Cuban Congri – Rice and Black Beans

This dish goes by a few different names, depending on which part of Cuba your family came from, but in my household we always called it congri. Congri is one of the few Cuban specialties that is traditionally vegan, although some restaurants add pork fat, so always ask and check. This dish, where you cook the beans and the rice together, results in a greyish rice … Continue reading Cuban Congri – Rice and Black Beans

Vegan Chili con Kinda Carne

I woke up this morning and it was snowing unexpectedly, and I immediately thought, I should make chili today. Something about chili makes you feel warm and cozy inside. This recipe packs a lot of heat and smokiness that is sure to do just that thanks to the mixture of herbs and spices. Spices affect your palate and senses differently, that’s why I like to … Continue reading Vegan Chili con Kinda Carne

Black Eyed Peas aka Hoppin’ John

Happy New Year! Celebrating the turning of the page of the calendar fills most of us with hope, ambition and the intangible feeling of what could be. It allows us to dream big and make promises to ourselves and to others without our usual skepticism or cynicism. Oh the possibilities! The truth is every new day is an opportunity to get closer to a goal, make progress towards a dream, … Continue reading Black Eyed Peas aka Hoppin’ John

Smoky Sweet Potato Grits

I didn’t grow up eating grits. Though I grew up in  what could be considered the South geographically speaking, south Florida couldn’t be further from what most people would consider the South culturally. In fact the further north in Florida you go, the closer you get to actually experiencing southern culture, which includes of course, southern cuisine. Occasionally my grandparents ate grits, but I never did as … Continue reading Smoky Sweet Potato Grits

Spicy Peanut Sauce Soba Noodles

Original recipe from Will Cook for Friends I couldn’t imagine my life without peanut butter and am thankful to my genetics that I am not allergic in any way. It’s a perfect food. It’s a protein, it’s a little sweet, a little savory. It pairs well with fruits and vegetables alike or any variation of bread or cracker, it’s chocolate’s perfect mate. My love affair … Continue reading Spicy Peanut Sauce Soba Noodles

Smoky Split Pea Stew (Cuban Chícharos)

My grandfather was one of eleven brothers and sisters, and my grandmother had six brothers. It was common place for their houses to be filled regularly with aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and every other family member imaginable. This made dinner time quite challenging. Family meals were often scrounged together from limited resources,  and they felt fortunate on the instances when meat was included with … Continue reading Smoky Split Pea Stew (Cuban Chícharos)

QuiCK (Quinoa, Corn, Kale) Protein Muffins

I’m the type of person that eats the same thing for breakfast almost every day without batting an eyelash. Lately, I’ve been thinking about what that really means since breakfast for me typically consists of a 3 egg (2 white 1 whole) omelet with veggies. That’s a lot of eggs per week friends. I am well aware of the terrible things that go into getting … Continue reading QuiCK (Quinoa, Corn, Kale) Protein Muffins

Meatless Meatballs

An old friend of mine from high school had been a strict vegetarian for seven years when one day someone in her office ordered a meatball sub. According to her, instead of being repulsed by the smell (as was usually the case) the smell drove her so insane with desire that she immediately ordered not one, but two meatball subs AND a chicken parmesan sub to be … Continue reading Meatless Meatballs

Easy Frijoles Negros (Cuban Black Beans)

When I think of black beans I think of my abuelita, slaving over a cazuela all day, stirring and sweating making sure that it was just right. My grandfather would come into the kitchen periodically stick a spoon into the broth and say “a little more salt,” in Spanish of course; then they’d give each other a besito and she’d add the salt and he’d … Continue reading Easy Frijoles Negros (Cuban Black Beans)