A Flavorful Roasted Pork Delight

Pernil has deep cultural roots in Latin American culinary traditions. The term “pernil” comes from the Spanish word for ham or leg, and it refers to slow-roasted pork, often marinated with a blend of herbs, garlic, and citrus flavors. It is traditionally prepared for Christmas, New Year’s celebrations, and family gatherings, symbolizing abundance and togetherness.

Ingredients for a Perfect Pernil al Horno

To make the most flavorful and succulent pernil, you will need:

Main Ingredients:

• 1 (6-10 lb) pork shoulder (with skin on for crispy texture)
• 8-10 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
• 1/4 cup fresh orange juice (or sour orange juice)
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon salt (or to taste)
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme or rosemary (optional)

Additional Items:

• Aluminum foil
• Large roasting pan
• Sharp knife for scoring the skin

Step-by-Step Preparation of Pernil al Horno

1. Preparing the Marinade

1. In a bowl, combine the minced garlic, olive oil, lime juice, orange juice, apple cider vinegar, oregano, cumin, paprika, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
2. Mix well to form a thick paste.

2. Preparing the Pork Shoulder

1. Rinse the pork shoulder under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels.
2. Using a sharp knife, score the skin in a crosshatch pattern to help the marinade penetrate deeper.
3. Make deep cuts into the meat and rub the marinade generously over the entire pork shoulder, making sure to push some of the seasoning into the cuts.
4. Cover the pork with plastic wrap or place it in a sealed bag and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 12 hours (preferably overnight for maximum flavor).

3. Roasting the Pernil

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
2. Place the marinated pork in a roasting pan, skin side up, and cover it loosely with aluminum foil.
3. Roast for about 4-5 hours (roughly 45 minutes per pound), basting occasionally with the pan juices.

4. Achieving Crispy Skin (Chicharrón)

1. Increase the oven temperature to 450°F (232°C) for the last 30-45 minutes to crisp up the skin.
2. Keep a close eye to prevent burning and rotate the pan if needed for even crispiness.

5. Resting and Serving

1. Remove the pernil from the oven and let it rest for at least 20 minutes before slicing to retain juiciness.
2. Shred or slice the meat and serve with traditional sides like arroz con gandules, tostones, or a fresh salad.

Tips for the Best Pernil al Horno

• Marinate Longer: The longer the pernil marinates, the deeper the flavors will penetrate.
• Low and Slow Cooking: Roasting at a lower temperature ensures tender meat, while the final high heat crisps up the skin perfectly.
• Use Fresh Citrus: Fresh lime and orange juice enhance the natural pork flavors with a tangy kick.
• Rest Before Slicing: Allowing the pernil to rest helps the juices redistribute for maximum tenderness.

Serving Suggestions

Pernil al Horno pairs beautifully with a variety of traditional side dishes, including:

• Arroz con Gandules: A classic Puerto Rican rice dish with pigeon peas.
• Maduros: Sweet fried plantains that complement the savory pork.
• Tostones: Twice-fried green plantains for a crispy contrast.
• Yuca con Mojo: Cassava root served with a garlicky citrus sauce.
• Fresh  Salad: A light, crisp salad to balance the richness of the pork.

Conclusion

Pernil al Horno is more than just a dish—it’s a celebration of culture, family, and tradition. Whether you’re preparing it for a special occasion or simply craving an unforgettable meal, this slow-roasted pork shoulder delivers unbeatable flavor and texture. Give this recipe a try and bring the taste of Latin America to your table!

Rustic No Knead Rosemary Garlic Bread

 

Ingredients

1. 3 cups all-purpose flour
2. 3 cloves garlic, minced
3. 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh rosemary, or more, to taste
4. 1 ¼ teaspoons kosher salt
5. ¾ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
6. ½ teaspoon instant yeast
7. 1 ½ cups water, at room temperature
8. 2 tablespoons cornmeal

