Motto: "Vivan siempre el trabajo y la paz"
Anthem: Noble patria, tu hermosa bandera
Capital: San José
Language: Spanish
Government: Constitutional Democracy
President: Laura Chinchilla
1st Vice-President: Alfio Piva
2nd Vice-President: Luis Liberman
Currency:
Stamps:
Passport:
>Hydroelectric Power
http://www.centralamericalink.com/en/News/Costa_Rica_opens_hydro_plant_with_tallest_dam/
>Forest Products
(although lumber was once one of
many products exported, along
with coffee, pineapples, and
banana's; electronic's and
pharmaceutical's are now the
the primary exports.)
>Fisheries Products
http://www.fao.org/fi/oldsite/FCP/en/CRI/profile.htm
Natural Attractions:
>Biodiveristy
http://www.savebiogems.org/costarica/
>Beaches
http://toursparadise.com/one-day-tours
>Sport Fishing
http://www.fishcostarica.com/photosn.html
>National Parks
http://costa-rica-guide.com/parks/poas.htm
http://www.costaricanationalparks.com/manuelantonionationalpark.html
Museums:
Costa Rica boasts a wide selection of museums, due largely to its standards of high education and long history of peace and prosperity. Most of these museums can be found in the Central Valley (Valle Central), especially in and around the capital city of San José. Some of these include:
• El Museo de los Niños (The Children's Museum
• El Museo de Oro Pre-Colombino (The Museum of Pre-Columbia Gold) • El Museo de Jade Fidel Tristán (The Fidel Tristán Jade Museum)
• El Museo Nacional De Costa Rica (The National Museum of Costa Rica)
• El Museo de Arte Costarricense (The Costa Rican Art Museum)
• El Museo de Ciencias Naturales La Salle (The La Salle Natural Sciences Museum)
http://www.vacationcity.com/information/museum/#
http://www.enjoycostarica.com/museum.html
The jewel of these would be the:
http://www.museocostarica.go.cr/en_en/colecci-n-hist-rica/colecci-n-hist-rica-presentaci-n-2.html?Itemid=56
Eco-tourism is one of the fastest growing industries and natural attractions in Costa Rica.
http://rainforests.mongabay.com/20costarica.htm
http://www.projects-abroad.org/projects/conservation-and-environment/costa-rica-rain-forest-conservation/
Cities:
monument in San Jose, Costa Rica
Basillica Los Angeles, San Jose
Jaco Town
Town of Smara
Santa Ana
City center, Turrialba
Limon
Quepos City Street
Basilica, Cartago City
>Culture:
Click here to link to My Playlist!
http://www.vivacostarica.com/costa-rica-information/costa-rica-music.html
The National Symphony along with a thriving Arts community gives an alternative to the more strenuous activities the country offers.
>Food
The most common of all foods eaten in Costa Rica is Pico de Gallo.
Ingredients:
4 plum tomatoes (seeded and diced)
1 small white onion (finely chopped)
2-3 jalapeño peppers (seeded and chopped)
½ cup fresh cilantro (chopped)
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
salt (to taste)
4 plum tomatoes (seeded and diced)
1 small white onion (finely chopped)
2-3 jalapeño peppers (seeded and chopped)
½ cup fresh cilantro (chopped)
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
salt (to taste)
Cooking Instructions:
Step 1: In a bowl combine tomatoes, onion, peppers and cilantro. Add lime juice and salt. Mix well. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour.
(Makes about 2 ½ cups of salsa)
Step 1: In a bowl combine tomatoes, onion, peppers and cilantro. Add lime juice and salt. Mix well. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour.
(Makes about 2 ½ cups of salsa)
with a host of condiments
it is also used in many dishes . . .
Ingredients:
8 eggs
4 ounces finely shredded Mexican cheese blend
2 cups frozen diced potatoes
1 cup Pace® Pico De Gallo
2 tbsp vegetable oil
8 eggs
4 ounces finely shredded Mexican cheese blend
2 cups frozen diced potatoes
1 cup Pace® Pico De Gallo
2 tbsp vegetable oil
[Source: Campbell's Kitchen]
How To Make:
