Chef Leticia Moreinos Schwartz was born in Brazil and spent years studying at places like the French Culinary Institute and training at top NYC restaurants like Le Cirque 2000 and La Grenouille. Not content to simply work with the best, Chef Leticia started sharing her favorite recipes in several popular cookbooks and launched a lifestyle and food site. This Greenwich-based mom of two is passionate about sharing healthy lifestyle tips and recipes, and is sharing her “Survivor Bowl” recipe that is perfect for busy fall mornings (see below)! Here’s a bit more about Chef Leticia, her career and life in Greenwich.
Where are you from originally and how long have you lived in town?
I’m originally from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; I’ve been living in CT for the past 15 years—in Greenwich for the past 3 years.
How old are your two kids?
They are upper teenagers now—ages 17 and 19.
Nice! I heard that you stay in such great shape through spinning?
Yes, I’m a spinning fanatic! I love the bike!
So important to find that workout you actually enjoy. Who has helped you through all the stages of motherhood?
My husband of course, who has shared with me the joys and challenges of parenting, and also my parents, who live in Brazil and are so present in my children’s lives, speaking daily, Zooming daily and despite not being physically with them at all times, emotionally for sure.
Isn’t it great how we can stay so close even far apart? What’s your favorite thing to do with your kids—during quarantine or any time?
Cooking comes at top of my list, but to be honest with you, I enjoy cooking with my kids more than they enjoy it. They love to eat and they are beneficiaries of all the cooking happening in my house. Not sure though if cooking is on top of their list. As a family affair we love watching movies together, traveling and talking til the wee hours of the night.
Sounds great! Can you please tell us a bit more about your business?
Yes! I’m the author of 3 cookbooks and teach cooking classes all over the tri state. I also work as a food reporter, journalist and host. You can check out my site at www.chefleticia.com
Can’t wait to try a class! How has this community been instrumental in getting you to where you are now?
In the few years that I’ve been in Greenwich, so much has happened! Not only are my kids engaged in this great community, but I can’t stop meeting new and amazing people in Greenwich. I’ve been teaching a lot of cooking classes in Greenwich as well. Before the pandemic, in people’s homes and my own kitchen. After the pandemic it has gone virtual. And these are great classes too! I’m actually quite surprised on how much fun and how much cooking we can get done in virtual cooking classes. It’s awesome!
Survivor Bowl
“This recipe is featured in my cookbook Latin Superfoods and I usually make it after spinning.”—Chef Leticia
Makes 1 large bowl, or 2 small bowls
For the Bowl:
1/3 cup almond butter
1 cup spinach leaves
¼ teaspoon cinnamon
¼ cup coconut milk
½ teaspoon matcha powder
1½ bananas
For the garnish:
½ banana, cut into thin slices
2 tablespoons granola
1 tablespoon hulled hemp seeds
- Place almond butter, spinach leaves, cinnamon, coconut milk, and match powder in the bowl of a blender and puree until smooth.
- Peel and chop 1½ bananas and add to the blender, along with ½ cup crushed ice. Blend well.
- Carefully pour into a large bowl.
- Garnish with banana slices, granola, and hemp seeds. Serve immediately.
