Photo by Jay Rasmussen Photography
Hi, I’m Rebekah, the Kitchen Gidget!
Thanks for reading and I hope you experience some of the joy that comes from creating and sharing!
How did you start cooking and blogging?
I grew up in a family with good cooks and I ate ravenously. Relatives joked both legs must be hollow because there is no way my stomach could be large enough to store everything I ate. When I was about 7 years old, my father brought home the Teddy Bear’s Picnic Cookbook. I made the Vegetable and Cheese Pitas (modified by adding poached chicken!) and that’s the first time I can remember cooking on my own.
In 2013 I was furloughed from my job. With the extra time on my hands, I began documenting my from-scratch Real Food diet on Instagram. I received so much positive feedback and people asking for recipes, I began thinking: I should start a food blog. The rest is history, as they say. I’m just a home cook with a passion for food. I’ve had no training and am mostly self-taught (thank you homeschooling).
What kind of recipes do you make?
I’m a Midwestern girl who has also lived in Hawaii and Virginia. 😀 This blog reflects that diversity and features my most-loved, tried-and-true family favorite recipes, lots of desserts for my sweet tooth and flavorful Puerto Rican dishes!
Why Puerto Rican food?
Growing up I was always surrounded by Puerto Rican friends and family. Naturally I assumed this was my identity which led to the famous quote: “I’m Puerto Rican!” You can read more about that here. This blog also highlights recipes from my Mexican and Polish heritage.
Where did the name “Gidget” come from?
Gidget is a classic beach movie from 1959. It’s about a fun loving girl who learns how to surf and is bestowed the nickname Gidget by the surfer dudes. {Girl + Midget = Gidget.} Standing at just over 5 feet, I’m definitely a petite person, which led to my coworkers bestowing me with the nickname Gidget. <3 I haven’t got a surf board, but I know a thing or two about cutting boards!
Gidget LOVES the beach! The photo below is one of my wedding pictures.
I get asked about blogging a lot and here are some of the tools I used to get started or currently use. These are my essentials and worth every penny! The links are my affiliates, which means I may earn a commission:
- SEMrush for SEO research
- Nikon d750 full frame camera body (I upgraded from the crop sensor d5100)
- I mostly shoot with my 60mm macro lens. I recommend the 40mm micro for crop sensors.
- Started my website with Bluehost.
- I use Tailwind for all my Pinterest scheduling and also Instagram.
- I plan out my recipes and grocery shopping with Plan to Eat.
- Income and expenses are managed with QuickBooks Self-Employed.
There’s much, much more that goes into it, but I’m happy to answer any questions you have!
Vanessa
Sunday 28th of January 2024
Absolutely delicious! I made this yesterday for a huge family gathering doubling the recipe. We are Puerto Rican/Cuban and many from the islands. I can't tell you how many complimented me. Thank you for sharing this! It was spectacular Rebekah!
Maria Baxter
Tuesday 12th of November 2019
Hi REBEKAH! Great Blog. I'm enjoying the recipes. Can you please tell me how to make the Puerto Rican white rice like they do in Old San Juan or at the airport in San Juan? The rice is very "grainy" and a bit oily - and taste great on its own. I've been searching for years since living in Puerto Rico for a year when I was 14 (wasn't interested in cooking then) -- I've remembered and crave that rice since! Please post the recipe when you find it. Keep up the great work. Blessings to You and Yours.
Rebekah
Thursday 14th of November 2019
Hi Maria! Muchas gracias. I've never had the arroz blanco in San Juan so it's hard for me to recreate the taste for you. To get the oily, separated grains we usually use about a tablespoon of oil per 1 cup rice when it's cooking. You can also use butter. Sometimes it's flavored with smashed garlic or onions. Could also be so yummy from using an old seasoned caldero.
Trish Carrigan
Thursday 20th of December 2018
Hi Rebekah, Im making the guava cake for my latin brother-in-law who hales from Puerto Rico. One question, how much sugar??
Rebekah
Friday 21st of December 2018
I am so sorry! I will get that fixed, but you need 1 cup!
Pat
Thursday 21st of June 2018
Is there a cookbook that can be purchased?
Rebekah
Thursday 21st of June 2018
Sorry I do not have a cookbook yet. :-( But I would consider it if people were interested!
Angela Wa;;ace
Tuesday 20th of February 2018
do you have a recipe for picadillo?/ if so can you tell me where to find it on your blog? or will you forward it to us on your blog?/ thank you so very much!! tonight i am cooking a small pork roast your recipe of the puerto rican pork roast and making your puerto rican rice with pigeon peas!! I can't wait to eat!! I live in central fl and I have one really great place in Kissimmee I go!!
Rebekah
Tuesday 20th of February 2018
Awesome! My picadillo recipe is here: https://www.kitchengidget.com/2014/01/16/puerto-rican-picadillo-empanadas/