... But wait! There's more!

Once every couple of generations, comes an innovation to set us ablaze...

 I admit it. I'm willing to put it out there... I am the queen of infomercials. Only a single-mom budget keeps me in check most of the time. ...most of the time!

To further complicate this affliction, it is apparent that the derivative is actually passed down genetically. My daughter's susceptibility toward infomercials appears to be even more serious than my own.

I remember at the age of five she sat her father and I down at our kitchen table to have a "serious discussion" about her "sleeping patterns". I would say that after exchanging very concerned looks, within seconds we were onto her. She was spewing the script for a Tempurpedic mattress commercial, almost verbatim.

The kid was relentless! We praised her determination. because as crazy as it sounded, she came to the discussion armed with a rebuttal for our every declination. She even threw in how "now that I'm in Kindergarten, I deserve to have a good night's sleep without tossing and turning."

Naturally, her father and I declined. A full-sized bed with a comfy pillow-top was deemed more than adequate for a five year old little princess.

She disagreed and politely gave us a heads-up that we should expect to see a Tempurpedic mattress on her Christmas list later that year, as she planned both on being good and taking the matter up with Santa.

And so it was! The kid actually put the mattress on her Christmas list that year. Actually, by then she had decided she wanted a waterbed instead.See for yourself...  I saved this, and you can see why...

What made it that much funnier was that a few weeks after we declined her offer was that she came to us again spewing verbatim TV commercial pitches for some prescribed sleep-aid.

Now as a pre-teen, she is a lot more savvy about which commercials to pitch to Mama. Last month, there were two... The TopStyler hair curling system was the first. This beats me as we both have very curly hair. She insisted that the rapid het and curl system would cut down on both our morning rush times. I gave into paying $15 or a 30 day trial.

Verdict: this time it was she who asked me to return the product and not waste our money. Good concept, but it doesn't work. The style and curl only holds for about a half hour. Product was shipped back.

The second product was worth every penny. We bought the Ninja food processing system. I was recently diagnosed with health concerns that have led me to alter my nutrition. The Ninja has helped me do so within the constraints of my very busy lifestyle. I can very quickly blend smoothies out of vegetables and fruits, taking full-day servings with me on my morning drives to work. More to come on this...

Verdict: the Ninja paid for itself already. More importantly, it's not just collecting dust. We use it daily.

The most recent purchase was my iPad. I thought about this for a year before taking the leap. I wanted to ensure that I would really use it and maximize it's utility for my needs. I could write volumes about what an amazing, useful tool this is.

Stated simply, no matter what age you are the iPad is that one device that surfaces every once in a couple of generations and will revolutionize your life.

Much quicker than with a PC or laptop I can read a book, build a presentation for work, edit photos, check my bank account, refill my prescriptions and shop, all at the same time- just to name just a mere few.

Reader, today's entry comes to you written completely from my iPad, as I lay in the comfort of my bed.

The iPad...saving trees everywhere.

...but wait! There's more!

Rituals...they bring me peace.

See this?  This is me.  At my happiest.

It's important for your to know that.  When was the last time that you saw yourself, with your own eyes, look visibly happy?  Did you see your soul radiate through your eyes?  If you haven't, you should.

These moments are fleeting.  Life brings many ups and downs, so we have to do our best to hold on to the happy moments when we have them, and carry them for strength when the storm hits.

 If you know me, you probably guessed it.  My daughter took this picture, right after Christmas Eve dinner this year.  My daughter makes me glow inside.  Making her happy and seeing her grow gives me light from within.

You must remember that I love her as much as any mother would love their child but that I've almost lost her 3 times.  I learned the hard way to treasure every moment.

When she was very ill, I would desperately long for "ordinary moments" with her.  The kind that you have throughout any mundane day, and not think twice about.  Turns out, those were the moments that meant the most to me when it came to sharing them with her and having her in my life. 

Such is also with any other of my loved ones.  I will take the a culmination of, or a collective of all the ordinary, everyday life moments with you, than birthdays, anniversaries or holidays.  Those mean the most to me, because it means that together we have shared life, and what a gift it is, in the most genuine form.


Today was a perfect example.  We got home from work later than usual, and exhausted.  I took a relaxing shower in effort to gear myself up to cook, and work in the kitchen to prep for my writing.  I got a call from my best friend who was bringing over lots of delicious food from our favorite Latin restaurant.   Perfect timing!  My son surprised us and came over for dinner too.  So, the 3 of us girls got to harass him and ask him endless questions about college, his girlfriend and theater rehearsals.  He secretly loves it when we interrogate him!  I know it.

We had a buffet-style dinner that was so great and hit the spot.  Meanwhile, I made Lisette a cake she likes that's called "Brazo De Gitana".  It's basically a roll [cake] with fruit filling, and then covered in powdered sugar.  I've made it before with raspberries but Lisette she likes it with guava, so I gave it a whirl.  It was delicious, but I only had pink powdered sugar, left over from my daughter's birthday party.  Everyone liked the cake, except I couldn't get over the fact that it was, well...pink!


During dinner, my daughter, with a very serious face asks me if I am a Buddhist.  She knows that I am not, so I was a bit confused.
"Then why do you have Buddhas throughout the house?"
"Ah.", I answer, "...because they remind me to bring myself peace".  They also remind me to smile.     


I just had this conversation with someone very important to me.  He was so excited about a home theater system that he'd bought.  I was truly happy for him  but I made the distinction for him about what I want to come home to.

For me it's not about those things as much as peace, and laughter.  A home that is filled with warmth, is a home that I want to come home to.  I'm simple in that sense.  I don't need expensive things, give me a candle that smells nice and I will absolutely love it.

Another thing that brings me peace and a smile to my face is having my own rituals.  They are never rituals that I impose on other people, but rather things that I do for myself.

