Costa Rica has some wonderful tropical ingredients but I am not a chef. I first came to Costa Rica almost 20 years ago and since then we have had dozens of friends and family visit us in Casa Mariposa. I had to figure out what ingredients are available here and what meals would fool them into thinking that I’m a wonderful cook. Another challenge is that one of our daughters is not adventurous about what goes onto her plate.
Instead of cooking, I prefer to watch the pretty blue morpho butterflies who visit, or to enjoy happy hour on the deck - so everything I serve has to be easy to prepare. I’ve come a long way from frying potatoes with processed meat for our first meal in a treehouse, but I am still not a chef.
Our recipes need to include wonderful fresh tropical ingredients and
- the ability to prepare without electricity because sometimes we have electricity, sometimes not
- can be prepared using kitchen utensils found in a treehouse
- ingredients that don’t need refrigeration (sometimes we have a fridge, sometimes we have a cooler with ice, and a few times we’ve lived without either one)
- are quick. Interruptions often happen when a hummingbird visits or an agouti hops by.
- are simple.
- are tasty. We are in the jungle but we still expect to eat well.
Let me know what you think. Bon apetit!
Corinne
My favorite breakfast is to grab some 'just add water' pancake mix, and sub out about a third or a half of the water with smashed up bananas! Sooooo tasty and you don't even need syrup, or you can use honey. Last year i often made these and took the leftovers on a hike. They're just as yummy.
I've found that 2 smashed bananas are perfect with one package of mix. It calls for 1 cup of water but i only use about half. Enjoy!
One thing I've found very versatile are tortillas. One of my favorite things to whip up out here are quesadillas, which can have pretty much anything.
My go to is refried or smashed beans, onion, and cheese (if you have it) just as tasty without! Serve with some salsa or fresh tomato and avocado, throw in some jalapeño if you like. Can be done very quickly! Most (if not all) houses have at least a stove so this can be done easily.
If you cannot use your stove, simply throw in some fresh veggies of choice and wrap up your tortilla! Especially with the ingredients made available here, it's going to be delicious!
Looks delicious! Rob (God bless him) used to make something similar looking back in the day - they were super yummy and not heavy, perfect lunch for hot days!
What do you call yours and how do you make it?