• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
My Big Fat Cuban Family

My Big Fat Cuban Family

Cuban recipes, family, heritage, and culture.

  • Meet Marta
    • Media Mentions
  • Lifestyle
    • Cuban-American Life
    • My Big, Fat, Cuban Family
  • Entertainment
    • Disney
    • Marvel
    • Television
    • Concerts
    • Books
    • Theatre
  • Celebrate
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Cuban Christmas
    • Mother’s Day
    • Movie Nights
    • Summer Nights
  • Recipes
    • Cuban Recipes With Pictures
    • Family Favorites
    • My Cook Book
  • Shop
    • Cuban Foods Poster
    • Cuban T-Shirts
    • Costa Rican Foods Poster
    • Honduran Foods Poster
    • Puerto Rican Foods Poster
    • Salvadoran Foods Poster
    • Scottish Foods Poster
    • Customize Your Own
    • Cuban Goodies In Your Mailbox
  • Contact
    • Advertise
  • Archives

Keeping the Faith – A Giveaway

November 9, 2012 By Marta Darby 110 Comments

There have been a lot of twists and turns in my personal life (and in the country at large) this past week. It's times like these that send me looking (running!) for comfort.

Because I'm Cuban, I can usually find my comfort in the kitchen. (Don't judge me.) A fabulous sofrito, a perfect arroz con pollo a la chorrera, or a sweet flan all speak to me of goodness and abundance and home and give me an all-is-right-with-the-world feeling.

However, none of these can compete with the aroma of freshly brewed espresso. It is, to me, the quintessentially Cuban comfort. It speaks of my culture, reminds me of my Papi, and has been the constant in my entire existence on this planet. Too dramatic? Please. I'm having a moment here.

I was delighted that my friends at IMUSA USA have offered to sponsor this week's giveaway. “A buen hora.” (Loose translation: “Perfect timing.”)

IMUSA electric espresso

An IMUSA Bistro 4 Cup Espresso and Cappuccino Machine and an 4 Cup Espresso Set with Chrome Rack.

UPDATE 11/10/12: The very generous folks at Gaviña Gourmet Coffees are adding a pound of their deliciously Cuban La Llave Espresso to this giveaway package. Gracias, my friends!

Honestly, I've always been partial to the old-school stove-top espresso maker. But this baby now takes pride of place in my kitchen and I'm pleased to report that it's simple enough to operate that I can practically do it in my sleep. (And believe me, most of the time, I'm sleepwalking when I'm making my first cup.)

Eric is in love with the cappuccino feature. He insists that the 3 o'clock hour is mandatory for his afternoon cappuccino. But, then again, he's fully awake and functioning at that hour, but that's not important right now.

For a chance to win BOTH the IMUSA Bistro Espresso Machine and the Espresso Set, please leave a comment on this post. Please answer one or all of the following questions:

  • Coffee, tea, espresso, cappuccino?
  • Do you have a particular hour for your afternoon caffeine pick-me-up?
  • Does the aroma of freshly brewing coffee remind you of someone or something special?

For an extra entry, please go "like" IMUSA USA on Facebook and come back and tell me:

  • I like IMUSA USA!

I'll choose the winner on Tuesday, November 13th, 2012 at 11 am PST.

“Coffee and love are best when they are hot.”-German proverb

You might also like:

IMUSA Espresso Maker and Cups – A Winner! How to make Cuban coffee with KILLER espuma. You’re welcome. Mami Loves Cuban Coffee – A Giveaway It’s the Little Things (A Giveaway from IMUSA)

Filed Under: Cuban-American Life Tagged With: Cafe Cubano, cappuccino, Coffee, coffee maker, Cuban coffee, Gavina Gourmet Coffee, IMUSA, Imusa espresso maker, IMUSA USA, La Llave espresso, stovetop espresso maker

Previous Post: « Why the Right to Vote is A Very Big Deal to Me
Next Post: IMUSA Espresso Maker and Cups – A Winner! »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Annie says

    November 9, 2012 at 12:33 am

    Believe it or not, I am NOT a big coffee drinker. I don’t need it to function in the morning (I am naturally adorable and peppy!), but I love to drink coffee after a nice dinner. American is my usual choice, unless I am at Starbucks. Then I love me some iced lattes! And on a cold morning, a nice cappuccino.And naturally, to make a nice frothy cappuccino, I need me one of these babies. 🙂

    Reply
  2. Mercy says

    November 9, 2012 at 12:37 am

    Oh, I need it in the morning BAD…and at 3pm to make it thru the day :)Cuban guy at work says that espresso is the “black nectar of the white gods”…sounds so much better in Spanish…
    LOL

    Reply
  3. Iris Rodriguez says

    November 9, 2012 at 12:37 am

    This reminds me of my abuela and abuelo! Saludos desde Texas…

    Reply
  4. Maggie Unzueta says

    November 9, 2012 at 12:38 am

    I like IMUSA USA! I love coffee. I’m drinking coffee right now. My coffee machine broke recently. I haven’t had a chance to go buy another one. I have a valid excuse; I live on an island. Going to Walmart is a huge deal. The local coffee shop is making a killing off of me. I would LOVE this espresso machine. Crossing fingers.

