How to Cook Dominican Style eBook


Discover the art of cooking Dominican style with our comprehensive eBook, 'How to Cook Dominican Style.' With over 35 popular traditional recipes sourced from the renowned Mari's Cakes blog, this culinary treasure trove also includes a bonus cornbread recipe and a selection of exclusive, unpublished dishes. 

This eBook is designed to be your ultimate guide, providing you with detailed step-by-step instructions and insightful notes to effortlessly create mouthwatering Dominican delicacies. Each recipe is infused with natural seasonings and embodies the authentic flavors that define Dominican cuisine. Our mission is to not only offer a valuable resource but also to preserve the cherished tradition of home-cooked Dominican meals. 

By sharing these recipes, we aim to inspire future generations to embrace and cherish this rich culinary heritage. Embark on a delicious journey and savor the true essence of Dominican cooking. Let our blog and eBook be your trusted companions in creating memorable meals that will leave a lasting impact. Get ready to indulge in the vibrant flavors of Dominican cuisine and enjoy the delightful experience!"
 
       E-book en español AQUÍ. 


Discover the convenience of having 35+ recipes, along with their corresponding links, all in one place for easy access. Enjoy the convenience of exploring and savoring these delicious dishes at your own convenience."


For additional information and to purchase the E-book click on "buy now": 

Irresistible Pumpkin Cupcakes Recipe: A Sweet Twist on Classic Fall Flavor

easy recipe


Irresistible Pumpkin Cupcakes Recipe: A Sweet Twist on Classic Fall Flavor

Indulge your taste buds in a delightful journey with our easy-to-follow Pumpkin Cupcakes recipe. Elevate your fall baking game with these moist and flavorful treats that capture the essence of the season. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe promises a mouthwatering experience that will leave everyone craving for more.  Since November is the month of the chrysanthemum, I chose to adorn these pumpkin cupcakes as mums in honor of Thanksgiving. The recipe I'm sharing today is a personal favorite, as it consistently produces tender cupcakes infused with the alluring aroma and taste of autumn spices.



Typically, in food blogs and culinary platforms, buttercream or meringue buttercream is commonly used for embellishing cakes and cupcakes. However, I prefer to use Suspiro (Italian meringue without butter) - a flawless lactose and gluten-free frosting and I am pleased with the results achieved with the Dominican Frosting. follow this step-by-step guide on how to create these heavenly Pumpkin Cupcakes and make your autumn celebrations extra special!






For the chrysanthemum flowers I use 
tip # 68 for the leaves, and tip # 80 for the petals.






Pumpkin Cupcakes

Easy-to-prepare Pumpkin Cupcakes or cake recipe. 

Ingredients:
¼ cup (½ stick) unsalted butter at room temperature
½ cup brown sugar (muscovado)
1 egg
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 ¼ teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon soda
pinch of salt
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
¼ teaspoon freshly grated or ground ginger
¼ teaspoon ground cloves or allspice
¼ cup buttermilk or its substitute
½ cup canned pumpkin puree


Preparation: 
1. Preheat oven to 350˚F (175˚C). Prepare cupcakes pan with liners. Sift flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices, Reserve. If prefer you can prepare a cake pan to make a one-layer cake.

2. With the paddle attachment beat butter and sugar until pale and fluffy. Clean the sides of the bowl as many times as needed with a spatula. Add egg, and beat until incorporated. Add the flour mixture in three batches, alternating with two additions of buttermilk, and beat on low speed just until blended. Add pumpkin, beating just until combined.  

3. Pour into prepared cupcake pan. Bake at 350˚F (190 ˚C) for 15-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let cool completely before decorating.

Yield: 12-14 cupcakes or one 8" layer cake. 




