Author Archive: Carolyng
Spicy Is Better: Bolitas de Carne Picantes
Sometimes, what makes a dish so delicious, so decadent, and so amazing is its simplicity. Just a few ingredients, thrown together, creating the perfect melody of flavors and textures that just explode in your mouth. My grandmother’s quesillo, that is always thick, creamy and smooth with the perfect deep caramel flavor, my mother’s arepas that [...]
Crisp and Crunchy Empanadas Fritas
Every one knows what an empanada is. It is a half moon fried pocket that may be filled with queso blanco, ground beef, sautéed shredded chicken, really anything savory, that is fried to a golden crisp. Many people remember their first time having an empanada. I don’t remember my first, as I grew up eating [...]
Smooth and Sweet Helado de Coco
Check out my food blog with more personal musings, First Generation Funk! When fruit is perfectly ripe, sunshine is bountiful and warm breezes define the day, I know that summer is around the corner. I think of the summers I spent in Venezuela, knocking sweet and juicy mangoes from the trees in our backyard and [...]
Adventures in Portugal – My Search for Serradura
I talk a lot about the connection that exists between the two F’s: food and family. There is just something about the two Fs that makes a dish, its preparation, and obviously, its consumption so much more meaningful. I went to Portugal at the beginning of this month for a family trip that was absolutely [...]
Mama’s Famous Quesillo
As I mature, I can’t help but think of all of the delicious things I have eaten thanks to my parents, and all of the flavorful dishes of my heritage that have yet to make it to my plate. That is why for some time now, I have been speaking to my grandmother, whom I [...]
Arepa, Arepa My Heart
Everyone knows the proverb that says the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. Valentine’s Day has come and gone, and I am sure that a lot of people put in a little extra effort doing something a little extra special for the loves in their lives. I am a proponent of celebrating [...]
Could Bread by Any Other Name Taste as Smoky, Savory, or Sweet? ¡Viva Pan de Jamón!
The holidays are a time when we are thankful, we are giving, and, most noticeably, we are gluttonous. Not in a bad way, but in a, “I wore these jeans because they are the most stretchy” sort of way. That is why, for me, the most enjoyable way to celebrate during this time of year [...]
Tres Leches: Milk never tasted so good!
A spongy, vanilla cake drenched in a mix of evaporated milk, condensed milk, heavy cream and a splash (or more) of rum takes the term “triple threat” to a whole new level. Topped with homemade whipped cream and fresh fruit, this cake is something you can whip up, literally, for a get together or holiday [...]
Pão de Pascua, Popeye and Papi: An Adventure in the Kitchen with My Father
There are few things that we consider being “worth the wait” in today’s fast paced world. Pão de Pascua, or Easter Bread, is definitely on the list! Dense and sweet with a hint of citrus, Pão de Pascua is a perfect end to any celebration. Though traditionally eaten on Easter, Pão de Pascua, also known [...]
