Cocina Sierra

09/01/2026

We feasted today. 🥹❤️
Because the little things go by so quickly… the meals, the laughs, the moments around the table, and the memories we don’t realize we’re making until they’re already behind us.

So today, we slowed down. We ate good. We laughed. We enjoyed each other.

sometimes the little things are actually the big things. ❤️

08/30/2026

Growth doesn’t happen when everything is easy.
It happens when you’re tired, frustrated, overlooked, and still choose to keep going.

Every long shift.
Every mistake.
Every difficult day.
Every lesson.

It’s all part of becoming the chef you’re meant to be.

I’m not where I started, and I’m nowhere near where I’m going.

08/27/2026

Simple Pickled Red Onions 🧅

🧅 1 red onion, thinly sliced
🍎 ½ cup apple cider vinegar
💧 ½ cup water
🍬 1 tbsp sugar
🧂 1 tsp kosher salt

Method:
Bring vinegar, water, sugar, and salt to a simmer until dissolved. Place onions in a clean jar or container and pour the warm liquid over them. Cool, then refrigerate.

Let sit at least 30 minutes—a few hours is even better.

✨ tip: Add garlic, or red pepper flakes for extra flavor.

08/24/2026

08/17/2026

Throwback to when I harvested & prepared fresh hojas de plátano (banana leaves) for cooking.

🔥 A quick look at how I prep them:
• Harvest mature banana leaves
• Clean them really well
• Pass them carefully over a low flame to soften the leaves and make them pliable
• Trim away the tough center rib
• Cut into pieces and stack until ready to use

That little bit of heat makes ALL the difference. The leaves become soft, flexible and much easier to fold without tearing.
👇🏽
🛒 Chef tool I’m using: I linked it here if you want one →
https://a.co/d/0fIPsIsi

Honestly there’s something special about cooking with ingredients and techniques that connect us back to where we come from. From the tierra, to the hands, to the kitchen. 🇵🇷❤️

08/14/2026

Friday reminder: life doesn’t always have to be go, go, go. ❤️

Sometimes work-life balance looks like slowing down, making yourself a good lunch, enjoying your coffee, putting your phone down for a minute 😜, and just being.

I spend so much of my time taking care of everyone and everything around me that I’m learning to appreciate the little moments where I can take care of me, too.

So today, I’m slowing it down. Good food,nothing fancy. Good coffee. No rushing. ☕️🥑🥪

And because apparently relaxing also means adding things to my Amazon list 😂… I put together a few of my favorite gift ideas and little things that make everyday life a little better.

Happy Friday. Take the break. Enjoy the moment. You deserve it. ✨

08/13/2026

Get your appetizer game ready with Cocina Sierra! 🇵🇷✨

These homemade empanadas are made fresh, frozen and ready to cook whenever you are—perfect for game days, tailgates, parties, or just keeping something delicious on hand. 🔥

Stock your freezer now and be ready for kickoff! 🏈🥟

CocinaSierra.com All orders are for pick in the philadelphia area.
Homemade. Convenient. Made with love. ❤️

08/13/2026

Back to school reminds me of the time during the COVID shutdown when I got the chance to stay home and be his teacher.

Those days were challenging, but they also gave me memories.. I’ll always cherish. ❤️

So now, every time I see school supplies, they bring me so much joy. ✏️📚….

They remind me of the love, the memories, and just how far we’ve come. 🥹💛

08/12/2026

✨ Consistency over perfection. ✨

I love finding products that actually fit into my routine — especially when they’re affordable enough to keep using consistently. Because honestly, what good is a product if you can’t stick with it? 🤷🏽‍♀️

This has become one of those little things I genuinely enjoy using, and I wanted to share it with you. 💕

🛍️ Shop it here: https://amzn.to/4xCIvcl