For instance, I sleep with the curtains open, because I like to wake up to the sun shining in the morning, and to see the tree tops.  This immediately reminds me to close my eyes once more and give thanks to the Lord for all that we have been blessed with.  I even take a moment to thank Him for the painful things that I've been through that have made me stronger, more aware and have helped me to help others.  And lastly, I commit to myself not to take my blessings, or my lessons, for granted.  Then I wish the clouds and the tree tops a good day, and off to get ready for a new day I go.

 Another ritual is my 3 cups of strong black coffee in the morning, or how I can't eat breakfast at home but will always eat at my desk at work.  How I need to shower with lavender but use Jasmine lotion...  or how I need to be alone when I sit to talk with you, and give you my undivided attention.

When was the last time that you saw yourself visibly happy and at peace?  How do you bring that and keep it within your reach?

Well, tonight instead of a recipe to cook, I'll give you a recipe for harnessing happiness.  It's from one of my favorite poets.  Enjoy...

Joy and Sorrow chapter VIII

Then a woman said, "Speak to us of Joy and Sorrow." And he answered: Your joy is your sorrow unmasked. And the selfsame well from which your laughter rises was oftentimes filled with your tears. And how else can it be? The deeper that sorrow carves into your being, the more joy you can contain. Is not the cup that hold your wine the very cup that was burned in the potter's oven? And is not the lute that soothes your spirit, the very wood that was hollowed with knives? When you are joyous, look deep into your heart and you shall find it is only that which has given you sorrow that is giving you joy. When you are sorrowful look again in your heart, and you shall see that in truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight. Some of you say, "Joy is greater than sorrow," and others say, "Nay, sorrow is the greater." But I say unto you, they are inseparable. Together they come, and when one sits alone with you at your board, remember that the other is asleep upon your bed. Verily you are suspended like scales between your sorrow and your joy. Only when you are empty are you at standstill and balanced. When the treasure-keeper lifts you to weigh his gold and his silver, needs must your joy or your sorrow rise or fall. Khalil Gibran

Chicken- The Protein That Likes to Play Dress-Up

How much do I love chicken?  Oh, let me count the ways....

On second thought, I'll refrain from doing so at risk of sounding just like Bubba in the movie Forrest Gump.  You get the idea.  Chicken.  Pretty much anywhere that you go to in the world, they eat it.

Logistics: Chickens don't eat a lot, are low-maintenance and practically raise themselves.  And eggs!  Let's not forget eggs.

A nutritious and delightful source of protein that's known for it's versatility.  In Puerto Rico we cook it several ways, the most common being Pollo Frito, which is my favorite.  It's a well-marinated, non-breaded fried chicken that's to die for.  Even before you taste it, you go crazy with how incredible it smells cooking because of the seasonings, herbs, garlic and lime in the marinade!

Another common one is Pollo Asado, which is baked chicken, Pollo Fricassee which is also one of my favorite creole dishes with it's delightful sauce packed with seasonings peppers, onions and zesty flavor. Some people just call this dish Pollo en Salsa (Chicken in [red] Sauce).  This is actually the chicken that I chose to make for this dish.

Why?

Once in a while I have crazy mornings and forget to thaw out some meat for dinner.  So when I have a fashion crises in the morning, I usually end up playing dress-up with my chicken too...  Fried?  Baked?  Marinade? Sticking to my plan of trying not to eat out too much, I stop by the meat market and grab a pound or two of chicken.  It's also very inexpensive, and cooks fast and easy.

This time, I was in the mood for the whole thigh/leg.   For what you'd spend at the drive-thru for you'll make an entire meal for a family and send your hubby to work with a lunch that's unforgettable.  His co-workers will hate/love you (depending if he shares).

I decided to make the Pollo En Salsa because I didn't really have time to marinade the meat.  I'll make the tomato-based sauce rich and flavorful instead.  This dish reminds me of one of my closest friends, Nique, because if I'm ever cooking for her and her family, this is their dish of choice.

The sauce is amazing spread over yellow rice, and accompanied with sweet plantains and avocado!  

 I ALWAYS wash meats thoroughly with water and vinegar or water and lime/lemon juice.  Sometimes even both.
I know, I know... to those of you who tell me that it's redundant because the heat kills germs I say that yes you're right but I still don't want dead germs swimming in my sauce.  Got it?

Then, for the marinade I juice a lemon, a lime, add in olive oil, crushed garlic or Sofrito, Sazon, Adobo and oregano.  I LOVE the way oregano tastes with chicken.  Mix it all in a bowl and then spread on top of your chicken.

Let the marinade work through for a few minutes while you heat up the pan with a little olive oil.  Saute some onions and peppers in there too with a dash of sea salt, but not too much.  Remember that the Sazon and Adobo count as your salt.  Be careful.

When the pan is nice and hot, place your chicken in.  I like to give the chicken a nice golden-brown sear.  Actually, I won't start the actual sauce until the chicken has a nice color and crisp to it.   When it does, I'm ready to add a can of crushed tomato sauce, and a splash of wine.

Once this all blends together nicely I taste the sauce and determine if it could use a little more Sofrito, or wine...or salt.  It really all depends on your preference so salt to taste, but again, be careful! 

Viola!  I love this with sweet plantains and avocado.....   give it a try.  Let me know how it goes.  Until then, muy buen provecho!

The Menu at Chez Sofrito

Hah!  I forgot to include the avocado that I picked up...better use it before it goes bad...  what can I make that's delicious with that beautiful green Avocado that awaits me?

The truth is that I never really know what I'm going to write about before I sit down to chat with you.  I like it that way.  It keeps our conversations sincere.  Sometimes I have an idea of what I want to share with you, or a thought that I came across, but the way that I tell you my story only happens once I sit with you, and we have our moments.

