There was a
woman that I called Abuela, even though she was not actually my grandmother.
Abuela is one of the most influential cooks I have come across in my life.
Everything she made was amazingly simple, flavorful, well executed Cuban
cuisine. She used the freshest ingredients and took extra care in
preparing everything, including grinding her own spices. She was clean,
efficient, and knew proportions without thinking. Not only was she an
amazing cook, but she became one of my mentors. Several times a week I
would go over to her house so that I could observe how she made her food.
I always asked a lot of questions, which never seemed to phase her. With
each question came a quick answer and then an even quicker nudge towards the
preparation area. She would demonstrate to me with little words being
exchanged, and then she expected me to do it myself. Each time we were in
the kitchen, it was like a journey into the realm of a magician. Abuela
was magical and always remained happy when in the kitchen. Before she
began to show me how to cook her native cuisine, she always asked me if I was
happy, how my day was, and if I was feeling upset. She explained to me
that if I had any negative feelings before going into the kitchen, that my food
would not turn out right. Happiness was the main ingredient in everything
we did. Her best dishes that still resound in my memory are: Ropa
Vieja, Chuletas de Puerco , Picadillo, Arroz con Pollo, and Ajiaco Cubano.
Abuela thank you, for all you taught me. Your magical spirit in the
kitchen is what I always strive to maintain when I am creating at home or at
work.
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