The Week in Review

Happy Saturday!!

1.  It was a crazy week.  We had about 2 inches of ice and then about 3 inches of snow.  We never really get snow here in Marietta, GA, and if we do is never much.  This time everything was covered, it was crazy.  But since we didn't really have to go anywhere, I really didn't mind.

2.  On Valentine's Day I received some beautiful flowers and cards from my hubby and two boys, Cayman and Caico.  The flowers are beautiful.  We went out to dinner to one of our favorite places, Cabernet Steakhouse.  I had a full meal that included lobster and crab cakes for appetizer and Steak and potatoes for dinner.  For dessert I had chocolate cake and bread pudding (small servings), both desserts were delicious.  Had a fantastic time with my husband.

Raspberry, Coconut Damn!!!

Happy Valentine's Day!  Here is a special drink to celebrate this special day.  This is a delicious drink that you will both love.  This Raspberry, Coconut Damn!! is really delicious and perfect for any special occasion like, Valentine's Day.

Fried Pork Chunks (Masitas de Cerdo Frita)

I grew up eating pork in many different ways, grilled, roasted and fried.  These Fried Pork Chunks are crispy and seasoned to perfection.  I don't cook pork as much as I do chicken but from time to time I do enjoy some pork with a side of Arroz con Gandulez (Pigeon Peas Rice), some fried Tostones (Fried Plantains) or Mofongo.  

There are many people that prefer staying away from the pork for health reasons.  The only thing I can say is that everything is good with moderation.  A piece of pork once in a while is not going to kill you.  Roasting it or grilling it are other great options if you are trying to stay away from fried foods.

I like to cut the meat in small chunks and season it very well.  Fry the chunks until browned and crispy and enjoy with your favorite side dish. 

Ingredients

3 pound pork shoulder cut up into chunks

1/4 cup white vinegar

1/2 tbsp garlic powder

1/2 tbsp onion powder

salt to taste

1/2 tbsp black pepper

oil for frying

Season pork chunks with white vinegar, garlic powder, onion, salt, and black pepper.   Add enough oil to a frying pan and heat on medium heat.  When the oil is hot enough start frying the chunks of pork.  Do not over fill the pan.  You can do this in two batches.  Pork chunks should be fried until golden brown. 

Chocolate Covered Strawberries

These Chocolate Covered Strawberries are great for any special celebration.  Make these for your significant other on Valentine's Day, which is only a couple of days away.  Valentine's Day is all about love and chocolate.

Open up a bottle of dessert wine like a Moscato to go with the strawberries and enjoy.  I promise you, they will all be gone before you know it. 

Rellenos de Papa (Stuffed Potato Balls)

These Rellenos de Papa (Stuffed Potato Balls) are absolutely delicious.  I grew up eating Alcapurrias and Rellenos de Papa and they are one of  my favorite things to eat when I visit my island of Puerto Rico, besides every pastry, fresh bread and cheese, but I'll leave that for another day.

I remember the last time I visited my family in the town of Utuado, my aunt made me Pasteles and Rellenos de Papa with some black eye peas rice.  My husband and I still talk about that meal.  I come from a big family of excellent cooks.  I often think of my mom and everything she cooked for us.  Going to Puerto Rico to visit my family brought back so many great memories.

Blueberry 'n' Cheese Coffee Cake

This delicious mouth watering Blueberry 'n" Cheese Coffee Cake gets its moistness from the fresh blueberries and the cream cheese.  The crumb topping has lemon zest and it smells delicious.

My mom loved coffee cakes, and I wish she was still around so that she could help me make and enjoy this one with me.  I'm sure she would have loved it. 

 

The Week in Review

Happy Saturday!!

1.  I hope everyone had a great week.  I had a busy one, but I can't really complain. 

2.  I was busy this week cooking.  I made some amazing things.  On Sunday after church I made Giant Sunday Pancakes for my husband and I.  Those pancakes were delicious.  On Tuesday I posted the Pork Roast (Pernil).  I cooked it on low for about 4 hours and it was falling off the bone.  That is the secret to a tender and juicy pork roast.

Since Valentine's Day is next month I decided to make some Red Velvet Cupcake with Cream Cheese Frosting.  This cupcakes were so good!  I took some over to my neighbors house for Super Bowl Sunday and they were all gone before the game was even over. 

Classic Potato Salad was another dish I made this week. The potatoes had a great texture and the dressing was really creamy.    I finished the week with Tostones (Fried Plantains).  Tostones are made with green plantains.  They are tender inside and super crunchy on the outside.

Tostones (Fried Plantains)

Tostones are a staple in all of the Caribbean.  They are made from green plantains.  Plantains are similar to bananas just more starchier.  Tostones are always a great side dish to rice and beans and some kind of protein.  

The plantain has to be really green to make the tostones really crispy.  Plantains are also used to make Mofongo.  Mofongo is another side dish made with garlic and oil.  Both dishes are really good.

Classic Potato Salad

I know that there are many versions of what a Classic Potato Salad should be.  This Classic Potato Salad has a mayonnaise and mustard base with onions, celery and boiled eggs.  Sounds Classic enough for me.

I love making this potato salad in the summer with grilled ribs, chicken and even pork chops.  The best part about this potato salad, is that you can put it together in a few minutes and throw in the refrigerator until ready to eat.

Make sure that the potatoes are not overcooked.  You want them to be tender but firm, remember we are making potato salad not mashed potatoes.  I love everything about this potato salad, it has great texture and taste, it's creamy and just simply delicious.

Ingredients

3-4 pounds red potatoes, peeled cut into quarters

1 cup mayonnaise

2 tbsp dijon mustard

2 tbsp white vinegar

1/2 cup chopped celery

1/2 cup chopped white or red onion

salt to taste

1/2 tsp black pepper

4 hard boiled eggs, peeled cut into small pieces

Boil potatoes in salted water.  Potatoes should be cooked until tender but still firm.  Place potatoes in large bowl.  Mix together the mayonnaise, mustard, vinegar, salt, and pepper.  Add mixture to the potatoes, then add the celery and onions.  Mix well, stir in the eggs. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Red Velvet Cupcakes With Cream Cheese Frosting

When I first moved to Atlanta, GA everyone I met would say "You have to try the Red Velvet Cake" and so I did.  I was very disappointed.  I found that the Red Velvet Cake was a little too dry for me.  As years went by I wanted to give it a try, but this time I was going to get in my kitchen and make it myself.

I started comparing different recipes from baking cookbooks I own and recipes online.  I found this recipe from a book I purchased a few months ago, The Complete Cook's Country TV Show Cookbook.  I reviewed the recipe and it sounded easy and the cake on the picture didn't look dry.

So, this weekend I decided to try out the recipe and I'm so happy I did.  Instead of a cake I decided to make cupcakes.  These cupcakes are delicious, super moist and with the Cream Cheese Frosting, a perfect combination.  Now I have a different opinion of this cake.