Bringing Back the Memories of Tropical Breezes and Mofongo
It’s so weird……..I can’t stop thinking about the awesome traditional Puerto Rican fare called mofongo. 
Pictured here, this somewhat sweeter flavored dish consists of mashed plantains and is then often times filled with lobster or shrimp or meat or vegetables. I had been warned, “You will either love it or hate it Boca Beth.”
I LOVE IT!!!! I feel like I am going through detox from not having it for three days now that I am home in Tampa, Florida. Anyone know where I can find some great, authentic Mofongo today?!?!?! ¡Ayudame por favor!
Here’s a recipe right off the web for those of you into the culinary skills. Me? I am just going searching, out into our diverse community. I know I will find some good mofongo soon!!!!!!!
Mofongo
(mashed fried plantains)
Serves: six adults
Preparation time: About thirty minutes. Ingredients:
3 or 4 green plantains, peeled and cut into 1/2 inch pieces
2 tablespoonfuls of ground garlic
1 tablespoonful of olive oil
4 slices of bacon
salt to taste
Procedure:
Sautee the bacon slices until most of the fat has melted. Add the salt, garlic and olive oil.
While the above step is going on, fry the plantain slices over medium to medium-high heat in a deep pan with your favorite frying oil.
Remove when the slices begin to turn crisp.
In a large mortar, mash the plantain slices with the pestle, a few at a time, adding the bacon and seasoning mixture gradually. The plantains should form a thick, hard mass.
OR: hollow each ball out in the middle and fill with any tasty dish in a sauce. Some favorites are shrimp (Mofongo Relleno de Camarones), lobster (Mofongo Relleno de Langosta) and stewed chicken (Mofongo Relleno de Pollo). Experiment with variations and email your favorites to us!
Recipes for the mofongo fillings:
Shrimp filling
Lobster filling
Chicken filling
Enjoy!
And…………did I mention I am missing those tropical breezes off the Atlantic Ocean? The same ones that also come down from the montañas/mountains of Puerto Rico? The temperature is basically the same here in Tampa as it was there in Rio Grande - the HUGE/GRANDE difference is the humidity here is so high and we have no constant breeze that provides relief just when you think you have reached your max!
Ahhhhh….I so miss the palms blowing every moment, the water swishing up on shore, the sound of the children laughing as they go down the water slide in the resort’s pool….it truly was a vacation! Relaxing, refreshing and full of quality time for and with my family. Just how my mom would have wanted it…… For those of you who know me well know my mom passed on to the Lord only three months ago and left us four children just a little money. I used mine in a way I knew Mom would have wanted to see me use it. On quality time with my family whom she loved so much.
Thank you Mom. I miss you so much and hold close to my heart the memories of you every day.
With love and gratitude for helping make me the woman I am today - your ‘baby girl’ - Beth
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