Welcome to Maria's Puerto Rican Kitchen!

My best cooking has always been the result of putting all my love into whatever I crave. It gets even better and more fulfilling, when I cook  for someone very special, be it a friend, a family member, or when the one I love, asks for a particular dish. For some reason, that inspires me and my love, is that extra "ingrediente"!  Watching people's facial expression, as they savor that first spoonful and indulge themselves, gives me a sense of satisfaction, I just can't describe.  That's my special reward!

I also enjoy satisfying my own little cravings : ), so let me start you off with that. Join me in my little "crave" journey and let's see where it takes us. These are some "to die for". They can range from a delicious pastrami panini to a roast pork with the traditional "Arroz con Gandules", one of my specialties, or maybe, just seared pork chops with "tostones." I can also make some low carb dishes, like the ones shown on this page. 

Tilapia in a scampi sauce in a bed of lettuce topped with fresh tomatoes and broccoli in a cheese sauce.

Whichever recipe I choose to share, I will guide you through the whole process.

You do not need to be an experienced cook to be a great cook.  Try my quick steps in preparing delicious meals.  For those of you looking to get started on cooking flavorful dishes, full of the Puerto Rican flavors...let's get you going. Here are some "must have" basic items:

Ingredients:( It may sound like I am making a  commercial for GOYA, but the reality is I love their products.)

Ingredients:

• Sazon Goya
• Adobo Goya
• Salsa Goya
• Arroz Goya
• Aceite de Oliva Goya ( Goya Olive Oil)
• Aceite de Maiz Goya( Corn Oil) or the one of your liking.
• Goya Beans- Red Kidney Beans(my favorite), pink beans, white, pigeon peas.
• Cubitos Knorr (boullion cubes -chicken and beef))
• garlic
• onion
• my aunt's "sofrito" (a mixture of garlic, onions and many other ingredients which comes in handy  because you can whip up a meal in seconds. If you don't have the time to get the "sofrito" prepared, you can always buy the 10 oz. jar she sells. Ask for details in how to acquire this)
• black pepper
• Cilantro leaves(fresh)
• Recaito leaves(fresh)

Basic Tools:

• a large rice pot
• a large cooking spoon
• frying pan
• sauce pan
• a mortar (medium size)
• a grater
• a cutting board
• a large knife
• "tostonera" (green plantain smasher)www.amazon.com/Bene-Casa-61525/smalltostonera

These are some of the things you will need to join me on any given day.

Come visit every week and get ready to impress your friends, family and of course that special someone in your life!

Looking forward to your thoughts and or requests!

Cooking from the Heart,

Maria