“Do you remember, grandma, how your kitchen always smelled like heaven?” I ask, my voice filled with nostalgia.
Grandma, (we also called her Abuelita which means grandmother in Spanish) she chuckles, her eyes twinkling. “¿Ah, mi niña, esos eran los días. Mi ensalada de bacalao y arroz con gandules eran las estrellas de nuestras reuniones. Cada receta tenía una historia, una tradición.” (“Ah, my dear, those were the days. My codfish salad, and arroz con gandules were the stars of our gatherings. Each recipe had a story, a tradition.”)
“Yes, and those recipes have found a new home in my cooking classes,” I reply. “Your dedication to authenticity and quality in selecting ingredients taught me that the right choices can make a dish extraordinary. You always cooked with so much love, ensuring everyone left the table with a full stomach and a happy heart.”
Abuelita nods, her hands resting on her walker. “Cocinar es más que solo comida, mi amor. Se trata de compartir amor y crear recuerdos.” (“Cooking is about more than just food, my love. It’s about sharing love and creating memories.”)
“Remember the summers in Puerto Rico?” I ask, a smile spreading across my face. “We’d visit the outdoor market in Bayamón, where the bus station is now. I can still see you carefully selecting fruits and vegetables, smelling them, weighing them with your hands.”
Abuelita’s laughter fills the room. “¿Y esos pollitos de colores? Los teñían para atraer a los compradores. Un verano, te compré uno, y lo criaste todo el verano.” (“And those colorful chicks! They dyed them to attract buyers. One summer, I bought you one, and you raised it all season long.”)
“Those moments,” I say, “were my first lessons in connecting with food and understanding its roots. They shaped my culinary path.”
My love for cooking stems from their grandmother's authentic recipes and the love instilled in every dish.
“Abuelita, I was such a picky eater,” I confess, shaking my head. “You had the patience of a saint. With my asthma and malnutrition, you made sure I ate enough to stay strong. You prepared my favorite meals with so much love.”
Abuelita smiles softly. “Solo quería que estuvieras saludable y feliz, mi hija. Sabía que si encontrabas alegría en comer, encontrarías fuerza en la vida.” (“I just wanted you to be healthy and happy, my child. I knew that if you found joy in eating, you’d find strength in life.”)
“As I grew older and began exploring different cuisines,” I continue, “my perspective shifted from eating to live to living to eat. Every bite reminds me of your kitchen, rekindling my passion for food and its endless possibilities.”
Thank you Abuelita! R.I.P.
I can't help but pick Rioja wines for my paella. They make my Mediterranean dining experience top-notch! Plus, they're perfect for crafting a killer pomegranate sangría!
Cooking possesses a distinct ability to unite people, acting as an ideal icebreaker and providing a platform for individuals to exchange their culinary narratives. In a cooking class, you don’t just acquire skills alongside fellow enthusiasts; you also actively participate in collaboration and teamwork. This collective journey fosters camaraderie, often culminating in enduring friendships.
Picture this scenario: team members animatedly conversing about the cooking class they participated in, exchanging insights, and eagerly outlining their future culinary endeavors. This lively and inclusive group dialogue fosters a sense of unity.
In conclusion, cooking therapy offers a multitude of benefits, from stress relief and mindfulness to creativity and self-expression. By booking a private group cooking class, you will give your team and yourself a rewarding and mind-blowing experience. So why not give cooking therapy a try? Check out our exciting group cooking experiences to find out more.
Hispanic Heritage Month was created to spread awareness and promote Spanish history and culture in effort to help keep it alive! It is a time to learn, create, and appreciate the rich histories of our ancestors and celebrate the diverse cultures throughout the Spanish community!
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Discover what 16+ years of teaching has taught me about food, creativity, and connection. Explore how I inspire students through innovative techniques and cultural appreciation.
Experience the vibrant fusion of Spanish and Puerto Rican cuisine in my latest blog post. Discover the cultural significance of paella and learn how to blend authentic ingredients with traditional techniques to create a dish that celebrates our rich culinary heritage.
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