CUBAN CILANTRO MAYONNAISE

Cilantro mayonnaise differs considerably from other mayonnaise preperations because it uses milk as the emulsion agent to bind together the ingredients. This sauce enlivens fish or egg dishes and is a hands-down winner when served as a dressing for deep-fried yuca.

1 cup light mayonnaise
1 garlic clove, peeled and crushed
1 ( Read more... )

CUBAN GARLIC-TOMATO SOUP
Sopa de Ajo al Tomate

This is the simplest version of all garlic soup recipes and can be prepeared at the spur of the moment for a quick lunch dish. The fresh plum tomatoes add a delicious touch.

Serves 6

2 tablespoons olive oil
8 garlic cloves, peeled
2 cups peeled, chopped ripe plum tomatoes
1 bay leaf
6 cups chicken stock {1.5 ( Read more... )

CUBAN PORK TENDERLOIN IN WINE SAUCE
Filetillos de Cerdo en Salsa de Vino

These lightly sauteed tenderloins are baked in a savory sauce of Chardonnay and chicken stock, creating a mouth-watering robust entree.

Serves 4-6

2 {2-pound} pork tenderloins
1/2 cup cracker meal/saltines
Salt, to taste
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
2 tablespoons olive oil
5 garlic cloves ( Read more... )

CUBAN ALMOND DRINK
Cubana Horchata

Here's a refreshing drink that's perfect for a hot summer's day.

Serves 4

1/4 cup blanched almonds
4 cups whole milk
1 cup granulated sugar
2 drops almond extract
1 vanilla bean, split
Crushed ice

With a mortar and pestle, pound nuts into a paste, or use prepared almond paste. Put in a medium-size heavy saucepan and add ( Read more... )

CUBAN GRILLED CORN ON THE COB 
with GARLIC BUTTER, FRESH LIME & COTIJA CHEESE

8 ears corn
4 fresh limes, quartered
Garlic butter, recipe follows
1/2 cup grated Cotija cheese
2 tablespoons chopped chives, for garnish

Preheat grill to medium. Peel back the husks of the corn without removing them. Remove silks and recover corn with husk. Soak in a large ( Read more... )

Recipes using shrimps exist in many cultures, including Jambalaya in the Southern USA, Okonomiyaki in Japan, Poon Choi in China, Bagoong in the Philippines, and Scampi in Italy. Shrimps are an excellent source of selenium and unusually low-fat, low-calorie protein -- a 4oz serving supplies 23g of protein {47% of the daily value} for a mere 112 ( Read more... )

CUBAN BAKED RED SNAPPER WITH PAPRIKA AND GARLIC SAUCE
Pargo al Horno con Pimenton y Salsa de Ajo

When the fish is marinated, herbs and spices have the opportunity to enhance the natural qualities of the fish. And keeping the skin on this mild-tasting whole fish helps lock flavors in and protects the moistness of the fish. The foil helps to further ( Read more... )

The mojito, one of Cuba’s oldest cocktails, comes from the African word mojo, which means to place a little spell. Bacardi traces the drink’s roots to 1586, when Francis Drake and his pirates tried to sack Havana for its gold. While the invasion was unsuccessful, Drake’s associate, Richard Drake, was said to have invented a mojitolike cocktail ( Read more... )

CUBAN GUACAMOLE WITH FRESH CILANTRO
Guacamole con Cilantro Fresco

This guacamole doubles as a salad. Serve on a bed of mesclun with julienned red, yellow, and green bell peppers and chopped ripe tomato.

Makes about 2 cups

1 large ripe avocado, peeled, pit reserved
1/2 cup minced white onion
1 scallion, trimmed and minced
3 ripe plum tomatoes, seeded and ( Read more... )

CUBAN GRILLED PINEAPPLE RINGS
Ruedas de Pina Asadas a la Parilla

Cuban families often serve pineapple at the beginning of a meal -- a centuries-old sign of hospitality and a harbinger of the fragrant feast to follow. Buy the ripest pineapple available, since it will not ripen once harvested. You can test for ripeness by sniffing at the bottom end ( Read more... )