1. Heat the oven to 350°F.
2. Heat the oil in a 10-inch oven-safe nonstick skillet over medium heat.
3. Add the potatoes and cook for about 3 minutes.
4. Beat the eggs, pico de gallo and cheese in a medium bowl with a fork or whisk.
5. Pour the egg mixture over the potatoes and cook for 3 minutes or until the eggs are beginning to set.
6. Place the skillet in the oven and bake for 20 minutes or until the eggs are set.
7. Cut the frittata into 6 wedges and serve.
How To Make:
1. Heat the oven to 350°F.
2. Heat the oil in a 10-inch oven-safe nonstick skillet over medium heat.
3. Add the potatoes and cook for about 3 minutes.
4. Beat the eggs, pico de gallo and cheese in a medium bowl with a fork or whisk.
5. Pour the egg mixture over the potatoes and cook for 3 minutes or until the eggs are beginning to set.
6. Place the skillet in the oven and bake for 20 minutes or until the eggs are set.
7. Cut the frittata into 6 wedges and serve.
Beans . . . what can I say about that magical
fruit (okay its a leguminous), beans are a basic staple of the Costa Rican diet. The national dish called Gallo Pinto or as we know it rice and beans.
Gallo Pinto (Spotted Rooster)
- 1 cup of cooked rice
- 1 cup of cooked beans
- 1 chopped onion (small)
- 1 small chopped red pepper
- 2 tablespoons of celery
- 2 cloves of garlic chopped
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (or 1 teaspoon margarine)
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 4 tablespoons Salsa Lizano*
- 2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon seasoning (your choice)
1. Fry onion, red pepper, garlic, cilantro in the vegetable oil, about 3 minutes.
2. Pour in the beans and add the sauce, black pepper and seasoning. Let it cook for a few minutes, but don't let it dry out.
3. Pour in the cooked rice and mix it with the beans.
Enjoy with:
- Sour Cream
- Platanos maduros (fried plantains)
- Eggs (fried or scrambled )
*Salsa Lizano is a commercial product rarely found outside Costa Rica. You can substitute Worcestershire sauce but don't expect the same taste. Some people recommend the vegetarian version of Worcestershire sauce and others say to use any salsa. Your mileage may vary.
Read more: Recipe: Gallo Pinto (Spotted Rooster) http://www.globalgourmet.com/destinations/costarica/gallo-pinto.html#ixzz1ewiJFrsZ
Casado is another favorite dish in Costa Rica:
Ingredients:
3 Plantains (ripe)
3 Tomatoes
1 Large Onion
½ Green Cabbage
2 heads of Cilantro Chopped
1 Large Lemon
1 tsp Garlic Powder
3 cloves Garlic
1 large can Black Beans
1 cup Rice
1lb Flank Steak
Maseca Flour (corn tortilla flour)
Alino Marinade
Salt and Pepper (fresh ground)
Note: Prepare the component dishes in the order below for best timing. As each is resting or marinating, move on to the next step.
Preparation for Meat:
Marinate Steak in Alino marinade for 1 hour. Grill to medium and remove from heat. Allow to rest 5-10 minutes in a covered plate. Slice on the bias for delicious steak bites.
Preparation for Salad:
Slice cabbage to thin shavings. Squeeze ½ lemon over the cabbage. Add 1 cup tomatoes diced, ½ cup diced onions, ½ cup sliced scallions, 1 cup chopped cilantro, garlic powder and salt and pepper to taste. Stir and allow to rest in fridge for 1 hour.
Preparation for Black Beans and Rice:
Place unrinsed black beans in a saucepan bring to simmer or prepare dried beans according to package directions including an overnight soak.
Add ½ cup diced tomatoes, 3 diced cloves garlic, 1 handful of diced onion, handful of cilantro and pinch of salt and cracked pepper
Simmer for 20 mins to let flavors incorporate
Preparation for Rice:
Follow directions on package for 1 cup of rice.
A typical recipe calls for approximately 1.5 cups water with a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil then reduce to simmer for 18 mins. Remove from heat and allow to rest for 5-10 minutes.
Preparation for Tortillas:
Mix Maseca with a pinch of salt and water according to directions on package. Form 1” balls and flatten with a tortilla press or a plate till 1/16” thick. Gently fry in a lightly oiled pan till one side is cooked. Flip over the tortillas and press down with a papertowel as they puff up. Allow to finish cooking about 1-2 minutes per side. Store in a covered dish lined with a slightly damp towel to hold in heat and moisture. Serve hot.
Preparation for Plantains:
Peel ripe plantains. Fry in 350 Degree vegetable oil till dark golden brown. Remove to a paper towel lined tray to drain. Serve hot.
Serves 3-4
>Music
The Tico Times of Costa Rica
The United States Department of State:
