A dazzling new international cookbook with 132 recipes from the bestselling author of the award-winning book, Amalia’s Guatemalan Kitchen

new international cookbook Amalia's Kitchen

“This book oozes tradition and authenticity with updated twists.” —Chef Gale Gand, author, teacher, TV personality In the highly anticipated sequel to her first Central American cookbook, Amalia Moreno-Damgaard goes beyond borders to explore modern takes on ancient Latin American recipes. Mesoamerica —or Middle America —has a rich history dating back to the Olmec, Maya and Aztec empires, and early […]

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CHIRMOL without boundaries – Amalia’s Kitchen

Chirmol-Amalia´s Kitchen

When you are in Guatemala, you are bound to hear the word “chirmol” used in various contexts, be it culinary or cultural. A group of friends can be chirmoleando or gossiping about something or someone. Chirmol can also refer to a mess or a mix-up, and a chirmolero(a) can be someone who likes to stir up trouble. And chirmol is […]

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Frescos – Amalia’s Kitchen

Amalia´s Kitchen - FRESCOS

Sodas could never take the place of a delicious fresco. They are chilled and served alone or over ice. Fresco in Guatemala is not the art of painting on wet plaster, but the art of making a wholesome fresh drink. Fresco in Spanish means fresh. Guatemalans accompany everyday meals with refreshing and wholesome fresh fruit drinks or roasted seed-based drinks. […]

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Vino y Cocina – Amalia’s Kitchen

Vino y Cocina Amalia´s Kitchen

Vino y Cocina with a recipe for a Guatemalan Tamarind Martini by Guatemalan Chef Amalia Moreno-Damgaard Despite the Spanish influence, wine has not been a popular drink in Guatemala. In the last few years, however, in connection with the foodie revolution, wine culture is developing among Guatemalans. From vinotecas (wine-tasting houses) and wine aficionados to a winery in La Antigua, […]

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Amalia’s Kitchen ¡Viva la Tortilla!

Amalia's Kitchen ¡Viva la Tortilla!

A great way to enhance any menu is to include the versatile and delicious tortilla. The corn tortilla dates back to pre-Columbian times and continues to make culinary history as it passes from generation to generation. As the “bread” of the southern region of North America (Mexico, Guatemala, and other Central American countries), it is a unifying force that feeds […]

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Traditional Guatemalan Food, what and when to them, Recipes included

Traditional Guatemalan Food

Guatemala has an extraordinary culinary tradition as it brings together a mixture of Spanish and Maya cultures. Dishes are elaborated with complex recipes and ingredients — some are prepared days in advance. Guatemalan cuisine has also its own protocol, some dishes are served only once a year, some others can’t miss a Sunday or a family party, and some are […]

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Latino diversity is beyond skin deep

Latino diversity is beyond skin deep

Hispanic Heritage Month in the United States is celebrated each year from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15. This is an opportunity to highlight and commemorate the contributions that American Latinos have made to the country throughout history. As the Latino demographic has grown to nearly 18 percent ($57 million) of the entire population, the movement toward making diversity a priority […]

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What is plant-based Food?

What is plant-based Food?

There is a trend that started some time ago which has picked up speed and is projected to continue to grow in the coming years. Plant-based foods is nothing new, however, dietary concerns, personal preferences, cultural traditions, financial gain, and even the environment are in great part fueling this growth. People with food allergies, sensitivity, intolerances, and personal preferences have […]

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SIMPLICITY & Freshness – Amalia’s Kitchen

SIMPLICITY & Freshness Amalia's Kitchen

“Vegetables and fruits are the stars of the Guatemalan side dish, as they are accesible, affordable, and of high quality” Guatemalans enjoy cooking and eating the wide array of fresh fruits and vegetables that are available at the mercados abiertos, or open markets. Many families go to the markets once a week, while others go once a day to get […]

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Churrasco a good Guatemalan BBQ for Father’s Day

Churrasco A Good Guatemalan BBQ for Father’s Day

Summertime calls for outdoor cooking and delicious food and what a better way to celebrate Father’s Day than with a scrumptious Guatemalan churrasco (BBQ). A good churrasco or parrillada can be as simple as grilling various types of meat paired with a few sides; however, a Guatemalan churrasco always comes with chirmol (charred tomato and mint salsa). A typical churrasco […]

