South American love

One of the ways I  like to show my love for others is through cooking( I’ve heard said ..What better way to a man’s heart then through his stomach)

For the past 15 years, since we started a family. Pan and I stay in for valentines. We feed the kids early and put them to bed, then at 8-830.   We dress up,  I mean the whole shebang, dress, heels , make-up etc.. and sit down to a 4 course homemade meal with candles and wine.

I try to come up with something new every year( I did make pumpkin ravioli twice). I like to have a starter, a main course, a side  and a dessert. This year Pan chose South American food as the theme.  Enjoy! Xo
Guava Mojito

1 oz rum

3 oz guava juice

1 tsp lime juice

1 oz sparkling mineral water

2-3 sprigs of mint

Arepas with 3 sauces

Arepa recipe here 

Tofu Sour Cream- by Jessica Porter

1 Pound soft tofu

6 Tablespoons sunflower oil

2 Tablespoons fresh lemon juice

2 Scallions white parts only

11/2-2 Tablespoons umeboshi vinegar

1/4 Teaspoon sea salt

Blend all ingredients in a blender or food processor

Chimichurri sauce 

1 Bunch flat leaf parsley

1 Bunch cilantro

4 Cloves garlic, minced

3/4 Cup extra virgin olive oil

1/4 Cup rice wine vinegar

1 lemon wedge (juice of)

1 Tablespoon diced red onion

1 Teaspoon dried oregano (optional)

1/2 Teaspoon salt

Blend all together in a blender until smooth
Zesty Chili Sauce

1/2 Cup nayonnaise or tofu sour cream

2 Tsp lime juice

1/2 Tsp paprika

1 Tsp water

1/4 Tsp thyme

1/4 Tsp sea salt

1/4 Tsp chili powder

1 clove garlic minced

Blend all together.

Jicama Salad

1 Large jicama sliced into chunks

1 Cucumber sliced into thin half moons

Juice of 2 limes

1 Cup chopped cilantro

sea salt to taste

Stir all together and serve chilled

Quinoa With Black Beans, Yucca And Collard Greens

Quinoa With Black Beans

1 Tsp sesame oil

1 Onion, diced

2 Cloves garlic, minced

3/4 Cup uncooked quinoa

2 Cups water

1 Tsp ground cumin

1 Tsp cayenne pepper

1 Cup fresh or frozen corn kernels 

2 Cups cooked  black beans

1/2 Cup cilantro

Mango Sorbet With Fried Plantain

Mango Sorbet

4 Mangos, cubed

3 Tbsp lime juice

1/2 cup water or apple juice

puree until smooth, place in a ice cream maker and freeze

 Fried Plantains

2 Cups vegetable or sunflower oil

3 plantains, peeled and sliced thin

Heat the oil in a heavy pan over medium heat. Place a few plantain slices in the oil, and cook until lightly golden in color, about three minutes. Drain on paper towels. Repeat with the remaining slices.