Valentine’s Day Chocolate and Coconut Layer Cake (Bolo Prestigío para o Dia dos Namorados)

I am not ashamed to say out loud that baking is not my forte in the kitchen. So for that reason, when I decide to get some baking done, I usually use a recipe from a 100% trustworthy source – usually a family member or a friend. This Chocolate and Coconut Layer Cake is a tried and true recipe from my Mom’s kitchen. It is a decadent, rich and delicious cake that my mom has made countless times for the last 20 years, especially for our birthday parties. Since it so rich and decadent, I decided to share it as my dessert suggestion for Valentine’s Day. Of course, I had to add a little color to make it suitable for the occasion (I thought that bright pink would be perfect)! Another great thing about this cake is that it just looks complicated, but it is not! The directions are easy!! The color combination sets the tone and the decorative heart on top took me only 2 minutes to make with a heart-shaped cookie cutter (see the pictures). Well, with all that extra time on your hands you can go get your nails done to look great for your Valentine. Enjoy!

Read more: Valentine’s Day Chocolate and Coconut Layer Cake (Bolo Prestigío para o Dia dos Namorados)

Flounder and Shrimp with Spicy Coconut-Lemon Sauce

There are so many nuances of flavors in this dish: spicy from the habanero chili peppers; richness from the coconut milk; citrusy from the lemon confit. The herbs bring a little bit of freshness but also a pungent touch. The buttery texture of the flounder and the sweetness of the shrimp found some great companions in this recipe.

Read more: Flounder and Shrimp with Spicy Coconut-Lemon Sauce

Sweet Red Peppers Stuffed with Lagostino Tails

Lagostino is a very buttery, sweet kind of seafood and its taste resembles lobster. This low-carb appetizer can be served over a bed of greens as a first course, with a buttery glass of Chardonnay.

Read more: Sweet Red Peppers Stuffed with Lagostino Tails

Eggplant, Zucchini and Yellow Squash Lasagna

There are no noodles is this lasagna, but delicious layers of healthy vegetables! Serve with ciabatta bread on the side, or turn it into a side dish for chicken or steak. This is also one of my favorite low-carb dishes. Enjoy with a glass of Chianti!

Read more: Eggplant, Zucchini and Yellow Squash Lasagna

Cod Stew with Vegetables, Red Palm Oil and Herbs

Fish stew is a favorite in Brazil! This recipe has cod, coconut milk, vegetables and herbs and it is perfect over jasmine rice. The red palm oil adds a distinct, very Brazilian flavor. So I hope you enjoy!

Read more: Cod Stew with Vegetables, Red Palm Oil and Herbs

Salted Caramel and Guava Pie

Guava and dulce de leche – or caramel – is another classic combination in Brazilian desserts. This easy pie recipe has also a touch of sea salt to break the richness of the caramel filling. Delicious at any time of the year!

Read more: Salted Caramel and Guava Pie

Stuffed Mushrooms with Sausage, Pine Nuts and Herbs

This is a perfect recipe for easy entertaining! It can be assembled the day before and kept in the fridge until it goes in the oven. Everyone will love it!

Read more: Stuffed Mushrooms with Sausage, Pine Nuts and Herbs

Celebrating 6 Months - Contest Results

Hello all!

First I would like to thank everyone who took part in our very first contest! I truly enjoyed looking at every single picture and reading all the comments! I appreciate your kind words and I feel honored by your willingness to try my recipes!

Well, of course the hard part was actually making a decision… We received a lot of great pictures and comments! We will have more contests in the future, so if you did not win this time you will have other chances! Now to the results…

The big winner is Gabriela Dedolph with the Pumpkin-Coconut Pie!

Gabriela is receiving a delcious combo: Black Truffle Olive Oil and Dark Chocolate Balsamic - compliments from The Olive Twist, our prefered culinary boutique.

The picture Gabriela took is simply amazing (it makes my month water!!!) and her comment is just so kind! Check it out:

"I love pumpkin and this season, for me this time of the year is everything pumpkin! Pies, creamer, ice cream, bread, muffin, etc...
When I saw your post on Facebook, I couldn't resist and I had to try it! It is so delicious!!! Love this recipe in special and ALL your other ones. You should be a Food Network next Star! Success!!!!"

Read more: Celebrating 6 Months - Contest Results

Pumpkin-Coconut Pie

I have to confess I was never a huge fan of pumpkin pie. I remember the very first Thanksgiving I spent in the United States when I had my first bite of a pumpkin pie. With all respect to the traditions I have to say I was disappointed! Such a big deal around a dessert that was neither sweet or savory.So I decided to incorporate a little Brazilian twist to the classic: coconut! Pumpkin and coconut is a very traditional pair in desserts in Brazil, so I thought: “Why not?” I made it in two layers to make a more interesting presentation; I made it sweeter so there is no need for whipping cream; and I used all fresh ingredients to heighten the flavors while still keeping the method really simple - it’s a busy time, we all need easy recipes! So my decadent “Pumpkin-Coconut Pie” was born and quickly became one of my most popular recipes ever. 

Read more: Pumpkin-Coconut Pie

White Chili

Your friends will be impressed with this white chili recipe. It has a gourmet touch from the seafood and crème fraîche.  Just do not tell them it's easy to make! Perfect for a cold evening.

Read more: White Chili