    Reply
  5. Maria Sch says

    November 9, 2012 at 12:38 am

    Capuccino is my favorite, the morning would be the best time for me to drink it, if i drink it in the afternoon i won’t be able to sleep for 2 days and yes it reminds me of my mom in fact coffee smell is what used to wake me up every morning and i was upstairs! jeje

    Reply
  6. Zoila Caballero says

    November 9, 2012 at 12:38 am

    I remember going to my mom’s and having cafecito. Whatever time of the day she’d ask “Zoila, quieres un cafecito?” Memories.

    Reply
  7. Damaris says

    November 9, 2012 at 12:39 am

    Espresso all the way but my mom loves su cafe con leche every morning like clock work. She has he cafe con leche y pan.

    Reply
  8. Gloria Palacio says

    November 9, 2012 at 12:39 am

    Cortadito Is actually my favorite, but I ended up with cafe espresso at 3 PM For my afternoon pick up. The smell of Cuban coffee always reminds me of my Tia Daisy And Christmas in New Jersey… She makes the best cafe con leche anywhere! Really love to win the espresso set… Thanks for the contest!

    Reply
  9. Abluhm23 says

    November 9, 2012 at 12:40 am

    Do I have to choose only one?? Because I love all four!!! Coffee in the morning to get my brain to work, Espresso aka Cafe Cubano in the afternoon to give me some energy!! Tea when I’m on a health kick LOL and Cappucinos are yummy!I usually drink my afternoon pick-me-up around 3 o’clock, if I drink it any later I will never sleep.
    When I smell my Cafe Cubano brewing I can only think of my family, we always make some at every get together, and the smell is like nothing else. The smell is delicious and nostalgic in so many ways!

    Reply
  10. Damaris says

    November 9, 2012 at 12:40 am

    I like IMUSA USA!

    Reply
  11. Abluhm23 says

    November 9, 2012 at 12:41 am

    I like IMUSA USA!I like IMUSA USA!
    I like IMUSA USA!
    I like IMUSA USA!
    I like IMUSA USA!
    I like IMUSA USA!
    I like IMUSA USA!

    Reply
  12. Hugo diaz says

    November 9, 2012 at 12:45 am

    Coffee…please…its my way to start my day. It’s always coffee time st my house. Friends drop by…coffee time, mid day…coffee… time, unexpected guest stop by…coffee time , pick me up moment….coffee time…I would love this awesome gadget…the aroma of coffee is the best! Please…I would love this awesome machine!

    Reply
  13. [email protected] says

    November 9, 2012 at 12:45 am

    I am a coffee lover, so any time is the perfect time for me to have a delicious “cafecito cubano” or a Cappuccino. An espresso is the climax to a perfect meal, be it after lunch, to keep us awake and help us complete those daily tasks at the office, or after dinner, to unwind and enjoy our favorite TV shows.The smell of fresh brewing coffee does remind me of a special person: my dad, who ever since I can remember wakes up my mom with a fresh made espresso which he brings to her while she is still in bed. That is the delicious smell that wakes me up every weekend when I sleep over at their house. The fresh smell of coffee will always remind me of my dad!

    Reply
  14. the gold digger says

    November 9, 2012 at 12:51 am

    I love the smell of coffee! It reminds me of my grandparents and waking up in their small house. After they retired from farming and moved into town, they still kept farmers hours, so were up at the crack of dawn. My grandmother would make coffee and bacon for my grandfather. She made the coffee in a percolator, so there was that coffee sound as well. What a way to wake up – to the aroma of coffee and bacon!My grandfather would pour some coffee into his saucer to cool it, then sip it from the saucer. I guess that’s not considered polite, but I never cared. He was a wonderful, sweet grandfather. (Although apparently he was a tough dad – that happens.) He would spread leftover bacon grease on his toast and sip his coffee, eat his toast, and smoke his cigarette. I love the combination of those smells.
    He lived to 88, btw.

    Reply
  15. Lisann says

    November 9, 2012 at 12:52 am

    You are speaking my language, gurl!!!1. Coffee, tea, espresso, cappuccino?
    Cappuccino (or espresso con espumita).
    2. Do you have a particular hour for your afternoon caffeine pick-me-up? YES! 1pm baby!
    3. Does the aroma of freshly brewing coffee remind you of someone or something special? It reminds me of my grandfather (Papito) with his colador in the mornings in Puerto Rico and when he served it in those cups made of tin cans. Ahhh the nostalgia!
    Love the giveaway!

