Blog Nueva Cocina

Gluten Free Guidance from Expert Kim Bouldin

Posted on by in Gluten-free and Vegetarian Recipes | Tagged , , , , , , , , ,

Our focus on Celiac Awareness Month continues this month by exploring the journey of gluten-free blogger Kim Bouldin, who was diagnosed with Celiac disease in 2006.  This mom and avid runner has made it her mission to embrace nutrition in a gluten-free world, exploring options that run the gamut from “made from scratch” to sampling and reviewing gluten-free prepared foods to see if they measure up in taste, quality and texture.

How has eating a gluten-free diet changed your life?

Before I was diagnosed with Celiac disease I felt bloated all of the time.  I often had painful cramps and had to lie down to make them go away.  By removing gluten from my diet, I am healthier now than I have ever been.   I focus on eating foods that are good for me and fuel my body to live my life!

What is your biggest frustration with gluten-free products?  

When I began eating gluten-free 6 years ago, it was difficult to find a variety of foods that tasted good and had an appealing texture.  Over the last few years, food products that cater to gluten-free diets have greatly improved.  There is rarely a time when I can’t find a substitute for something I am making and I no longer feel like I am settling.  Gluten-free can taste good!!

What are some tips you have for eating gluten-free?  

Start simple.  The easiest way to begin a gluten-free diet is to eat whole, unprocessed foods like produce, lean meats, rice or quinoa, eggs and milk.  Additionally, products like those made by Nueva Cocina, which are clearly labeled and from a reputable source, are great for those just starting out on the diet or those who have been on it for years.  Also, don’t be afraid to try new flavor profiles or food products.  You may be surprised at how tasty and delicious your journey into gluten-free can be.

Using Kim’s advice, here is a very simple recipe for seafood stuffed mushrooms that will awaken your appetite and bring fantastic flavor to your family and friends:

Gluten-Free Stuffed Seafood Mushrooms

1 Box of Nueva Cocina Seafood Rice Mix

1 lb. of seafood (for the best results, use calamari, crab meat or shrimp)

4 large Portobello Mushrooms (or an 8 oz. package of medium Portobello mushrooms)

1 cup olive oil

Lemons or Cheese (optional)

Follow the cooking directions on the box of Nueva Cocina Seafood Rice.  When the rice has cooked for about 20 minutes, add in the seafood.

While the rice/seafood is cooking, clean the mushrooms by taking out the stem and removing the guts of the mushroom.  Rub olive oil on both the inside and outside of the mushrooms.  Once rice mixture is cooked, remove from heat and let cool about 10 minutes.   Take the rice mixture and stuff the mushrooms.  If desired, sprinkle cheese on top.  Bake at 350° for 20 minutes.  If desired, squeeze lemon on top to taste.

Read Kim’s blog Gluten-free is Life and follow her on Gluten-free is Life on Facebook and Gluten-free is Life on Twitter

Don’t forget, throughout May, Nueva Cocina  is offering a 20% discount off of our Gluten-free Variety Pack, which features two each of our gluten-free rice mixes, soups and seasonings.  Click here http://www.nuevacocina.com/store/2386/Gluten-Free-Pack.aspx and enter in the code NOGLUTEN when purchasing.

Also, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

Awareness can be ‘Delicioso’
Nueva Cocina Supports Celiac Awareness Month

Posted on by in Contests and Promotions, Gluten-free and Vegetarian Recipes | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , ,

What is one of the most common chronic health disorders in western countries and affects approximately 3 million Americans?  It’s Celiac disease, also known as gluten intolerance, a genetic disorder with symptoms from mild weakness and bone pain, to chronic diarrhea, abdominal bloating, and progressive weight loss. Those affected suffer these symptoms when they eat specific food-grain antigens that are found in wheat, rye, and barley; and the only treatment for celiac disease is a lifelong gluten-free diet.

Although it impacts 1 in 333 Americans, Celiac’s is also one of the most under-diagnosed diseases. In fact, until recently, medical schools taught that it was relatively rare and only affected about 1 in 2,500 people.  Even today, only one in 4,700 people are ever diagnosed.  With May being Celiac Awareness month, we wanted to take you on a culinary adventure by showing you that eating gluten-free due to Celiac’s Disease or other food allergies, can be delicious with Nueva Cocina.

One of the most common misconceptions about gluten-free foods is that they taste bad or bland and have a strange consistency.  Nueva Cocina founders Celeste De Armas (who is gluten sensitive) and Corina Mascaro set out change this perception.

“From the very beginning, our intention was to create a line of products that we would want to eat ourselves, and feel good about serving to our family and friends.  We knew that there was nothing available in the Latin food category that was 100% natural, met the gluten-free dietary needs of millions of people, and at the same time, tasted amazing.”

