November 30th, 2010

Aileen’s Pasteles, Puerto Rican Food, Pasteles, Empanadillas, Turnovers, Alcapurrias, Flan, Coquito, Puerto Rican Eggnog, Deerfield Beach, Florida, South Florida

“Si me dan pasteles,

denmelos calientes,

que pasteles frios empachan la gente, Si me

dan arroz

no me den cuchara,

que mama me dijo

que me lo llevara”

Some of you know exactly what I am talking about.  Others, well you are about to find out.

My grandmother used to make the best “pasteles” at Christmas time.  They are part of the traditional Puerto Rican delicacies at this time of the year.  Along with aguinaldos, the parrandas or carolings, blood sausages and many other indigenous foods of the Island, pasteles are a must in every Puerto Rican household.  There are so many recipes; some people make them plain; others put raisins, olives, chickpeas, etc.  It is an all day cooking “ordeal”.

There were times my grandmother used to send them to me to the states overnight.  I have never tasted any like hers.  Everything so fresh and meticulously prepared, following the traditional “comida criolla” style.

About a year ago I met 2 of my childhood friends in Miami.  They also took me to get Puerto Rican pasteles.  I don’t know how I could possibly want to make them myself.

Upon returning to Delaware I decided I was going to tackle a few of the pasteles.  Well,  it was sort of a disaster because, of course, I don’t have a banana leaf in sight, and the day I went to get the ingredients, my good old trusted supermarket, did not have a lot of what I needed.  Well, I did not despair and still made them.  And, you know what?  Even though they looked pretty ugly, the taste was very good.

A few weeks ago I reconnected with another childhood friend, Aileen, on Facebook.  Then I saw a notice to her Facebook “friends”, mentioning that once again she was going to be making pasteles this year.  Well, I just immediatedly contacted her.  She is located in the town of Deerfield Beach, Florida, south of Delray Beach, about 15 minutes away.

What a surprise!! She has more than pasteles.  I will give you her information.  Her name is Aileen.  Her tel. is 239-839-6535.  You may also contact her by e-mail at Aileenpasteles@aol.com.   She will be glad to send you her menu through e-mail.

Pasteles  (minimum order 1/2 dozen)

Masa with pork or chicken     $36/dz

Yuca with pork or chicken  $36/dz

Arroz con Gandules Pastel    $42/dz  (I have never have these ones)

Empanadillas or Turnovers

Beef or Chicken   $15/dz

Party Platters for 8-12 people (60 empanadillas)   $48

Guava and Cream Cheese   $9/dz

Party Platters for 8 – 12 people (60 empanadillas) $32

Spinach, Mushroom and Swiss Cheese   $15/dz

Combination Platter (20 beef, 20 chicken, 20 Guava and cream cheese)

Seafood Fillings: (special order) Shrimp, crab, lobster, etc.  Please call for price.

Alcapurrias (frozen)

Masa or Yuca (beef, chicken or pork)   $18/dz

Seafood (special order) Call for price

Soup

Butter Squash/Carrot   $3/person/bowl

With heavy cream and creme fraiche  $1.50/person/cup

Flanes (The ever present Puerto Rican custard)  (small, medium, large, extra large)

Milks/Eggs/Vanilla    

Espresso Coffee

Cream Cheese & Coconut Milk

Butter Squash and carrots

Espresso and chocolate

Guava and cream cheese

Coquito or Puerto Rican Eggnog

Brandy/Rum   $25 (750 ml) bottle

I thought some of you that live in Palm Beach County or nearby counties in Florida would want to know about Aileen’s pasteles. 

It is so funny that it seems that at this time of the year everyone of Puerto Rican descent wants to be a “jibaro”.  I hope you fill your freezer because as you well know the holidays in Puerto Rico start at the beginning of December and last until that last octavita.

And, for the ones that cannot be in La Isla Del Encanto during the holidays then there is Aileen’s Pasteles.

Talk to you later….have a good one.