    Reply
  16. Lisann says

    November 9, 2012 at 12:53 am

    I like IMUSA USA!

    Reply
  17. Angie Abella says

    November 9, 2012 at 12:54 am

    I LOVE Cuban coffee, hubby makes it in the little metal stove top pot Papi passed down to him. Hubby told me about the little coffee carts in Little Havana, they sound like heavenly cups of yummilicious coffee!I do homemade cappucinos, expresso, and any other coffee we can come up with. Starbucks has nothing on homemade!
    I’d actually like to win this for my husband’s Papi, who came here from Cuba in the late 1950’s, so he can have an easier time making his favorite cafe.

    Reply
  18. Sandra Juliachs says

    November 9, 2012 at 12:59 am

    Expresso is my favorite but I settle for coffee most mornings! I need coffee first thing in the morning & sometimes around 3pm. The aroma of freshly brewed cafecito reminds me of growing up in Miami!

    Reply
  19. Hautemealz says

    November 9, 2012 at 12:59 am

    Espresso, followed by coffee, followed by another espresso.First thing in the morning (extra points if I wake up to the aroma!)
    Growing up, my mother brewed fresh coffee every single morning, and it was the first thing I smelled waking up (often with the added joy of bacon, lol).
    She’s been gone a long time now, but my morning coffee reminds me of her, and home.
    Chef Perry
    hautemealz.com

    Reply
  20. Christy Wilson says

    November 9, 2012 at 11:14 am

    Hola! I am from the border town of Nogales, AZ & the smell of freshly ground & brewed coffee remind me of shopping for groceries in Nogales, Mexico. The super-mercado where we’d shop would grind the beans in the store & there is nothing like that aroma! Thx for the opportunity to win this espresso machine–para un café con leche!

    Reply
  21. BrandonG17 says

    November 9, 2012 at 11:50 am

    Espresso all the way, nothing beats a perfectly timed shot 🙂 and as for a time of day, anytime is good for me ^_^ I will always take you up on a good cup of coffee. When it comes to the smell of coffee it reminds me of the wonderful times I got to spend enjoying a nice cup with my friends

    Reply
  22. Sandra Juliachs says

    November 9, 2012 at 1:00 pm

    I already like IMUSA on facebook…

    Reply
  23. Fina Gonzalez says

    November 9, 2012 at 1:00 pm

    Oh, I just love and miss my mom’s 3 o’clock pick me up cafecito con una meriendita!!!

    Reply
  24. Foodie Sandi says

    November 9, 2012 at 1:01 pm

    I remember growing up in the 70s and my best friend, Maria Olivera and her family who were Cuban….her Mom used to make us Cuban Cafe con Leche and toasted Rolls and butter every morning! Her Empanadas were the best I ever had!

    Reply
  25. Foodie Sandi says

    November 9, 2012 at 1:01 pm

    I like Imusa!

    Reply
  26. Beatriz says

    November 9, 2012 at 1:03 pm

    I would love that awesome cuban-ness! Send it my way pretty please 🙂 🙂 🙂

    Reply
  27. Monica says

    November 9, 2012 at 1:11 pm

    Life without espresso would be unbearable! Bustelo forever baby! EL Sabor Que No Se Detiene

    Reply
  28. Missy Escobar says

    November 9, 2012 at 1:13 pm

    I want to win!!!! Question 1-coffee for me, espresso for my husband. Question 2-around 3:00 at work we are all secretly hoping someone will make some coffee. Question 3-the smell of coffee reminds me of mornings at the beach where my family unites for a week each year. We always all have our morning coffee together on the porch before the day gets going. Thank you for doing the give away!

    Reply
  29. daisy says

    November 9, 2012 at 1:14 pm

    Espresso, cortadito, if you please!muchas gracias

    Reply
  30. Mari says

    November 9, 2012 at 1:15 pm

    Cappuccino Have to have it first thing in the morning. Around 2-3:00 in the afternoon. Must have another one. The aroma of cafe reminds me of my mother who made the best!I also remember my father who always loved his cafesito so much. They are now enjoying theirs in heaven.
    I like Imusa!

    Reply
  31. Missy Escobar says

    November 9, 2012 at 1:16 pm

    I like Imusa!!

    Reply
  32. Mari says

    November 9, 2012 at 1:16 pm

    Love your blog by the way. With both my parents gone it’s wonderful to be able to read all these Cuban stories.

    Reply
  33. daisy says

    November 9, 2012 at 1:17 pm

    i did , i did i didi like Imusa !!!

