be a hero

Last week I went to the lovely city of Boston for work and had the chance to shoot a couple of videos for this awesome site called how2heroes. This site has great cooking videos from regular peeps like you and me and also some from amazing chefs—all sharing their recipes and tips. You can learn how to make a traditional Apple pie, learn what molecular gastronomy is all about and try some new booze mix like the venus in furs cocktail. Needless to say I've pretty much watched every video there AND also had the chance of shooting my own. I confess it's kinda embarrassing to watch myself, but whatever! the point is that i get to share some wonderful traditional recipes i grew up with. Here are some pics of my last shoot: how to make plantains 2 ways: Tostones (fried green plantains) and Platanos fritos (fried ripe plantains). Oh, and you know what? you can shoot your own too. Register and read about how you can upload your own fabulous cooking video... c'mon don't be shy!

i heart pizza

i love sushi. i really love venezuelan food. but i'm super and totally in love with pizza. the thing is that it's almost impossible to make it at home and make it good. i've bought different kinds of dough, made them in cookie sheets, pizza stones, you name it, and it's never been good enough. Then one day I was at the grocery store and was browsing though a magazine... and there it was, a picture of a super crusty and delicious pizza made on the grill. I got totally inspired and went ahead and got the ingredients (not the first time this happens!). At first my hubby seemed a little hesitant... i mean we've tried making pizza before and it was never that good PLUS we're both total pizza snobs! but guess what? it came out great: crispy crust, yummy sauce, melty cheese and crunchy top.

DOUGH::

Didn't make it (hey i know how to pick my battles!) got it a New Seasons

SAUCE::

1 Can crushed organic tomatoes (i got garlic/basil flavor)

Olive oil

Salt, pepper and red pepper flakes to taste

_Mix all in a blender (super quick coz you don't want the sauce too watery). 

TOPPINGS::

Sorpresatta

Mozzarella cheese

Fresh basil

Don't stop here... be creative!

_Grease a cookie sheet, place your dough and cut it in half. you want something small and easy to handle on the grill.

_Take your dough and stretch it delicately with your hands... we just played around with it. it really works when you place the dough on top of the back of your hands and stretch it with your knuckles. place back on cookie sheet.

_The grill should be really hot and make sure you bring everything you'll need next to the grill... these cook fast and once you start you better give them all your attention.

_Ready? place dough on the grill and watch it... it'll take a minute or two, don't close the grill. after one side is done, flip it and start adding the sauce, cheese and toppings right away. you can close the lid now but keep and eye on them. If you think the bottom is done but the cheese is not melted just put them on the top area of the grill and close it to finish them up!

on the grill

finished home made pizza on the grill!