Vegan Coquito

I decided this year I wanted to enjoy a glass or two of coquito without fear of consequences. Since only two ingredients in coquito are nonvegan (the sweetened condensed milk and the evaporated milk) I figured it wouldn't be too hard adjusting my original recipe. I began doing some research and found this quick and simple recipe for vegan sweetened condensed milk. I use coconut sugar because I wanted to get the maximum coconut flavor possible but you can use any sugar of your choice. I also used oat milk because it's what I normally buy when I go grocery shopping but you can use any unsweetened plant-based milk.

Creative CrucianDecember 24, 2020Drinks, Coquito, Tradition, Beverage, Food, Christmas, veganComment

Coquito

Crucian culture is filled with deep, rich traditions; many of them involving food. As a Virgin Islander living stateside, I find comfort in knowing that when I am feeling homesick I can recreate a little piece of home. My favorite traditions tend to involve celebrations that center around spending time with family and friends. Ask any Virgin Islander what drinks remind them of Christmas time and you will be sure to hear "coquito" on their list. Coquito is defined as "a Puerto Rican beverage that is typically made with rum, sweetened condensed milk, coconut milk, coconut cream, and often additional spices and that is traditionally consumed during the Christmas season". While not traditionally from the USVI coquito has become a Christmas staple throughout the islands. If you've never had coquito before think of it as the eggnog of the Caribbean. This makes it perfect for the holiday season.

Creative CrucianNovember 15, 2019Drinks, Coquito, Tradition, Beverage, Food, Christmas Comment

Caribbean Inspired Chicken Soup

The following recipe is inspired by my mom’s chicken soup that she would make for my brothers and I growing up. I probably get my love of cooking from her and my grandmother as they are both AMAZING cooks. I have adjusted this recipe based on my taste and culinary experiences throughout the years. For example, I don’t recall my mother adding lime juice to her soup but I am a huge fan of Asian cuisine and have noticed how they incorporate sour flavors into their soups. It just adds a little something extra that I think makes this soup that much better.

Ramblings of a Creative Crucian

Ramblings of a
Creative Crucian