    Reply
  34. Alms says

    November 9, 2012 at 1:18 pm

    •Coffee, tea, espresso, cappuccino? ESPRESSO!! My fave. Especially with a little milk for a cafe con leche.•Do you have a particular hour for your afternoon caffeine pick-me-up? 3pm is usually snooze time so i def. need a little pick me up!
    •Does the aroma of freshly brewing coffee remind you of someone or something special? My grandmother. It is a staple after every meal! The smell, the sounds, and the taste all remind me of her.

    Reply
  35. alms says

    November 9, 2012 at 1:19 pm

    I like IMUSA USA!

    Reply
  36. sila delgado says

    November 9, 2012 at 1:33 pm

    I’m so glad I found your blog, I live in Ohio and theres not many cubans here at all, your blog keeps me informed, and all the pitures of all the magnificent foods that I can’t buy here makes it all worth reading and of course craving it. I JUST LOVE YOU GUYS

    Reply
  37. Emilia says

    November 9, 2012 at 1:38 pm

    Como buena Cubana, I LOVE my cafe con leche in the morning! Actually, pretty much coffee in any form is good in my eyes, but espresso con leche is my fave. Saludos desde Los Angeles.

    Reply
  38. Jcass0912 says

    November 9, 2012 at 1:57 pm

    Nothing says Buenos Dias like a nice cup of cafesito cubano!! Espresso all the way!!!

    Reply
  39. Ana F says

    November 9, 2012 at 2:08 pm

    Espresso all the way, any time of day.

    Reply
  40. marie says

    November 9, 2012 at 2:08 pm

    me is all Cuban coffee kick it with a moring shot but the best is that 3:00 time for that pick me up and then I am a happy camper :0

    Reply
  41. Lyndi Cook says

    November 9, 2012 at 2:20 pm

    My 86 year old abuela was sworn in today as a UNITED STATES CITIZEN!! She left Cuba 50 years (almost to the day) ago! She loves espresso & if I win, I will give this to her. Thank you for your time 🙂

    Reply
  42. Alina says

    November 9, 2012 at 2:44 pm

    Well, for me its espresso, espresso, espresso and follow that with some more espresso…y a que hora?….en la manana, la hora de merienda….despues de cualquier comida…durante las novelas! Basically anytime of day! Jajajajaja

    Reply
  43. Alina says

    November 9, 2012 at 2:48 pm

    I like IMUSA USA!

    Reply
  44. Marta Quinn says

    November 9, 2012 at 2:56 pm

    Nectar of the Gods

    Reply
  45. Keila Butler says

    November 9, 2012 at 3:00 pm

    Oh how do I choose just one! Coffee, espresso, cappuccino…??? I’ll take any one of those. I prefer my caffeini in the moring, but about 4 PM is a good time for a pick up.

    Reply
  46. Kiki Bacaro says

    November 9, 2012 at 3:09 pm

    Frappuccino in the afternoon to get me going again!The aroma reminds me of my grandmother making me my after school cafe con leche!

    Reply
  47. Kiki Bacaro says

    November 9, 2012 at 3:09 pm

    I like IMUSA USA!!

    Reply
  48. Evita says

    November 9, 2012 at 3:11 pm

    Cafe Cubano is the perfect way to end a meal. Nothing like the sweetness and of course the caffeine boost that gets the family talking about old times. The smell of Cafe Cubano reminds me of my favorite Tio Pedro who passed away 13 years ago. He was the expert with the coffee and the daiquiris!

    Reply
  49. Carmela C says

    November 9, 2012 at 3:12 pm

    Coffee, Espresso and Cappuccino- I love them all! Mid-afternoon I really enjoy a cup of coffee. The smell of coffee brewing reminds me of my Papi. He loved coffee just as much and would always have a pot on no matter what time of day it was.

    Reply
  50. Emmy says

    November 9, 2012 at 3:13 pm

    Espresso- in the morning and 3pm. The smell of cuban coffee transports me back to home in Miami with my grandmother. Would love to win it…my current coffee machine is really old.

    Reply
  51. Carmela C says

    November 9, 2012 at 3:13 pm

    I like IMUSA USA!

    Reply
  52. Esther says

    November 9, 2012 at 3:15 pm

    I like IMUSA USA!

    Reply
  53. Madeline Block says

    November 9, 2012 at 3:19 pm

    Espresso! My husband is American of German descent. For twenty two years we lived in a small town in upstate NY,away from my Cuban family who lived in Florida. Our town only had three hispanics; an elderly Puerto Rican couple, and me. As much as I loved the small town All American life of upstate NY, I missed all the sweetness of my culture,the people with their laughter, and their gift of gab. But one of the things that I missed most, was that time in the evening when we were finished with the dinner, the dishes were done, and my mom would always ask the same question, “Quien quire cafe?”, Who wants coffee? And of course everyone did. We all sat in the living room watching TV and waiting for my mom to come in with the tray full of little demi cups of coffee. For just a moment there was this moment of silence while we all sipped on our coffee that gave me the feeling that this simple ritual, repeated every evening united as as a family.