Such is also the case with my dishes.  I will marinade meats on the weekends after grocery shopping, but I never really know what I'm going to pair them up or how.  Like with writing, I leave that to inspiration.  I've shared with you that one of the most satisfying aspects about cooking for me is to let one ingredient, like a musical instrument, inspire the composition of the entire symphony.   

I don't think that I've ever made the same dish the same way twice.  I tend to go with the ingredients that I have on hand.  Most importantly, how I create a dish is often determined by how I feel.  I read a book in college by Laura Esquivel- Like Water For Chocolate .  The book is about a young girl who's feelings manifest in the dishes that she cooks.  So much so that anyone who eats her cooking can suddenly feel her emotions too.

I haven't thought about that book since college, and it's funny that the memory comes to me now as I try to describe to you how I feel when I cook.  I shared with you before how I tend to cook soups if I am sad, and with fruits if I feel bright and playful.  

Now the practical side of cooking, and cooking for a family, also warrants that I am more prepared and better equipped than with just my feelings.  I don't really ever feel "Writer's Block", but I often feel that in my kitchen, or my closet.

Just like I have an enormous walk-in closet filled with clothes, shoes and handbags I can walk in there on any given morning and in frustration exclaim that "I have nothing to wear!".  It used to drive my ex-husband crazy.  Well, the same thing happens to me in my kitchen.  I have all the staples in there but sometimes lack inspiration and feel that "there is nothing to cook".  Now that's certainly not true, but it's just how I feel in that moment.  

What do I do?  I look for inspiration.  Often it's a simple ingredient.  I've shared with you how a lemon or an orange can inspire an entire menu for me- appetizer, meal, dessert and tea..  Sometimes, it's not that easy.  Sometimes if I had a hard day or have a lot on my mind I really draw a blank.  That's when I resort to "Inventory".

My friends love to tease me about OCD or how compulsively organized I can be.  The truth is that I'm a naturally chaotic and abstract person who only forced herself to learn to be organized and disciplined as a means for survival and strong parenting. 
 
I love writing on a quick spreadsheet all of the ingredients that I have on hand.  I've included a copy of this week's so that you see what I mean.  This allows me to glance over some of the things that I have to work with, and the great number of possibilities that I can come up with. It's also what keeps me in check when I think about eating out too often.  I can visibly see all the things that are good for us, and that I have at home that I should be working with.

For me, this works well if I don't overstock my cabinets and refrigerator.  I have more than enough on hand for many possibilities, but I don't keep so much that I am afraid to open the cabinets or fridge and look through them.  Another trick is to glance over your receipt after you put the groceries away.  Sometimes we forget what we bought.  If I see something I can work into a meal, I'll scribble it on my "Menu".  I call it a menu but in reality it's more like an inventory list. 

On that note I'll tell you that I love spreadsheets.  I'm a huge fan of Excel.  I don't just use them at the office.  I use them at home to help me keep my life at my fingertips.  I also like for my daughter to see them up because I think it subconsciously helps her be organized too.  I have my grocery list and monthly budget on  spreadsheets, with the bills I have to pay and on what date, how much was paid/saved...etc. 

I wish school systems had better curriculum for teaching Finances to children at an early age.  I believe that children should learn about money management, savings, interest, equity, stocks, financing...all of it.

Wouldn't you say that it's a long term plan for security and our debt crises if we teach our kids to manage money better than we have?  It all starts at home too.

I often pay my bills on line while she is doing homework next to me.  She is used to seeing this.  She asks questions about it and by ten years old understood quite a bit more than I ever had.  She understands to respect credit cards and not to use them unless you will immediately have the cash on hand to pay for your purchases.  She also understands to always try and pay bills before the due date, and above the principal. You'd be surprised how much kids retain if they're exposed to it.

As far as your menu and culinary prowess, Reader, give this a try this weekend when you go grocery shopping!  You don't even have to be all serious and do it on the computer.  Even if you scribble it down on a piece of paper, try jotting down the ingredients that you have to work with.  Then, you could even sit with your other half or your kids and come up with menu items for the week.  Try cooking 4 days even if you take one day off.  It's fun, and you're likely to get everyone involved. 

I'd love to know what you come up with!  I bet it will be great.  Muy buen provecho! 

The Best Quickies of Your Life

Did you know that you can have the best "quickies" of your life in your own kitchen?

At ease, Soldiers!  This is a family show!

What I mean is that too often we gravitate toward fast food when we're hungry, when in reality you have the best of everything in your own kitchen.  That's right, you heard me...

I have your typical Latina figure, and I like it that way.  Never had I been so conscious of eating healthful foods, until I became a mother.   I'm more concerned with what we put into our bodies.  I've proven to my kids that the healthier and more natural high-nutrient foods we eat, the better we feel.


All life comes from organic material.  I said that to my daughter once and she thought I was referring to that "special aisle" in the supermarket.  No.  What I mean by organic is the basic elements of life-  the chemistry behind the foods that we eat.  If it was once alive, such as fruits, vegetables, starches, lentils, or meats then it is made of of organic components that your body will transform into nutrients and fuel.  

On the contrary, anything that is processed or comes out of a bag, in most cases will not benefit you nutritionally, but it can actually harm us if consumed in excess.  Our bodies were not meant to break down and store these components- regardless if they are edible or not.

To further my point, many of the medicines that we consume for ailments come from organic materials such as herbs, fruits, plants, fish oil... etc.   I rather eat healthier any day than have to take pills for something.  With the food, I am aware of what I'm putting into my body.  With a pill, I don't know what other synthetic materials are in it, and what the side effects will be.

Please don't misunderstand me.  I will take, and give my kids medicines as needed and prescribed by a doctor.  Absolutely.  As a matter of fact, I have a child who has been through a series of very critical surgeries and I always find that good nutrition significantly helped her recovery process. What I'm saying is that over the course of our life time I rather eat healthful foods consistently to help us feel vigorous and vibrant.