Throughout May, Nueva Cocina will feature recipes that tantalize your taste buds and take eating gluten free from drab to ‘delicioso.’   The recipe below for Coconut Raisin Rice Parfait is a sweet start to your tasty trip into gluten-free cooking.  Who says you can’t start with dessert?

We’re also putting our money where our mouth is too by offering a 20% discount off of our Gluten-free Variety Pack, which features two each of our gluten-free rice mixes, soups and seasonings.  Click here and enter in the code NOGLUTEN when purchasing.

Don’t forget to like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

Coconut Raisin Rice Parfait

 1 box of Nueva Cocina Coconut Raisin Rice

1 Cup of unsweetened coconut milk

1 Cup of cream of coconut

1 tablespoon of butter

1 tub of gluten-free pudding (you can also cook the instant kind)

Whipped cream (you can use Cool Whip or make your own with heavy whipping cream)

Follow the directions on the Nueva Cocina box to cook the Coconut Raisin Rice.  Once cooked, add 1 cup of cream of coconut, 1 cup of the unsweeted coconut milk and 1 tablespoon of butter.  Cook on low heat until liquid is absorbed and rice has a thick and creamy consistency, approximately 20 minutes.  Remove from heat and refrigerate covered for at least an hour.  When ready to serve, spoon a layer of pudding into a wine glass, then add a layer of the rice mixture.  Continue to build your layers and top it off with whipped cream.  Garnish with toasted coconut and/or fruit of your choice.

 

Win Free Stuff For Telling Us What You Gave Up

Posted on by in Contests and Promotions, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Right now, Christians from around the world are in a period known as Lent, whereby observers commit to fasting or giving up something that they love until Easter. But it doesn’t matter if you are Catholic, Baptist, Jewish, Muslim, Agnostic or anything in between, everyone has given up something at some point in their life. So here at Nueva Cocina Foods, we started thinking, “What is the hardest thing you ever gave up and why?”

So whether you sacrificed something for religious reasons, health reasons, romantic reasons, or just because, we want to know. From now until Easter, tell us your tale in the comments section of the Nueva Cocina blog, email us at info@nuevacocina.com, post on the Nueva Cocina Facebook page, or tweet with the hashtag #IgaveItUp. Everyone who participates will receive one free Taco Fresco Seasoning packet. A grand prize winner will win a $150 American Express Gift Card and a year’s supply of Nueva Cocina. Three additional participants will be awarded Nueva Cocina Tool Kits, which contain a set of bamboo kitchen utensils and an array of product samples. Winners will be chosen at random, so the more times you enter, the better chance you have of winning

Latin American Wine 101

Posted on by in Sharing La Vida Deliciosa | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , ,

This weekend, foodies and industry icons will descend on the beaches of Miami for the annual South Beach Wine and Food Festival. Known as America’s most prestigious gourmet gathering, attendees are given the opportunity to sample delicious food and wine from around the world, including Latin America.

When most Americans think of wine, often they are drawn to labels from California, Italy or France. However, wine production is steadily increasing throughout Latin America and the popularity of wines from this region is booming. With weather that is perfect for growing wine grapes, the vineyards of Chile, Argentina and Mexico are producing some of the Latin America’s most popular varieties.

Chile, whose climate has been described as midway between that of California and France, has been producing wine for centuries, but mostly for its own people. Beginning in the late 1980s, the country began to invest in its wine industry and refine its winemaking process to produce a better quality product. As a result, Chile now produces wines that compete worldwide. The number of wineries has grown from 12 in 1995 to over 70 in 2005, and Chile is now the fifth largest exporter of wines in the world. Common grapes are Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Carmenère.

Argentina has always been a large volume producer, and recently has shifted its focus to less volume and more quality. Because of its high elevation, the country has an ideal climate for cultivating grapes. Due to these conditions, Argentine vineyards rarely face the problems of insects, fungi, molds and other, which allows cultivating with little or no pesticides, enabling organic wines to be easily produced. Common grapes include Malbec, Bonarda, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Tempranillo.

Despite Mexico’s Spanish heritage, it is not a wine-drinking country, but rather a beer and tequila country. In fact, average wine consumption per capita is only two glasses a year, since the Mexican government imposes taxes of 40% per bottle. However, things are changing. The country, whose climate is comparable to the wine regions of California, has been steadily improving its wine production. Although most wineries here are young, some experts are calling the Valley of Guadalupe area the “next Napa Valley.” This area produces Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlots, and Chardonnays.

