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Spanglish: Recipes & Stories
A delicious tribute to Puerto Rican cuisine and culture, with more than sixty-five soulful recipes.
Growing up, Monti Carlo felt like she was perpetually bridging the gap between worlds—one foot on her home island of Puerto Rico, and the other in the heart of Houston, Texas. In the space between, as a self-taught chef and eventual TV host and James Beard Foundation advisor, she’s carved out a cuisine all her own, one that’s a testament to a life spent bridging two cultures. It’s a mosaic of borrowed words and flavors, a reflection of the bittersweet beauty of connecting two very different ways of life. It’s pure Spanglish.
Within these pages, Monti shares the dishes embodying that journey: continental American classics created with the bold flavors of Puerto Rico, a taste of two worlds merging on the same plate. There’s comfort food like her elementary school’s soupy chili with her Abuela Dora’s sweet and savory picadillo, golden bacalaíto-battered onion rings, and tangy tamarind roast chicken. There are nostalgia-laced Puerto Rican breakfasts like hearty sorullo waffles with pique honey and pastries like cinnamon rolls constructed with pillowy mallorca dough. There are not-so-traditional sides like floral hibiscus baked beans and crispy coconut rice. And there’s delectable, subtly sweet desserts like morir soñando no-bake cheesecake and passion fruit–curd stuffed mini cakes. There’s also a glossary of traditional Puerto Rican ingredients and where to source them, as well as recipes for traditional Puerto Rican bases like sofrito, sazón, and recaito.
With flavor and heart, this cookbook is more than just recipes. It’s a beautifully written reflection on Boricua identity and a testament to the healing power of food.
Growing up, Monti Carlo felt like she was perpetually bridging the gap between worlds—one foot on her home island of Puerto Rico, and the other in the heart of Houston, Texas. In the space between, as a self-taught chef and eventual TV host and James Beard Foundation advisor, she’s carved out a cuisine all her own, one that’s a testament to a life spent bridging two cultures. It’s a mosaic of borrowed words and flavors, a reflection of the bittersweet beauty of connecting two very different ways of life. It’s pure Spanglish.
Within these pages, Monti shares the dishes embodying that journey: continental American classics created with the bold flavors of Puerto Rico, a taste of two worlds merging on the same plate. There’s comfort food like her elementary school’s soupy chili with her Abuela Dora’s sweet and savory picadillo, golden bacalaíto-battered onion rings, and tangy tamarind roast chicken. There are nostalgia-laced Puerto Rican breakfasts like hearty sorullo waffles with pique honey and pastries like cinnamon rolls constructed with pillowy mallorca dough. There are not-so-traditional sides like floral hibiscus baked beans and crispy coconut rice. And there’s delectable, subtly sweet desserts like morir soñando no-bake cheesecake and passion fruit–curd stuffed mini cakes. There’s also a glossary of traditional Puerto Rican ingredients and where to source them, as well as recipes for traditional Puerto Rican bases like sofrito, sazón, and recaito.
With flavor and heart, this cookbook is more than just recipes. It’s a beautifully written reflection on Boricua identity and a testament to the healing power of food.
224 pages, Hardcover
Published May 19, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I was so excited to read this book! I have been following Monti on social media for a while now, and have loved everything on her page, this book is no different.
Monti's personality and perseverance just comes through the pages of her book. One of my favorite parts of the book was the introduction where she talks about feeling like she straddles borders, "ni de aqui, ni de aya," and honestly if you have ever been there before this book will hit a special spot for you. Not only does she include fabulous recipes with both Puerto Rican and American flare, she also goes a little into the history of the island and how some of the recipes came about. She also includes recipes for everything from seasoning mixes, breakfast, side and main dishes, desserts, drinks and even special sauces.
Side note: If you happen to have food sensitivities she does include a section in the book where she details certain staple ingredients, where to find them and what they can be substituted with.
*Thank you to Simon element, and Monti for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Monti's personality and perseverance just comes through the pages of her book. One of my favorite parts of the book was the introduction where she talks about feeling like she straddles borders, "ni de aqui, ni de aya," and honestly if you have ever been there before this book will hit a special spot for you. Not only does she include fabulous recipes with both Puerto Rican and American flare, she also goes a little into the history of the island and how some of the recipes came about. She also includes recipes for everything from seasoning mixes, breakfast, side and main dishes, desserts, drinks and even special sauces.
