A Taste of the Dominican Republic: Mamajuana and Coconut Bread

Since we are all working from our couches, sitting in our PJs and snacking on whatever pantry staples we have left, some creative culinary inspiration may be needed. We here at SI Swimsuit are fortunate to have the opportunity to travel the world, taste local cuisines, sample delicious cocktails and spirits made famous by the regions we have visited and open our palettes to all the amazing flavors the world has to offer. I love nothing more than traveling to a locale and learning all about the regional cuisines and how to make them. Let’s take a look back at some of the places SI Swimsuit has traveled to and revisit the delicacies and drinks we have sampled along the way with some recipes to help you create them.

Last week we journeyed to Mexico. Now let’s head to the Dominican Republic, about 2,100 miles southeast. We shot in the Dominican Republic this past February and were truly in awe of the beauty of the area we visited. We stayed at the gorgeous Sublime Samana. Samana is an untouched, less touristy part of the Dominican Republic, the antithesis of Punta Cana. The beaches were pristine, the locals were so friendly and we got to enjoy some incredible food while shooting outside in the most perfect 85 degree heat. Can we go back?

Coconut Bread: The crew must have eaten enough coconut bread to last a lifetime while in the DR. It was a massive hit. Try making it at home with this recipe; it is beyond simple as it only takes a few ingredients. When I shared the recipe in the SI Swimsuit group chat, the response was “Whyyyyyy? I can’t know how easy it is to make that!” It’s that good.

Photo courtesy of Tara's Multicultural Table

Rice and Beans: I grew up on rice and beans. My mom is Cuban and these were a weekly staple/meal in our household. So naturally, after I had a side of rice and beans with dinner the first night in the D.R., I proceeded to order it EVERY SINGLE DAY for lunch and dinner with a side of tostones. This is an incredible, simple and delicious meal you can make from the comfort of your home. Add some fried tostones and you’ve got yourself a satisfying and cheap dish.

Photo courtesy of Smart Little Cookie

Mamajuana: Made with herbs, spices, bark and honey, mamajuana has earned a reputation over the years for its aphrodisiac qualities and it is the famous spirit of the Dominican Republic. The second you arrive at an airport in the D.R. you see this liquor everywhere from shelves to advertisements -- it's all over the place. Fancy a shake-up to your cocktail routine? Use mamajuana in any kind of “rum” cocktail - think mojitos, rum punches, a dark ‘n’ stormy or a pina colada. Pop an umbrella in that cocktail and transport yourself to the gorgeous beaches of the Dominican Republic. If you don’t have a bottle of this lying around, you can order here or use any brand of spiced rum.

Photo courtesy of Candela