About the Author

Betty Cortina

  • Bio:

    Betty Cortina, Consulting Senior Web Producer: After 15 years as a writer and editor for magazines such as People, Entertainment Weekly, O, the Oprah Magazine and Latina (where she was Editorial Director for seven years), Betty came to NBC News to create a website that engages and inspires the American Hispanic. A Cuban-American born in Chicago and raised in Miami, she is passionate about all things Hispanic (especially the food!) She holds a B.S. in Journalism from the University of Florida, and an A.A. in Culinary Arts from Johnson & Wales University. She focuses on the site’s strategic development, special projects and partnerships plus oversees our food coverage.

Most Recent

America's appetite for salsa seems unsatiable. Today, on National Salsa Day, we share a classic recipe.

Hey hot stuff…it’s National Salsa Month!

By

It was in the 1990s, almost 20 years ago now, that a funny thing happened to catsup, that most American of condiments—it got unseated from its throne of … Read More

A frita is the Cuban take on a burger, flavored with paprika and cumin and topped with crispy shoe string fries. (Photo/Betty Cortina)

In honor of Cuban Independence Day, a classic frita

By

Today marks the 111th anniversary of Cuba’s independence from Spain, and what better way to celebrate than with...a burger? Okay, not just any burger—a … Read More

Classic, Cuban-style picadillo (Photo/Betty Cortina)

How to make…30-minute Latin dinners!

By

You’ve already heard the reports that say home-cooked, fresh meals are the key to a healthier diet. But at the end of the long work-day, its easy to succumb … Read More

Who says a salad only means leafy greens? In honor of National Salad Month, try these hearty classic Latin American ones. (Photo/Courtesy Maricel Presilla)

For Nat’l Salad Month, Chef Maricel Presilla’s award-winning salads

By

In her book, Gran Cocina Latina, which last week was named the James Beard Cookbook of the Year, Cuban-born chef and food historian Maricel Presilla recalls the … Read More

Sunday is Mother's Day. Treat her to a special breakfast or brunch with easy Latin recipes, like Cuban style pastries or huevos a la malagueña. (Photo/Betty Cortina and Courtesy of Ana Quincoces)

7 very Latin Mother’s Day brunch recipes

By

Flaky pastelitos, sweet café con leche. Huevos rancheros,  moist golfeados. Yes, we Latinos know our way around breakfast. In honor of the women who, year … Read More

Whole cumin seeds and malanga are two great ingredients chefs use to amp up Latin flavors. (Photo/Betty Cortina)

4 secret ingredients Latin chefs love

By

They're nothing fancy, but the ingredients that follow are ones Hispanic chefs and great cooks love to have on hand to amp up culinary results. They can turn a … Read More

A new generation of Mexican American chefs, like Antique Taco's Rick Ortiz, in Chicago, is firing up ktichens across the country. (Photo/Courtesy Antique Taco)

In honor of Cinco de mayo, a new generation of Mexican-American chef (Part 1)

By

In honor of Cinco de Mayo—the day in 1862 when a small Mexican militia defeated a French army attach in the Battle of Puebla—we’re devoting an entire week … Read More

In honor of National Garlic Month, make the most garlicky of all sauces—Cuban mojo. Start with lots—and lots!—of fresh garlic. (Photo/Betty Cortina)

Celebrate National Garlic Month with classic cuban mojo

By

We dare say there’s no better way to celebrate National Garlic Month than by making that most garlicky of garlic recipes, the intensely flavorful sauce that … Read More

In honor of Earth Day, how about whipping up something green in the kitchen, like this Mexican style calabacitas dish? (Photo/BettyCortina)

3 “green” recipes for Earth Day!

By

If you’re looking for ways go green on Earth Day, here are three delicious ideas: Make one—or all!—of the following and you’ll not only be savoring … Read More

Ecuador’s classic locro de papa—a hearty potato and cheese soup—is a comforting antidote to April’s shower-filled days. (Photo/Betty Cortina)

The cure for April showers? Ecuador’s classic potato and cheese soup

By

Winter’s frigid temperatures may be gone, but that doesn’t mean soup season’s over yet. There’s nothing like April’s soggy, rain-filled days to leave … Read More