Hey there, I’m Mariela!
Welcome to The Hungry Dragonfly! I’m the writer, photographer and recipe developer behind The Hungry Dragonfly! I’m from Puerto Rico but currently living in the beautiful state of Washington.
I share Puerto Rican recipes that are simple to follow and use friendly, easy-to-find ingredients. Because life is about having a balance. I create healthy recipes and also some comforting dishes.
What else can you find here on my blog?
I share seasonal baking recipes and tips, lifestyle ideas, pet-friendly road trips, and coffee shops.
About Me
Hi, I’m Mariela, the creator behind The Hungry Dragonfly. I’m a Puerto Rican teacher, photographer, baker, and animal rescuer living in Washington State. My love for cooking and baking began at a young age, inspired by my family and the traditional recipes I learned from my abuela, mom, and tía Diana.
Through The Hungry Dragonfly, I share Puerto Rican recipes, baked goods, family favorites, and a little piece of my Puerto Rican culture. My goal is to keep our traditions alive while making cooking and baking simple, delicious, and approachable for everyone.
My Journey
My love for cooking and baking started long before I launched my blog. I learned how to cook traditional Puerto Rican food alongside my abuela, and I learned to bake from my mom and my tía Diana. Those moments in the kitchen sparked a passion that has been part of my life ever since.
I’ve been baking since 2011, when I began making cupcakes, cake pops, and marshmallow figurines for family and friends while living in Puerto Rico. What started as a hobby quickly grew into a passion, and after our family moved to Fort Campbell, Kentucky, I began creating custom cakes and desserts for special occasions.
In 2015, we began a new chapter in Florida. While adjusting to a new place, I created Healthy Delights by Libélula on Instagram as a way to document my health journey and share simple vegan recipes. After spending some time posting healthy smoothies and plant-based meals, the page evolved into The Hungry Dragonfly.
Today, The Hungry Dragonfly is a place where I share a variety of recipes inspired by my Puerto Rican roots, my love of baking, and the flavors my family enjoys. While I no longer follow a vegan diet exclusively, you’ll still find plenty of vegan and vegetarian recipes alongside traditional Puerto Rican dishes, baked goods, and family favorites. My goal is to make cooking and baking approachable with simple, delicious recipes and helpful kitchen tips that bring people together around the table.
Fun Facts About Me
Get to know the person behind the recipes!
Rescued Pets
We have 9 rescued pets, including 4 dogs, 4 cats, and 1 snake.
I love…
I love road trips, coffee shops and hiking with my dogs.
Boots
My favorite kind of shoes are boots… all year round.
Black
I mostly wear black, but shh, I like pink sometimes.
Fears
I’m scared of cockroaches and airplanes.
Species
I prefer animals over people.
Behind the scenes…my dogs
Frida Kathy Olivia Lola Benito