I will also have fast food and junk food from time to time, and enjoy the heck out of it too.  Everything in moderation.  I just keep in mind that I have little eyes watching my every move and mimicking my behaviors.  At home, I try to set a good example.    I'm not saying that it's easy.  I come home from work, picking up my daughter, and running errands exhausted.  The thought of helping with HW and cooking a good meal makes me cringe just like the next Mom, or Dad who comes home in the same boat. 

You already know that I keep marinated meat frozen in vacuum sealer bags that I prepare on the weekends.  I found that the trick for me is to always keep fresh or frozen fruits and veggies on hand. For me, the part that I find the most stressful about cooking is figuring out what sides to cook with a meal.  If the meat is all set and prepared, all I have to do is leave it to thaw out in the morning.   

Once I come home, I look at my fruits and veggies and let them inspire my theme!  I definitely am in the habit of incorporating fruit in a meal.  What a lovely symphony of flavors is made when I cook fish that was marinated in lime and garlic and top that off with sauteed mango and cilantro for freshness and a tangy island flavor.    Don't underestimate the power of fresh fruit in your dishes! 

I always keep fresh greens on hand too.   The organic sections of the supermarkets sell "Spring Mix"  I love this!  I'm especially partial to the variety that has cilantro.  It blends in with the greens so you don't see it, but you will definitely taste the zest although it's very subtle.   

So there you have it.  In minutes, just by looking around what you already have in your kitchen, and while your meat is cooking in the skillet you can prepare a salad, some vegetables, a quick bowl of rice or some whole-grain pasta.  Just like that!

In the same amount of time it takes you to get through drive-thru in rush hour, you can make your family a beautiful and vibrant meal rich with the nutrients that they need to feel great.  I recommend getting kids involved in the preparation process.  For one, you deserve the help.  Two, it's beneficial for them to learn about nutrients and health.  My kids sometimes teach me things about nutrition that they learn in school that I wasn't aware of. And third, it's a great way to bond with your kids. 

<Angry Teenager Disclaimer>  Not all kids will be receptive to the idea.  To some, it's easier to introduce it as part of their chores, such as peeling potatoes and chopping up veggies.  As parents, sometimes we have to feign disinterest and even make them think we don't really want them there.  A few quiet moments and all of a sudden your teen is telling you about how unfair it is that Jennifer gets to color red streaks in her hair and she doesn't but that it doesn't really matter because Justin broke up with her because he thought it called too much attention to her... "Justin, Mom, Justin!  How could you not remember him?  He was over at Alexis' birthday party at the skating rink two years ago!  You know the tall boy with the really cute smile?  Mom!"    


And all of a sudden red highlights and a story about a cute boy named Justin fuses with the sound of her chopping some onions for you...

<Angry Teenager Disclaimer- Part 2>

If your teen suddenly breaks out in tears please check that she is okay, but please do not assume that she got cut with the knife.  It could be the onions.  Or...most likely the hormones could be raging and a flashback of Becky, The Boyfriend Stealer may have hit

All in all, it's a great time to spend with your family, in your own home.  A quick meal can be magnificent too.  Here's one that I let my daughter come up with on a night that we came home exhausted and were running low on groceries.  It was right after we had just moved into our new home.  Great meal, great memories!

Quickie Garden Pasta

Easiest healthy meal to make!  Cut up some fresh broccoli after rinsing thoroughly.  Add in grape tomatoes sliced in half, mushroom, onions and your favorite variety of peppers.  Add in a table spoon of crushed garlic, one packet of Sazon and just a dash of sea salt (to drain the moisture out of the veggies).  Don't add in too much sea salt because the Sazon is already salted, and the garlic flavor is strong enough.

Throw the veggies in a heated skillet or pan, add in a large can of crushed tomato sauce and a sprinkle of oregano.  Add in about  1/4 cup of wine of your choosing.  Saute but do not let the veggies get too soggy.  They should retain some crunch and texture.

Meanwhile, bring a pot of your favorite pasta to a boil until aldente.

After draining the pasta, mix your veggies and sauce in thoroughly.  Add in your favorite types of cheeses (in moderation).  I love fresh Parmesan or Asiago.  You can also add shrimp, chicken or fish to this recipe.  It's especially great if you have them left over...

And there you have it!  That was so easy, it's delicious, quick, healthful and I had lots of fun preparing this with my little girl. 

So next time you're tempted to order out, go for a quickie in the kitchen instead...

Muy buen provecho! 

The Universe

You're part of me.  And now, I'm part of you.  That's how we've become.  Connected.


I think of you often.  Daily.  As I work on my dishes, as I drive and am hit with a random epiphany or sometimes even when I sit with my little girl and answer endless questions about the great-grandmother who she never got to meet.


I always tell her that although they didn't meet, they are also connected.  My grandmother molded my mom and I into who we've become so that I could then do the same for my daughter.  Some of the mannerisms that she mimics are not really mine at all.  They are my grandmother's.  And now they are hers.

I've been cooking quite a bit in the new house, and getting accustomed to my new kitchen that I love exponentially more than at the previous house.  This kitchen was made for me!  It was the kitchen that a year ago I wished I had, so it makes me chuckle sometimes when I get up in the middle of the night for a glass of water and realize that this time, I am not dreaming at all.

 A few years ago, I learned that which we will for ourselves and release into the universe often has the power to manifest itself so.  Now, obviously this can be tricky or we'd all have everything that we want, no?

Sometimes I hear people talk to the Universe, or about the Universe...blah, blah, blah....

But really, how can we expect to receive without first being accountable for that which we, ourselves, place in our universe?  If you have a home and fill it with garbage, don't you in essence live surrounded by garbage- even if the exterior of that home is a mansion?  It will still reek of garbage and lose it's beauty.

