Desiree Brassert

Records of this ancient Greek pastry date back to 300 BC. Today it is still a most beloved sweet treat throughout many Mediterranean countries and beyond. The nutritional benefits from nuts and honey, along with low-calorie filo dough make this a very healthy dessert that is surprisingly easy to put

Move over deep fryer! Here is a keto-friendly version where these baked peppers retain a mellow bite and steal the show at your next happy hour. For 24 poppers 12 green jalapeño peppers 1/2 cup of cream cheese 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder 1/2 cup of shredded taco cheese 24

Here is show stopping dish that will transport you right down the spice roads. The conical clay “tagine” can be replaced by a Dutch oven or any heavy-bottomed pot with a fitted lid. The long list of ingredients will guide you to endless possibilities of layered flavors. Don’t worry if

This Mexican stew usually calls for hominy, but I find that the kernels from our local elotes (corn) work just as well and are easier to find. Stock for 8 to 10 servings 1 kilo of pork shoulder 500 grams of pork ribs with bones 1 large yellow onion, sliced

Follow these easy steps and you’ll have a chewy, moist, wholesome snack that is full of character. By adding your choice of nuts, dried fruit or chocolate chips, this soft cookie will eclipse all others. Makes about 2 dozen Ingredients 1 cup of all-purpose flour 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon

The odd name for this alcohol-free recipe must actually refer to that formidable craving for fiery-hot noodles while one is drinking. This is a more caramelized, saucy, spicy and vegetable-packed version of Pad Thai that can still be enjoyed with a side of chopped peanuts, cilantro, and lime wedges. Ingredients

These tender and juicy kabobs are a party appetizer superstar. The key to this succulent chicken recipe is to use boneless thigh fillets (muslos deshuesados) immersed overnight in a sweet, spicy, and lemongrassy marinade. For 10-12 kabobs 1 kilo of boneless chicken thighs trimmed and cut into 1 inch chunks

This is a fun party dish that’s inspired by a Korean recipe named buldak. The spicy grilled chicken is covered with melted mozzarella and served with fresh lettuce leaves. You can replace the “gojujang” chili paste with red curry paste. Ingredients 1 lb or 500 grams of boneless chicken thighs

A fantastic way to experience the local flavors of Costa Rica, is with a cold drink and a “boca*” in a typical cantina. This particular boca recipe is said to have originated from a bar in Tibas. It is a tasty layered dip that combines soft and crunchy textures—a perfect

This epic Malaysian curried noodle soup will sweep you far, far away…to the balmy streets of Singapore. The flavorful soup base can be made with chicken, seafood, or vegetarian. This one is made with seafood, my favorite. Serves 6-8 For the fish cakes ½ kg white fish filet (snapper, mahi,

This is my version of a popular take-out salad found only outside of Vietnam (like the chicken chow mein that you’ll never find in China).  A bowl of rice noodles is topped with strips of grilled beef, lettuce, peanuts, chili peppers, and served with a sweet and tangy fish sauce

In this town, we can almost always find the freshest tuna. This colorful salad is so quick and easy; it is a perfect cool lunch dish or a stunning 1st course. Tuna Instructions Start with a slab of tuna like this in the photo. Cube about 200 grams or 1/2

Sometimes nicknamed “Chindu” cuisine, it’s the result of Chinese immigrants in India who adapted their recipes to local flavors and produced some of the happiest accidents of Asian-fusion. This sauce combines sweet soy, garlic, ginger, and spicy peppers. Ask your butcher for “muslos deshuesados,” or boneless chicken thighs. They will

This dish called Mujadara makes me think of a middle eastern version of “gallo pinto.” The caramelized onions are the key and they should cook until they reach the darkest brown without burning. Don’t forget the fun toppings listed below that will add panache to these humble ingredients. Ingredients 1

We once had a quaint little Peruvian restaurant downtown Quepos where this became my favorite chicken dish. It is creamy and spicy with an unusual mix of walnuts, Parmesan, and these orange “aji” peppers that can be found in produce markets from time to time. I have also found this