We hope you enjoy these Cut The Crap Costa Rica Kitchen Recipes and information on local fruits and vegetables. We have provided descriptions and nutrition information for produce that is common in Costa Rica and other Central American countries. These foods are generally grown in-country which reduces their costs.
Although we are not nutrition experts or doctors, we have consulted these experts and have used our own experience to form the basis for the health benefits of most dishes. The majority of recipes and foods are healthy choices; however, we have added a few "not so healthy" choices to satisfy those occasional cravings.
Costa Rica Kitchen Recipes, try something new. Remove things you don't need. Cook what is local. And, stay in budget.
Fruit SaladBy Nikki PageFruit salad is a great snack and side! Why not make a large batch, for a quick grab out of the refrigerator? This way you can have a healthy, quick snack, or an instant side to any dish, and it’s a great way to add color and sweetness. Most people don’t eat the daily recommended amount of fruit and often opt for other unhealthy snacks. However, if you have fruit salad already prepared, odds are you will eat more fruit.
When preparing meals, most people focus primarily on the main course. By having pre-prepped food options such as fruit salad, makes it easy to provide healthy snacks and sides. Fruit is natures candy and often cures a sweet tooth craving. It is also a much better option than candy or other sugary snacks. Additionally, fruit provides a sweet contrast to the main course and other salty or spicy sides.
Fruit Salad works well for breakfast, as well. It is packed full of vitamins and minerals and provides a boost of energy to start the day. Moreover, fruit beautifully compliments a morning cup of coffee.
Camote Sweet Potatoes Casserole With Marshmallows: Costa Rican StyleBy Nikki PageBestselling Cookbook authors Steve & Nikki go head to head to see who can make the best Thanksgiving side dish. Both Costa Rican Camote dishes were served in Costa Rica at the annual Tamarindo Church Thanksgiving dinner? The vote is in. Learn how they made the dishes and who the winner is.
How To Cook Camote Sweet Potatoes With MarshmallowsBy Steve PageBestselling Cookbook authors Steve & Nikki go head to head to see who can make the best Thanksgiving side dish. Both Costa Rican Camote dishes were served in Costa Rica at the annual Tamarindo Church Thanksgiving dinner? The vote is in. Learn how they made the dishes and who the winner is.
Fried PlantainBy Nikki PageSince plantains take little preparation, they make a great snack. Delicious fried plantains also work great for dessert. Topping desserts with fried plantains is a great way to add flavor. Try topping your bowl of vanilla ice cream with a few pieces of some warm, bright-colored, sweet, fried plantain. Use your imagination to create some delicious, colorful creations of your own.
We typically use a small amount of coconut oil to fry our plantains. This keeps the nutrition value high and the fat and calories low.
Tip: We included the option to add sugar; however, we recommend trying them without sugar the first time. We usually do not add sugar. On occasion, we will add sugar for our guests visiting from the U.S., as they typically are accustomed to sugar being added to everything.
Costa Rica Non Alcoholic Ice DrinkBy Taya PageCosta Rica Non-Alcoholic Ice Drink
What's a Granizado?
Granizados remind me of snow cones from the states except these icy treats have a sweet twist.
They are served from carts along the sandy beaches and busy streets of Central America. We often treat ourselves to these delicious treats while enjoying a beautiful Costa Rica sunset.
We love watching the locals use a big block of ice as they run up and down what looks like a giant cheese grater. Turning the ice into a snow cone texture. They take the ice and put it into a container adding flavored syrup over the top much like a snow cone but that's not all, now here comes the sweet treat. Adding Pinito Leche (Powder Milk) and sweetened condensed milk also know as Leche Condensada, creates a perfect sweet icy treat.Black Beans with Thyme – Electric Pressure CookerBy Nikki PageBlack beans are a staple in the Costa Rican diet. You will find black beans as a side of some casados and breakfast plates as an alternative to red beans. They can also be used in place of red beans for pico de gallo, a signature dish of Costa Rica. Black beans that have been refried (read more...)Granadilla – Passion FruitBy Nikki PageGranadilla - Passion Fruit is a very common fruit you can find throughout Costa Rica. There are two varieties of passion fruit: the granadilla and the maracuyá. The difference between them is kind of like that of red and green apples; however, passion fruit tastes nothing like apples. (read more...)Maracuyá – Passion FruitBy Nikki PageMaracuyá - Passion Fruit is a very common fruit you can find throughout Costa Rica. There are two varieties of passion fruit: the granadilla and the maracuyá. The difference between them is kind of like that of red and green apples; however, passion fruit tastes nothing like apples. (read more...)Watermelon – SandiaBy Steve PageIt is composed of approximately 92% water, and is a good source of Vitamin A, C, and B6. You can find it throughout Central America and can be bought in most stores year-round in Costa Rica. We love to buy watermelon - sandia from fruit stands and the back of local farmers’ trucks and (read more...)