Spanglish - by Monti Carlo (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

From Food Network alum and James Beard Fellow Monti Carlo, an exquisitely written, soulful tribute to Puerto Rican cuisine and culture, with over seventy-five intimate, flavor-rich recipes.

Growing up, Monti Carlo felt like she was perpetually bridging the gap between worlds--one on her home island of Puerto Rico, and the other living in the heart of Houston. In the space between, as a self-taught chef and eventual TV host and James Beard Fellow, she's carved a space and 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 fusing two very different ways of life. It's pure Spanglish.

Within Monti shares the dishes embodying that journey: continental American classics created with the bold flavors of Puerto Rico, a taste of two worlds bumping against each other. There's comfort food like her elementary school's soupy chili with her Abuela Dora's sweet and savory picadillo, savory bacalaito battered onion rings, and "extra" lamb picadillo meatloaf with olives. There are nostalgia-laced Puerto Rican breakfasts like cinnamon rolls constructed with pillowy mallorca dough and hearty sorullo waffles with pique honey. There are not-so traditional sides like hibiscus baked beans and crispy coconut rice. And there's delectable, mouth achingly 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 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 Boricuan identity and a testament to the healing power of food.

Review Quotes

"Monti has this wonderful effusive presence in person. And I found it here in every story and in her detailed recipes. Her food is delicious and her love for Puerto Rico and its unique and evolving cuisine is contagious. I fell in love with this book and am inspired to learn, cook and taste from Spanglish. I know you will también." -Elizabeth Falkner, Chef/James Beard Foundation, Board of Trustees & Chair, Awards Committee

"Monti is one of the most dedicated and inspirational chefs out there today. Ever since her first challenge on MasterChef, I could see how passionate she was about her work, and you can definitely see her passion in the pages of this book." -Gordon Ramsay

"Monti Carlo is a force -- vibrant, wise, and passionate. Whether behind the stove or in her storytelling, she leads with cleverness, courage, and a magnetic presence. Her talent is undeniable, but it's her generosity, honesty, and deep respect for her Puerto Rican roots that give her story its heart. She reminds us that food is more than sustenance; it's survival, identity, and sometimes, redemption." -Chef Jose Santaella

"Monti Carlo is a perfect example of culture fusion and what happens when it is food-bound. True to her roots, but open to additions, making each recipe unique. Why? Nobody is like Monti. She tells a story that intertwines humor and honesty, weaving the aromas and tastes of each significant life experience or personal relationship. When you read each recipe, the way the flavors are explained, tradition intertwined, and the Monti twist make me want to try all of them at once. There is nothing written that is so close to what happens when we migrate. We move and take our flavors, but only a few can keep the roots alive and also adapt to the new surroundings. Only Monty can create such a diverse selection of recipes that make Puerto Rico very present yet deeply influenced by her life. A great cook and teacher who leaves her heart in each recipe. Easy to follow, and with her stories, recipes become little conversations with your new best friend. Spanglish is a mix of heartfelt stories and great recipes." -Giovanna Huyke, celebrity chef

"Monti Carlo is a proud Puerto Rican chef whose voice and vision have reshaped the way we see food and culture. From her rise as a fan-favorite on MasterChef to becoming a celebrated food writer, TV host, and advocate for diversity in the kitchen, Monti's journey is proof that resilience, creativity, and corazón can transform challenges into triumphs. Her work is a celebration of our heritage, flavors, and the power of telling our stories through food." -Wilo Benet, author of Puerto Rican True Flavors

"Monti Carlo is a superb culinarian: big, bold, brash, brilliant, and gifted with boundless energy and curiosity. Her debut cookbook, Spanglish, is a tale of triumph over adversity punctuated with mouthwatering recipes and moments of raw honesty. It's one of those rare books that you can't put down." -Andrew Zimmern, James Beard Award-winning chef and Emmy-winning TV personality

"Monti Carlo's Spanglish fed my heart as much as my appetite. She's a friend who shows up on the page exactly as she is--unapologetic, generous, and full of love. I didn't grow up with Puerto Rican food, but this book made me feel like I was in Monti's kitchen, tasting and learning right beside her.
Puerto Rican food has many influences--Indigenous, Spanish, African, and beyond--and Monti honors them all. Of course, I picked up on the African roots woven through her cooking, like the comfort I recognized in her surullos, reminiscent of our hot water cornbread (but with cheese!).
Spanglish reminds us that food is activism, survival, and self-expression--a homecoming that invites us all to the table." -Carla Hall, chef and TV personality

About the Author

Monti Carlo is a Puerto Rican cook, writer, and award-winning television host whose work spans Food Network, PBS, FYI, Netflix, and Roku. A James Beard Foundation Advisor and two-time Telly Award winner, she has appeared on Cutthroat Kitchen, Supermarket Stakeout, and MasterChef, and created a digital community of over one million followers. Her work blends storytelling, culture, and cuisine to celebrate Puerto Rican cooking and the evolving story of American food. She lives in Los Angeles, California.