More About Chef Nate:
Former Chef: The Top Grill, Guaynabo PR
Now residing and working in Washington DC.
Recipe developer
Cooking instructor
Phone Contact: 800-977-1224
Email: chefnate@chefsline.com
Tell us about your experience as a chef in Puerto Rico.
Nate: "The easiest and most exciting ingredient I was introduced to in Puerto Rico is apio because of its true versatility. Fried, sautéed, baked, steamed, pureed, soup or salad, apio is a wonderful ingredient for so many dishes. And, according to many Puerto Ricans, apio can make you a little sleepy—so it makes the perfect ingredient to give to the kids for dinner, ensuring a relaxing evening for mom and dad!"
What's your approach to cooking?
Ingredient oriented cooking. I love to focus on the best quality ingredients, always the freshest or most current, but sometimes it can be the most underused, misunderstood or rare ingredients, bringing them to light in flavorful dishes that combine French technique and American restaurant flair. I like smaller gatherings of 6-15 people where everyone can contribute in the cooking process. The food, the atmosphere and the experience in cooking gives everyone a chance to really connect and enjoy the entire meal, from the cocktails to the coffee.
Are these at their peak now? How can I prepare them?
Nate: "If you've never tried guanabana you should now because it's a perfect fruit for drinking in the summertime. You know when you're looking for that perfect juice… one that isn't too sweet, too sour, too tart, just a perfect juice to satisfy your craving for an ice cold thirst quencher… well guanabana is it." All of Chef Nate's recipes can be found on www.chefsline.com and are available for reprint.
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Why These Puerto Rican Fruits and Vegetables are Going to Rock Your Summer
Just look at these photos! This is the year to try your hand and tastebuds at preparing some truly unusual and exciting new ingredients. I am available by phone on ChefsLine - just schedule an appointment with me to discuss these ingredients, or create a Caribbean Party Menu just for you.My favorites? Guanabana - it's the perfect sorbet or drink ingredient for the sweet side. And apio covers all the bases that a starchy flavorful ingredient can on the savory side. With both ingredients, the possibilities are limitless. I've made french fries from apio, did gratins, purees, soups, "tostones", and with the guanabana I've developed incredible cheesecakes and sorbets. It's so easy to take Puerto Rican cuisine a step further with these ingredients—I'm looking forward to preparing some pastry cream and cupcakes with guanabana icing this summer. The sorbet recipe I've included here is super easy to prepare—it's a 1-2-3 recipe.
I really hope I can consult with some of you so you can put these awesome ingredients into your personal cooking repertoire or recipe box. Not only will we be preserving knowledge about these funny looking fruits and vegetables but I know your guests and family will love your Caribbean dishes.
Photos |
Go to Recipes |
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Breadfruit |
Caimito |
 Mamey Sapote |
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| Mamey Shake | |
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Pomarosa |
Guanabana |
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Apio |
Where to Buy
Puerto Rican fruits and vegetables are available in most parts of the US. Guanabana puree is available to consumers and the trade from Perfect Puree of Napa Valley, www.perfectpuree.com. Look for whole fruits and vegetables at Whole Food Markets and in stores carrying Melissa's products which are also available direct online at www.melissas.com (be sure to check out their exotic fruit club!)Guanabana Sorbet - Recipe Link
Apio Cream Soup - Recipe Link
Mamey Milkshake - Recipe Link
