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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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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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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