Notes: 
a) These cupcakes can be prepared up to three days in advance and stored in an airtight container. I have personally stored mine unrefrigerated for several days and they have kept well, but if you prefer, you can also store them in the fridge.

b) My favorite way of serving these cupcakes is sprinkled with icing sugar, but they also pair well with cream cheese frosting or any other frosting of your preference. For more cupcake and frosting recipes, you can find them here: RECIPES.

c) You can use this same recipe to make a cake instead of cupcakes. The Adaptation of this recipe for a cake is to duplicate everything except the baking soda to make two 8" or 9" layers. If only making a small one-layer cake, then there is no need to duplicate the recipe. It yields ONE 8" or 9" cake layer.

d) Check out another version of these delicious cupcakes made with marshmallows HERE.




Wishing you a joyous Thanksgiving Day surrounded by loved ones, and may peace fill your home. I encourage you to take a moment to pray for those who are unable to enjoy a meal at their table, and for those who struggle to afford basic necessities such as bread or milk for their children. Let's also remember those who are separated from their families for various reasons. May this day be more than just about indulging in delicious feasts, but also about sharing abundance with those in need.




If you liked this recipe, you might be interested in:









Give generously to them and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this the Lord your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to. There will always be poor people in the land. Therefore I command you to be openhanded toward your fellow Israelites who are poor and needy in your land. ~ Deuteronomy 15:10-11


 God bless,
 
Text and Photos © Mari's Cakes

Ground Beef, Picadillo de Res

ground beef


Ground beef is a versatile ingredient that can be used to create a wide variety of dishes, from simple to elaborate, and from around the world. It's a popular choice for many home cooks, as it's quick and easy to prepare, and can be ready in less than 30 minutes. 

In the past, I used to season ground beef in advance, but I've since learned a better way to prepare it. To ensure that the meat cooks loosely and doesn't become lumpy, it's best to sauté it without seasoning until it's no longer pink and has slightly browned. Once it's browned, you can then add the desired seasoning for the dish you're preparing. 

It's important to keep in mind that the quality and quantity of fat in the meat can affect the amount of water or broth needed in the recipe. Additionally, this recipe can also be used to prepare ground chicken or pork, but it's important to note that pork may need to be cooked for a longer period of time. 

Overall, ground beef is a great ingredient to have on hand for quick and easy meals, and with the right preparation, it can be transformed into a delicious and satisfying dish.




dominican ground beef


Ground Beef 

Ingredients:
1 pound ground beef
1 onion
1 green pepper
2 Tablespoons of chopped cilantro or to taste
2 teaspoons tomato paste or tomato sauce
1½ teaspoon mashed garlic
½ teaspoon oregano (optional)
1½ teaspoon chopped olives and capers
2 Tablespoons soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce
1 Tablespoon vinegar or juice of sour orange
½ cup water or broth
Salt and pepper to taste
2 Tablespoons of oil to stir fry


Preparation:
1. In a hot frying pan or skillet with oil, stir-fry ground meat until it is no longer pink. With the help of a flat silicon spatula or wooden spoon, stir meat to get it separated and remove any formed lumps. When the meat juices dry and the ground meat begins to brown add onion, pepper, cilantro, tomato paste, garlic, oregano and olives, and capers. These could be chopped finely or processed in the food processor before adding to the pan.

2. Sauté meat for two minutes, and then add soy sauce and vinegar. Add ½ cup of water or broth, let sauté for 2 minutes more, add salt and pepper if needed, cover and cook over low fire for 5 minutes or until you have the desired consistency. The amount of water needed depends on the amount of sauce you would like to have in your picadillo.


Notes:
a) The seasoning used can vary depending on what type of dish you're preparing the ground meat for. As indicated in this recipe leaving it without much sauce or almost dry, would be ideal for filling kipes, bell peppers, pastelitos and empanadas [stuffed savory pastries]. With more sauce, it is perfect to accompany a dish of rice or pasta and to use as a filling in lasagna, pasteles en hoja, and pastelones [meat casseroles].

b) To use in:
  • Italian dishes: substitute the cilantro, soy sauce, olives, and capers, for basil and parsley. 
  • For Mexican dishes: replace the olives, capers, and soy sauce with 1½ teaspoons chili powder, and 1½ teaspoons cumin powder.


Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. ~ Romans 12:21