Tag: cuisine

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do you love mandarin or cantonese?

the best sweet and sour pork
the best sweet and sour pork

In my family, we are always finding ways to experiment with old favorites either with recipe expansions, technology or better prep techniques. We love making something good better.

Many feel that the two most challenging ( for different reasons) cuisines in the world are French and the other Chinese… both have their wonders and I love their many and various flavors and moods!

However, today is not that day for my cooking, we are going out for Chinese with friends  to a nice place… but the truth be known, there is nothing like making it yourself.

Here’s our Sweet and Sour Pork Recipe!

Roger

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birthdays and indulgences

I have always enjoyed others birthdays more than my own and not because of any false modesty, but because I  found it more pleasurable to see their happy faces. However, I guess I have to get used to the idea that those younger than me — and that number seems to be increasing at a staggering rate — are beginning to celebrate birthdays — like mine — with amazement. I do understand this a little, I look at those who turn 100 in the same way!

April 14th had some interesting events: although President Lincoln was shot on this day , this is balanced by the facts that the first abolitionist group was started in America and Harriet Tubman began her ‘underground railroad’ to transfer escaping slaves to the northern ‘free states’ also on this day. Yes,  the ‘Titanic’ hit an iceberg today (1912) , yet the first edition of Websters dictionary appeared ( an important day to me!). Ron Steiger and Julie Christie share this birthday and the first space shuttle Columbia was launched (1981), which thrilled almost everyone.

So, if your birthday is today… happy birthday! Enjoy the day

Roger

PS. special thanks to Karla who made this cute birthday picture of me

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Carne Guisada of Puerto Rico is best

Carne Guisada in Puerto Rico is made with Cilantro that is 10 times stronger
Carne Guisada

One of my facebook friends and one of my daughter Karen’s good friends is from Puerto Rico and in their honor , I tried to produce one of their national dishes called ‘Carne Guisada.’ There is much that is unique to Puerto Rico and their cuisine. But , as is true in many lands,  much that has been gained through the fusion of the many cultures on the island. Spain, South America, Great Britain, Africa and the United States has all left an influence.

Some of the spices of the island of Puerto Rico are stronger than what many are familiar. For example, Cilantro from Puerto Rico is about 10 times more flavorful. Obviously, if you can find some , it is worth it!

Although I tried to stay true to the basic recipe, I wanted to make a slightly more extravagant version.  I started with my best ‘sofrito’, the best meat and a singularly delicious gravy crowned the meal complete. I hope you love it too.

Here is my version!

Like many ‘spicy’ recipes, I have included a way you can ‘save’ the dish if it gets away from you!

bon appetite! or “buen apetito”

Roger