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Puerto Rico

How about a little Caribbean flair? We ran through Puerto Rico with street food and a hearty rice dish. The recipes required that I run around the neighborhood looking for seasonings and spice packets that were completely foreign to me. I tried the huge Mexican supermarket chain store, Cardenas. I had mixed success there. Turns out my unassuming Vons store had everything and more.

We headed over to our friends' house (who graciously provided the grill) and enjoyed:

Arroz Con Gradules
Pinchos
Bolitas de Queso

Also, did you know that Puerto Rico is home to the first pina colada? You're welcome.

The rice was very salty though no actual salt is in the recipe....
However, I loved the idea that you throw dried herbs, and sliced olives into the pot before the rice.
The pinchos are the Puerto Rican version of chicken kebabs. Delicious.
The bolitas de queso were heavenly. Fried cheese balls.



A's Rating: 7 out of 10
H's Rating: 7.5 out of 10
M's Rating: 8 (I think she devoured 4 balls)
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