Such is the way that we create our own reality.  I believe that we have to be accountable for our own actions, what we do to others, how we make others feel, and what kind of mark we are leaving for humanity.  How can we ask for more, or ask for blessings if we ourselves are not creating blessings and love for all of those around us, and ourselves?

On that same premise, it's easy to create a haven for those we already love and seek to love us.  The real testament to our own contributions to the universe should be in how we positively  impact those who we do not know, or those who do not love us.  Shouldn't we serve all of humanity in some capacity within our reach?

My point is that it starts with ourselves.  Let's be accountable for always doing the right thing, for treating people well.

Let us not live in excess if our own soul is starving.

We are all far from perfection, but this is no reason not to strive for it.  It is possible to change for the better.  It is!  I promise you.  Here's what I believe;

Do the right thing, always.  A pure heart is your gift to the universe.

1. Do onto others as you would want done to you.  That includes even the simplest things, like not gossiping, or apologizing for mistakes... 
2. Practice love and kindness.  Sometimes the people who are hardest to love are the ones who need it the most.
3. Refrain from lying, or doing things that will cause you to say what you don't mean.  Your credibility is a gift that you give to YOURSELF.  Whether others believe you or not, always hold your word so high that you always believe in yourself and what you speak.
4. Don't talk about these things, but rather put them into daily practice.  Others will see for themselves in time. 

They say that the universe has no beginning or no end.  I passionately disagree.  The Universe starts, and ends, inside of YOU.


Speak only loveliness, seek out the beauty in life, show it onto others, and only put the very best inside of you and all around you.


And what do I like to cook and eat when I need to feel that connection?
Often chicken soup is seen as the cure for all.  For me, it's this dish that I gravitate to when I'm not well- physically or emotionally...

 Warm Citrus Salad

Peel an orange.  I love to do it with a knife.  I slice in between the wedges so I get whole slices of pulp, without the skin.  I also save the peels, and boil them for after-dinner orange tea, with honey and cinnamon.

Juice 1 whole lemon.  I like using this hand juicer that I bought at Target for a few bucks.  This is an extreme close-up.  It's actually only about 5 inches tall.

This lemon juice is what you will mix with about 2 teaspoons of olive oil, light salt (the veggies will already be salted), and fresh-cracked black pepper, for the salad dressing.  I also took the left over pulp from the orange that I cut the wedges out of, and squeezed that orange juice into my salad dressing, for additional citrus flavor.

I started by slicing cherry tomatoes in half, with the orange wedges and mixing in my olive oil, lemon juice and seasonings.

Meanwhile, I have a saute going with onion, red and green peppers and fresh mushrooms.  I've drizzled about a tablespoon of olive oil, sprinkled sea salt and fresh-cracked black pepper.

 I've marinated chicken tenders in olive oil, Sazon, Adobo, lemon juice and 2 table spoons of Dijon mustard.

This is my assembly line headed toward the heated skillet.  Chicken, egg wash, Panko crumbs mixed with course corn meal.  Clean and no mess.  Easy.

 

 Chicken tenders are made.  I've rinsed our fresh greens and mixed them in with the sauteed veggies, cherry totatoes, orange wedges and our home-made salad dressing.  Ready to serve!

 This is a lovely mixture of freshness, flavor and texture.  The sweetness of the orange, the tangy flavor of the lemon, mixed with the deliciously cooked peppers and onions and the crunch of the zesty chicken all make for an invigorating meal. I love to top it off with crumbled cheese.

 My favorite part of this dinner was sharing it with my daughter, and explaining all the vitamins & nutrients that are so good for her, making her feel healthful about her choices.

Just like with our own actions, what we chose to put in our bodies will affect our mindset,  vigor and the clarity with which we take on choices.  Life is there for you to enjoy it.  Do so with a pure heart, and every day live to set an example for at least one person who you encounter.

May the Universe manifest all of your dreams, and may you bring the Universe everything it deserves from you.

When the rain danced with my reflection...

The rain is dancing against the glass next to me.

A song that turns into a deep rhythm colliding with my heartbeat.

I look to my left, and capture my reflection.

I see a different woman than when I left you two months ago. 

My eyes fall on my hands as I type this, and remember how many times in the weeks that have passed these hands have dried my own tears, or folded in prayers to Heaven.

I'm almost afraid to look to my left again.  The woman that I see. She is lovely, and more graceful than ever.  Like the phoenix, I feel reborn.  So much pain, yet so much to be thankful for.  The sun rose brilliantly, after the storms.  And I rise with it.  I rise.

In reality Reader, I never left you.  You were in heart and in my thoughts.  I stayed away because I only want to give you the best.  How could I?  

In two months.... my daughter had very serious surgery, with even more serious complications which landed her in ICU.  I look back at how many moments I called my parents for strength, and my friends.  If you don't believe in prayer, an experience like that will change you.  That's for sure. 

At the same time, I was dealing with changes in my career, moving into a new home, health issues with loved ones, and behind it all was my heart grieving a lost love.

I thought I was going to go crazy.  People kept telling me to be strong and that it would all work out.  My mom and best friend would always remind me to have Faith, in the deepest sense of the word.  

I had experiences that forced me to look at Faith in the eyes.  Faith is something that you know and feel with conviction.  You put something out into the universe and you do not ever question the outcome, you only wait to receive it.  And so it shall be.

I smile from my heart as I write because tonight, the moon has sent the rain to serenade me.  To sing me a song of praise for believing.  I stand a better, and stronger woman.  My daughter is healthy once more, things have slowly fallen into place- one by one.

I always had faith.  I find now that I just wasn't ready to receive the blessings that I've been asking for.  I feel like the lessons were plentiful, and I just wasn't getting it so life got progressively rougher until I understood.

I understand.

I leave you tonight... there is a song against my window that I must go dance to...  but I will be back to you once more.  

We don't know what we have, until we lose it?

