‘Mommy, I Miss Your Cooking’: 15 Foods Jennifer Lopez Really Eats, From Her Morning Shake to Puerto Rican Comfort Food
When Jennifer Lopez first moved to Los Angeles, she called home with one complaint: Mommy, I miss your cooking. She told that story to Harper’s BAZAAR, and her mother helped her learn the recipes over the phone. Decades later, the food on her table still mixes that Puerto Rican home cooking with a simple daily routine built around fresh food, family dinners and the occasional treat. Here is what Jennifer Lopez has said she really eats, from her morning shake to her once a week cookie, with an easy recipe for each one..
Puerto Rican Roast Pork, the Taste of Home for Jennifer Lopez
Jennifer Lopez grew up in the Bronx in a Puerto Rican family, and she has said she loves cooking Puerto Rican food because that is what she grew up on. Few dishes say Puerto Rican family table like pernil, a pork shoulder rubbed with garlic, oregano and adobo and roasted low and slow until the skin crackles. It is the star of holidays and Sunday dinners. Have you ever tried real pernil?
You will need: 1 bone in pork shoulder (6 to 8 lb), 12 garlic cloves, 2 tbsp dried oregano, 2 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp white vinegar, 1 tbsp adobo seasoning, 2 tsp salt, 1 tsp black pepper, 1 tsp ground cumin.
How to make it: 1. Mash the garlic, oregano, oil, vinegar, adobo, salt, pepper and cumin into a paste. 2. Cut deep slits all over the pork and rub the paste into them and over the meat. 3. Cover and marinate in the fridge overnight. 4. Roast skin side up at 325F, covered, about 4 to 5 hours, until fork tender (at least 145F, but best near 190F for pulling). 5. Uncover, raise the heat to 425F and roast 20 to 30 minutes until the skin is crisp. Rest 20 minutes.
Morning Lemon Water
Her trainer Dodd Romero told Us Weekly in 2019 that she starts her day with lemon water and drinks at least seven glasses of water a day. It is the simplest habit on this list and costs almost nothing. Warm or cold, a squeeze of fresh lemon makes plain water easier to drink first thing in the morning. Do you start your day with water or coffee?
You will need: 1 large glass of water (warm or cold), 1/2 fresh lemon, a few mint leaves or a thin slice of ginger (optional).
How to make it: 1. Fill a glass with warm or cold water. 2. Squeeze in the juice of half a lemon. 3. Drop in a lemon slice and mint or ginger if you like. 4. Stir and drink slowly. 5. Keep a full water bottle with you for the rest of the day.
The Berry Breakfast Shake Jennifer Lopez Drinks
According to People, her go to breakfast shake blends strawberries, blueberries, Greek yogurt, cinnamon, honey and protein powder. It is quick, creamy and pink, and it keeps her going on busy mornings. Here is an easy home version you can make in two minutes. Have you ever added cinnamon to a smoothie? It is a cozy little surprise.
You will need: 1 cup strawberries (fresh or frozen), 1/2 cup blueberries, 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt, 1/2 cup milk, 1 scoop vanilla protein powder (optional), 1 tsp honey, 1/4 tsp cinnamon, a few ice cubes.
How to make it: 1. Add the milk and yogurt to the blender first. 2. Add the berries, protein powder, honey and cinnamon. 3. Add ice. 4. Blend 45 to 60 seconds until smooth. 5. Taste, add more honey if needed and drink right away.
Oatmeal With Berries
On days without the shake, HELLO! magazine reports that her breakfast is often oatmeal with plenty of berries. A warm bowl of oats with fresh fruit is filling, inexpensive and easy to dress up. Oats have fiber, and research links eating more whole grains to better heart health. Do you like your oatmeal thick or loose?
You will need: 1/2 cup old fashioned oats, 1 cup milk or water, pinch of salt, 1/2 cup mixed berries, 1 tsp honey or maple syrup, 1 tbsp chopped nuts, pinch of cinnamon.
How to make it: 1. Bring the milk and salt to a simmer. 2. Stir in the oats and cook 4 to 5 minutes, stirring often. 3. Turn off the heat and let it sit 1 minute. 4. Spoon into a bowl. 5. Top with berries, honey, nuts and cinnamon.
The Kale Salad Jennifer Lopez Shared, With Pumpkin Seeds and Queso
Jennifer Lopez shared a salad with People that she likes for lunch: kale, toasted pumpkin seeds, crumbled queso, shallots, olive oil and lemon juice. The trick with kale is to massage it with the dressing for a minute, so it turns soft and tender. The pumpkin seeds add crunch and the cheese adds a salty bite. Would you trade your usual lunch for this salad?
