Vatapá – Coconut Milk and Dried Shrimp Stew from Bahia, Brazil
- Details
- Written by Cynthia Presser
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.
Add a commentRead more: Vatapá – Coconut Milk and Dried Shrimp Stew from Bahia, Brazil
Acarajé – Black-Eyed Pea Fritters from Bahia, Brazil
- Details
- Written by Cynthia Presser
Acarajé is a traditional street food in Brazil, it is especially popular in the state of Bahia. This fritter is light in texture and bold in flavor: the red palm oil (where it is deep-fried) and the unique ingredients in the filling make the acarajé extremely distinctive. This is a little piece of some of the best things that Brazil has to offer! If you have been to Bahia, you know exactly what I am talking about. Enjoy!
Add a commentRead more: Acarajé – Black-Eyed Pea Fritters from Bahia, Brazil
Creamy Saffron Risotto with Mixed Mushrooms
- Details
- Written by Cynthia Presser
I am not Italian but I just love to make (and eat) risotto! This recipe was inspired in the traditional Risotto Milanese – which is a risotto infused with lots of saffron. I added mixed mushrooms, some earthy scented herbs and my Special White Sauce to this Italian classic. The result is an extra creamy, perfumed and rich risotto. If you are a vegetarian, use vegetable broth as a substitute for the beef broth. I recommend enjoying with a glass of Chianti and very good company!
Add a commentTraditional Brazilian Cheese Balls (Pao-de-Queijo Mineiro)
- Details
- Written by Cynthia Presser
This is the traditional recipe for Brazilian cheese bread (or cheese ball). It is a staple from the state of Minas Gerais and, just like my other cheese bread recipe, it is a favorite among kids (and adults)! Great for breakfast, as a snack or with any main course. Eat warm, just right off the oven. Cheesy, fluffy and delicious!
Add a commentRead more: Traditional Brazilian Cheese Balls (Pao-de-Queijo Mineiro)
Seared Tuna with Roasted Avocado-Pepper and Wasabi Sauce
- Details
- Written by Cynthia Presser
Searing tuna is not a difficult task. The marinade seasons the steak really well, but the biggest “secret” for achieving great flavor is purchasing super fresh tuna steaks. The real twist on this recipe comes from the sauce: grill the vegetables prior to making the sauce for a delicious smoky taste. Healthy and so good!
Add a commentRead more: Seared Tuna with Roasted Avocado-Pepper and Wasabi Sauce
Cheesecake with Guava Sauce
- Details
- Written by Cynthia Presser
Guava and cheese is a traditional combination in Brazilian desserts, and cheesecake is an American staple. So this “marriage” of flavors works, again, very well for this American-Brazilian recipe! The slightly tangy flavor of the sauce compliments the richness of the cake. I hope you enjoy!
Add a commentCreamy Hearts of Palm Soup
- Details
- Written by Cynthia Presser
Hearts-of-palm add a very delicate and distinctive flavor to this traditional Brazilian recipe. My version has cream and Parmesan cheese for a velvety and nutty finish. Enjoy!
Add a commentTres Leches Cake with Berries and Cream
- Details
- Written by Cynthia Presser
Tres Leches is a very popular cake recipe in Mexico and Central America. Very light in texture, this deliciously moist cake received its name because it is soaked overnight in three milks (tres leches): heavy cream, evaporated milk and sweetened condensed milk. My version has freshly made cream top and berries soaked in orange liquor. Irresistible!
Add a commentSopa Paraguaya – Paraguayan Corn Bread
- Details
- Written by Cynthia Presser
This delicious South American corn bread recipe has slowly cooked onions and mozarella cheese. Serve as a side dish for stews (that's how the Paraguayans enjoy it) or grill and serve as an appetizer with salsa fresca.
Add a commentStrawberry Shortcake – Brazilian Style (Torta Gelada de Morangos)
- Details
- Written by Cynthia Presser
This Brazilian-style Strawberry Shortcake has a decadent layer of home-made condensed milk custard. Impossible to resist!
Add a commentRead more: Strawberry Shortcake – Brazilian Style (Torta Gelada de Morangos)
More Articles...
- Goat Cheese Roulade with Roasted Bell Peppers
- Hamburger with Chimichurri Sauce and Provolone
- Fettucini al Mare with Asparagus and Crème Fraiche
- Arugula Salad with Goat cheese and Red Pepper Dressing
- Coconut and Salmon Soup
- Chicken and Asparagus Mini-Pies (Empadinhas de Frango com Aspargos)
- Asparagus and Shrimp Risotto
- Banana-Caramel Meringue Pie
- Hummus Duo – Coconut Milk-Ginger, and Cilantro
- Coconut Flan
- Chocolate Cheesecake with Passion Fruit Sauce
- Quinoa with Sausage, Pine Nuts and Spinach
- Fish Roulade with Hearts-of-Palm and Mascarpone, over Olive-Apricot Tapenade
- Figs, Hearts-of-Palm and Arugula Salad
- Shrimp in Red Sauce, Cream Cheese and Roasted Rosemary Potatoes
- Fig and Prosciutto Risotto
- Beef Tenderloin with Dried Porcini and Fresh Mushrooms (Mignon ao Molho de Cogumelos Frescos e Secos)
- Valentine’s Day Chocolate and Coconut Layer Cake (Bolo Prestigío para o Dia dos Namorados)
- Flounder and Shrimp with Spicy Coconut-Lemon Sauce
- Sweet Red Peppers Stuffed with Lagostino Tails
- Eggplant, Zucchini and Yellow Squash Lasagna
- Cod Stew with Vegetables, Red Palm Oil and Herbs
- Salted Caramel and Guava Pie
- Stuffed Mushrooms with Sausage, Pine Nuts and Herbs
- Celebrating 6 Months - Contest Results
- Pumpkin-Coconut Pie
- White Chili
- Tortellini Soup with Caprese Sandwich
- Baked Pumpkin with Chicken, Coconut Milk and Cranberries
- Cod Croquettes (Bolinho de Bacalhau Fresco)
