Recipes

Culinary Adventure in Costa Rica

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Intro:

This past April, I was invited to join My Retreat partner/entrepreneurial friend, Kara Zebrowski with Reshape Midlife to scout out potential retreat venues for her upcoming winter retreat in 2026. Kara offers Midlife women’s retreats in many stunning locations and she hired me to help create a wonderful and unforgettable experience through my love of cooking.

When I arrived to meet Kara, I was anxious to experience the local cuisine to add to my repertoire as a personal chef/retreat chef. I learned a lot and I am excited to share my treasured culinary finds with you!

Recipe Spotlight: Patacones

“A pata what?” This was our response when we first asked what these things were on our plate. Patacones are sliced green plantains, fried twice. They are an important staple at family gatherings in many Caribbean and Latin American Countries.

Below are photographs of my first attempt at making patacones. Here is my recipe, which is a lighter version of the traditional recipe:

Ingredients
  • 1 unripe or semi unripe plantain, sliced into 1 inch pieces
  • ¼ cup refined or unrefined coconut oil or avocado oil
  • a medium skillet
  • a tortilla press or plastic wrap and a flat meat mallet
  • fine sea salt for finishing
Instructions

1. Take each slice of plantain and either press it gently in a tortilla press or place between 2 pieces of plastic and lightly smash with a smooth sided meat mallet until the plantain looks more like a patty.

2. Heat your coconut oil in your skillet at medium high heat. Once the oil is hot, drop each pressed plantain patty into the pan. Sprinkle the tops with a pinch of salt. After 1 minute, flip the plantain and cook on the other side for another minute.

3. Eat plain or served with your favorite dip. I made mine an appetizer by topping them with mashed avocado, refried black beans and black garlic crema. The sky is the limit for toppings. They were so easy to make. I encourage you to give this a try and share your experience with me!

Put Some “Spice” In Your Life

Salsa Lisano

My new favorite hot sauce! This salsa is a staple ingredient in Costa Rica. They use it to marinate meats or throw in vegetable side dishes. It tastes good on everything! I made this sauce myself and it is even better homemade!

Check out the recipe!
If you are short on time or do not wish to make this from scratch, you can also order salsa Lisano on Amazon.
Order Here
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Favorite Costa Rican Fruit Finds

Granadilla
I didn't even know what I was eating. I just cracked it open and started eating the slimy goop inside. It tasted sweet with a tangy bite that resided in the seeds. Granadilla is a good source of vitamins A, C and K, potassium, calcium, iron and fiber. Locals use it for desserts and smoothies.
Limon Mandarina
This was the best citric fruit I have ever eaten. It looked like a lime on the outside, but had an orange hue on the inside. It tasted like a hybrid between an orange, lime and lemon. They used this citrus in our sugar can welcome cocktail as seen below:
Guarapo (sugar cane drink)
Pressed sugar cane juice topped with ice and lime or Limon Mandarina

A Breakfast For Champions

Traditional Costa Rican Breakfast (Desayuno Tipico)

Eggs with gallo pinto (staple beans and rice), fried plantains, corn tortillas, queso Freir, and a side of Salsa Lisano. Served with coffee, a smoothie, or fresh pressed juice.

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Looking for a Fun Loving & Well Seasoned Traveling Retreat/Vacation Home Chef?

Hire me!
I’ve been doing travel events for over 12 years now and I absolutely love meeting people, sharing stories, and spoiling everyone with my delicious food for all dietary needs! I can stay in your house, or I can bring my Camper van to stay in if the drive is 6 hours or less and you are tight on space!
Get In Touch Today!
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Incredible taste. Exceptional experience. Incredible taste. Exceptional experience. Incredible taste. Exceptional experience. Incredible taste. Exceptional experience.

Let’s make your next meal unforgettable!

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