La Opinión https://laopinion.com Últimas Noticias de Los Ángeles, EEUU, y El Mundo Sat, 11 Apr 2026 03:21:49 +0000 es hourly 1 https://laopinion.com/wp-content/themes/laopinion/assets/images/social/precomposed-144x144.png La Opinión https://laopinion.com 144 144 And the world’s most expensive chocolate goes to… Ecuador! https://laopinion.com/2015/02/17/and-the-world%c2%92s-most-expensive-chocolate-goes-to%c2%85-ecuador/ Tue, 17 Feb 2015 19:02:00 +0000 http://migrationaux8.laopinion.com/2015/02/17/and-the-world%c2%92s-most-expensive-chocolate-goes-to%c2%85-ecuador/ The five guilty pleasures of Christmas, Part V https://laopinion.com/2014/12/25/the-five-guilty-pleasures-of-christmas-part-v/ Thu, 25 Dec 2014 20:12:00 +0000 http://migrationaux17.laopinion.com/2014/12/25/the-five-guilty-pleasures-of-christmas-part-v/ The holidays are all about guilty pleasures. Take a look at our final installment of our five guilty pleasures of Christmas. They say we save the best for last and cookies might be the case too since we serve them at the end of any great meal. And there’s something about the holidays that gets us into the ‘cookie spirit’. From basic to classic to more complex, cookies traditionally made it across Latin America. They are just the right addition to any festive celebration. SEE ALSO: The five guilty pleasures of Christmas, Part 1 Just like there is no Thanksgiving without turkey and leftovers, there is no Christmas without homemade, fresh-baked cookies. Yes, guilty. Alfajores (sandwich cookies) with Dulce de Leche Makes about 2 dozen alfajores I find alfajores absolutely irresistible and I might confess that they turn me into a real cookie monster! This is also a great, easy and delicious recipe to prepare with kids; to give as a gift, and always enjoy (guilt-free) during the holidays. SEE ALSO: The five guilty pleasures of Christmas, Part II Ingredients For filling 1 can condensed milk or store brought duce de leche or cajeta For cookies 2 sticks unsalted butter at room temperature 1/2 Cup organic cane sugar 2 Cups all-purpose flour, sifted 1/4 tsp. salt 1 tsp. vanilla extract, without alcohol Powdered sugar for dusting or unsweetened coconut flakes (or both) Directions If you are making the filling, prepare it first to allow it to cool. To prepare it, simmer the unopened can of condensed milk in a pot, covered, for 2 hours; allow them to cool completely before opening. Cookies Preheat oven at 325ºF. Using an electric mixer, blend the butter and sugar for 2 minutes on medium-high. Reduce speed; add flour, salt and vanilla extract. Refrigerate the dough for 2 hours and roll out and cut into round shapes of about 1/ 4–inch thick). Place cookies on an ungreased cookie sheet with parchment paper and bake for 12 minutes, or until just lightly browned. Set aside to cool. Once cool, spread one cookie bottom with the dulce de leche (be generous!) and top with another cookie. Sprinkle with powdered sugar or with coconut flakes. Optional variation: Cover them with semisweet chocolate. SEE ALSO: The five guilty pleasures of Christmas, Part III   Decadent Polvorones It doesn’t matter if you open gifts on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, what matters is what you serve with it. So make it holy with hot chocolate and polvorones. Need to say more? Ingredients Yields 50 or more 2 Cups all-purpose flour, toasted and sifted ¼ Cup powdered sugar (more for coating) 1 Cup almonds, toasted, finely blended 2 Tbsp. ground cinnamon Lemon zest of 4 lemons Pinch of sea salt 1 tsp. vanilla extract (without alcohol) 1 Cup unsalted butter, softened SEE ALSO: The five guilty pleasures of Christmas, Part IV Instructions Preheat oven to 325ºF. Combine flour, sugar, almonds, and salt together. Add vanilla and butter. Mix well. Make meatball size shapes and place on a baking sheet with parchment paper. Bake for 10-15 minutes. Remove, dust with confectioner’s sugar, and let them cool before devouring. Variations: Fill them with nutella (chocolate-hazelnut spread), dulce de leche, guava, or pastry cream.