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On Mother’s Day Sharing is Caring

On Mother's Day Sharing is Caring

Mother’s Day in Guatemala and a few other Central American countries is always on May 10 as opposed to different days in other countries. It is an ancient Christian celebration also celebrated by the Greeks and Romans. In modern times, this day celebrates all women who have played the role of a nurturing and good role model for any child […]

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Paying It Forward by Chef Amalia Moreno-Damgaard

Paying It Forward by Chef Amalia Moreno-Damgaard

As the Lent season nears, I reflect on past, present, and current times. Lent is indeed an occasion for reflection and prayer and for refocusing ourselves to our purpose. I have always felt a strong calling to help and support others, whether it is through teaching about food culture and healthy eating and sharing my story to inspire other entrepreneurs, […]

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A Weakness for Chocolate

A Weakness for Chocolate

I don’t have a sweet tooth per se, but I must admit that I have a weakness for chocolate because it’s not only delicious, it’s nutritious, too. And, it just may be the perfect treat for Valentine’s. Chocolate has boundless possibilities in the kitchen, and recently I developed something new and unique for a special presentation during Valentine’s week in […]

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Holiday Pie with a Guatemalan Twist

Holiday pie With a Guatemalan Twist

“I like to recreate traditional dishes and give them a Twist of the season, which by the way -have you ever eaten a slice of mole pumpkin pie?” As the holidays approach it’s time to start thinking about family and office gatherings. Perhaps the first things that come to mind are food and drink, and of course, the venue. When […]

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INTERVIEW Michelle B. Sultan, La Botica Verde

INTERVIEW Michelle B. Sultan La Botica Verde

Michelle B. Sultan – La Botica Verde On a characteristically sunny day in La Antigua Guatemala I sat down with Michelle B. Sultan, the founder of La Botica Verde to discuss her plans for the company. As we sat at her office in Panorama sipping some delicious organic coffee, I could feel her excitement and energy – and caffeine was […]

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Guatemalan Kitchen Camaraderie

Guatemalan kitchen camaraderie

Guatemalan kitchen camaraderie with “mucho sabor” and comfort Perhaps one of the best ways to bond with anyone is in the kitchen. After all, this is a place where people gather to create delicious masterpieces and share experiences. I was invited once again to present at the World of the Latino Cuisine in New Jersey recently. This is an annual […]

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Guatemalan Gluten-Free Cuisine

Guatemalan Gluten-Free Cuisine

Prior to the arrival of the Spaniards, Latin cuisine was, for the most part, all gluten-free. This is still true to this day. As a professional chef, I routinely customize menus to the dietary needs and tastes of family, friends, and clients. As a Guatemalan, this comes easily to me. “Celiac disease is a serious autoimmune disorder that can occur […]

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Africa – The other side of Latin Cuisine?

The similarity between the cuisine of eastern Africa to that of Latin America. Traveling is perhaps one of the best ways to rediscover ourselves and our own cultures. During a recent trip to Tanzania and Kenya, I expected fantastic wildlife and outstanding scenery, but an unexpected surprise was to experience the similarity between the cuisine of eastern Africa to that […]

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Cuban Gastronomic Delights

Cuba's Gastronomic Delights

The Cuba that you may not know. Perhaps what most people associate with Cuba is communism, the embargo, or that it is an off-limits place for Americans, yet tourism is booming with visitors from Canada, Europe, Asia and elsewhere. Old Havana is beautiful. The food is delicious. There’s live music everywhere and the music is hot! and the music is hot. […]

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Amalia’s Kitchen – Eating Healthier, Calories are not created equal

Amalia's Kitchen

Calories are not created equal.  Eating healthier the old-fashioned way in Latin America was the way of our grandmothers, mothers, aunts and home cooks, who were not nutritionists or calorie freaks, but wise women with much common sense in the kitchen. This is the way I grew up, shopping at the mercado with my abuela (grandma) for fresh ingredients and […]