Tonight is hard night.  I want to be with you.  I just don't know what to say?  My heart hurts.  So many thoughts running through my mind.  So many memories too.

At times when I feel like this, I try to channel the moments where I felt...right.

You know what I thought of a little while ago?  I was wondering what I wanted to write to you tonight (I really never know until I start) and I thought that tonight I just wanted you to sit with me.  No need for words.  Sometimes just knowing that you're there is enough.

And of course, the thoughts that followed were of my grandmother and my mom...  Towards the end of Mamita's life, she lived in Jackson Heights, Queens.  My mom and I lived in the Bronx.  Mamita would take two trains and commute for over an hour, in poor health, just to be with her girls.  She knew that we needed her.  We just needed her there. 

As a young girl, I tried to be sensitive to the feelings of my loved ones but as many young ones do, I may have missed some signs.  I may have missed some moments when my mom needed me to just be there.  I would be back and forth from my room to the kitchen, stop for a while and back again. 

Looking back, I remember one of the first things that my mom would say to Mamita when she got in and settled.  Mamita would come in the kitchen and ask if she could help my mom.  My mom would smile and say, "No sientate ahi... quedate conmigo"... "No, sit there, stay with me" .  I understand that now.  I understand that so well.       

I understand my mom now.  She used to ask me the same, and still does when I go back home. 

Silence is such an ambiguous element...  sometimes it drowns and confuses.  Other times it speaks volumes and reinforces.  

It's funny how all things come full circle.  Earlier today, a friend emailed me a recipe for my favorite soup that I emailed him a year ago, suggesting that I should write about that...
 Later this afternoon, my mom referred to a post I made last night on Facebook's Sofrito Disciple page where I asked, "What meal would you want to be remembered by?"  

My mom asked me what I would remember her by the most and I said two things.  First, her pork chops with rice and beans.  You have to take my word for it, sounds simple but the flavor that she packs into that is amazing.

I would get excited climbing up to our 4th floor apartment because when she would cook that I could smell it as soon as I came into our building and it was so incredible.  The second was the same soup that my friend reminded me about today.

What amazes me about that is that soup is what I cook when I'm sad.  Don't feel bad about that!  Sadness brought me to you.  If you recall our first meeting Reader, was the night of Hurricane Irene.  I made that seafood soup and poured my heart into that, then told you about it.  That was my very first entry...  That brought me to you... Asopa'o De Camarones.

Random, I know.  What is it about soup anyway?  Is it a metaphor for how we assimilate pain?  We take beautiful, fresh ingredients and throw them in hot boiling water.  I feel like that some times.  I feel like that now.  Then I remind myself, that in the end that soup becomes warm, nurturing and revitalizing.  And so do we.  Life sometimes breaks us down and in the end nurtures our soul to make us better.

Before I started writing tonight I was reminded of a life lesson that I despise, the cliche "You don't know what you have until you lose it".  I don't like that saying, because I know just how true it is.  What wouldn't I give to once again be at my grandmother's door and greet her as I always did?  To take my grandmother's face, with her soft skin, and kiss her forehead again while she looked at me so lovingly? 

It's true.  You don't really know what you have, until you lose it. 

So learn.   

Tonight, I'll leave you with that very simple but treasured recipe...  My spin on Puerto Rican Ham soup...  

Sopa De Jamon

 (You can use any meat for this really...)

 Buy a ham steak.  They go for under $4. 

We also chop up a few pieces of salami.  We usually use the Spanish-style but go with your preference.

Cut it in cubes and put it in a pot, med high.

Chop onions, celery, peppers (different colors are nice), carrots and potatoes.
Add two table spoons of Goya pitted olives

Mix everything.

Add about 1/3 cup of reccao’.  Add 2 envelopes of Sazon with color.  Add Oregano. Basil is optional but I like it. 

Add a can of tomato sauce 

Add Water (pot 3/4 full)

Add some fideos or noodles when the soup is almost complete, but not too much or it will dry your soup out.

Let simmer until veggies are soft.  Add additional salt and pepper to taste.  You can garnish with fresh cilantro and shredded asiago or parm cheese (just a little).

This goes extremely well with Tostones (twice fried plantains- see previous recipe).  The warm flavors married in the soup with the cripy saltiness of tostones.  So delicious.  

I hope you enjoy this,,,  it brings back so many soothing memories for me. 

Muy Buen Provecho!

The Rules Still Apply When You're Alone.

"Rules?  What Rules?  You said there were no rules in love or the kitchen?".

I write about my family, and I can.  I was blessed with beautiful, complex and loving people that make up the myriad of who I am and how I came to be.

I write about cooking, and I can.  Nearly every night, day...I pour my heart into my dishes no matter how simple or intricate they may be.  It's how I seem to explain life to myself.  I create beautiful things that I fill with love, by breaking them down into the smallest and most simplest components, and then piecing together something lovely, and from my heart.

I write about love, and here's where you got me.  Truthfully, I can't.

In that regard, like a very delicate souffle that the dedicated chef has to master with patience and grace, I've not yet succeeded.   Not only have I not succeeded, I've grown tired of watching it either burn or quietly fall flat, and have put away my pans.  I can't say that I've given up, but accepted that I've a few more dishes to master before I can attempt that one... Love. 

It seems to me that love is the simplest and most complex of all emotions.   Ask the man who has secretly loved his neighbor for all his life, or the woman who thinks she's not beautiful enough for the man she loves, or your dog who waits patiently every day for you to come home and each will tell you that their heart swells with undying love.

When you and I talk about love, Reader, I don't mean to sound hypocritical.  Have you ever daydreamed about the perfect home for you?  Maybe it's a beach-side bungalow, or a chateau in the south of France?  Have you ever gone as far as to design how the rooms in that home would look and feel?  In your mind, have you walked barefoot in it's gardens?

In some regards, this is how I view love, and the notion of a soul mate.  With the passing years, and the lessons that have come to me it's become clearer to me what it is that I want, and what would feel like home to me.  Notwithstanding, that there is a possibility that like that dream home, it may never come to be.

For me, the difference in love is knowing your worth balanced with what you have to offer another.  Life presents many opportunities to explore love, but if we see that something is not for us, unfair to you or that other person then I feel that we have to somehow make peace and let go.

Those of you who have been fortunate to find the equilibrium in love, then for you it becomes a little different.  Once you have found it, and you know that it's fair and just, then fight for it!  Unlike the rest of us, don't let go.

And for those of us who walk alone, I ask that we still treat ourselves with the love and dignity that we would show another.  Take care of yourself, and of your heart.

I try to do just this in the simplest ways that I can.  Writing, and talking with you is something that I do that makes me feel good, for example.  Cooking myself a lovely meal is another.

I hear some people say that they don't like to cook for themselves.  I do because it takes heart.  To make a dish for me, how I would make for someone I love requires special care.  It doesn't have to be elaborate, but it has to be done with love.

This weekend my kids were with their dad but I still made myself something that I enjoyed.  I hope that you do too.

Chuletas Sofrito-Style

Pork Chops with Peppers, Onions & White Wine 

As we usually do, we would have left a pack of previously marinated (with Sofrito, Lime, Adobo, Sazon and Oregano) meat out to thaw.  Once I got home, I sliced up some fresh carrots.  I love the way Mamita would steam them and then add a pat of butter and salt.  That brings back so many memories for me...

 First we sprinkle a little olive oil in our pan, add in the pork chops and let them sear. Then we add in our red onions and peppers.  Let's add in some white wine and watch it sizzle!

After this, I added in one can of tomato sauce.  Mixed with the wine, and flavor of the meat and veggies it makes for a delicious sauce.

Before I even started the meat, I had my rice cooker going.  This top rack allows you to steam at the same time that the rice is cooking.  I added scallion rolls that I buy at the Asian market, and steamed those.  They're perfectly cooked and fluffy when you take them out.

With a lovely glass of wine, I toasted to my blessings and  had my dinner, enjoying it as much as I could until I was satisfied.  I had also cooked enough to put away some lunch for the following day.


Sometimes, before we worry about finding love, or keeping love we have to show ourselves some love too.

 Muy buen provecho!

Fall Series, Part IV: What Does A Woman Want?

Ladies, so we spoiled the guys with some delicious pernil sandwiches for Sunday Night Football, we baked a delicious apple pie for dessert, and we still have a bunch of apples left over from our apple-picking trip.  Now it's your turn.  I'm going to give the fellas some ideas of how to spoil you...

I've heard men ask the question that they believe has no answer, "What does a woman want?"
And when I've tried to answer my male friends, I seem to confuse them even more.  I'm very "old-school" and traditional, yet still independent and set in my ways.

I can't speak for all women, because like the fingers of your hand, we're all different.  I can only speak for myself, and my observations of the sisters in my life.

A woman wants to feel yours, but free enough to be herself.
A woman wants to be treasured, but wants to cherish you as well.  It's your actions that show her she's loved, (but tell her while you show her every once in a while too).
And love her in such a way that when she's away from you, she can close her eyes and all five of her senses will bring her back to a memory of you.

Too many of you think that we want material things.  I want the simple things actually.  It's the way we laugh in the supermarket aisle about the silliest and most random things, while shopping for groceries.  It's the way you look when you're fixing something of mine that broke... or the way you remember things about me that even I forgot.  Or how on Sunday mornings, I have no reason to get up if you're by my side.

We want some of the same things that you do.  We don't want someone to give us happiness, we want you to share in our happiness and we want to do the same with yours.    

We want a communion with another human being that knows us, understands us, accepts us, but also brings out the best in us and gives us the courage to keep improving as life presents challenges. 

I'm adamant that what gets me about a man is not how he looks.  When in love, and we close our eyes, don't we remember that person's mannerisms, their facial expressions and their own unique ways of expressing themselves more than anything else?   

Think about it, if love was driven by physical appearance, we'd only need a picture of our beloved to be happy.  We miss the way the person feels when we embrace them, their laugh, the silly way they pick up a fork 25 times before actually taking a bite, during dinner...  Have you ever missed a person, and missed their imperfections?  When you met them, you noticed that flaw, but now when you miss them, you miss exactly that?  

Make love matter.  Show the ones you love how you feel, even with the slightest gestures.  Make it happen.  Life is so short.  This is why I I choose to show love in the kitchen, with every bite I say that I love and appreciate you without the fear of overcooking something or too much salt... Sometimes I won't get it perfect, but I will keep trying.    My kitchen remains a reflection of my heart...



For a special night...

Apple Slices dipped in Amaretto-Caramel Fondue

 

In a fondue ceramic dish, or microwavable bowl, melt half of a pack of store-bought caramels. I love the Werther's Caramels.  If you do this in the microwave, you have to watch it closely.  There is no exact time as it varies with microwave.  Once it starts to bubble a bit, take it out.  Mix with a spoon.

Add in one shot of Amaretto di Amore 

 Add in a shot of whipping cream

Mix well together and heat for another few seconds.

 If you have a fondue set, place the melted caramel in there...

The caramel fondue will go beautifully with sliced apples, as a glaze for cake or as a dip...

Along with the Apple Cider Martinis, it makes a great dish for spoiling her....

Hot Apple Cider Martinis  

 In the supermarket, check the aisle where they usually keep hot chocolate or tea.  You will find hot apple cider packets.  They're usually sold in packets of 10-12 servings.  You make it the same way that you make tea, boil hot water then add.  Mix well.