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]]> The five guilty pleasures of Christmas, Part 1 https://laopinion.com/2014/12/16/the-five-guilty-pleasures-of-christmas-part-1/ Tue, 16 Dec 2014 19:12:00 +0000 http://migrationaux17.laopinion.com/2014/12/16/the-five-guilty-pleasures-of-christmas-part-1/ Let’s face it. The holidays are all about guilty pleasures. We know we shouldn’t have this or that but we still have it and enjoy it. It is the right and perfect time to succumb to all temptations and be excused for it. For me is all the Latino-inspired holiday recipes that wires me in that direction. Perhaps because growing up our holiday table looked just like a Roman bacchanal— a large display of cold cuts and salads, hot meats and entrees, garnishes, all sort of beverages, plethora of desserts, fresh and dried fruits, a wide variety of cheeses and of course, panettone. Among some of the many cuts of meat we had turkey, roasted pig, baked ham, grilled red meat, fish, and chicken. Oh and cold cuts and charcuterie as well. So lets get started with the top five guilty pleasures of Christmas…Yes, according to me. On top of my list I have a bunch of small bites (tapas) that I love serving anytime I have people over especially around the holidays. And we could all argue that sometimes they are the best part of the meal. Think small bites ideas Manchego-quince-jicama skewers with watercress Blue cheese sliders on brioche or olive oil cake Flank steak with chimichurri sauce over toasted baguette Empanaditas with piquillo sauce and green salsa Chipotle beef mini tacos Chorizo stuffed dates with harissa sauce White bean hummus bruschetta with arugula, caramelized Onions and toasted pine nuts Triple cheese pizza bites or lasagna bites Pigs in a blanket, bacon wrapped hot dog bites (or wrapped around deep fried potato skins with chicharrón) Black bean tostadas with corn salsa, queso fresco, tomatillo and crunchy romaine SEE ALSO: If Ben & Jerry’s won’t do it; here’s how to make homemade ‘Soy’ ice cream Baked ham recipe Serves 18 This is an iconic Christmas dish that makes your house deliciously cozy, hat requires some time but almost zero attention. It is also great for bringing to someone else’s dinner party; can be cooked ahead of time and it is very easy to carry and serve. Ingredients 1 (12 pound) bone-in ham, rump portion 1/2 cup whole cloves 1 cup packed brown sugar (or maple syrup) 4 cups water, or as needed Directions Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Place ham in a roasting pan, and press whole cloves into the top at 1-2 inch intervals. Pack the top with a layer of brown sugar. Pour enough water into the bottom of the roasting pan to come to 1-inch depth. Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil or a lid. Bake for 4 1/2 to 5 hours in the preheated oven (about 22 minutes per pound), or until the internal temperature of the ham has reached 160 degrees F. (Make sure the meat thermometer is not touching the bone.) Let stand for about 20 minutes before carving. Serve with Cabernet Sauvignon or Pinot Noir. SEE ALSO: The 5 favorite Latino foods in United States Side dish: Creamy Chesnut purée Serves 4 Chestnuts always mark the beginning of winter and belong to the true spirit of the holidays. You can serve this creamy side dish alongside meats such as baked ham, roasted turkey, pig, game, red meat, or pork. (*To speed up the cooking time use canned chestnuts packed in water.) Ingredients 1 pound whole chestnuts 1/3 cup heavy cream, plus extra for later 2 Tbsp. unsalted butter, plus extra Sea salt or Kosher and fresh ground pepper, to taste Directions Cut an “X” on the flat side of the chestnut shells, and place them in a pot. Add enough cold water to cover them and bring it to a boil. Cook for 15-20 minutes or until tender. Drain and peel off the shell and inner skin while they are still warm, as it gets easier to peel them. Place them in a food processor or blender. Purée until smooth. Transfer the purée to a heavy-bottomed pot over low heat. Stir well. Add cream and butter. Stir to combine. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Add more cream (or milk) and butter if desired. Serve immediately.