    Reply
  54. Mrios says

    November 9, 2012 at 3:21 pm

    I liked IMUSA USA!I am MexiRican and was raised with drinking Cafe con Leche everyday. I mean EVERYDAY! I love it and need it morning, noon and night. I love my coffee strong with steamed milk – the best! Whenever I smell good coffee brewing, it calms me down and relaxes me for that moment.

    Reply
  55. Blanca says

    November 9, 2012 at 3:55 pm

    I love cortaditos…in the afternoon and after a big meal. Although cafe con leche in the morning always hits the spot. The aroma of coffee brewing reminds me of my grandmother’s cozy kitchen. How I miss that warm, comforting and satisfying place!I like IMUSA USA!

    Reply
  56. Josefa Edilia PInero says

    November 9, 2012 at 4:15 pm

    The nectar of life. Whenever you’re feeling down acup of expresso will pick you up and spin you around
    When I travel, I always carry my expresso maker and supplies with me. That way we won’t miss home that much.

    Reply
  57. [email protected] says

    November 9, 2012 at 4:40 pm

    Love cuban coffee!! Anytime of day!

    Reply
  58. Maria Fernandez says

    November 9, 2012 at 4:42 pm

    I love the smell of Cuban Coffee in the morning!!!!(Here in Louisiana where is hard to find)

    Reply
  59. Adriana Jeffery says

    November 9, 2012 at 4:52 pm

    Coffee or espresso in the morning and after work to give me a boost for the rest of the day. I love the smell of cafe, reminds me of when I was a little girl and of my abuela who would make me cafe con leche for breakfast. I really miss her.

    Reply
  60. Maria S says

    November 9, 2012 at 5:17 pm

    Espresso!3 is the perfect time for an afternoon pickmeup.
    Cafe colando always reminds me of my Abuela.

    Reply
  61. Kelly says

    November 9, 2012 at 5:26 pm

    The aroma of coffee always reminds me of my dad.

    Reply
  62. Irene de Goicoechea Burton says

    November 9, 2012 at 5:42 pm

    I have Cuban Coffee in my veins. The smell always brings back memories of my Dad coming home for lunch in the 1950’s in La Habana and ending his huge meal with cafecito and a “tabaco” which he would dunk in his coffee. Also when we would go to Sancti Spiritus to the farm; we would always be offered cafe with sweetened condensed milk at all the bohios in the area. I am so grateful to have had the family God sent me to and to be Cuban with all our great funny ways, and fantastic sense of humor.Viva Cuba Libre!!!!!!

    Reply
  63. BBabushka says

    November 9, 2012 at 5:45 pm

    Coffee, tea, espresso, cappuccino?Yes please thank you. Bueno, tea- not so much.
    El olor de café reminds me of my mom with her endless cafécito, countless Starbucks raids and My Little One’s killer espuma. Thank you for this giveaway, it’ll be a great gift for My Little One when she goes off to finish college.
    wow. so much talk de café- cortadito anyone? BB2U

    Reply
  64. PastorGene says

    November 9, 2012 at 5:47 pm

    Stove top espresso always reminds me of my dad having a ‘black coffee’ made on the stove in an Italian neopolitan coffee maker. Miss you, dad!

    Reply
  65. jana says

    November 9, 2012 at 6:08 pm

    Coffee, Americano, Latte…love them all!Jana

    Reply
  66. Ofe says

    November 9, 2012 at 10:54 pm

    1. Cafe Cubano (Pilon) – or espresso. Is there any other? ;-)2. 3pm is the perfect time for a shot of cuban coffee.
    3. Aroma reminds of home, family and pride for my Cuban culture.

    Reply
  67. Mirtha says

    November 10, 2012 at 12:22 am

    I love coffee – any which way I can get it! I’ve always loved the Cuban-coffee making ritual especially the rhythm and art of beating the sugar. I’ve relished teaching my college-aged boys how to make the perfect espumita. And through the years, I watched my Abuela and Mom make their coffee daily. This August, making coffee took on a whole new layer of emotion. My mother was on her deathbed and had not been responsive. Then something moved me to ask her if she wanted me to make her some café. There was an ever so slight, but noticeable response as she with great effort nodded her head “yes.” The hospice nurse saw it and couldn’t believe that she had responded in her state. I rushed to make it and I even brought the little container where I beat the sugar and placed her hand around it so she could feel the spoon doing the “taka, taka” rhythm. And then a most special moment in the process of saying our last good-byes happened. With the help of a syringe, my mom had her last sips of Cuban coffee. Just a few days later, within the hour of her passing, I made café with my oldest son and shared it with my family and the hospice nurse, and with this special ritual, celebrated my mother’s life on earth and her passing to a new life in Heaven. Drinking coffee/café and the ritual of making it will never again be an ordinary event for me. It will always be a celebration of savoring life to the last drop. Love you, Mami.Thanks, Marta, for asking and allowing me to share.

