Oi, Gente! Everyone knows Brazilians love their brigadeiro. It’s an undeniable part of our DNA. But rolling dozens of little balls and coating them in sprinkles? That’s a whole other story. I know I don’t always have the patience for it. Growing up, my mom skipped all the rolling and just made brigadeirão instead. Same chocolatey brigadeiro flavor, just turned into a silky, sliceable dessert that you pour into a pan and let the oven do the work. No standing over the stovetop, stirring for 20...
10 days ago • 1 min read
Oi, Gente! This week I've been recipe testing a very special dessert 👀 which means I had no time to think about dinners. So, I relied on my almighty chimichurri, and this baked chimichurri salmon has reigned supreme here almost every night 😬 It’s bright, herby, and packed with flavor, perfect for a weeknight, since the chimichurri does most of the heavy lifting. Spoon it on, bake, done. If you already have leftover chimichurri, like I always do, even better. If not, it takes five minutes to...
17 days ago • 1 min read
Oi, Gente! One of the recipes people are loving this week is my arroz doce cremoso... Brazilian Rice Pudding It’s creamy, gently spiced, sweetened with condensed milk, and comes together in under 30 minutes. It’s the kind of recipe that works as dessert, an afternoon sweet, or something you keep in the fridge and scoop into a bowl whenever you feel like it. If you haven’t made it yet, this might be your sign. P.S. I just posted a new video showing how to make Brazilian collard greens. Watch...
24 days ago • 1 min read
Oi, Gente! Valentine’s Day is around the corner… and whether that means a solo date, a night with your boo, or dinner with your besties, a great steak dinner at home is always a win. Pour a glass of wine, mix a cocktail, light a candle, and turn your kitchen into the coziest spot in town. No reservations, no crowds, no prix-fixe menus... just really good food made your way (and without the 20% holiday upcharge 😬). Here are three steak recipes that are easy and feel special: Ribeye Steak...
about 1 month ago • 1 min read
Oi, Gente! I really think you should grill this weekend. I know it's February and maybe not peak grilling season where you are, but ask any Brazilian and they'll confirm... grilling has no season, really. So there... With lots of fun games and sporting events to choose from this weekend, a grilled main with the right easy sides can set a great mood for sharing and entertaining. Here is a combo I love: Tri-Tip with Citrus Marinade This marinade transforms tri-tip into something special. Not...
about 1 month ago • 1 min read
Oi, Gente! January isn't over yet, somehow.... I personally feel like it's day 89 at this point 😵💫... So, if you need some tropical vibes to endure the end of the month, bananas are a great choice. They're always available and can add instant warmth to any day. Here are two ways to use them: Bolo de Farinha de Rosca com Banana This Brazilian Banana Bread Cake was a childhood treasure in my house, and a great way to use old bread or breadcrumbs. It tastes like banana French toast and bread...
about 1 month ago • 1 min read
Oi, Gente! Ground beef is one of those universally loved, affordable ingredients making it the MVP of midweek meals. It was one of my favorite things to eat growing up, and my mom's favorite ingredient to cook with during the week. She loved making this ensopado de carninha moída com azeitona (juicy ground beef with olives) because it was that easy enough thing to make even after a long workday. And now, me too! My master tip: I always make more than one batch, to have leftovers to freeze or...
about 2 months ago • 1 min read
Oi, Gente! We're officially in that part of winter where it's just... cold and gross... ugh... But that's when Brazilian stews really shine. They're warming, comforting, and exactly what January needs. Here are two I've been thinking about this week: Ensopado de Frango This Brazilian Chicken Stew is super simple, super comforting, and no fancy ingredients required. It's chicken thighs and drumsticks in a luscious broth with potatoes and veggies. One pot, minimal fuss, and the leftovers are...
about 2 months ago • 1 min read
Oi, Gente! It's soup season, and since you're a regular here, I know you've got some leftover beans in your freezer. Right? RIGHT? 👀 And if you don't... here's your sign to really turn having beans on hand into a weekly, or bi-weekly habit. It helps so much. Making a pot of beans is one of the steps in my "1-hour weekly prep" (you can watch the video with my "meal prep" strategy here). I love it because, when you've got beans ready to go, weeknight soups like these come together fast. Here's...
2 months ago • 1 min read