Healthy Living

Who’s ready for the Big Game this weekend? I know I am, but honestly, I’m more excited to dance it out to one of my all-time favorite artists during the halftime show. Fresh off a historic Grammy win for Album of the Year—the first Latin artist to take home the honor—the Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny is set to light up the halftime stage with his unbeatable rhythm. And the video teasers promise a full-on dance party.

As someone with Puerto Rican heritage on my dad’s side, this is a proud moment not only for my family but also for the millions of Latinos tuning into the game. While I do love classic game-day eats, this year I can think of no better way to celebrate than by making some Puerto Rican recipes. From tostones to mojitos, these nibbles are sure to fuel my halftime dance party!

01 of 09

Fresh Mint Mojito Cocktail

It’s not a Puerto Rican party without mojitos. Fresh mint and zesty lime combine to create a flavor base for this classic rum cocktail. I like to make mine with Puerto Rican white rum—a bartender in Río Grande once told me, a true mojito must be made with Bacardi!

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02 of 09

Mojito Mocktails

Be sure to whip up a batch of these mocktails as well, also known as “Nojitos.” Half my family abstains from alcohol, plus it’s a great option for the kids as well.

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03 of 09

3-Ingredient Guava & Cream Cheese Bites

My grandmother “Mama Sonia” loved to throw parties, and whenever she did, she always served a cheese board with guava paste and Manchego, a perfect pairing. If you’re short on time, do like Mama Sonia and serve the guava-and-cheese board; it’s always a hit. But if you have a little more time, make these easy puff pastry bites inspired by pastelillos, a Puerto Rican pastry you can find in all the local bakeries.

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04 of 09

Tostones with Mayo-Ketchup Dipping Sauce

Tostones, crispy smashed fried plantains, are a beloved treat in Puerto Rico and the rest of the Caribbean. For dipping, be sure to serve with pink sauce, a classic mayo-ketchup combo.

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05 of 09

Slow-Cooker Arroz con Pollo (Chicken & Rice)

For the main course, you can’t go wrong with this one-pot chicken dinner. Set it and forget it, then keep it warm in your slow cooker until it’s time to eat.

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06 of 09

Arroz con Habichuelas Guisadas (Puerto Rican-Inspired Rice with Stewed Beans)

For a vegetarian option, rice and beans is the way to go. Arroz con Habichuelas Guisadas is a classic Puerto Rican dish celebrated for its rich, comforting flavors. The beans are stewed in an aromatic broth that gets its flavor from recaito and herbs like culantro and cilantro. Serve with white rice to soak it all up.

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07 of 09

Mango & Avocado Salad

Avocado is the perfect foil for pairing with a bright and flavorful tropical fruit—and is an homage to my roots. My great grandfather was a grapefruit farmer in San Juan and my father grew up with mango trees in his backyard. Needless to say my grandfather “Papa Roger” was quite the connoisseur when it came to tropical fruit. There were always giant avocados, mango, papaya and other tropical fruit sitting on my grandparents’ kitchen counter. He always knew the exact minute something was ripe just by giving it a little squeeze.

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08 of 09

Piña Colada Nice Cream

Get all the tropical flavors you love in a piña colada in this creamy dessert. This ice cream alternative gets its sweetness from pineapple and coconut and is just as delicious with or without the optional rum. Either way, it's sure to put you in a beachy state of mind—not bad for a treat that takes just 10 minutes to whip up in your food processor.

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09 of 09

Caramel Cream Cheese Custard (Flan de Queso)

Mama Sonia was known for her flan, a creamy upside-down custard with a sticky caramel topping. This version is lightened up with reduced-fat cream cheese for a rich, comforting texture.

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