So even if you are unable to attend this weekend’s festivities in Miami, we say have a Living La Vida DeliciosaTM moment by creating your own food festival. Buy a few bottles of Latin American wine you have never tried and pair them with some delicious recipes from the region.

 

Putting The Spice into Valentine’s Day

Posted on by in Contests and Promotions, Holidays and Special Occasion Recipes | Tagged , , , , , ,

Mole and Oyster Corn ChowderHoly habanero! We’re spicing things up this Valentine’s Day, and we need your help. From now, until February 14, Nueva Cocina is asking you for your top tiptospice up Valentine’s Day. Whether your advice is fun, romantic, quirky or even a little sexy (keep it PG,) you’ll receive a free packet of Nueva Cocina Chipotle Taco Seasoning. The grand prize winner gets some extra Latin love with a Nueva Cocina gift basket.So, pass on your passion to us by posting a comment below or on the Nueva Cocina Facebook page, or simply tweet with the hashtag #SpicyVdayTips.

To get things started, here are a few tips from us:

Pamper your partner by starting the day out with breakfast in bed or a morning massage.

Hide a love note in a spot that your partner will definitely find at some point during the day like a coat pocket, lunch bag or briefcase.

Ditch the drugstore chocolates and the crowded restaurants by showing your Valentine that you’re in the mood for love by cooking a fabulous feast right at home. We’ve created a 3-course Aphrodisiac-Themed Meal that tastes delicious, but is as easy as uno, dos, tres to cook!

Start with a creamy Nueva Oyster Corn Chowder that will wake up your taste buds with a combination of sweet, salty and spicy. Then, chocolate is not just for dessert … you and your date can feed each other fondue featuring Chocolate and Chipotle Mole Sauce with Chicken or Beef. Lastly, no “mushy” meal is complete without a chocolate dessert. Nueva Cocina’s Spicy Chocolate Chipotle Bark “heats” things up a bit with a unique flavor profile of Chocolate and Chile. Now that’s hot!

Add Some Spice to Your Spud … Not Weight to Your Waist

Posted on by in Healthy eating tips | Tagged , , , , , ,

Double Baked Picadillo PotatoDue to the popularity of low-carb diets several years ago, many think carbohydrates like pasta, rice and potatoes should be left off the grocery list if you are watching weight. Most health experts agree there’s no proof that high carb foods are more likely to make us gain weight than any other food. Ultimately, it’s too many calories that cause us to pack on the pounds – no matter where they come from. What really matters is how we make or what we add to the carbs that ups the calorie content, such as butter, cheese, cream sauces or frying rice.

Potatoes in particular have gotten a bad rap because they are high in starchy carbohydrates and low in protein. However, many dieticians describe the potato as a super food because it contains high amounts of vitamin and minerals, but it is low in fat. Equally important, potatoes are a good source for the energy you need to fuel all reactions in the body for movement, thinking, digestion and cellular renewal.

One medium plain potato has about 150 calories and 5 grams of fiber, so they are great for diets since they keep your stomach feeling fuller for a long time. So, it’s time to lift the ban on potatoes by preparing them in healthy way by boiling or baking and not frying. Here is a flavorful recipe from Nueva Cocina that adds some spice to your spud with low fat ingredients. It will fill up your stomach, but not your daily calorie count.

Double Baked Picadillo Potatoes

Ingredients

1 package of Nueva Cocina® Picadillo Seasoning

4 medium Idaho potatoes (or six small potatoes)

2 ½ tablespoons olive oil

½ teaspoon capers

½ cup water

4 tablespoons of Greek Yogurt

2 tablespoons of Ketchup

1 teaspoon of freshly minced parsley

Kosher Salt

Black Pepper

Preparation

Wash the potatoes clean. With a fork, make about 8 holes in each potato. Rub each with a little bit of olive oil and sprinkle with some Kosher salt.Bake the potatoes in a pre-heated 350o oven for one hour. Cool for about 10 minutes.

Make a slit in each potato and open them by squeezing just enough on both ends. Scoop out the inside of the potato and place in a bowl. Mash the potatoes in the bowl

In a medium saucepan, mix the contents of the Picadillo Seasoning, the capers and the water. Cook at low heat for 10 minutes or until all vegetables are tender. Add the mashed potatoes to the Picadillo mixture and stir to incorporate seasoning and the potato. Cook, stirring constantly, for about 5 more minutes. Set aside to cool.

Using the potato and Picadillo mixture, stuff the potatoes, sprinkle olive on each and put in the oven again at 325o F for about 10 minutes. Set aside to cool.

For some added zing, create a low-calorie sauce by mixing Greek yogurt with ketchup. Add a pinch of Kosher salt and black pepper (to taste), and top with parsley.