Preparation

1. In a large bowl, combine flour, garlic, rosemary, salt, pepper, and yeast.
2. Using a wooden spoon or your hand, add water and mix until a wet, sticky dough forms, about 30 seconds.
3. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and let stand at room temperature until the surface is dotted with bubbles, about 18 to 24 hours.
4. Lightly oil a 10-inch cast iron skillet or coat with nonstick spray; sprinkle with cornmeal.
5. Working on a lightly floured surface, gently shape the dough into a round.
6. Place the dough into the prepared skillet.
7. Cover with a clean dishtowel and let stand at room temperature until the dough has doubled in size and does not readily spring back when poked with a finger, about 2 hours.
8. Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. Place into oven and bake until golden brown, about 30-40 minutes

1. Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. Punch down dough and shape into a round or oblong loaf.
3.  Place loaf in air fryer basket, lined with parchment paper.
4. Drizzle olive oil over loaf and sprinkle with garlic, rosemary, and Parmesan cheese (if using).
5.  Cook for 15-20 minutes or until bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
6.  Let cool on wire rack for 10-15 minutes before slicing.

Air Fryer Tips:

– Use parchment paper to prevent sticking.
– Rotate loaf halfway through cooking.
– Adjust cooking time based on air fryer model.

Enjoy !

JANET’S RICH BANANA BREAD

 Janet’s Rich Banana Bread is a delightful recipe that combines the classic flavor of ripe bananas with the rich texture of sour cream and walnuts. This recipe is perfect for those who appreciate a moist, flavorful banana bread with a bit of crunch. The use of simple ingredients and straightforward preparation makes it a great option for both novice and experienced bakers. Here’s how to make this delicious treat:

Janet’s Rich Banana Bread Recipe

Ingredients

1/2 cup butter, melted

1 cup white sugar

2 eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup sour cream

1/2 cup chopped walnuts

2 medium bananas, sliced

Preparation

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan.

In a large bowl, mix the melted butter and sugar. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, combining well.

In a separate bowl, blend together the flour, baking soda, and salt.

Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the butter mixture until smooth.

Gently fold in the sour cream, walnuts, and sliced bananas.

Pour the batter evenly into the prepared loaf pan.

Bake in the preheated oven for about 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Enjoy your homemade Janet’s Rich Banana Bread as a delicious breakfast option, a snack, or a dessert. The combination of sour cream and bananas ensures a moist texture, while the walnuts add a delightful crunch, making every bite a delightful experience.

0Classic Homemade Bread

 

Ingredients

• Dry Yeast: 10 grams (1 packet)
• Warm Water: 200 ml (1 glass)
• Flour: 720 grams (6 cups) + 120 grams (1 cup) for initial mixing
• Salt: 10 grams (1 teaspoon)
• Egg Yolk: 1
• Milk: 1 tablespoon

Preparation

1. Dissolve the dry yeast in warm water and stir until dissolved.
2. Mix in 120 grams of flour until smooth. Gather the dough, cover, and let it rest for 15 minutes.
3. Add 400 ml of warm water, mix well, then gradually add 720 grams of flour and salt. Knead for 3-4 minutes until a soft, slightly non-sticky dough forms.
4. Cover the dough and let it ferment until it doubles in size. Remove air, gather, and divide into two parts. Roll each into a ball and let rest for 10 minutes.
5. Flour the surface lightly, expand the dough with your fingers, then roll it inward. Repeat with the second dough.
6. Arrange the dough on a baking tray, cover, and leave for 20 minutes. Brush with a mixture of egg yolk and milk, then bake at 200°C (392°F) until golden brown, about 25-30 minutes.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve warm with butter or your favorite spread.
• Great alongside soups, salads, or as a sandwich base.

Cooking Tips

• Ensure the water is warm, not hot, to activate the yeast properly.
• Avoid over-kneading the dough to keep it soft and light.
• If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour as needed.

Nutritional Benefits

• Provides a good source of carbohydrates for energy.
• Homemade bread can be lower in preservatives compared to store-bought options.

Dietary Information

• This bread recipe contains gluten due to the flour.
• Suitable for vegetarians.

Nutritional Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 150
• Total Fat: 1.5g
• Saturated Fat: 0.5g
• Cholesterol: 20mg
• Sodium: 300mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 30g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 1g
• Protein: 4g

Storage

• Store in an at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer storage, freeze in a resealable bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm in the oven before serving.

