HOMEMADE PINEAPPLE JUICE and PERA PIÑA JUICE


I'm increasingly convinced to make homemade juices instead of buying them. By preparing them at home, we can control the sugar levels and avoid the chemicals and additives that are often found in commercial juices. Today, I bring you two recipes that literally squeeze out every last drop of pineapple juice.


I discovered how to make this juice by chance. Since I often make a lot of pineapple jam, I always have lots of peels left over. One day, I remembered that when I was a child, I saw how 'mabí' was made from pineapple peels by leaving them in water in the refrigerator for two days or more, then straining and sweetening it. I decided to try it and it turned out delicious, but after the third day, it continued to ferment and I didn't like the taste. So, I thought of boiling the peels with a little water. Doing this gave me delicious pineapple juice, much better than what is sold in boxes! Additionally, I will share with you the recipe for 'Pera Piña,' which is prepared similarly using pineapple peel. These are two irresistible options to make the most of this fruit.

I recommend these recipes because they are delicious and refreshing and because the result is a smooth juice, gentle on the palate, without that intense acidity, perfect for enjoying anytime.

Homemade Pineapple Juice

Ingredients:
  • Peel of one pineapple
  • Sugar to taste
  • Water

Preparation:

1. Wash the pineapple well before peeling it.
2. Place the peels in a pot with enough water to cover them and bring to a boil. Then, simmer with the pot partially covered for about 30 minutes. Let it cool before proceeding to the next step.
   
Note: Blend the peels together with the water they were boiled in.

3. Blend for 1-2 minutes until everything is well mixed. Strain the mixture, add sugar to taste, and if needed, more water. Serve cold.

Tip: To sweeten the juices, it's better to do so when the water is at room temperature and not cold, unless the recipe indicates otherwise. This ensures that the sugar dissolves correctly."








Jugo de Pera Piña (Pear Pineapple Juice)

Pera Piña: A Traditional Dominican Delight

Pera Piña, or pear pineapple juice, is a beloved traditional drink in the Dominican Republic. The unique combination of pineapple and rice gives it a subtle pear-like flavor, which is where it gets its name. While the classic recipe uses pineapple rinds, you can also make it with the entire pineapple if you prefer. I've prepared it both ways — using just the peels or the whole fruit — and both versions taste fantastic.

The idea of mixing pineapple with rice might seem unusual, but trust me, it works! The result is a creamy, flavorful pineapple juice with a hint of cinnamon, perfect for sipping in the morning or afternoon. Thanks to the rice, it’s not only refreshing but also nourishing, making it a wholesome drink.

Even my youngest daughter, a notoriously picky eater, loved it — so if you’re looking for something both nutritious and delicious, I highly recommend giving this recipe a try!


Ingredients:
  • Rind of one pineapple or whole pineapple
  • ½  cup of rice
  • sugar or to taste (about 1-2 cups)
  • 1 cinnamon stick (optional)

Preparation:
1. Wash pineapple well before peeling.

2. In a pot, mix the pineapple, rice, and cinnamon stick with enough water to cover.

3. Cook on high heat until boiling point is reached, then lower heat and simmer until rice is tender (approx. 30 minutes). 

Note: Stir constantly to keep rice from sticking to the bottom and continually add more water if it is necessary.

4. Let cool to room temperature. Remove cinnamon stick and blend. Strain and adjusted the amount of water to 2 to 2 ½ liters of juice.

5. Sweeten to taste. Cool before serving.









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My salvation and my honor depend on God, he is my mighty rock, my refuge.- Psalm 62:7



SPICY THAI SHRIMP SALAD


Hot-and-sour, salads lie at the heart of Thai cuisine. Even though they are essentially hot because of the chilie sauce, cayenne peppers and sour with lime juice, the balance of flavors can be such that each is distinctly unique, like a symphony of flavors. This spicy salad is perfect for a special luncheon,  I loved it!



Spicy Thai Shrimp Salad Recipe 
 
Ingredients:
¾ cup prepared vinaigrette salad dressing (olive oil, salt pepper and vinegar) Esalada de Camarones,o  langostino
⅓ cup chopped fresh mint leaves(opcional)
½ teaspoon hot sauce or cayenne pepper sauce (use more or less to suit your taste) 
¼ cup honey dijon mustard
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 tablespoon sugar
1 tablespoon vegetable oil ( to sauté shrimps)
1 ½ pounds large shrimp, shelled (tails left on if you prefer)
8 cups shredded Napa cabbage or your favorite lettuce 
1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 cup thinly sliced cucumber

Preparation: 
1. Combine salad dressing, mint, hot sauce, mustard, lime juice, and sugar in a large bowl; set aside.

2. Heat oil in large nonstick skillet or wok until hot. Stir-fry shrimp 2 to 3 minutes until shrimp turns pink. Transfer to bowl with dressing. Add cabbage, bell pepper and cucumber, toss to coat. Serve warm.

Makes 6 servings

Enjoy!

Receta en español: AQUÍ


 But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way.  - 1 corinthians 14:40 

Chocolate Meringue, Suspiro de Chocolate


Since I have dedicated this month to share many chocolaty recipes, I couldn't leave out this Chocolate Meringue, also known here as, suspiro, the frosting of choice for many. This is one of my favorite fillings and frosting for cakes and I am sure you will enjoy it as much as my family and friends do.

Buttercream was my favorite frosting before, but now meringue is. If you learn to prepare it well, I mean, to the right point of consistency and sweetness, it is delicious. The bonus, is that it is more light than buttercream: sugar and fat vs meringue: sugar and water. I urge you to try it, and hope you like it, and may it become one of your favorite recipes to use on  cakes and desserts.


Chocolate Meringue 

 
Ingredients:
½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
3 egg whites
¼ cup granulated sugar 
¼ teaspoon cream of tartar

For the syrup: 1 cup granulated sugar  and ¼ cup water

Preparation:
1. Melt the chocolate in a double boiler and set aside.
2. In a saucepan boil 1 cup sugar and ¼ cup water until a thick syrup consistency is achieved, like Karo corn syrup.
3. When the syrup begins to take consistency, you start to beat the egg whites with cream of tartar and adding ¼ cup of sugar in the form of drizzle. Beat until the whites reach the soft peak form. While still beating at high speed, add the syrup in a thin jet and steadily until it is finished. Let beat until the bowl feels cold and meringue there quite a bit of brightness.  
4. Mix ⅓ of the meringue, with melted chocolate by folding, then mix with the rest of the meringue and beat for a few seconds until a uniform mixture is achieved.

Yield: Enough to cover a half-pound cake (7 "diameter).



Note: 
a). This meringue can not be done in advance, it should be done at the time of use.
b). You can buy cream of tartar at baker's specialty stores and supermarkets. In places where it is hard to find, you can buy it at pharmacies, I have also bought some there.  I use the McCormick brand. Cream of tartar helps add body to the meringue, but is not essential. 
c) Because of the fat in chocolate the meringue may be a little flat, I do not recommend this frosting for borders and define decorations.
d) It is excellent to use as a cake filling and may I say DELICIOUS, kind of like a creamy chocolate icecream.



For this recipe I used Ghirardelli semi- sweet chocolate chips. 


Receta en español: AQUÍ


Thanks YOU for visiting, and enjoy this chocolate suspiro frosting!

Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. - Romans 12:16