¡Felices Fiestas !

You know one of my favorite things about finally driving on my own? 

Driving to the nearest Puerto Rican restaurant (not walking distance) to pick up PASTELES for the holiday!

I've got pasteles and homemade sofrito in the freezer, a thawed out pernil in the fridge, and coquito ingredients on my counter. Plus hubby's ready to make us his delicious apple pie! We are ready!

I'm so thankful you let me into your inbox each month to share writing life insights, book recommendations, and Boricua updates.

As a small token of my appreciation, I'm sharing my Keep It Simple Coquito Recipe below. Make some for your family and friends this holiday season and thank me later -- they're going to love it!

Also, my Holiday Bookshop is back! Check out the sneak peek below, and browse the Bookshop to find the perfect gift for everyone on your list.

This season can be bitter-sweet for many of us -- the last time I saw Papi alive was Thanksgiving Day 2019. Whether you're decking the halls or feeling melancholy, I'm sending you big virtual hugs and wishing you a warm heart and full belly this season and all year long.

P.S. Li Yun's Keep it Simple Coquito Recipe

P.P.S. Li Yun's Holiday Bookshop

For the uninitiated, Coquito is the holiday drink of choice in Puerto Rico.

Coconutty, creamy, and full of rum, this yummy treat is a holiday hit all over the island. Every family — heck every family member — has their own recipe.

Below you’ll find the one I’ve settled on because it’s easy to remember, easy to make, and it hits the spot every year.

Enjoy my version or your own variation this holiday season. ¡Salud!

Tip: Make extra! Bottles of Coquito make great gifts!

DOWNLOAD RECIPE

One batch makes enough to fill three 16 oz bottles.

Ingredients:

• 1 can coconut cream (13-15oz)
• 1 can condensed milk (14oz)
• 1 can evaporated milk (12oz)
• 1 can / to taste: Rum OR Coconut Rum OR 151 Rum (if you like it super strong). I usually measure 1 can of Coconut Rum using the largest can from the ones used above.
• Vanilla (1-2 capfuls)
• Cinnamon (to taste — I like a lot)
• Optional: add a cinnamon stick to the bottle
• Optional: some people also like to add nutmeg

Note: the measurements above for the canned ingredients can vary based on the brand, so don’t worry too much about the exact oz — just get the cans closest to the amount indicated and use the whole can.

Directions:

• Blend all the ingredients together until smooth and creamy.
• Use a funnel (the funnel is key!) to pour Coquito into an empty bottle for cooling and storage. You can reuse washed 2 liter soda bottles or use glass bottles (great for gifting!). Check out the bottles I use for gifting here).
• Chill and store in the fridge then serve over ice in a small glass. ¡Salud!

Variations: you can experiment by adding other flavors to your Coquito: chocolate coquito, coffee coquito, and almond coquito are three popular flavors I’ve tried in Puerto Rico.

¡Felices Fiestas! 

Li Yun's Holiday Bookshop is back!

Whether you're shopping for your favorite writer, reader, parent, kiddo, Boricua, or holiday picture book lover, I've got you covered with fun gift recommendations -- books and more!

Plus Bookshop is offering 15% off books in their Holiday Gift Guides through December 18. You can access those gift guides at my bookshop as well.

Best thing about shopping at my holiday Bookshop? With each purchase you support independent bookstores and authors like me!

Here's a sneak peek of 4 of the 19 Gift Guides you'll find over on the Holiday Bookshop. If you click on the images below, you'll be taken to the bookshop. Scroll to find the list you'd like to explore further.

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