My son and husband have declared

 Ingredients:

Ingredient Quantity
Frozen Hashbrowns 20 oz
Shredded Cheddar Cheese 2 cups
Salt 1 tsp
Pepper 1 tsp
Sour Cream 2 cups
Cream of Chicken Soup 10.5 oz can or homemade
Milk 1/2 cup
Shredded Cooked Chicken 1 lb
Topping Ingredients:

Ingredient Quantity

Crushed Cornflakes 2 cups
Melted Butter 4 tbsp
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large bowl, combine the salt, pepper, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, and milk.
Add the shredded cooked chicken, shredded cheddar cheese, and frozen hashbrowns to the bowl and mix thoroughly.
Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
Pour the hashbrown mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
In a separate bowl, combine the crushed cornflakes with the melted butter, mixing until the cornflakes are evenly coated.

Apple Slab Pie

 

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Perfect for Crowds : Feeds 12–16 people effortlessly—no slicing stress!
2. Flaky & Buttery Crust : Layers of homemade (or store-bought) pastry make it irresistible.
3. Customizable Filling : Adjust sweetness, spices, or add-ins like nuts or raisins.
4. Easy to Slice & Serve : Rectangular slices are perfect for casual gatherings.
5. Make-Ahead Friendly : Assemble ahead and bake when ready.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Crust:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for rolling)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1 cup unsalted butter , cold and cubed 🧈
• 6–8 tbsp ice water

Optional : Use store-bought pie dough for a quicker version.

For the Filling:

• 6–8 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
• ¾ cup granulated sugar (adjust for tartness)
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (for thickening)
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp lemon juice (to prevent browning and add brightness)

For Topping:

• Egg wash (1 egg beaten with 1 tbsp water)
• Coarse sugar (optional, for sparkle)

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat & Prep

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) . Grease a 10x15-inch jelly roll pan or rimmed baking sheet.

Step 2: Make the Crust

1. In a bowl, whisk flour, salt, and sugar. Cut in cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
2. Gradually add ice water, 1 tbsp at a time, mixing until the dough comes together. Divide into two equal portions, shape into discs, wrap in plastic, and chill for 30 minutes .

Step 3: Roll Out the Dough

1. On a floured surface, roll one disc of dough into a rectangle slightly larger than your pan. Transfer to the prepared pan, pressing it gently into the edges.
2. Roll out the second disc for the top crust and set aside.

Step 4: Prepare the Filling

1. In a large bowl, toss sliced apples with sugars, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, and lemon juice until evenly coated.

Step 5: Assemble the Pie

1. Spread the apple filling evenly over the bottom crust. Top with the second rolled-out dough, trimming and crimping the edges to seal.
2. Cut slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape. Brush with egg wash and sprinkle with coarse sugar if desired.

Step 6: Bake

1. Bake for 45–55 minutes , until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. Rotate the pan halfway through for even baking.

Step 7: Cool & Serve

1. Let cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

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Why This Recipe Works

• Sheet Pan Magic : Bakes evenly and feeds a crowd without the hassle of traditional pie slicing.
• Cold Butter Trick : Ensures a flaky, tender crust every time.
• Spiced Apple Filling : Classic flavors with a customizable twist for personal preference.

• Variations to Try

  • Gluten-Free Option : Use gluten-free pie dough and flour blend.
  • Vegan Version : Substitute vegan butter and use a flax egg wash.
  • Add-Ins : Stir in raisins, chopped pecans, or caramel drizzle for extra flair.
  • Topping Swap : Add a crumb topping instead of a second crust for a rustic look.

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  Tips for Success

  • Thinly Slice Apples : Ensures even cooking and prevents soggy filling.
  • Chill Dough Properly : Keeps the crust flaky and easy to work with.
  • Don’t Skip Cooling : Prevents the filling from being too runny when slicing.
  • Storage : Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.

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  Serving Suggestions

  • Holiday Feast : Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or fall gatherings.
  • Casual Treat : Serve as dessert with coffee or tea.
  • Romantic Twist : Drizzle with honey or serve with a scoop of spiced ice cream.

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  Final Thoughts

  This Apple Slab Pie is a game-changer for feeding a crowd—flaky, spiced, and utterly delicious. Whether you’re hosting a party or craving a comforting dessert, this recipe is as practical as it is mouthwatering.

  Your turn! Have you tried slab pie? Share your favorite fruit combinations or serving ideas below. 🍎