You will need: 1 bunch kale (stems removed, chopped), 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 small shallot (thinly sliced), 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds, 1/3 cup crumbled queso fresco, salt and pepper.
How to make it: 1. Toast the pumpkin seeds in a dry pan 3 to 4 minutes. 2. Whisk the oil, lemon juice, salt and pepper. 3. Pour it over the kale and massage with your hands for 1 to 2 minutes. 4. Add the shallot and toss. 5. Top with the seeds and queso and serve.
Puerto Rican Rice and Beans
Rice and beans are the heart of so many Puerto Rican meals, and Jennifer Lopez has said that quinoa reminds her of the rice and beans she grew up with. Stewed beans called habichuelas guisadas are simmered with sofrito, a little tomato sauce and potato, then spooned over white rice. It is cheap, filling comfort food. Who made the best rice and beans in your family?
You will need: 1 tbsp olive oil, 1/4 cup sofrito, 2 tbsp tomato sauce, 1 tsp adobo, 1 can (15 oz) pink or red beans (with liquid), 1 small potato (diced), 1 cup water, 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, cooked white rice to serve.
How to make it: 1. Heat the oil and cook the sofrito 2 minutes. 2. Add the tomato sauce and adobo and stir 1 minute. 3. Add the beans with their liquid, the potato and the water. 4. Simmer 20 minutes until the potato is soft and the sauce thickens. 5. Stir in cilantro and serve over rice.
The Quinoa Bowl Jennifer Lopez Says Tastes Like Home
Jennifer Lopez told Us Weekly that quinoa feels like rice and beans, which she grew up with. That is a smart way to think about it. A quinoa bowl with black beans, corn, avocado, tomato and a squeeze of lime has the same cozy feeling with a little extra protein. It is perfect for meal prep. Have you swapped rice for quinoa before?
You will need: 1 cup quinoa (rinsed), 2 cups water, 1 can black beans (rinsed), 1 cup corn, 1 avocado (sliced), 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved), 1 lime, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp cumin, salt, cilantro.
How to make it: 1. Simmer the quinoa in the water, covered, 15 minutes, then rest 5 minutes and fluff. 2. Warm the beans and corn with the cumin and a pinch of salt. 3. Whisk the lime juice with the oil. 4. Divide the quinoa into bowls and top with beans, corn, tomatoes and avocado. 5. Drizzle with dressing and add cilantro.
Roasted Asparagus With Lemon
Jennifer Lopez has said her family eats a lot of green vegetables, naming asparagus, Brussels sprouts, broccoli and kale. Roasted asparagus is one of the easiest ways to get kids to try them. High heat makes the tips crisp and the stalks sweet. Add lemon and a little parmesan and it disappears fast. Are you an asparagus fan?
You will need: 1 bunch asparagus (woody ends snapped off), 1 tbsp olive oil, salt and pepper, 1 garlic clove (minced), zest and juice of 1/2 lemon, 2 tbsp grated parmesan.
How to make it: 1. Heat the oven to 425F. 2. Toss the asparagus with oil, garlic, salt and pepper on a sheet pan. 3. Spread in one layer. 4. Roast 10 to 12 minutes until tender and lightly browned. 5. Finish with lemon zest, juice and parmesan.
Crispy Brussels Sprouts and Broccoli
Two more of the green vegetables she named, roasted together on one pan. Cut side down is the secret: the flat side of each Brussels sprout gets deeply browned and nutty, while broccoli tips get crispy. A drizzle of honey and a squeeze of lime at the end makes even skeptical kids reach for seconds. Brussels sprouts: love them or still not sure?
You will need: 1 lb Brussels sprouts (halved), 1 head broccoli (cut in florets), 3 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, salt and pepper, 1 tsp honey, juice of 1/2 lime.
How to make it: 1. Heat the oven to 425F. 2. Toss the vegetables with oil, garlic powder, salt and pepper. 3. Place the sprouts cut side down on a sheet pan with the broccoli. 4. Roast 20 to 25 minutes, turning the broccoli once. 5. Drizzle with honey and lime and serve hot.
Jennifer Lopez and the 6:30 Family Dinner: Lemon Chicken and Sweet Potatoes
Us Weekly reported that she tries to sit down to dinner with her kids around 6:30, usually with a lean protein, vegetables and quinoa or sweet potatoes. This one pan chicken and sweet potato dinner fits right in, and it is ready in about 35 minutes. For more ideas that keep you full, see our high protein snacks that keep you full. What time does your family eat dinner?