    Reply
  68. Grace O. says

    November 10, 2012 at 2:10 am

    Espresso – but if theres milk around, make it a cafe con leche, please! Time does not matter to me when it comes to a cafesito or cafe con leche. I will even have some before going to bed.

    Reply
  69. Grace O. says

    November 10, 2012 at 2:10 am

    I like IMUSA USA!

    Reply
  70. Luci Castillo Carpenter says

    November 10, 2012 at 5:09 am

    Oh, I love this post! Espresso–made on the stove in that funky pot mi mama always had ready to go. I’ve tried it myself, but not quite right. Its always about 3pm when I begin to crave cafe con leche–but, end up with a “cafe americano” as my Pipo(daddy) used to say and its not quite the same. And here, you can gather that “cafe” always brings sweet memories of my parents and family that have passed on–its like having that cup of espresso–no matter what time of the day, was family time.

    Reply
  71. Andriacm says

    November 10, 2012 at 5:54 am

    Cafe con leche. Reminds me of my suegras house in Cuba.

    Reply
  72. Andriacm says

    November 10, 2012 at 5:58 am

    I like IMUSA USA!

    Reply
  73. Jenn Cuesta says

    November 10, 2012 at 6:00 am

    I live in Houston and have been away from Miami for 13 years with too short of visits in between, so….When I smell my cafe cubano at home I’m flooded with memories of home and wish I had pan cubano to dip in it <3 (can't find it here)
    I LIKE IMUSA USA!!!

    Reply
  74. Sue says

    November 10, 2012 at 8:17 am

    I love cafe con leche anytime of the day. I make my own at home but during the afternoon I enjoy a latte (I live in Northwest).I like IMUSA USA!!

    Reply
  75. Natalie says

    November 10, 2012 at 9:22 am

    I love espresso with lots of sugar for an afternoon “pick me up”. It reminds me of my childhood in Miami. But…a capuccino with a friend at any hour is also divine! What a fabulous giveaway- gracias to you and IMUSA!

    Reply
  76. Natalie says

    November 10, 2012 at 9:23 am

    I like IMUSA on FB!

    Reply
  77. Gracie says

    November 10, 2012 at 3:21 pm

    A capuccino, because it’s the closest to cafe con leche which I was weaned on, about mid-afternoon hits the spot. The smell of coffee brewing always reminds me of the way life used to be, when our family or my parent’s friends would drop by unannounced and my mother would put the coffee on. CAFE= Caliente, Amargo, Fuerte, Espeso!

    Reply
  78. Zelde says

    November 10, 2012 at 4:01 pm

    Espresso in the AM; Café con Leche 3pm-ishReminds me of Home! y Familia!
    I like IMUSA USA
    Gracias Marta! Zelde

    Reply
  79. Ivis De Armas - Freeman says

    November 10, 2012 at 4:02 pm

    I like IMUSA USA!

    Reply
  80. Lourdes Rucker says

    November 10, 2012 at 4:03 pm

    Imusa is for this Mrs. Love love my Cafecito Cubano, anytime of day. As of now all I have is a cloth old fashion coffee strainer. Am living with my daughter and her husband, neither of them drink Cafe. They don’t know what they’re missing. Well hope I get lucky. Much love, Lourdes

    Reply
  81. isabel camp says

    November 10, 2012 at 4:15 pm

    When my mom steams on the expresso machine all my kids go running to the kitchen yelling “cafe, cafe!!”…even my 2 year old!!

    Reply
  82. Angela Garcia says

    November 10, 2012 at 4:24 pm

    OMG, so many comments!**Coffee, tea, expresso and cappuccino…YES PLEASE!
    **2pm for my afternoon pick me up. Any later and I lose sleep
    **The smell of coffee reminds me of the mornings when I lived with my Grandmother in Santo Domingo. Morning is just not good without coffee!

    Reply
  83. Angela Garcia says

    November 10, 2012 at 4:24 pm

    I LIKE IMUSA!!!

    Reply
  84. Maria Arza says

    November 10, 2012 at 4:26 pm

    I LOVE espresso, any time of the day and always after a fantastic dinner! The smell of Cuban coffee reminds me of home and my Abuelo Manuel who had to have cafe four times a day. His last cup was at exactly 10pm right before he went to sleep! Would love to win the machine and the cafe! Cafe means Home!

    Reply
  85. Maria Arza says

    November 10, 2012 at 4:27 pm

    I like IMUSA USA!