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Eating Healthier to Prevent a 21st Century Epidemic – Amalia’s Kitchen

Eating healthy to prevent A 21st Century Epidemic

Type 2 diabetes is a 21st century epidemic – the one that can be prevented through healthy eating education. Growing up in Guatemala taught me good eating habits for life. After all, fruits and vegetables, plentiful and wide-ranging, grow naturally in fertile soil under the Guatemalan sun. Home- cooked meals are inherently balanced, containing plenty of locally grown crops. Having […]

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Guatemalan Hospitality at its Best

Every time I visit Guatemala I rediscover the magic of its people. As I write this article, I find myself surrounded by spring-like weather and mesmerizing scenery in La Antigua Guatemala. As Lent approaches, I have been carefully observing the preparations for the big celebration, from the specially decorated floats and devoted volunteers signing up to carry them, to the […]

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Amalia’s Kitchen – A Latin Culinary Romance

Amalia's Kitchen

My curiosity and love of food have often taken me to new and exciting places. This winter, I traveled to South America and the Caribbean. I tasted familiar and different dishes worthy of celebrating. February marks the right time, wherever you may be, to rejoice on delicious cuisine with friends, family or that special someone. While in Buenos Aires, Argentina, […]

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The Perfect Holiday Turkey

The Perfect Holiday Turkey

Turkey is quite possibly the most delicious main dish of the holiday kitchen. In the United States, it is consumed year-round in sandwiches and other preparations and it reaches a higher status at the Thanksgiving table. In Guatemala, turkey is the key ingredient of Kack Ik, a Mayan stew from the region of Coban, and of festive meals during the […]

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Falling for Squash in Guatemala

Falling for Squash in Guatemala

I grew up eating squash in Guatemala and learned to appreciate the local varieties because they are part of many preparations, from soups and stews to candied styles. Cooking with squash is easy, as the fruit lends itself to many preparations from savory and sour, to sweet. Squash is available year-round in the U.S., but I love fall harvest season […]

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Ayurvedically Speaking, following an Ayurvedic diet in Guatemala

Aryuvedically Speaking

Ayurvedically  Speaking, you are what you digest. Following an Ayurvedic diet in Guatemala is so easy! The markets are brimming with beautiful produce, farm-fresh milk and butter are still available, and for locals, lunch is the biggest meal of the day. Though Ayurveda, the 5,000+-year-old traditional approach to health and wellness was established in India, this does not mean eating […]

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Kaq’ik

kaq'ik

Kaq’ik is a spicy Guatemalan Turkey Soup. In the predominantly Kekchi-speaking Maya municipality of Cobán, Alta Verapaz, I recently had the very good fortune of experiencing some of Guatemala’s most ancient and traditional food dishes. One of these dishes, Kaq’ik, is a savory and spicy red broth made from puréed tomatoes, tomatillos, lots of natural herbs and chilies that are […]

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AMALIA’S KITCHEN – Guatemalan Cuisine

text & photos by chef and author Amalia Moreno-Damgaard. (AmaliaLLC.com) The Joy of Fiambre Many Latin countries celebrate the Day of the Dead — and in Guatemala, it is taken to the next level. Friends and families in Guatemala come together every year to prepare and eat fiambre on Nov. 1, All Saints Day (Day of the Dead). Fiambre is an […]

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Celebrating Latin Heritage: Amalia’s Kitchen

Latin Heritage

Sept. 15 marked the beginning of a month-long celebration of Latin culture in the United States – and what a great way to commemorate it with healthy, delicious cuisine. In this article we are celebrating Latin heritage with a recipe for Spicy Seafood Pasta. The weeklong observation began in 1968 by mandate of President Lyndon Johnson, and President Ronald Reagan […]

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Chapin Cookout

Chapin Cookout

Amalia’s Kitchen. A Fun Way to entertain Guatemalan style. It sure is that time of year in the United States when family and friends gather to enjoy the warm weather months cooking outdoors. In Guatemala, thankfully, this happens all year long! In Guatemala, a cookout is called a churrasco, and like the English word barbecue, it can refer to either grilled […]

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