How to Make Tortilla Española

Tapas (Spanish-style appetizers) are one of the most renowned delicacies of Spain.  One of them in particular is tortilla española.  Tortilla española is a Spanish-style omelette containing potatoes.  Other variations include add-ins such as chorizo, veggies and whatever else the cook's heart desires.  

I first learned about tortilla española in my Spanish II class.  My teacher encouraged us to make the dish and I took up the challenge.

Here is my video (Head's up, it's all in Spanish):

Recipe:

Ingredients
1/2 cup vegetable oil
4 potatoes, thinly sliced
1 white onion, chopped
4 eggs, scrambled in a large bowl
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 to 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Directions
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the vegetable oil until the pan is filled halfway. Once the oil is hot, add the potato slices and onion, making sure they are well-covered by the oil; add more oil if necessary. Cook for 20 minutes until the potatoes and onions are soft. Drain the oil and combine the potato mixture with the eggs. Add the salt and mix well.

In a 10-inch by 2 1/2 inch deep nonstick skillet, add the olive oil and heat over medium-high heat. Pour in the potato, egg, and onion mixture. Lower the heat to medium-low and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, until the bottom of the omelet is very light brown. Using a flat ceramic plate, cover the frying pan and flip the omelet over onto the plate. Immediately slip the uncooked side back into the pan. Cook for another 4 to 5 minutes, until the other side is a very light brown.

Remove the omelet from the pan to a plate and cut into 4 wedges.

*Recipe courtesy Tapas y Tintos

Tip: Try pairing it with some fresh salsa

Ciao,

       Monique

Gallivanting in Winter Park

I love making trips to Winter Park.  So much so, that this is my second post about it!  The quaint suburb is always a great place to spend a nice Sunday evening.  
Park Avenue is a fantastic venue for purchasing unique pieces at cute boutiques or eating lunch at its lovely sidewalk cafes.  
Ironically, the town of Winter Park was quoted as "The worst city in America" by the Jason Bateman's character in the hit comedy Identity Thief because of Melissa McCarthy's character residing there.  The quote is funny to us Central Floridians since in real life that statement is a bit on the contrary.  
Winter Park, in reality, has a certain elegance to it.  It's sophisticated ambiance sets it aside from the other locations surrounding the city of Orlando.  

Adorable Boutiques in Park Ave:

Definitely took home this fluffy sweater.

Aside from Park Ave:

Trader Joe's is a fairly new addition to the Orlando community.   Our only current location happens to be in Winter Park (they're building one in Dr. Phillips).  The store is truly unique and carries products you certainly would not find elsewhere, or at least not in the convenient way that it can be obtained within the store.    

Light and delicious with a subtle hint of sesame.  I love the fact that it is not too salty!

Healthier alternative to traditional sesame candy with the same type of taste

Although an acquired taste, seaweed actually offers quite a few health benefits (if you like sushi you'll most likely enjoy this)

Legit the best water I've ever tasted with a pH of 9.5 and added electrolytes + potassium

Magic in a jar.

The only Shake Shack in Central Florida also happens to be in Winter Park, right across from Trader Joe's.  Shake Shack is a burger joint with locations thriving across the globe.  The first Shake Shack I've been to happened to be in Covent Garden, London.

Shake Shack in Winter Park

My burger from the Covent Garden location

Charming bakeries are also destined to be found in the surrounding Winter Park area; such as Backhaus German Bakery.

The bakery serves traditional German bake goods and sandwiches as well as imported European products.

If you ever find yourself in Orlando, you should definitely make a trip to Winter Park, just make sure to bring enough cash. Winter Park's sophisticated shops come with slightly sophisticated prices.   

Ciao,

       Monique

Chef John's Place

As one enters Chef John's Place in Kissimmee, Florida, they are embraced with its cozy and inviting ambiance.  

Chef John's menu can satisfy various taste palates with its options ranging from barbecue, seafood, grilled steaks and even some Mexican influenced plates.  

The relaxed, quaint environment, as well as the delectable food, makes it a wonderful place to share a delicious, intimate meal with the one's you love.             

Clam Strips

Fried Mushrooms

Both appetizers were the perfect options to satisfy our watering mouths.  They came to our table hot and fresh.  Although both the clams and mushrooms were fried, they were not greasy.

