Brazilian Recipes | Cynthia Presser - Cooking with a Twist

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Passion Fruit Caipirinha

Details: Written by Cynthia Presser

Despite not being the most popular of the caipirinhas, passion-fruit caipirinha is my personal favorite. The combination of tart fruits with the cachaça and sugar is really refreshing and passion-fruit has the necessary tartness to make a perfect balanced drink. The seeds are crunchy and add personality to this exotic concoction, but if it they bother your palate, simply strain the drink to enjoy all the taste without the seeds. I keep the seeds in my drink, and I enjoy every bit of it!

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Fish Tacos with Mango-Jalapeno Slaw

Details: Written by Cynthia Presser

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There is no other food in this whole world that reminds me more of the great years I spent in San Diego then fish tacos. I used to go fish taco “hopping” with my husband (boyfriend at the time), going from restaurant to restaurant, or bar to bar, in search for the best fish taco in San Diego. I sure tried many, one more delicious then the other. Well, I live in Indiana now and I really miss my fish tacos from San Diego! So in honor of this upcoming Cinco de Mayo I have decided to share my “Fish Tacos with Mango-Jalapeno Slaw” recipe. Delicious and healthy, this recipe is the perfect way to celebrate the festivities, or just to celebrate any day of the year. Serve with margaritas!

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Cream of Chayote Squash with Bay Scallops

Details: Written by Cynthia Presser

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Velvety and light, this recipe is one of my oldest ones: I used to make this creamy soup a lot when I wanted to lose a couple of pounds (probably in my early twenties, while still living in Brazil). I have always loved food, and loosing flavor along with extra pound has never been an option in my life; so everything I cook, either if it is light, low-carb, gluten-free or none of these, everything must taste good! So don’t make this creamy soup just because it is light, but make this recipe because it is creamy, velvety and delicious! One last thing: if you have never tried chayote squash, this recipe is an easy way to introduce this vegetable to your family. I hope you like it!

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Shrimp in a Pumpkin (Camarão na Moranga)

Details: Written by Cynthia Presser

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I am not an advocate for the use of microwave oven in cooking, so when one of my mom’s best friends, Leila, told me she had a delicious, EASY and much QUICKER version of Shrimp in a Pumpkin (Camarão na Moranga) that was mostly prepared in the microwave I was not convinced at first. But she was firm: “You have to try”. Since Leila is a great cook, I decided to give it a shot. Well, I am glad to say that she was right! The pulp of the pumpkin was moist and soft; and the cream cheese incorporated into the shrimp sauce perfectly. This classic Brazilian recipe is normally prepared in the conventional oven so take a look at my other version of Shrimp in a Pumpkin. The version made in the conventional oven has that delicious slightly roasted flavor; and the version made in the microwave is more moist and, of course, easier to make. Well, both recipes are slightly sweet, creamy and delicious. If you like spicier, use more jalapenos in the sauce, or remove them completely if you prefer it mild; or use a different kind of hot pepper to your preference. Enjoy!

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Pecan Flan

Details: Written by Cynthia Presser

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I took a break of almost four weeks from creating and posting recipes to work exclusively on the final steps of my cookbook. I have to confess that I really missed cooking and I could not wait to share my next recipe with you. Since I am currently in Brazil (I traveled here to mainly shoot the cover of my book) I thought I should share a recipe from my childhood. This dessert brings me back the memories of the days I used to spend in company of my good friend Geo, whose mom makes the best Pecan Flan in the world! Smooth just like a regular flan, this recipe has a little surprise: the chopped pecans form a slightly crunchy crust on the bottom. How? It happens naturally: the pecans tend to float towards the top during baking time; and when the flan is unmolded, they end up at the bottom forming a crust. This flan is one of the best desserts I have ever had growing up and I want to thank Geo and Tia Mara for sharing this delight with me, so I could share with you. Enjoy with your family and friends. Happy Easter!

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Salmon with Mango Sauce and Coconut Rice

Details: Written by Cynthia Presser

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Mango, limes and coconut are some of the most traditional ingredients used in Brazilian cuisine. In this recipe, they were split among main course and side dish in a very harmonic combination of flavors with the salmon and rice. Greek yogurt adds a creamy texture to this fresh, healthy and flavorful meal. I hope you enjoy!

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Avocado and Candied Cashew Pie

Details: Written by Cynthia Presser

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This unique combination is worth trying! In Brazil, avocados are more commonly used in desserts.

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Brazilian Cheese Bread (Pão-de-queijo)

Details: Written by Cynthia Presser

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Cheese bread is a Brazilian staple! Gooey and fluffy at the same time (hard to believe possible, right?) this typical snack is a crowd pleaser: kids and adults love it! Many different versions are available, this one is really easy (the batter is mixed in the blender!) and most ingredients are widely available in the US – there is not a substitute for tapioca starch, sorry! Serve warm, right off the oven. I dare you to have only one!

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