Serve warm. For more healthy recipes from Nueva Cocina, click here and here.

Nueva Cocina Picadillo Seasoning

Soup and Chili: A Dieter’s Secret Weapons

Posted on by in Healthy eating tips | Tagged , , , ,

Nueva Tortilla Chili con CarneBette Midler and Mariah have two things in common. The obvious is that they are both Grammy award-winning singers. However, did you know that eating a lot of soup helped both of these legendary vocalists lose weight? So what’s the secret to soup?

Soup is a fantastic appetite suppressant because it’s made up of a mostly of liquids, so it is considered a low energy density food. This means that, due to its high water content, soup takes up a lot of space in your stomach without providing a lot of calories. So, starting a meal with a broth-based soup helps keep you from eating in higher-calorie foods later on. In fact, studies show that that people who started lunch with soup ended up eating 20 percent less than those who skipped the soup.

But while soup can be a secret weapon to help prevent weight loss, not all soups are the same. For weight loss to occur, the soup should be relatively low in calories like broths, tomato-based soups and bean soups rather than cream soups, bisques and chowders. Or if you crave something a bit heartier, chili (without all of the fatty fixings) is the way to go.

In addition to filling you up, bean soup or chili made with a lean protein are high in fiber, a great source of vegetable protein, and offer long-lasting energy because of their complex carbohydrate content.

Here is a recipe for a flavorful low fat, low calorie chili. Paired with a salad for a meal, or eaten out of a mug as a snack, it delivers on its promise as a delicious dish for any diet plan.

Nueva Tortilla Chili con Carne

Ingredients

1 package Nueva Cocina® Tortilla Soup

1 lb. low-fat ground turkey

1 15-oz. can small red beans (also highly recommended: navy beans)

1 ½ cup frozen whole kernel corn

½ medium green bell pepper, diced

½ medium red bell pepper, diced

2 sprigs of green onions, finely chopped

3 sprigs of culantro (preferred) or cilantro, finely chopped

1 pinch of salt (optional)

1/3 teaspoon black pepper

Preparation

In a medium pot, prepare the Nueva Cocina® Tortilla Soup according to the instructions on the package. Add the corn, the red (or navy) beans, and the cilantro (or cilantro). Simmer.

In the meantime, in a medium saucepan, brown the low-fat ground turkey. Once almost completely brown, add the peppers, green onions, cilantro, salt and black pepper. Cook until done.

Pour the turkey mixture into the soup and stir. Cook for 7 minutes and serve.

Makes 4-6 servings.

What’s The Skinny on Rice?

Posted on by in Healthy eating tips | Tagged , , , ,

RICE SALAD WITH MEXICAN RICE Did you know that rice can be traced back to 2500 BC is the most eaten food on the planet? In fact, over three billion people consume rice on an everyday basis. In addition the infinite ways to enjoy rice, this food staple contains many nutrients such as protein, vitamins, minerals and dietary fiber, making every mouthful matter. Rice is low in fat, low in sodium and very low in harmful saturated fats and trans fatty acids, which are known to raise blood cholesterol levels. Continue reading “What’s The Skinny on Rice?” »

Healthy Hispanic Hints: Savor The Flavor

Posted on by in Healthy eating tips | Tagged , , , , ,

According to a recent survey conducted by popular search engine Bing, losing weight is the top New Year’s resolution for both men and women. It comes as no surprise, since some studies suggest that the average weight gain during the holidays is 5-7lbs, while other data indicates that people only gain 1 lb. Either way, January is a great time to evaluate the foods you are putting into your body and make the necessary changes to look and feel great. Continue reading “Healthy Hispanic Hints: Savor The Flavor” »

SAY BAH HUMBUG TO UNHEALTHY EATING…BE JOLLY WITH BLACK BEANS

Posted on by in Holidays and Special Occasion Recipes | Tagged , , , ,

As much as we love the preparations and celebrations of the holiday season, all of the hustle and bustle can take a physical toll on how we look and feel. We tend to ditch the healthy diet, and instead, use the season as an opportunity for over-indulgence.

It’s easy to understand why we “fall of the wagon” with our food choices in between Thanksgiving and New Year’s. Wherever you go, there is somebody offering you cookies and chocolate or a glass of good cheer. Or during your many trips to the mall, instead of eating beforehand, you have a feast at the food court. This dining-on-the-run, coupled with a scary schedule, increases your weight and decreases your energy levels. However, research shows that certain foods can help, such as a very beneficial bean, the Black Bean. Continue reading “SAY BAH HUMBUG TO UNHEALTHY EATING…BE JOLLY WITH BLACK BEANS” »