Side note: If you happen to have food sensitivities she does include a section in the book where she details certain staple ingredients, where to find them and what they can be substituted with.
*Thank you to Simon element, and Monti for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
August 4, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of
Spanglish.
First, I love the title! It's why I requested it.
Second, I wasn't familiar with the author but her reflections are so relatable!
I understand the difficulties growing up bi-culturally; being labeled “too American,” criticized for not speaking your native language, and wanting to fit into a new homeland.
How do you navigate those boundaries?
I've learned you can't win. You just have to be yourself.
The author has created a cuisine that blends both cultures: the foods she grew up with and with personal tweaks to make them her own.
The recipes are distinctive, rich in tropical flavors, and the photos are delish and fun.
I noticed ingredients like malta, coconut, and passionfruit show up often.
I don't like coconut but a few dishes made me curious to try them.
I visited San Juan for the first time last year and enjoyed the food, the flavors, and the warmth of the people.
I’m looking forward to going back.
First, I love the title! It's why I requested it.
Second, I wasn't familiar with the author but her reflections are so relatable!
I understand the difficulties growing up bi-culturally; being labeled “too American,” criticized for not speaking your native language, and wanting to fit into a new homeland.
How do you navigate those boundaries?
I've learned you can't win. You just have to be yourself.
The author has created a cuisine that blends both cultures: the foods she grew up with and with personal tweaks to make them her own.
The recipes are distinctive, rich in tropical flavors, and the photos are delish and fun.
I noticed ingredients like malta, coconut, and passionfruit show up often.
I don't like coconut but a few dishes made me curious to try them.
I visited San Juan for the first time last year and enjoyed the food, the flavors, and the warmth of the people.
I’m looking forward to going back.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Spanglish is a vibrant and deeply personal cookbook that blends Puerto Rican flavors with American influences in a way that feels both creative and rooted in identity. Monti Carlo’s storytelling is a standout, offering a meaningful reflection on what it means to live between cultures while honoring both.
The recipes are bold, comforting, and full of flavor, with a mix of traditional elements and inventive twists. I especially appreciated the inclusion of foundational recipes and a glossary of ingredients, which makes the cuisine more approachable for those who may be new to Puerto Rican cooking.
More than just a collection of recipes, this book carries heart. It highlights how food can hold memory, culture, and connection all at once, making it a compelling read as well as a practical cookbook.
Thank you to NetGalley for a copy of this book for review.
The recipes are bold, comforting, and full of flavor, with a mix of traditional elements and inventive twists. I especially appreciated the inclusion of foundational recipes and a glossary of ingredients, which makes the cuisine more approachable for those who may be new to Puerto Rican cooking.
More than just a collection of recipes, this book carries heart. It highlights how food can hold memory, culture, and connection all at once, making it a compelling read as well as a practical cookbook.
Thank you to NetGalley for a copy of this book for review.
May 29, 2026
Full disclosure…I haven’t had a chance to actually cook any of these recipes. I received and E-arc of this cookbook.
While I haven’t been able to cook anything yet, I did mark several recipes that interest me. I am someone that reads cookbooks like ‘regular’ books. Monti Carlo opens her heart to us to talk about her journey. Finding out your partner is cheating and going back to your home is something many people have experienced.
She provides an index of sorts to explain what certain foods/spices/ingredients are. Everything is explained and the instructions are clear. It is up to us, dear cooks, to bring the dish to life.
Her humor and heart won me over. I look forward to finding a day when I can, once again, find an interest in food.
While I haven’t been able to cook anything yet, I did mark several recipes that interest me. I am someone that reads cookbooks like ‘regular’ books. Monti Carlo opens her heart to us to talk about her journey. Finding out your partner is cheating and going back to your home is something many people have experienced.
She provides an index of sorts to explain what certain foods/spices/ingredients are. Everything is explained and the instructions are clear. It is up to us, dear cooks, to bring the dish to life.
