I kind of fell in love with the idea of the Coquito – A Coconut Rum Cocktail, before I ever had my first sip of this cocktail concoction. Thinking back, I’m not even sure where I first heard about the creamy, frothy, coconut deliciousness laced with Rum and touched with cinnamon that is the Coquito. Def not when I was growing up in Iowa, lol! The Midwest weather, especially in Minnesota, where I live now isn’t traditionally considered to be too hospitable to people used to warmer climes – or even to us born here. The Coquito will make me forget all that, even though it’s January, now!

Pernil Classic Puerto Rican Pork Shoulder
If you’ve never had the Pernil Classic Puerto Rican Pork Shoulder, you’ve been missing out. It’s beyond fantastic – slowly roasted, garlicky, herby deliciousness, done when it’s just about falling off the bone tender.

Rice with a Puerto Rican Flair
I gotta admit that usually when I’m looking for a killer side, I’m thinking potatoes. What can I say? I’m from the North and have Irish roots – so maybe it’s genetic, lol! Sometimes rice just feels right, though, and it definitely did when I served Pernil, an herby, garlicky pork roast with Puerto Rican roots. Whoever guesses what recipe is coming next gets a prize…a free recipe for Pernil!