    Reply
  86. MADELINE GARCIA says

    November 10, 2012 at 4:44 pm

    Cappuccino (Cafe con Leche) For sure!!!!! I love my Cappuccino around 4 in the afternoon when my batteries are running low. It picks me up. Cafe con Leche reminds me of my Mom. She used to always make it for me in the morning.I Like IMUSA USA!!!! ALL THE WAY!!!!!!!! 🙂

    Reply
  87. A. Melendez says

    November 10, 2012 at 4:49 pm

    I love espresso especially it’s smell because it reminds me of when my mother would make it early in the mornings and the whole house had that special aroma of spanish coffee wafting in the air. I like IMUSA USA!!!

    Reply
  88. Beatriz Veto says

    November 10, 2012 at 5:05 pm

    What do I prefer? Cafe Cubano! Chica, what is all this espresso stuff? Un cafecito mid-day and after a great Cuban meal….well, OK any meal. But in the morning…cafe con leche with crispy-toasted Cuban bread covered in butter. There is no flavor like the mix of the cafe con leche and that buttery toast! It is all you need to start your day. It’ funny how our cafeteras are all the rage right now. The things we often take for granted. What does the smell of cafe Cubano remind me of? Mornings in our little kitchen soon after arriving to the states. Grand political conversations around the table (for hours). My Papi saying: ¿Betica, tienes mas cafe? Sitting at the table enthralled in all the adults’ conversations and drinking my own little cup at 10 years of age. Holidays and meals that culminated with un cafecito. And finally, back to my Papi who died on July 18, watching him make his coffee every morning when he moved in with me and carefully pouring it in his thermos sipping on it all day long. I miss my Papi. So many memories. And this small tasita de cafe is a wonderful memory that heightens the senses and brings the sounds, tastes, music, sights of Cuba (and my Papi) rushing back as that smooth and dark liquid splendor glides down my throat. Excuse me as I make myself ‘un cafecito.’ Cuidadte, que de los buenos que damos poco…Papi

    Reply
  89. Lourdes manning says

    November 10, 2012 at 5:26 pm

    For me, it’s cafe con leche. Anytime but 3:00 is perfect. A perfect afternoon pick me up. The aroma of a cafecito will always make me think of my dad. He was Papi to me and to his grandchildren. I was privileged to be the one to make and share cafecito y tostada Cubana with him every morning of the last 6 months he lived. He will be gone 5 years this Dec and I miss him terribly. But the newspaper, tostada y cafecito in the morning keep him alive in my heart always.

    Reply
  90. Rick De La Rosa says

    November 10, 2012 at 5:40 pm

    That is my exact model coffee maker. I love it!

    Reply
  91. Rosalina says

    November 10, 2012 at 5:57 pm

    Im Cuban and for us Cafe La Llave in the morning and at 3:00P.M. is a pick me up for the rest of the day.

    Reply
  92. Mercedes Grave de Peralta- Zikan says

    November 10, 2012 at 6:12 pm

    Coffee and espresso,pretty much what I drink all day everyday. It’s my mood equalizer and keeps my family and the community safe…LOL…The aroma of coffee is lucious but it’s the aroma of espresso brewing in a cafetera or in a sauce pan to be poured threw a cloth funnel that ignites memories of family. With both my parents gone within a span of 2 1/2 years those memories are even more precious. Cafe con leche in the morning, un cafecito after a meal; traditions of a way of life that I try to continue as much as I can as I raise my little boy.

    Reply
  93. Marisol says

    November 10, 2012 at 8:05 pm

    Coffee, tea, espresso, cappuccino?I’d say al the above! 🙂

    Reply
  94. Marisol says

    November 10, 2012 at 8:07 pm

    P.S: I like IMUSA USA!

    Reply
  95. Nancy Garcia says

    November 10, 2012 at 8:53 pm

    The smell of freshly brewed espresso will ALWAYS remind me of my childhood. You knew it was time when you could smell & HEAR “la cafetera ” in the kitchen. Didn’t start drinking coffee till much later in life. Funny thing is I new how to make a perfect cup right from the start. Blame the Cuban genes.

    Reply
  96. Carmela C says

    November 10, 2012 at 11:07 pm

    I like IMUSA USA!

    Reply
  97. Monique Rivera :) says

    November 11, 2012 at 5:34 am

    Cappuccino, for sure! An afternoon caffeine pick-me-up at 3 PM. The smell of coffee reminds me of my mom, waking up early to make cafe’ con leche y tostadas. 🙂 Also, of my great aunt Ercilia, who always brewed coffee before our visits, when we all lived in Cayo Hueso. <3

    Reply
  98. Monique Rivera :) says

    November 11, 2012 at 5:35 am

    PD !!!Me encanta IMUSA USA!!!

