Brazilian Recipes | Cynthia Presser - Cooking with a Twist

Farofa - Brazilian Crunchy Topping or Stuffing

Details: Written by Cynthia Presser

Don’t be fooled by the “dirty sand” look of this typical Brazilian side dish! Farofa is a delicious, crunchy side dish (or stuffing) that is eaten at a daily basis all over Brazil. Given the fact that Brazil is a HUGE country with a large variety of dishes from region to region, achieving that level of popularity is pretty impressive… It certainly does NOT taste like dirty sand. Farofa is crunchy and full of intense flavors that enhance the texture and add an interesting taste to the main course. It is almost like a crunchy hot sauce, but without the heat. It is extremely simple to make, but exotic at the same time. I hope you are curious enough to try.

Lime Meringue Flan (Pudim de Claras)

Details: Written by Cynthia Presser

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I grew up eating this delightful dessert: my mom used to make it a lot when I was a little girl growing up in Brazil. For me, this dessert tastes just like my childhood: sweet, with a hint of lime zest (to make it more exciting), and extremely light in texture! One more awesome thing: it has only 4 ingredients (and they can all be found at your regular grocery store - yeah!!! This time, I am not sending you to international markets to find ingredients). I made this family recipe for a small gathering with friends at my house, and they sure enjoyed it! I hope you enjoy it too!

Cream of Mushroom with Orzo, Couscous and Red Quinoa

Details: Written by Cynthia Presser

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Orzo, couscous and red quinoa add an unexpected texture to this creamy soup. The Portabella mushroom is so meaty and delicious and it goes very well with the sage and fresh scallions. Finish with Parmigiano-Reggiano for a nutty bite. This a great "Meatless Monday" dinner!

Risotto Cakes with Tomato Compote

Details: Written by Cynthia Presser

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Risotto Cakes are the best way to use up risotto leftovers, but there are a lot of people who like to make risotto and keep in the fridge for the next day just to make these delicious patties! They are also versatile: serve as an appetizer, or as a side for steak, fish, chicken, veal or pork. My recipe is topped with an easy, tangy Tomato Compote, for extra moist. Tomato Compote is also quite versatile and can be served as a topping for chicken and fish too. I hope you enjoy!

Pumpkin Crostini

Details: Written by Cynthia Presser

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My Pumpkin Crostini is creamy with a hint of sweetness. It is an appetizer that almost tastes like a dessert. The pumpkin is seasoned with dark brown sugar and spiced rum before roasted. The syrup that is formed in the baking pan is drizzled over the bread, but it is so tasty that it could even be used over pancakes. I hope you enjoy this easy fall appetizer!

Pumpkin Risotto

Details: Written by Cynthia Presser

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The idea of making pumpkin risotto might raise some eye browns, but I can guarantee this is a must-try recipe during pumpkin season! The pumpkin is used in two different ways in this recipe: cubed and sautéed, and also puréed, after roasted with a touch of brown sugar. Extra creamy and pleasantly rich, this risotto also gets a nutty bite from the Parmigiano-Reggiano. You will not regret trying. Enjoy with a glass of Chardonnay.

Spinach Salad with Caramelized Pumpkin and Goat Cheese

Details: Written by Cynthia Presser

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Pumpkin is such a wonderful, nutritious ingredient that can be added to sweet and savory dishes. In this spinach salad, the pumpkin is caramelized in the oven and paired with goat cheese, for a touch of tartness. Lightly caramelized almonds compliment this rich salad and add a crunchy bite. This salad is all about enjoying holiday flavors with healthy greens!

Pulled-Pork Sandwiches with Chimichurri and Onions Sauté

Details: Written by Cynthia Presser

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My guests put together their own pulled-pork sandwiches, since I arranged the ingredients in a “pulled-pork sandwich bar” (sorry, no pictures of the buffet table). I wanted to make things easier for the hostess (me!) and more fun for the guests – who could pick and choose sauces for their own sandwiches. Everything was easy and perfect for entertaining! The pork was tender and moist (thanks to Chef Andrés Dangon method). The sides were delicious and complimented the pulled-pork very well! Check it out.

Dulce de Leche and Coconut Layer Cake

Details: Written by Cynthia Presser

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This “white canvas” cake has decadent layers of dulce de leche and coconut custard. The meringue that gives it an all white look is flavored with fresh lime and it breaks the richness of the fillings beautifully. The other great thing about it is that it can be decorated to fit any party theme! Check out the pictures of the cute party for my son’s third birthday and how easily this cake became a “construction site” cake! It was so much fun!

Vatapá – Coconut Milk and Dried Shrimp Stew from Bahia, Brazil

Details: Written by Cynthia Presser

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Vatapá can be served as a main dish over rice or as a filling in the also famous and exotic acarajé. This delight is typical from the Northern region of Brazil, especially popular in the state of Bahia. The unique flavors in this stew come from coconut milk, red palm oil, dried and fresh shrimp, cashews, peanuts, herbs and ginger. It might sound really different but it is actually pretty simple to make.