Sunday, January 27, 2013

Asopao: A Puerto Rican Dish

Asopao de Pollo (Chicken)
Asopao de Camarones (Shrimp)























Asopao is a typical dish from Puerto Rico, similar to Gumbo.  The ingredients are: tomato sauce, adobo seasoning, garlic, onion, red and green peppers, recao or cilantro, stuffed green olives, oregano, paprika, medium grain rice, chicken broth, sweet peas, olive oil, salt to taste, and of course, the meat (Shrimp or Boneless Chicken).


During the Christmas Season or Navidades in Puerto Rico, Asopao is very popular, particularly when getting a "Parranda" of your friends, that show up at 3 or 4 o'clock in the morning, with music and singing Puerto Rican Christmas songs.


When visiting Puerto Rico, try the traditional Chicken or Shrimp Asopao.  Tastes and smells delicious!


                                                              


Sunday, January 20, 2013

Top Beaches For Surfing In Puerto Rico



Puerto Rico is the place for surfing.  The western coastal towns of Puerto Rico: Isabela, Aguadilla, Aguada, and Rincon, have the best surf conditions.  Rincon, Puerto Rico is the most famous for its world surfing events.  Rincon is dubbed "The Caribbean Pipeline," and is regarded as one of the best surf spots around the world.  The beaches in these towns have ideal surf conditions thanks to the strong winds.  In addition to great surfing, the climate is great and the beaches have warm water temperatures,  that attract surfers from around the world.  


The following are top beaches for surfing in Puerto Rico:


West Coast of Puerto Rico:

Rincon - Tres Palmas, Marias, Domes, Sandy Beach.

Aguadilla - Crash Boat, Wilderness, Surfer's Beach.

Isabela -  Jobos, Middles.


North Coast of Puerto Rico:

Arecibo - Hollows.

Manati -  Los Tubos.

San Juan - La Ocho, La Bomba.

Carolina - Pine Grove. Caballos.

Loiza -  Chatarra, Aviones.


East Coast of Puerto Rico:

Luquillo -  La Pared, La Selva.

Fajardo -  Race Track, El Faro.

Humacao -  Palmas Del Mar.

Patillas -  Inches.


Most beaches in the area have a surf shop nearby providing equipment, surfboard rentals, and surf lessons.  Enjoy surfing in Puerto Rico!  Surfs up!


                                                                 





Sunday, January 13, 2013

Top Six Weekend Destinations In Puerto Rico


There are many places in Puerto Rico, that you can go for a weekend, or a week, for a change of scenery and relaxation.  These are top six weekend destinations in Puerto Rico:


Isla Verde:  Located 15 minutes from Old San Juan, Isla Verde is the perfect place to get away without leaving San Juan.  Isla Verde has the best beach in the San Juan area, and there are many resorts and restaurants to chose from.  Isla Verde has easy access to all the attractions in San Juan.  

Culebra:  Relax in the island of Culebra just east of Puerto Rico, with one of the best beaches in the world, Flamenco beach.

Vieques:  This island just south east of Puerto Rico is the perfect spot to unwind.  Vieques has many beaches, wild horses, and one of the best bioluminescent bays.

Utuado:  The town of Utuado, Puerto Rico is located in the mountains, and is the perfect place to take in the fresh mountain air.  Relax on a hammock or take in the sights of nearby attractions:  Camuy Cave Park, Arecibo Observatory, Caguana Indigenous Park, and Toro Negro Forest.

Rincon:  This western town of Puerto Rico is known for surfing around the world, but you can still enjoy the laid-back town of Rincon if you are not a surfer.  Take in the waves and some of the best seafood in Puerto Rico. 

Humacao:  This town on the east coast of Puerto Rico, is home to the largest resort in Puerto Rico, Palmas del Mar.  Palmas del Mar occupies the entire south eastern portion of Humacao.  Palmas del Mar has everything for those who do not want to venture out of the resort.  The resort contains over 20 tennis courts, two world-class golf courses, miles of unspoiled beaches, several restaurants and a world class riding center.  


Enjoy and relax your days away in beautiful Puerto Rico!

                                                                 
 






Sunday, January 6, 2013

Puerto Rican Sofrito

Puerto Rican Sofrito


One of the things that make Puerto Rican cuisine unique is the flavor of sofrito.  Sofrito is a multipurpose seasoning that makes rice and beans, asopao, and many other dishes from Puerto Rico, special.


Sofrito contains: onions, green peppers, garlic, ajies dulces, cilantro (Chinese parsley), fresh oregano, and regao/culantro (Long tooth coriander).  All ingredients are then placed in a food processor and process until smooth.  The sofrito is then stored in a well-sealed container in the refrigerator.  Sofrito is available in supermarkets on the island, and can be found abroad in specialty markets.