Leah Rodrigues
My passion is food. I have studied culinary arts for the past 10 years, and have remained dedicated to food studies while I pursued a degree at UCLA. I earned a Bachelors of Arts in Spanish and Portuguese and Anthropology. My self study has given me background in culinary regions, international cuisine, trends in the food industry, chefs and cookbooks, and best of all−how to eat well. I attended the Professional Culinary Program at Westlake Culinary Institute where I learned proper food preparation techniques, and got an insiders’ view on the gourmet food world. I was awarded a Fulbright scholarship and have spent the last 9 months living in Spain, researching the Mediterranean diet and European culinary traditions. This has given me the opportunity to freelance for In Madrid, an English monthly publication. Also, I have spent time traveling to different European countries, documenting the different tastes and food culture of each place. I hope that my passion for food and cooking will inspire you to get into the kitchen and create. Read more on my blog at http://www.appetitedelight.blogspot.com/
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Posts by Leah Rodrigues
July 25, 2015
Summer is jam packed with pool parties, cookouts, camping and other fun-filled activities. My go-to cocktail for any of these events is a pitcher of margaritas. Not only are margaritas...
July 25, 2015
If you are fresh out of ideas for chicken, give this quick and easy green chile chicken enchilada casserole a try. Corn tortillas are layered with a creamy chicken mixture that is...
July 20, 2015
Dinner, Then Dessert has developed one of the most creative ways I have ever seen a banana split served - as a burger. This one-of-a-kind recipe takes all the elements of a classic burger and...
July 10, 2015
Cheesecake Factory made their mark by making incredibly rich and unique cheesecakes. While you can pick up dulce de leche cheesecake, Oreo cheesecake, pineapple upside down cheesecake, the...
July 9, 2015
There is something sentimental about the nostalgic combination of chocolate, graham cracker, and marshmallows. I have vivid memories of spending warm nights roasting marshmallows on sticks and...
July 8, 2015
If you are a sucker for strawberry shortcake, be prepared to be blown away by this delicious summer dessert. Grilled buttery pound cake is topped with a homemade roasted strawberry...
July 8, 2015
Cookies and cream brownies brings this classic American dessert to the next level. Homemade brownie batter is layered with a luxurious cream cheese filling that is studded with crushed sandwich...
July 7, 2015
Summer pudding is a classic British dessert that makes use of fresh summer fruits and stale white bread. A variety of berries (blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, strawberries) are...
July 7, 2015
Vegan spaghetti bolognese is a favorite Italian dish that is free from any and all animal products. This tomato sauce is made a little differently and if you are from the old country,...
July 7, 2015
Banana pudding is a nostalgic dessert and this summer version adds ice cream to the bowl. While no actual pudding is in this dessert, it still echoes known and loved flavors in the old standby...
July 6, 2015
When Pillsbury released their first box of Funfetti cake mix 25 years ago, they did not expect the fandom that would follow. This favorite culinary treat combines rainbow sprinkles with white...
July 4, 2015
No one can turn down a juicy bacon cheeseburger, especially when it is done right. These homemade bacon cheeseburgers are one of the best I have. The patties are mildly flavored with fresh...
July 3, 2015
If you are lucky enough to spend Father's Day with your dad (or someone who you consider to be a father figure), make him a meal he won't forget. These manly meals will not only impress...
July 3, 2015
We have all fallen victim to our sweet tooth. Sugar lures us with the promise of a square of velvety chocolate, a moist slice of freshly baked cake or a rich scoop of ice cream. Time and...
July 2, 2015
Yesterday, we shared Antonia Lofaso's recipe for an easy stars and stripes sundae for the 4th of July. This peaches and cream pound cake sundae is perfect for summer because it makes the most of...
July 2, 2015
Red, white and blue jello shots add an extra special touch to your 4th of July party. These hand-held desserts are easy to make and fun for everyone to eat. Red and blue Jello are...
July 2, 2015
No matter if you are celebrating Independence Day relaxing on the beach, by the pool or at the park, a fresh and tasty cocktail should be in hand. These fruity concoctions are made with a...
July 1, 2015
Every one has seen an American flag cake but what about an American flag pie? This seasonal treat sections the blackberries to a corner while the remainder of the pie shell is filled with...
July 1, 2015
If you are celebrating July 4th in the hot sun, then I suggest turning to ice cream for your Independence Day dessert. Whether you prefer to churn it yourself or eat store bought, nothing is as...
July 1, 2015
Celebrity chef Antonia Lofaso has partnered with Breyers ice cream to create tasty recipes using the ice cream. This easy stars and stripes sundae is one such creation. A festive...
June 30, 2015
Lobster rolls are a luxury. This simple sandwich is an example of pure decadence. Succulent chunks of lobster are mixed with chives, lemon juice and mayonnaise before it piled high into a...
June 30, 2015
One of the best things about traveling is coming home with recipes to share with friends and family. I spent a lovely week in New England visiting family, seeing historic landmarks and...
June 19, 2015
If steak sandwiches could kill, this recipe from The Wright Family Table would be a sniper. Thinly sliced beef chuck are just cooked until the meat forms a crust. It is served in a...
June 19, 2015
The most obvious way to enjoy top shelf whiskey is on the rocks on mixed in a cocktail. Whiskey can add exceptional flavor to a myriad of dishes from fried chicken to chocolate cake. ...
June 19, 2015
Whether your dad is a fan of seafood or you are looking to make a surf and turf meal, these grilled garlic shrimp make an amazing main dish for Father's Day. Succulent shrimp are marinated...
