We’ll call it: "Babalu and the Picadillo"
I have a gnarly sinus infection that is causing one of the lymph nodes in the back of my neck to swell up like a golf ball.
Okay. So that was so NOT how you pictured the beginning of this story and it is kind of an overshare, but you need this information to follow along with the rest of the story.
Because of the infection, I have been on antibiotics for the past week. But they really irritate my stomach and make me kind of stupid. Or maybe it’s the fishbowl effect from the sinus thing.

Either way, I was feeling kind of clumsy and dopey…and I kind of fell and hit my head on the kitchen counter on the way to the ground. (I swear)
So then, I was dizzy and nauseous all day. And when the shaking and vomiting started (I know. I know. T.M.I.) and I fell over again – I sort of ended up in the E.R.
But you see, I had already sent an email to Val at Babalu telling him I was ready to post my awesome recipe for Picadillo.
So as they are wheeling me in the gurney to get the CAT SCAN, I’m kind of babbling about "Babalu and the Picadillo." Which was probably sounding like some kind of children’s story to the nurse, who thought I was completely delusional.
I’ve been teaching my 20 year old to follow a recipe and we’ve been playing "Marta’s Cuban American TEST Kitchen" for the past few weeks (more on that in a later post). And I guess Adam thought it was my last request or something, because when I got home after 5 hours and all the testing and stuff, (by the way, I’m ok, except for the bloody sinus infection….) he had made me some Picadillo. Ah, I love that. That should be a law: You must have Picadillo after a CAT Scan. I’m going to start a movement. Very soon. But right now I think I just need to rest.
The recipe for "Papi’s Favorite Picadillo" is now posted over at Babalu.
And, if I do say so myself . . . it. is. KILLER! =D
I think I might have to take a few days off to recover. But this is a truly happy ending after all.
The End.






Dearest Marta! Please take care of your precious head and don’t go playing anymore countertop basketball with it! Seriously, glad you are not concussed but sorry you are socked in with the sinus infection. Adam, you are still Da Bomb!
Aye, Nena! So sorry. Take care of yourself. Take care of yourself. Take care of yourself…and then write the story of “Babalu and the Picadillo.” I think it’s an awesome title for a book….or a tee design “How to make a Cuban: Babalu y Picadillo.” Pues, claro que si!
Marti,I’m glad to hear that you are fine … your eloquence is just too much … somehow I also knew that you would have a happy ending 🙂 … take care and enjoy the Picadillo which was made with so much love and care (Que rico!!) “You’re blessed, my friend” … Get Well Soon!
I wish you well 🙂 Melek
“You cannot prevent the birds of sorrow from flying over your head, but you can prevent them from building nests in your hair.” —Persian Proverb
Sheesh Marta! You need to take care of yourself. Remember, de los buenos quedamos pocos. Oh, and BTW, my mouth is watering for that picadillo.
Feel better!Your picadillo story literally made my mouth water. I think I will make some this weekend.
Hi honey,I am so glad you are okay. It was a little dicey there for a while. Despite the fun-filled hospital setting, at least we spent some time together. 🙂
I love you.
Me
ooooooh noooooo, now I’m holding MY head & groaning. As i was praying for healing about The Lump during my walk in this a.m. I’d no idea there was so. much. more. to lay before The People Who Run The Universe – yikes! This so reminds me of a previous home disaster in wch the carving knife wound up embedded in yr flesh & Adam carried you to the car for THAT run to the ER. Tell yr fam these are unmistakable Messages From God indicating you’re supposed to direct THEM to do yr will in creating all subsequent culinary masterpieces: you can do it from the living room, where there are friendlier padded surfaces to accomodate that vertically impaired thing…. Besides, Adam looks fabulous in an apron. :>
Marta, I can’t wait to cook up my next Picadillo with the extra touches from your recipe. Glad to hear that you are ok. Scary!