It just so happens that this day, October 1st, 2019 marks the 13th year that I've called myself a Blogger and have inhabited this space on the internet. I think this makes me The Oldest Living Blogger, but that's not important right now. Thirteen years! That's like a cute, but smart-mouthed teenager! Or perhaps, out here in the Blogosphere ...
Freaky Fruits and Spooky Sauces
Put down your pumpkin spice lattes, kids! I've got something you're going to like so much better. Does everyone know that it’s Freaky Fruit season? I know NOW. I did NOT know this tasty tidbit until my friends over at Melissa’s Produce (who know this kind of stuff; see this article) sent over a box of this season’s freakies (<--is that a word?) ...
Homemade Cherry Pop Tarts Recipe
I don't know how I've gotten this far in life without making Homemade Pop Tarts. I didn't even know it was A Thing. Did you know it was A Thing? I guess it's because my old-school Cuban generation was more in love with pastelitos de guayaba. FOR A MILLION GUAVALICIOUS REASONS, but that's not important right now. So, my friends over at Melissa's ...
Movie Nights – a lo Cubano
The best part of summer for me is our weekly movie nights. Yes, you read that right: WEEKLY. That means every Friday night we open our home and host an outdoor movie and - to my everlasting delight - our home is filled with friends and family who come to enjoy each week's offering. The highlight of hosting for me (#DarbyOutdoorMovies if you're ...
Taking Movie Night Snacks To The Next Level
Summer has taken its sweet time arriving here in Southern California. And with summer comes my beloved Outdoor Movie Nights. (If you follow me on Instagram, be sure to look for the hashtag: #DarbySummerMovies) If you've been following my blog for any length of time, you know that I delight in not just choosing a movie to show, but in choosing ...
Roasted Artichokes with Dipping Sauces
I am all about Family Dinners right now. The reason, of course, is that my kids are all back in my area code and they're all loving the idea of having regular big family meals together. (Full disclosure: I have been selling them on what a fabulous idea family dinners are for years, but that's not important right now.)While I love cooking Cuban, ...
Impress the Guests Crispy Leaf Potatoes Recipe
Carnivores. That's what my people are. Serious carnivores. Every night at my table you'll find a beautiful top sirloin steak or glazed chicken or some fabulous pork dish, because Cuban. And when we're not serving rice and beans, we're singing the praises of potatoes. Sounds pretty dull, right? You'd be wrong there. My sides are never boring. ...
Crema de Vie – A Cuban Family Tradition
I've often shared how my family, instead of baking Christmas cookies for gifts, makes a super delicious please-don't-call-it-egg-nog Cuban "egg nog." We call it Crema de Vie and it has been a Cuban family tradition for as long as I can remember. I remember as a child getting to have a sip on Christmas eve. (Shut up. The rum was only used as a ...
Celebrating Abuela’s 12 Days of Christmas – a lo Cubano
Last year around the Christmas season, Jonathan and I got a call that the lovely and talented Jenny Lorenzo (that's Abuela to you) needed some background people for a Christmas video she was shooting. Would we be interested? Without hesitation, our answer was a resounding, ABSOLUTELY! Also, would I be able to make and bring a bunch of maduros? ...
Porto’s Bake at Home
You probably read the title of this post a few times Porto's Bake at Home?? And you probably wondered, "Have all my Cuban pastry - since I don't live in Miami - dreams come true?" Today the answer to that would be a resounding, *"Si! Como no!" That's a big fat Cuban, *"YES, PLEASE!" {Disclosure: I have not been compensated for writing this post, ...
