Chef’s Corner

Years ago, I learned that Italian polenta is a finer version of those exact little “grits” so beloved in the US south. Here to satisfy those soul food cravings, this is comfort food at its best. The topping is extremely versatile so you can use your favorite proteins, sauces, or

After we thank our Jamaican friends for Bob Marley, we should also thank them for this Jerk seasoning recipe which is the absolute king of marinades. For 10 assorted bone-in chicken pieces. Marinade Ingredients 1 entire bunch of scallions(cebollino in Costa Rican) chopped to facilitate processing. 3 garlic cloves 1

This dish has become soooo popular worldwide, and here’s why; because of that deliciously decadent balancing act between comfort and blandness from the rice noodles, with the zest and pop of lime juice, hot peppers, sweet brown sugar, crunchy peanuts… Optimal when served immediately! 8 servings. Ingredients 1/2 cup of

A good friend gave me this surprisingly easy recipe and it’s been a hit every time that I make it. Allow for it to sit overnight and top it with the whipped cream right before serving. For 8 portions. Ingredients 1 package of 150 gm “cocanas” store-bought coconut cookies coarsely

By Desiree Brassert The cuisine of my mother’s country will never cease to amaze me with it’s unlikely marriage of clean-and-crisp with depth AND simplicity– a culinary menage-a-quatre! LOL! This recipe is very easy, all you need is to concentrate on the timing since it is best served immediately. 4

By Desiree Brassert This recipe is vegetarian, but you could also easily add flavored strips of meat or seafood to complete this one-bowl meal. Soba noodles are a true Japanese delicacy. Thin like spaghetti, they are made with buckwheat flour and their nutty flavor makes an excellent base for stir

By Desiree Brassert This classic recipe from New Orleans can be used as an alternative cocktail sauce for the typical ketchup and horseradish concoction, or as a dressing for a salad as pictured here. For 6 to 8 servings or 1 kg of medium sized peeled, deveined, and poached shrimp.

By Desiree Brassert The locally farmed and cured smoked trout is a great substitute for smoked salmon that only comes from distant and colder waters. Here’s a little spin on this classic bite-size appetizer. Note: Vegetarian options are applesauce and cinnamon, or sour cream.

By Desiree Brassert Elevate the humble chayote (or mirliton in Louisiana) with this Cajun-inspired recipe. The miniature version (or cocorro in these parts) makes for an attractive party appetizer or side dish. Try this unfailing southern technique of: boil–hollow–stuff–bake, and you’ll be on to something!

By Desiree BrassertBy Desiree Brassert We must be thankful that one of the hottest superfoods in the world is now readily available in our town. Not only is kale loaded with vitamins, but it is also known to lower cholesterol, fight certain cancers, and eliminate toxins. Here’s a quick and

By Desiree Brassert This salad is sold as a refreshing snack in the street stalls of Saigon and goes well with beer. Salad One small green papaya—I just ask a neighbor if I can pluck one off their tree! One packet of beef jerky, finely cut with scissors –Jack links

By Desiree Brassert These little Costa Rican apples can be very flavorful. Usually in bags of 6, their colors are reddish yellow. They are soooo much better than the bigger, imported, pricey, and bland varieties also found on those same shelves at the produce counter. Crust 1¼  cups flour, plus

By Desiree Brassert These fried rolls are very different in texture and taste. The authentic recipe calls for ground pork and shrimp although the shrimp can be substituted with crab meat. You can offer a vegan alternative by using tofu and shitake mushrooms. I find that using ground chicken or