{"product_id":"cuban-soul-mika-leon-9781454999140","title":"Cuban Soul: 100 Vibrant Recipes from Mi Cocina","description":"\u003cb\u003eA Cuban cookbook from chef Mika Leon that offers 100 flavorful modern dishes influenced by tradition, resilience, and pure joy.\u003c\/b\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e Food has always been the heartbeat of chef Mika Leon's big, boisterous Cuban family. Her grandfather opened one of the first Cuban family-run restaurants in Valencia, Spain, after fleeing political instability in the 1970s. He later brought the family to Miami, where they ran a backyard cantina--Mika's introduction to the family business. These early experiences shaped her simple, humble cooking style, which she carried into her catering company, then a food truck, and eventually her restaurant, Caja Caliente. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e In \u003ci\u003eCuban Soul\u003c\/i\u003e, Mika shares her most cherished memories through Cuban homestyle recipes, perfect for infusing any meal with comforting and craveable Cuban flavors. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e Pass around crunchy, salty bites such as \u003cb\u003eEmpanadas de Carne (Beef Empanadas) \u003c\/b\u003estuffed with picadillo, ground beef cooked with tangy olives, capers, and raisins for a touch of sweetness. \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e Dig into toasty \u003cb\u003ePan con Bistec (Steak Sandwich)\u003c\/b\u003e, pan-fried steak tucked into soft \u003cb\u003ePan Cubano (Cuban Bread)\u003c\/b\u003e, with a chewy crumb thanks to lard in the dough. \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e Ladle a bowl of \u003cb\u003eCamarones Enchilados (Creole-Style Shrimp) \u003c\/b\u003eover fluffy \u003cb\u003eArroz Blanco Cubano (Cuban White Rice)\u003c\/b\u003e. \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e Squeeze plenty of lime over \u003cb\u003eVaca Frita (Crispy Shredded Beef)\u003c\/b\u003e, or use Mika's citrus marinade to transform \u003cb\u003eLechón Asado (Slow-Roasted Pork Shoulder)\u003c\/b\u003e. \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e Savor \u003cb\u003eArroz con Leche de Abuela (Grandma's Rice Pudding) \u003c\/b\u003eserved with a frothy \u003cb\u003eColada Cubana con Espumita (Cuban Colada with Foam) \u003c\/b\u003eor \u003cb\u003eCóctel de Ron (Cha Cha's Rum Cocktail)\u003c\/b\u003e, which will have you dancing salsa until 5 a.m. \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e Featuring lush photography and an exploration of Cuba's rich culinary history, this book brings all the flavors of Cuba's most beloved dishes--borrowed and blended from many Caribbean influences--into your own kitchen.","brand":"Union Square \u0026 Co","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50428120105153,"sku":"9781454999140","price":35.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0781\/5512\/0833\/files\/9781454999140.jpg?v=1784745643","url":"https:\/\/www.porchlightbooks.com\/products\/cuban-soul-mika-leon-9781454999140","provider":"Porchlight Book Company","version":"1.0","type":"link"}