hey there!
I'm Zoé!
It's great to have you here. I am the creator of Girl Meets Fire, a website dedicated to reconnecting me with my Puerto Rican roots through food.
A little more about me
Born and raised in Puerto Rico, I’ve spent over two decades in the culinary world, honing my skills at prestigious establishments like the Dolphin Resort at Walt Disney World and The Top of the Falls Restaurant in New York. My culinary journey spans everything from fast food to fine dining, but my heart has always been drawn back to the flavors and traditions of my Puerto Rican heritage.
My Quest . . .
As a member of the Puerto Rican diaspora, I’ve felt the ache of being disconnected from the food and traditions that shaped my childhood. Through Girl Meets Fire, I’m not only reconnecting with my roots but also sharing the vibrant and soulful cuisine of Puerto Rico with others who feel that same longing—or want to learn about the island’s rich culinary culture.
What inspires me?
Food has always been my strongest connection to family and culture. Every dish tells a story, from my childhood favorites like Pastelón (a savory-sweet plantain and beef casserole) to my mother’s beloved Budín de Pan (bread pudding). I want to preserve these recipes and share the joy of Puerto Rican cooking with home cooks who crave that connection.
Why trust my recipes?
With over 26 years of professional cooking experience, I’ve worked with diverse cuisines and mastered techniques that allow me to balance tradition with innovation. My recipes are rooted in family traditions, enhanced by my professional expertise, and adapted to be accessible for cooks everywhere. While some ingredients may be hard to find outside Puerto Rico, my goal is to provide authentic flavors through creative substitutions and time-tested methods.
The Birth of Girl Meets Fire
This project was born from a mix of frustration and longing. While working as a chef, I realized how little I truly knew about the food I grew up with. After my mother’s passing, I committed myself to honoring her memory by rediscovering and sharing our culinary heritage. This website became a space where I could marry my professional experience with my cultural passion, creating a life where I could cook, write, and inspire—no matter where I am.
What will you find here?
- Authentic Puerto Rican Recipes: Family favorites and my interpretations, made for modern kitchens. Like my grandmother's Arroz con Dulce, a sticky sweet rice pudding served during the holidays, or Arroz con Pollo, an excellent recipe for busy weekdays.
- Puerto Rican Fusions and Other Global Inspirations: Traditional Puerto Rican dishes are reimagined with creative twists and influences from cuisines worldwide. Like Seafood Pomodoro, a medley of shrimp, mussels, and other seafood to create a delicate and fresh dish, or Cochinita Pibil, a "set it and forget it" recipe that will take Taco Tuesday to another level.
- Tips & Techniques: Professional cooking insights to help you confidently recreate Puerto Rican flavors in your kitchen. From how to peel plantains and green bananas to how to cook white rice, each recipe will deliver tips and advice to make your time more manageable and informative.
Let's cook together
Whether you’re reconnecting with your heritage, curious about Puerto Rican cuisine, or looking for delicious recipes, I’m here to guide you. Check out my Puerto Rican Recipe Collection to get started—every dish is a step closer to savoring the rich flavors of Puerto Rico.
Puerto Rican cooking wouldn't be cooking if you didn't have these recipes at the ready. These recipes are staples in the preparation or our daily consumption in Puerto Rico:
- Sofrito15 Minutes
- Puerto Rican Garlic Paste10 Minutes
- Achiote Oil29 Minutes
- Mojo Marinade15 Minutes
Some of my favorite recipes
These recipes are close to my heart and a regular part of my kitchen. Give them a try—I’m sure you’ll love them as much as I do!
