Two years ago I asked my readers a question: “Do we really do this?”. The full question was “do we Dominicans really use sopitas (bouillon cubes) so much?”. The question came after a discussion with some online friends on the subject. Coming from a family in which cooking with natural ingredients was the norm, I rarely
I’m a huge fan of modern conveniences, and every day I wake up happy of the luck of having been born at a time when science and technology have allowed me to live and survive in relative comfort. This hasn’t blinded me to the things that we would have been better off not changing. The
Some of the herbs that give Dominican food its distinctive flavours will be more familiar than others to readers from outside the country. In some cases, like oregano and lemongrass, a familiar herb will be used in a different way. Here’s our introduction to herbs used in Dominican cooking. Cilantro or cilantrico (Coriandrum sativum) is known
For the last few days my family and I have been in Europe, Denmark more specifically, as we visit relatives and catch up with what’s new since our last visit. Although May is not our time of choice to visit (still a bit too cold for our taste), at least we got here in time
Each cuisine has its own distinctive combination of spices that gives it its signature flavor. The Dominican gastronomy is no different. I once found yuca (cassava) in a visit to Denmark and decided to treat our family to the delicious arepitas de yuca. But lo and behold, the joy was short-lived because I could not
Nothing seems to challenge the amateur cook more than bread-making. Even the daring ones would try their luck with cakes, but for some reason will be intimidated when presented with the mixture of flour, water and yeast; which is basically all bread is. I confess that my experiments in the art and science of bread-making
These are some tips for preventing foodborne illnesses caused by pathogens. Some of them are fatal, however, in a person with a weakened immune system all of them are potentially deadly. Campylobacter jejuni It reproduces in the “intestinal tracts of animals and birds, raw milk, untreated water, and sewage sludge” and is transmitted by “contaminated
‘Cada cocinero tiene su librito’ (every cook has his/her own little book) goes the Dominican saying. Each home has its own traditions, likes and dislikes. It is impossible to offer you recipes that duplicate the flavors of each of your homes, and the flavors of each home are contained in the base for Dominican cooking:
Cooking shouldn’t require a lot of gadgets or expensive stuff. But there is still some basic equipment that we suggest you have in your kitchen. Feel free to add your suggestions and tips. Strainers: Buy different sizes, preferably of stainless steel for long life. Measuring cups and spoons: Or buy a measuring cup with many
Coffe is an important part of Dominican’s social life and culinary culture. Like everything, obtaining the perfect results is a matter of practice and a few secrets. There are three basic elements to brewing great coffee: 1. Fresh roasted beans. 2. Good water and clean equipment. 3. Proper water temperature Beans, once roasted, should be
Most of us can’t tell a pot from a pan, except when it comes to “concón” – that concoction of crunchy, oily and delicious rice that sticks to the bottom of the pot and that no pan has ever had the honor of creating. What’s more, we only found out about Teflon …
Food contains natural chemicals that are essential to our health – vitamins and minerals are obvious examples. But did you know that in some foods lurk certain substances which may be harmful? Some of these items – like rhubarb – are not commonplace in our cuisine, but looking through the lists of foods that need
After the holidays excesses we bring you some tips to make your meals more balanced, nutritious and healthy. The Dominican diet, when properly prepared, is very healthy, we invite you to give our cuisine a try. 1. Wave the flag! La Bandera Dominicana (the Dominican flag), our traditional lunch meal is an outstanding combination …
First let’s start by telling you what concón is. Concón is the crust of rice formed at the bottom of the pot when you cook rice Dominican-style, but if you are not Dominican, and have never lived in the Dominican Republic, you will probably not understand the passion that Dominicans feel for concón. My suggestion
“What are the most important Dominican Republic food recipes?” We get this question a lot, so I’ve decided to write a post about it. But I should start by saying that “important” might not be the right word. Perhaps “popular”, or “common” might be better. After all, these 10 dishes are not all we eat
Cup, tablespoon, pinch? Baffling? Although the whole idea behind our site is to keep cooking very easy and we try to use odd measurements the least possible, we still have to use some to maintain the correct proportion of the ingredients. Above all we want you to trust your common sense, …
Aunt Clara's Kitchen is a collection of traditional Dominican and Dominican-inspired recipes, home ideas, crafts, and the chronicles of Aunt Clara and Aunt Ilana's adventures.
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