Hector's Latin Caribbean Food Blog

Beat the summer heat with a cool mango sorbet. Serve this tropical fruit flavored ice as a dessert or as a cool treat to chase away summer's heat.

Photo © Patricia Hofmeester Image from BigStockPhoto.com

Believe it or not, I enjoy a nice light soup on hot summer days. This chicken noodle soup (caldo de gallina) from the Dominican Republic is perfect; it won't weigh you down. When you feel a need for comfort food or a light meal, try this tropical twist on an old fashioned favorite.

Photo © Hector Rodriguez. Licensed to About.com.

Cool Summer Drinks Beat the summer heat with these cold refreshing Caribbean beverages:

Papaya and Milk Smoothie - This smoothie is sure to keep you cool on a hot day. The main ingredients are papaya, milk, lime, sugar and ice.

Citrus Punch - If you are looking for a party punch recipe, try this easy citrus fruit punch.

Pineapple Orange Smoothie - On a hot summer day, nothing hits the spot like a cool refreshing pineapple orange smoothie.

Photo © Johnny Lye. Image from BigStockPhoto.com.

I love a good party. Whenever I'm asked to brink a dish, I like to brink along miniature papas rellenas (stuffed potato balls). They're always a hit - meat and potatoes in one little bite. Larger potato balls make a great side dish.

Photo © 2006 Hector Rodriguez

Do you want to learn to make an authentic meal from the Latin Caribbean islands? Sign up for my Learn to Cook Latin Caribbean Food email course. In four easy lessons, you'll learn about the food and cooking methods of Puerto Rico, Cuba and the Dominican Republic. You'll also learn about unusual ingredients, common cooking methods and the history of the Spanish speaking islands. Your email lessons will also include simple recipes and helpful tips. So what are you waiting for? Let's get cooking!

Salads, such as a Cuban tossed salad or egg and onion salad, are perfect side items for summertime meals and cook-outs. You can add or substitute vegetables and other salad components or change up the dressing from sweet to sour. Other salads, such as salmon tostada salad or a stuffed avacado salad can also make a healthy, low-calorie meal all by itself. And, let's not forget fruit salads like my cantaloupe salad and rum-soaked tropical fruit salad, which can be served with the main meal or as a dessert.

Photo licensed to About.com. Copyright 2008 Hector Rodriguez.

Summer is almost here and it's time to get the grill going. One of my favorite grilling recipes is juicy and tender grilled pork chops. The chops, or chuletas, are seasoned with adobo and marinated in a citrus and vinegar combination that gives the pork chops a sweet and tangy flavor.

Photo © Hector Rodriguez 2007

Flavored butter logs are a great way to impart tropical flavors into your favorite dishes. They also make unique homemade gifts any time of the year. Try Lime Chive Butter on chicken, pork chops, veal or drizzled over fish. Smokey Pineapple Butter is an excellent compliment to lobster, shrimp, scallops and other seafood.

Photo licensed to About.com. Copyright 2008 Hector Rodriguez.

This mother's day, try someting new. Salmon Tostada Salad is a fresh, colorful take on Latin-inspired tostadas packed with fresh peppers, avocado and salsa. Topped with grilled Salmon, it adds the healthful benefits of using fresh fish as a leaner substitute for chicken or steak to create lighter, nutrient-rich spring salads.

Photo and recipe used with permission from Bahama Breeze.

This stuffed avacado recipe makes a light substitute for salads. If you have some of the filling left over, you can add tuna or a chopped hard boiled egg to make a delicious sandwich filling.

Photo licensed to About.com. Copyright 2008 Hector Rodriguez.