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]]> The 5 favorite Latino foods in United States https://laopinion.com/2014/11/30/the-5-favorite-latino-foods-in-united-states/ Sun, 30 Nov 2014 19:11:00 +0000 http://migrationaux15.laopinion.com/2014/11/30/the-5-favorite-latino-foods-in-united-states/ While walking along the aisles of a supermarket in the United States, it is common to find shelves filled with all sorts of Latino foods and ingredients like jalapenos, tomatillos, avocado dips, tortillas, Mexican salsas and many other products which seemed exotic just until recently. Now they’ve become a common American household staple since TV is also increasingly riddled with programs featuring emerging Latino chefs preparing exquisite dishes with traditional ingredients. Latin cuisine has earned a place in American culture enriching not only dishes and palates but blending customs too. The Latino community represents a growing market with a projected $1.5 trillion by 2015. The Latino consumer likes preparing traditional meals with fresh ingredients, and these dishes integrate a variety of traditional staples of irresistible flavors, aromas and colors which have transformed American traditional tastes. As a sign of that growing influence, here is a list of 5 Latino most consumed food items in the United States in the past year. Avocado It represents the largest import this last year. It’s an excellent source of oils, vitamins, and  protein. Moderate consumption is recommended due to its high calorie and fat content. In Mexico it is known as “green gold” and it’s the world’s largest exporter. Chile (Capsicum) It’s widely and increasingly used as a condiment to accompany various dishes. It’s imported to the United States in its different varieties: serrano, jalapeno, poblano, chilaca and pepper or bell pepper as an important part of the new Latin culinary trend. Its attractive colors, rich flavors and aromas have positioned it as one of the most sought after by the American public. SEE ALSO: No turkey? No problem Papaya The papaya, besides being consumed in its original form, it’s also used in preparations such as juices and desserts. This fruit not only has nutritional benefits but it’s also used by the cosmetic beauty industry. This delicious fruit is originally from Central America, and is cultivated and used across America. In Mexico, before the arrival of the Spaniards, it was known as chichihualtzapotl, and was considered as an infertility antidote. Frijoles The frijol is a legume native to Latin America and is consumed in a variety of ways as well as the green pods or dry seeds. It is a very important part of Latin cuisine and is practically present in each dish as in burritos, tamales, enfrijolas, soups and omelettes among other many Latino meals. Mango Mango is a fruit of fleshy, sweet and tasty pulp native to tropical regions. Its extraordinary development in the Caribbean area and its exotic characteristics has made it one of the favorite tropical fruits of the American market, especially those from Latin origin. SEE ALSO: Tailgating: Small bites, big wins! More Latin Food Many more imports from Latin America such as seafood, fish, and beans, along with a wide variety of fresh or dry vegetables and legumes, share the same import volumes as the papaya. Latin or Hispanic foods are at present the most popular among all the ethnic foods according to various U.S. consumer studies that indicate that six of every ten consumers have expressed their preference for Mexican or Latin food. Major food companies closely follow the growing Latino trend to create products that appeal to the Latino palate with bilingual packaging. Some typical beverages are also making their way to the American public like Tequila, the traditional drink in Mexico, already a part of the most popular cocktails such as the Margarita or Tequila Sunrise. The traditional ritual of tequila includes a little salt to the rim of the cup and lemon slices.