In a heat-resistant pitcher, mix about 2-3 servings of the Hot Apple Cider, mixed with 1 cup of Vodka, one freshly juiced lemon and a cinnamon stick.  Mix well, pour and serve hot.  Mouth-watering.

Warm Cinnamon-Spiced Apple Sauce
This is not your typical supermarket apple sauce.  It has a rich, warm and thick texture that lingers and smells delicious.

Peel and core about 10-12 apples

 Boil until apples are soft, then mash apples.

Add in 1 table spoon of Cinnamon, 1 teaspoon of Vanilla Extract, 2 Tablespoons of butter, a pinch of nutmeg, salt, ginger, 1 cup of sugar or Splenda.  Mix well, cool for  a minute or two then feed a warm, delicious spoonful to someone you love.

Fall Series, Part III: The Making of Warm , Delicious Apple Pie

The apple.  By far one of the most meaningful symbols in our civilizations.  At first glance, merely a fruit.  In biblical terms, temptation.  In philosophy, wisdom.  Academics, appreciation.  Medicine, health.  Fatherhood, adoration.

For me, an apple represents tradition.  An especially important one in my family because it's a tradition that I began.  Apple-picking isn't a Latin-Caribbean custom, but like with many traditions, in my family it evolved as a result of where we live and what surrounds us.

My family and I are making the most of living in Upstate, NY . As drastically different from The Bronx as this may be, it's a wonderful place to raise children.

Once September rolls around I'm reminded of some of the many reasons why; small wonderful schools for the kids to go back to, and a vast array of apple orchards everywhere, eager to yield their most prized possessions.  The apple.

It wasn't until I chaperoned my daughter's kindergarten class on a local apple-picking field trip, that we walked with a tour guide and I got to see the many products that are made from apples.  That inspired me every year thereafter to not just take my kids apple picking, but to also celebrate the apple for it's many meanings and uses...  Stay with me on this series as we explore some of my favorite tributes to the apple!

Cinnamon-Spice Apple Pie

To fully appreciate the making of Apple Pie, I love to pick the apples....  From the trees to my dish, the apples truly feel like such a gift.

Once you're home, it will take about 6-8 apples depending on the size. The apples need to be peeled,cored & sliced.

Place the apple slices in a mixing bowl.  Juice half of a fresh lemon and mix in with the apples.  It's not a bad idea to also sprinkle a pinch of lemon rind (finely grated lemon peel)  in there too for a secret boost of fresh flavor.

 

 Now you're ready to mix in your spices:  

3/4 cup of sugar

one tablespoon of Vanilla Extract

a pinch of salt

1Tablespoon of Cinnamon, or more to taste

 1/2 teaspoon of Allspice

 a 1/4 teaspoon of Nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon of Ginger

1/4 teaspoon of Ground Cloves

2 Tablespoons of Flour  

(this will help soak up the water released by the apples, and provide the pie filling with a rich texture).

 

By the way, most of these spices can be purchased at local Dollar Stores, and can be used for many recipes, in particular, our Caribbean recipes.  Watch and see...

 

 Be sure to mix spices thoroughly and well. This is the part that my daughter loves to do!

 Although making a fresh pie crust is not difficult, I don't enjoy the process of rolling out the dough.  I prefer to buy the Pillsbury Pie Crusts, that come ready made.  It must be thawed out and room temperature.

Be wary of store brands.  I have found that not all of them stand up through the unrolling process when you're taking it out of the package.  I have never had a problem with Pillsbury and so I choose not to risk it.  Line the bottom of your pie dish with one crust.

 

Time to fill your dish with your seasoned apples.

 

 Unroll the second pie crust (2 come in a package; top & bottom).  Lay out flat on a non-stick cutting surface.  With a knife, trace designs on your pie.  This not only looks pretty, but also helps aerate your pie.

Lay your top crust to cover your apple filling now.   

Seal the edges around the dish with your thumb.  Now, trim off the excess dough from all around the edges.

Take that excess dough, and roll into a ball, then roll out flat with a rolling pin, on a non-stick surface.  You should now have a flat sheet of rolled dough. With a small knife, trace and then  cut out shapes to decorate your pie with.  I love to make leaves, and I even trace the detail on them.  You may ask why am I manually cutting them out as opposed to using a leaf-shaped cookie cutter?  Because, leaves all come in unique shapes and sizes.  If I cut them and shape them myself, I can also make them all unique...

 Lastly, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and coat the top of your pie, to provide added flavor and flakiness.

Time to put that delicious pie in the oven...

Although, I started the tradition of apple-picking in my family, I have to thank my Dad Pat for teaching me to make apple-pie as a kid.  It was one of the first things that we ever did together in the kitchen.  

As an Irish man, having married into a Puerto Rican family it must have been hard for him to introduce his cooking style.  We're traditionally set in our ways.  Dad just has a way about him though!  

I was 7 years old when he married my mom, and spoke no English really.  He must have sensed my curiosity in the kitchen because I remember him building a bridge with me that way.  

He also knew that I had a sweet tooth.  First came Apple Pie, Pineapple-Upside Down Cake (which my diabetic grandma, Mamita would sneak, or send me to go get her a slice), and then we graduated to chocolate cake.  

Once we connected with baking, my Dad taught me about how the rest of the world eats.  He had lived in Germany, Turkey and Vietnam as a soldier and learned to appreciate the very best food of so many different cultures.  

My mom and Mamita are the reasons why I feel connected to the kitchen.  My Dad is the reason why I opened my arms to world cuisine and cultures.  

All three of them are the reason why I learned to share happiness in my kitchen.

Was that our kitchen timer going off?  I think our pie is ready...  Come on, let's sit together and have some warm apple pie.  Do you smell the spiciness of the Fall in the air?  I'll grab us some hot apple-cider too.  We'll have some pie while I cook up some other Fall recipes for you.  

...Muy Buen Provecho!

...So tell me...what does the Apple symbolize for you?