dessert...this idea is absolutely genius! Lots of beer and wine and libations galore. My favorite thing that was there on the table, surpassing the mashed potatoes...Pecan Dreams! YES! The Pecan Dreams are also known as Snowballs or Russian tea cakes. These are my favorite cookies EVER. Bite size buttery crisp-ness with pieces of pecan, formed into a little ball, and dipped in powder sugar so you can just toss it into your mouth. SO good!! Makes you want to smack yo' momma..."Momma!".

The next day we woke up and made breakfast. When I say "we", I mean everyone else except me. I didn't do anything which I feel bad about. BUT, I truly appreciate everyone who stepped up and made breakfast happen. The waffles, eggs, and potatoes were amazing and you guys(Steven, Tracie, Kaitlyn, Jenne and Howie) rocked. Special thanks to all that made this adventure in Julian happen. Howie for the ride. Peter and Vicki for their beautiful home and hospitality. Jenne for her ability to put up with all our craziness. Also, Peter and Vicki, thanks for showing me the trip to Tanzania you captured. Looks like you guys had a blast! I learned that lions during mating season, mate every 7-15 minutes. That is a lot of hoochie coochie as my mom would say. Goodtimes:)

Viva Cuba!

I have family everywhere and in every country it seems. A couple of years ago, my family had the privilege to meet the best Cuban family in the world. They came as refugees to this country without anything only clothes and pictures of a hard life they left behind. Since that faithful day they have bettered their lives and giving back to those less fortunate. Such a loving and beautiful family I feel eternally grateful to know them.

Every visit I make with my mom to their home is such a treat. Not only for our hearts but for our stomachs. As soon as we sit down at the table my Cuban grandma Yaya sets down plate after delicious plate of authentic Cuban food. Made with all the love and skill that little Yaya can muster. She's absolutely adorable, you seriously want to put her in your pocket. Yayo(Cuban grandpa) is so cute and adorable you just want to pinch his widdle cheeks and hold his hand forever.

The other day mom and I went. Yaya started us off with a nice espresso Cubano. We sip sipped away until the dishes showed up. On the menu: pork stew, chicken and potatoes, fried plantain chips, black beans, rice, and torrejas for dessert. The torrejas are like a french toast except fried a little longer topped with simple sugar syrup. In Costa Rica they use a sugar cane syrup. I love Yaya's torrejas. They are so rich but delicious. We ate and ate and ate, until we were stuffed. Yaya wondered why I didn't eat more. I said I was satisfied and don't eat as much as I did. Trying to be healthy and not eat too much. She turned to my mom and said, she didn't like it. I laughed and tried to convince her that everything was delicious but I wanted to watch my weight and be healthy. Finally after much pleading and playful arguing she accepted my decline...still looking at me unconvinced that I was telling her the truth. Next time I will go with an empty stomach and eat my brains out, just so I won't hurt Yaya's feelings.

I heart this family so much. They treat us like family. Lots of love and tremendous affection we share. They will be spending their holiday in Cuba with their family. I hope they have a safe trip filled with good food and good times. Happy holidays!

Turkey curry and the spirit of X-mas

Yes, it's Christmas time, or should I say holiday time. Whatever you celebrate, I'm pretty sure you are not with people you dislike. We tend to surround ourselves with people we like/love a lot. I think that is the main goal. Sharing our love and time with those that love us back is something truly special, or sharing our time with those that are less fortunate is a great gesture to humanity and to the holiday spirit. Trying to keep that alive during these challenging times is what separates us from the beast. THAT is the reason. I think if God were involved in some way which She tends to get suckered into these situations. She wouldn't want us to say "I am the reason for the season!". She, being humble, modest, and not narcissistic would want us to love, accept, and not judge each other. To, another words, come together and love.

Anyway, this holiday season I am really happy and thrilled and really looking forward to it. I'm cheerful about the holidays. Not about the gifts, because I do not give anyone anything other than my nieces and a few children a little something. More so one the people I plan on spending the holidays with. My friends, being family more or less, try each year to make a commitment and see each other before the new year. doesn't work all the time but that is the gift we give. No presents. Honestly, that's the gift I ever want from anyone....that and food of course:)

Last night I was invited over to Ms. Jenne's, sorta last minute situation, for some turkey curry. We had our choice of toppings. Toppings: Dried figs, almonds, BACON, green onions, and hard boiled egg. I had everything except for the eggs since they hurt my tummy. I've never had curry this way w/ toppings. I came to the conclusion that toppings on any kind of food is always a good idea. Sundaes, pizza, baked potato, salads, tostadas...etc. Every bite was exciting and filled with little joys around every corner. You had the crunch, you had the sweetness, you had the salty...and you had a party in your mouth. Rice being underneath it all. Oh rice, how I love you. Jenne, decided to do a side dish of fresh green beans topped with fried onions. We then discovered that the fried onions works well on anything....maybe even perhaps ice cream. KIDDING!

After our faces were stuffed with delicious turkey curry and seasoned green beans, we decided to go around the neighborhood and look at the Christmas decorations. Mr. Howie told us, "Be prepared to get ass raped by Christmas!"....such a way with words that gentle man. With a quick stop at 7-11 for some slurpees, drinks, pork rinds, and sour patch kids...we were off on a gay adventure(gay meaning happy). South Park was filled with lots of decorations! However, because we had a storm the day before, a lot of the decorations were down and not on. Sad:(. We still had loads of fun though. The night was ended with a soothing nutella hot cocoa topped with fresh vanilla whipped cream. Yummy:) It was a special night and I thank all that made it happen. Remember, this time of year is not about presents but more importantly presence in the lives of those you love.