Rib Eye with hericot vert and roasted potatoes

Both my aunt and father decided to order the rib eye.  I stole a bite, and it was really up to par.  The meat was flavorful and tender.

Blackened Grouper Linguine 

I ordered the Blackened Grouper Linguine.  The pasta was rich with flavor and laced with a delightful beurre blanc.  The vegetables was crisp and the grated cheese (not sure which kind) suited the dish perfectly.  The grouper was perfectly cooked, being crisp on the outside and moist on the inside. The fish had a great kick to it, which is great since I love spicy food!     


Chef John's place hasn't just charmed us local Floridians with its delicious food, but also has grabbed the attention of the media.  Not to mention celebrity chef Emril Lagasse's attention who featured the restaurant in his show Emril's Florida (aired on the Cooking Channel and Food Network).


Ciao,

       Monique

Buonissimo Italia!

 

Chicken Bruschetta

                                                                      Chicken Bruschetta  

When it comes to having a nice, authentic Italian meal, All Italian Market and Deli is the place to go.  I absolutely love the place!  The ambience is homey and inviting and the service is fantastic.  They have a wide selection of Italian meats, cheeses, pastas, etc. (many of them being imported),  as well as a delectable menu.  My family and I have been there nearly every consecutive weekend since our first visit, whether it being to enjoy a meal together, sip on a cup of cappuccino, or indulge in their sinfully good desserts and gelato.  

 

All Italian Market and Deli is co-owned by two Italian brothers.  I was able to meet and have a nice conversation with Rocco (picture up above), one of the owners.  Rocco is very friendly and did a great job of accommodating us on our first excursion to the restaurant.

All Italian (amazing meat and cheese platter)

  Della Casa Salad (has the perfect medley of sweet, salt and bitter)

 Manhattan Special (espresso soda)

Penne Alfredo (rich and hearty)

 live band that plays every Friday night

Cappuccino (really hits the spot!)

Divine Tiramisu!

Ciao,

       Monique

¡Vamos a comer Mexicano!

Happy Cinco de Mayo everybody!  Today is our excuse to party and eat tons of yummy Mexican food!  One of my Cinco de Mayo favs is 7 Layer Taco Dip.  Not only is it easy and inexpensive to make, it's delicious!  Here's the recipe:

Ingredients (recipe at bottom)

Mix re-fried beans with taco seasoning

Spread seasoned beans at the bottom of a platter

Spread sour cream on top of beans

Spread salsa on top of sour cream

Add chopped tomatoes and green onions (chives)

Place lettuce

Add cheese (I used Mexican blend)

Place olives

 And.....

Viola!

I serve mine with tostadas and jalapenos for a kick but tortilla chips would do just fine

                                                                     

 Ingredients:

1 (1 ounce) package taco seasoning mix

1 (16 ounce) can refried beans

1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese,

softened

1 (16 ounce) container sour cream

1 (16 ounce) jar salsa

1 large tomato, chopped

1 green bell pepper, chopped

1 bunch chopped green onions

1 small head iceberg lettuce, shredded

1 (6 ounce) can sliced black olives,

drained

2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese

Directions:

1.	In a medium bowl, blend the taco seasoning mix and refried beans. Spread the mixture onto a large serving platter.
2.	Mix the sour cream and cream cheese in a medium bowl. Spread over the refried beans.
3.	Top the layers with salsa. Place a layer of tomato, green bell pepper, green onions and lettuce over the salsa, and top with Cheddar cheese. Garnish with black olives.

* Recipe from allrecipes.com

Ciao,

       Monique

Dolce

Dolce Bakery and Café is one of my favorite places to brunch.  The vibe there is modern and chic while still being homey and inviting.  Influenced by both Venezuelan and Italian culture, its menu includes deliciously pressed panini’s to hot and crisp arepas.  Most of their meals are in heavy portions, so there is more bang for your buck. 

 

Colombian Breakfast: Scrambled eggs with tomatoes and green onions, rice and black beans, Venezuelan arepa ($7)

Coffee and cookie that came along with the Colombian Breakfast

Dolce also has an AMAZING selection of pastries and cakes, all well and professionally done. 

Whenever my mother has to order a cake for a party or event first choice is almost always Dolce. Their bakers are incredibly skilled and make gorgeous and delicious cakes at a reasonable price.    

My 14th Birthday Cake (Type: Amaretto with whipped cream and chocolate chips)

Ciao,

       Monique