You will need: 4 boneless chicken breasts or thighs, 2 sweet potatoes (cubed), 3 tbsp olive oil, 1 lemon (juice and zest), 3 garlic cloves (minced), 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp paprika, salt and pepper, fresh parsley.
How to make it: 1. Heat the oven to 425F. 2. Toss the sweet potatoes with half the oil, salt and pepper and roast 10 minutes. 3. Rub the chicken with the rest of the oil, lemon, garlic, oregano and paprika. 4. Add the chicken to the pan and roast 18 to 22 minutes, until it reaches 165F. 5. Top with parsley and lemon zest.
Sunday Brunch: Soft Scrambled Eggs
A brunch spread she shared on Instagram included scrambled eggs, mini pancakes and salmon. Soft, creamy scrambled eggs are the base of any good family brunch, and the secret is low heat and patience. Pull them off the stove while they still look a little wet, because they keep cooking on the plate. How do you like your scrambled eggs?
You will need: 6 large eggs, 2 tbsp milk, 1 tbsp butter, salt and pepper, chopped chives.
How to make it: 1. Whisk the eggs, milk, salt and pepper until smooth. 2. Melt the butter in a nonstick pan over low heat. 3. Add the eggs and stir slowly with a spatula. 4. Keep stirring until soft curds form, about 4 to 5 minutes. 5. Take them off the heat while still glossy and top with chives.
Mini Pancakes for the Kids
Mini pancakes were another part of that brunch spread, and they are a hit with children of all ages. Small pancakes cook fast, are fun to stack, and you can serve them in a bowl like cereal with berries. Make the batter the night before and Sunday morning is easy. Would your kids eat these with syrup or fruit?
You will need: 1 cup flour, 1 tbsp sugar, 2 tsp baking powder, 1/4 tsp salt, 1 cup milk, 1 egg, 2 tbsp melted butter, 1/2 tsp vanilla, butter for the pan, berries and maple syrup to serve.
How to make it: 1. Whisk the flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. 2. Whisk in the milk, egg, butter and vanilla until just combined. 3. Heat a lightly buttered skillet over medium heat. 4. Drop teaspoons of batter and cook about 1 minute per side until golden. 5. Serve in a bowl with berries and syrup.
Smoked Salmon Brunch Plate
Salmon rounded out that brunch, and it is an easy way to make a weekend meal feel special. Smoked salmon with eggs, cucumber and a little cream cheese on toast takes ten minutes, no cooking needed. Salmon is rich in omega 3 fats, which studies link to heart health. Would you put salmon on your brunch table?
You will need: 4 oz smoked salmon, 2 slices whole grain toast, 2 tbsp cream cheese, 1/2 cucumber (thinly sliced), 1 tbsp capers, a few thin slices red onion, fresh dill, lemon wedges.
How to make it: 1. Toast the bread. 2. Spread with cream cheese. 3. Layer cucumber and salmon on top. 4. Add capers, red onion and dill. 5. Serve with lemon wedges and soft scrambled eggs on the side.
A Handful of Mixed Nuts
Dodd Romero has said that nuts are one of her snacks of choice, about a handful a day, according to Eat This, Not That. She has also told People she likes to keep healthier snack options like fruits or vegetables with her. A small jar of roasted mixed nuts in your bag beats the vending machine. What is your go to afternoon snack?
You will need: 1 cup raw almonds, 1 cup raw cashews, 1/2 cup walnuts, 1/2 cup pecans, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp sea salt, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika or cinnamon.
How to make it: 1. Heat the oven to 325F. 2. Toss the nuts with oil, salt and spice. 3. Spread on a sheet pan. 4. Roast 12 to 15 minutes, stirring once, until fragrant. 5. Cool completely and store in a jar. Portion out a small handful at a time.
The Once a Week Cookie Jennifer Lopez Loves
Here is our favorite part. Romero told Us Weekly that she has one cheat a week and likes cookies, and she has told People that she enjoys chocolate chip cookies. She also said everyone wants a cookie or a piece of cake every once in a while, and that you should not beat yourself up over a potato chip. Good advice. Milk or no milk with your cookie?
You will need: 1/2 cup soft butter, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup sugar, 1 egg, 1 tsp vanilla, 1 1/4 cups flour, 1/2 tsp baking soda, 1/2 tsp salt, 1 cup chocolate chips, flaky salt (optional).
How to make it: 1. Heat the oven to 350F and line a baking sheet. 2. Beat the butter and sugars until fluffy, then beat in the egg and vanilla. 3. Mix in the flour, baking soda and salt, then the chips. 4. Scoop 2 tbsp balls 2 inches apart. 5. Bake 10 to 12 minutes until the edges are golden. Cool 5 minutes and enjoy one with a glass of milk.