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]]> No turkey? No problem https://laopinion.com/2014/11/24/no-turkey-no-problem/ Mon, 24 Nov 2014 13:11:00 +0000 http://migrationaux15.laopinion.com/2014/11/24/no-turkey-no-problem/ Uber-nachos for National Nachos Day https://laopinion.com/2014/11/06/uber-nachos-for-national-nachos-day/ Thu, 06 Nov 2014 20:11:00 +0000 http://migrationaux14.laopinion.com/2014/11/06/uber-nachos-for-national-nachos-day/ New York Times Restaurant Critics reveal secrets of their coveted jobs https://laopinion.com/2014/11/04/new-york-times-restaurant-critics-reveal-secrets-of-their-coveted-jobs/ Tue, 04 Nov 2014 17:11:00 +0000 http://migrationaux14.laopinion.com/2014/11/04/new-york-times-restaurant-critics-reveal-secrets-of-their-coveted-jobs/ Food stars Tom Colicchio and Rachel Ray discuss eradicating hunger in America https://laopinion.com/2014/10/27/food-stars-tom-colicchio-and-rachel-ray-discuss-eradicating-hunger-in-america/ Mon, 27 Oct 2014 08:10:00 +0000 http://migrationaux12.laopinion.com/2014/10/27/food-stars-tom-colicchio-and-rachel-ray-discuss-eradicating-hunger-in-america/ Fritanga: An exclusive taste of Nicaraguan food https://laopinion.com/2014/10/14/fritanga-an-exclusive-taste-of-nicaraguan-food/ Tue, 14 Oct 2014 18:10:00 +0000 http://migrationaux3.laopinion.com/2014/10/14/fritanga-an-exclusive-taste-of-nicaraguan-food/ Raspados/granizados: Shaved ice with a Latino flair https://laopinion.com/2014/10/07/granizados-shaved-ice-with-a-latino-flair/ Tue, 07 Oct 2014 18:10:00 +0000 http://migrationaux3.laopinion.com/2014/10/07/granizados-shaved-ice-with-a-latino-flair/ Empanadas, the timeless bites https://laopinion.com/2014/10/05/empanadas-the-timeless-bites/ Sun, 05 Oct 2014 17:10:00 +0000 http://migrationaux3.laopinion.com/2014/10/05/empanadas-the-timeless-bites/ Simple tips for hosting a summer party https://laopinion.com/2014/09/07/simple-tips-for-hosting-a-summer-party/ Sun, 07 Sep 2014 18:09:00 +0000 http://migrationaux7.laopinion.com/2014/09/07/simple-tips-for-hosting-a-summer-party/ Finding Gaston – Finding Peru’s gastronomic heritage https://laopinion.com/2014/08/26/finding-gaston-%c2%96-finding-peru%c2%92s-gastronomic-heritage/ Tue, 26 Aug 2014 09:08:00 +0000 http://migrationaux4.laopinion.com/2014/08/26/finding-gaston-%c2%96-finding-peru%c2%92s-gastronomic-heritage/ Fresh and juicy strawberry recipes https://laopinion.com/2014/08/24/fresh-and-juicy-strawberry-recipes/ Sun, 24 Aug 2014 17:08:00 +0000 http://migrationaux4.laopinion.com/2014/08/24/fresh-and-juicy-strawberry-recipes/ Irresistible grilled fruit summer desserts https://laopinion.com/2014/08/10/irresistible-grilled-fruit-summer-desserts/ Sun, 10 Aug 2014 17:08:00 +0000 http://migrationaux3.laopinion.com/2014/08/10/irresistible-grilled-fruit-summer-desserts/ Summer corn; what’s not to love? https://laopinion.com/2014/07/26/summer-corn-what%c2%92s-not-to-love/ Sat, 26 Jul 2014 17:07:00 +0000 http://migrationaux13.laopinion.com/2014/07/26/summer-corn-what%c2%92s-not-to-love/ 6 burger joints to check out in Buenos Aires https://laopinion.com/2014/07/19/6-burger-joints-to-check-out-in-buenos-aires/ Sat, 19 Jul 2014 17:07:00 +0000 http://migrationaux13.laopinion.com/2014/07/19/6-burger-joints-to-check-out-in-buenos-aires/ Mango coconut mint cobbler recipe for this summer https://laopinion.com/2014/07/06/mango-coconut-mint-cobbler-recipe-for-this-summer/ Sun, 06 Jul 2014 15:07:00 +0000 http://migrationaux11.laopinion.com/2014/07/06/mango-coconut-mint-cobbler-recipe-for-this-summer/ Summer tips for grilling fruits and vegetables https://laopinion.com/2014/07/03/summer-tips-for-grilling-fruits-and-vegetables/ Thu, 03 Jul 2014 13:07:00 +0000 http://migrationaux11.laopinion.com/2014/07/03/summer-tips-for-grilling-fruits-and-vegetables/ The 2014 Embassy Chef Challenge https://laopinion.com/2014/05/18/the-2014-embassy-chef-challenge/ Sun, 18 May 2014 18:05:00 +0000 http://migrationaux1.laopinion.com/2014/05/18/the-2014-embassy-chef-challenge/ Bacalao a la vizcaina: a classic Easter recipe with a Latin twist https://laopinion.com/2014/04/18/bacalao-a-la-vizcaina-a-classic-easter-recipe-with-a-latin-twist/ Fri, 18 Apr 2014 17:04:00 +0000 http://migrationaux14.laopinion.com/2014/04/18/bacalao-a-la-vizcaina-a-classic-easter-recipe-with-a-latin-twist/ A delicious National Empanada Day to celebrate https://laopinion.com/2014/04/08/a-delicious-national-empanada-day-to-celebrate/ Tue, 08 Apr 2014 12:04:00 +0000 http://migrationaux13.laopinion.com/2014/04/08/a-delicious-national-empanada-day-to-celebrate/