Her humor and heart won me over. I look forward to finding a day when I can, once again, find an interest in food.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is a wonderful cookbook and a wonderful read. Carlo tells her story throughout the book and she is very relatable and likable. The recipes are not just a mix of Puerto Rican and American, but also infused with her own flavors and creativity. There are photos for about 2/3 of the recipes and no nutritional information. I am unable to make most of the recipes as I cook for a gluten free and mostly vegetarian family and tend to use mainly local grown and foraged foods in Minnesota, but I am definitely making a lot of the sauces, spice mixes and staples to experiment with in my kitchen.
I read a temporary digital copy of this book for review.
I read a temporary digital copy of this book for review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Netgalley ARC- At first I wasn't sure about this one, it seemed too extra somehow. However as I read (and reread) it grew on me. She is definitely a personality that shines through her recipes which are a neat mix of Puerto Rican and American. The recipes are mostly quick and easy with only a few ingredients that you'd have to source. She does a great job with her glossary which includes substitutions. The photography is nice and balances her stories which, while a bit annoying when they repeat are interesting. Not a typical Caribbean cookbook but still one that deserves space on your shelf.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
What a beautiful blend of Monti's life and delicious, simple recipes. I loved how the book highlighted local ingredients (with a list of resources), was practical and rooted in her life.
The photography made you want to list out ingredients and get in the kitchen. Monti's writing brought to life her experiences and gave me more understanding of Puerto Rico.
Thank you to Netgalley and to Simon Element for an ARC.
The photography made you want to list out ingredients and get in the kitchen. Monti's writing brought to life her experiences and gave me more understanding of Puerto Rico.
Thank you to Netgalley and to Simon Element for an ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The pictures, the recipes and the stories are all absolutely fantastic. There were so many incredible looking things through out this book that I am dying to make. I definitely will be trying these out on my friends very soon.
June 29, 2026
Monti Carlo may be my new favorite author. Her stories are genuine, heartfelt, and relatable. I loved how she described her relationship to these dishes. I really want to visit Puerto Rico and try these recipes now.
May 26, 2026
Any book that features Latina recipes in a good way is safe with me. Excited to try some of these out! Gorgeous imagery.
Received via NetGalley.
Received via NetGalley.
June 23, 2026
This was a gorgeously styled and presented cookbook celebrating chef Monti Carlo's spin on Puerto Rican food. Drawing from her family's traditions as well as what's readily available in the mainland 48 states and her own twist on some dishes, she shares a unique take on Puerto Rican cooking. She pairs this with gorgeous photos and storytelling about her own life and connections back to Puerto Rico and her life after migration to the mainland. Lots of delicious sounding recipes with a variety of skill levels here!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I reviewed an advanced copy of this cookbook, provided by the publisher through NetGalley. I requested this book on NetGalley because of my love of cookbooks that tell stories. I didn't even connect at first that this was written by Monti from season 3 of Master Chef. I only recently started watching MasterChef. Monti's season of Master Chef may have aired 16 years ago, but for me, it was last month. Monti was a favorite contestant of mine from that season.
Seeing a chef who got her start on reality television repeatedly use the term "colonizer" in her cookbook on Puerto Rican cuisine is so satisfying as a food scholar. Monti honors her culture's culinary traditions by acknowledging the complex origins of the cuisine and the people of the Caribbean island. She also tells the story of growing up multicultural and not feeling like she fit in fully with either of her cultures. Hence, the title, Spanglish.
The recipes in this book are accessible. They are both easy to understand/follow and offer alternatives for ingredients that might be hard to find outside the island. I can see myself making many of these recipes.
Seeing a chef who got her start on reality television repeatedly use the term "colonizer" in her cookbook on Puerto Rican cuisine is so satisfying as a food scholar. Monti honors her culture's culinary traditions by acknowledging the complex origins of the cuisine and the people of the Caribbean island. She also tells the story of growing up multicultural and not feeling like she fit in fully with either of her cultures. Hence, the title, Spanglish.
The recipes in this book are accessible. They are both easy to understand/follow and offer alternatives for ingredients that might be hard to find outside the island. I can see myself making many of these recipes.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews