cooking with Chris

04/25/2026

Get ready to taste the island in every bite 🇵🇷🔥
These Puerto Rican–style guava glazed sticky ribs are slow-cooked to perfection, then brushed with a rich, sweet-and-smoky guava glaze that caramelizes into that finger-licking finish you can’t resist. Juicy, tender, and packed with bold Boricua flavor—this is comfort food with island soul.

One bite… and you already know—this ain’t just ribs, this is a whole vibe.

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04/02/2026

just dropping some good desserts ideas for ya

03/06/2026

"They say you can’t see a memory, but when I close my eyes, I can see mine as clear as day.
I’m back in New Jersey, a kid in a kitchen filled with family and love. I can still hear the sizzle and smell the sofrito hitting the hot pan, marinating into the tomato sauce as the spices and flavors began to dance together. I remember watching the rice being built, the slow-roasting pernil, the chuletas, and that smoky aroma of pinchos hitting the grill. I can still see the beautiful, golden empanadas coming out of the oil.
Back then, I told myself that one day, I’d be in a kitchen of my own—even while I was chasing my other dream of becoming a firefighter.

Fast forward to 2024, and Cooking with Chris started as a small page. I just wanted to share those recipes here in West Tennessee, where the flavors of my island were hard to find. I never expected that every time I did a pop-up, this community would embrace me with such open arms.

But I didn't get here alone. To my family: You have been the backbone of every 'why' in my life. You are there by my side at every event—taking the orders, running the plates, and keeping me steady. You help me bring the love I felt in that Jersey kitchen to every person we serve.

This food isn't just a menu; it’s my ancestors' traditions passed down through my DNA. It’s a legacy that has stayed alive in my family’s blood from my childhood until now, and you can taste that history in every bite.
The hard work of prepping the new trailer starts today, but the heart behind it has been ready since I was that kid watching those pots simmer. Thank you for being part of this journey.
Con todo mi corazón,
Chris"

02/28/2026

12/14/2025

Although this is not a Puerto Rican dish, this is still a ridiculously awesome cold weather holiday drink any day of the week, kind of like homemade hot chocolate with marshmallows and sprinkles, candy cane and whipped topping recipe we dropping soon, it's gonna drive the kids in your house totally crazy lol

11/30/2025

.People always ask, “What can you make with leftover pernil?”
First of all… LEFTOVER pernil? Be serious. That’s a Christmas miracle all by itself.

But on the rare occasion the universe aligns and nobody raided the pot at 2 a.m., let me show you what I do:

I build the Pernil Sandwich of Champions — lettuce, tomato, homemade butter garlic sauce (because store-bought could never), a slice of cheese, and some sautéed peppers and onions for that “Chef Chris stepped into the chat” energy.

Then I throw some plantains on the plate, because plantains are basically therapy.
And if I’ve got a little baby scoop of pernil that didn’t fit on the sandwich?
Yeah… that gets sprinkled right on top of the plantains.
Call it a blessing. Call it a garnish. Call it Puerto Rican logic.

And don’t you dare forget the mayo-ketchup, both on the sandwich and on the plantains. Why?
Because we’re Puerto Rican — if you leave food plain, we take it personal.

Leftover pernil? Nah. This is next-day glory.

11/27/2025

🍁🦃 Cooking with Chris Wishes You a Happy Thanksgiving! 🦃🍁

From my kitchen to yours, I want to wish you and your family a beautiful, blessed, and flavor-filled Thanksgiving. Today is all about good food, good memories, and being grateful for the people who make life rich — just like our Puerto Rican dishes passed down through generations.

Thank you for supporting Cooking with Chris, for sharing your tables, your stories, and your love for tradition. May your day be full of warmth, laughter, and plenty of seconds (and thirds 😄).

¡Feliz Día de Acción de Gracias, mi gente!
May your home be filled with love… and your plate with arroz, pernil, y coquito. 🥘✨

11/22/2025

Oh nothing just here at the firehouse making dessert

11/19/2025

Full recipe

11/18/2025

💥 Alcapurria Chronicles: Episode 347 💥

Today I’ve been in the kitchen cooking up one of my third favorite grab-and-go foods — alcapurrias. And listen… every time I make these things, I’m hit with memories that are equal parts beautiful and embarrassing. 😂

From learning how to shape them (and somehow still not knowing 😅)…
To getting caught “taste-testing” way more than I was supposed to…
To watching the older generation make them with that magical wrist flick I STILL can’t master.

But that’s the heart of this dish — generations of love, laughter, a little chaos, and a lot of “ay bendito, nene, that’s not how you do it!” 🤣

Today I’m bringing those memories — and these alcapurrias — straight to YOUR kitchen.
So get ready, because this recipe is coming your way soon… and yes, I promise they taste better than they look when I shape them. 💛🔥