In a flavorful and inspiring episode of the Motherhood Kit Podcast, host Yamel Belen sits down with Ciji Castro, founder of Domestic Gourmet and the creator of the popular Organic Annatto Oil – Aceite de Achiote. Together, they explore the evolving landscape of Latin cuisine in today’s modern households, especially as it intersects with motherhood, culture, and health-conscious living.
Preserving Culture & Latin Cuisine Through Food
Ciji shares how her culinary journey began with a desire to honor her Puerto Rican roots while feeding her family wholesome, intentional meals. Through her brand, Domestic Gourmet, she’s made it her mission to reinvent classic Latin dishes using clean, simple ingredients — free from artificial preservatives or dyes. Her signature Organic Annatto Oil – Aceite de Achiote plays a central role in this mission, offering a flavorful, antioxidant-rich alternative to processed oils commonly found in packaged foods.
“Food is love in Latin culture,” Ciji says. “But it can also be healing, nourishing, and empowering when we take control of what goes into our kitchens.”
Tips for Modern Latin Cuisine & Cooking
Throughout the episode, Ciji offers practical advice for busy parents trying to bring authentic Latin flavor to their tables without compromising on health or time. Her go-to ingredient? You guessed it — Organic Annatto Oil.
Whether you’re sautéing vegetables, seasoning rice and beans, or prepping marinades for chicken or beef, Domestic Gourmet’s Annatto Oil delivers bold color and earthy flavor without synthetic additives — making it perfect for weeknight cooking and meal prepping.
Some of Ciji’s standout tips include:
✅ Use Organic Annatto Oil – Aceite de Achiote as a base for building flavor in sofrito, soups, and stews
✅ Keep frozen, pre-chopped vegetables on hand to cut down prep time
✅ Cook once, eat twice — make enough for leftovers or freezer meals
✅ Involve kids in simple cooking tasks to build confidence and independence
✅ Understand common food intolerances to ease the stress of feeding picky eaters
Healthy Hacks for the Modern Family
Reinventing traditional dishes doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor. Instead, it’s about mindful substitutions — like swapping highly processed oils for Domestic Gourmet’s Organic Annatto Oil, which not only enhances the color of dishes like arroz con gandules but also supports better health with its high beta-carotene content and clean label.
Ciji and Yamel also talk about the importance of:
- Reading labels to avoid hidden sugars and additives
- Sustainable cooking practices that reduce waste and support local farmers
- Meal planning as a tool for managing the chaos of parenting and working life
Join the Culinary Movement
Ciji Castro’s story is more than a business journey — it’s a celebration of identity, tradition, and resilience. Through Domestic Gourmet and her viral presence on Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest, and YouTube, she continues to inspire families to cook with heart, heritage, and health in mind.
Her Organic Annatto Oil has become a pantry staple for food lovers who crave authentic Latin flavor without compromise.
💬 We’d Love to Hear From You!
How do you bring Latin flavor into your weekly meals?
Did any of Ciji’s modern cooking tips resonate with your lifestyle?
👇 Drop a comment below and share your favorite family dishes, kitchen shortcuts, or how you’re preserving tradition in your home.
Let’s keep cooking with love, flavor, and ease — together.
#ModernLatinKitchen #DomesticGourmet #MidweekMealsMadeEasy #MotherhoodKitPodcast
🌟 Key Takeaways:
- Cooking connects us to culture, love, and tradition
- Organic Annatto Oil is a healthier, flavorful base for Latin dishes
- Simple meal prep strategies save time and reduce stress
- Involving kids in the kitchen builds independence
- Small ingredient swaps lead to big health benefits
- Supporting local farmers enriches meals and communities