    Reply
  99. Carmen Bango says

    November 11, 2012 at 4:27 pm

    Of all my appliances, my percolator is the only appliance that talks to me! It greets me in the morning with an aromatic “Good morning!” Then it’s on again after lunch with an encouraging… “hang in there”…And again at around three for an enthusiastic..”You can do this!…When the day is done and I have in fact “made it”…I hear it talk to me again and it tells me…”You did it! Have a good night’s rest!

    Reply
  100. Megan says

    November 11, 2012 at 7:13 pm

    Coffee, tea, espresso, cappuccino? = LATTE!!!! 😀

    Reply
  101. Megan says

    November 11, 2012 at 7:14 pm

    I like IMUSA USA!

    Reply
  102. Pandora Richards Pensiero says

    November 11, 2012 at 9:09 pm

    I love cappuccino mostly! Every morning my wonderful husband makes me a cappuccino. However I do love a good Cuban coffee and I’d have it each day but I haven’t perfected it. At night I enjoy a sleepy time/peppermint tea!! I’d love to win this as I’m not allowed to touch my husbands machine!

    Reply
  103. Pandora Richards Pensiero says

    November 11, 2012 at 9:24 pm

    I like…..LOVE Imusa USA!!

    Reply
  104. Kitty says

    November 12, 2012 at 6:05 am

    I prefer cappuccino and tea. Usually around 2 to 3 pm in the afternoon I need a pick-me-up and have a cup of tea. My husband loves espresso, Turkish coffee, or any other type of strong coffee.maynekitty[at]live[dot]com

    Reply
  105. Kitty says

    November 12, 2012 at 6:11 am

    Like IMUSA on Fb

    Reply
  106. Mirtha Torres says

    November 12, 2012 at 9:06 am

    The smell of Café reminds me of my parents kitchen and now my own. My mom would make café all day long. She would say she can’t live without it or she will get a really bad migraine. Growing up, was very normal for us to have pan con mantequilla and café con leche every weekend. This was unheard of with my American friends. How could a 10 year old drink coffee! I would explain it wasn’t coffee it was café con leche but they would say it was the same thing ;)Now that I am an adult, I’m trying to continue with my parents tradition. However, my oldest daughter thinks like my old friends did when I was 10. BUT my youngest daughter has more of the Cuban blood in her and loves café con leche. (Their dad is Irish, lol, mami is Cuban).
    I liked IMUSA on FB!

    Reply
  107. alysa says

    November 12, 2012 at 8:18 pm

    Coffee, yes please. Daddy got me started very young with lots of cream and sugar. Being dutch, there is a time for everything. Tea at breakfast with milk and sugar. 10 AM Coffee time with everyone on the farm, salesmen included. This was usually at Gramma’s house next door,(did I mention her name was Gramma-next-door?) she made the cake, it made sense to go there, actually she insisted. 3PM Tea time with dutch cookies, dutch chocolate or more of Gramma’s cake(she usually sent it along with us in case we got humgry on the way home,next door.) The smell of coffee??? I salivate for chocolate or cake, it reminds me of Gramma. How many paragraphs am I allowed?

    Reply
  108. alysa says

    November 12, 2012 at 8:26 pm

    I went to IMUSA and liked it.

    Reply
  109. Maribel Reyes says

    November 15, 2012 at 11:12 am

    Espresso of course! Esta Cubanita likes it strong and sweet. 😀

    Reply
  110. Krista says

    November 22, 2012 at 5:20 pm

    I like Imusa!!

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

TRY SUPER SMOOTH CAFE LA LLAVE ESPRESSO

Cafe La Llave espresso coffee pods

My Cuban T-Shirt Designs

“Cuban T-Shirts

Subscribe to MBFCF Newsletter!

Never miss a post! Sign up with your email address to receive recipes, news and updates right in your inbox!

Cuban Foods Poster

“Cuba

Cuban Coffee Poster

“Cuba

Cuban Desserts Poster

“Cuba poster - Cuban desserts subway art print

Most Recent Posts

  • Hispanic Heritage Coffee Basket Giveaway
    October 24, 2023
  • Cafe La Llave Espresso Ice Cream
    September 12, 2023
  • Summer Café La Llave Basket Giveaway
    June 26, 2023
  • Cafe La Llave Espresso Coffee Coffee Cake
    June 9, 2023
  • Espresso Cupcakes with Espresso Frosting
    April 29, 2023

Cuban Recipes Cookbook

Cuban recipes with pictures cookbook from My Big Fat Cuban Family

Follow Me on Instagram

mybigfatcubanfamily

I love all things Cuban. I'm passionate about sharing stories, my family, food & recipes. I'm Marta. 💋🎉 @martadarby

My Big Fat Cuban Family Blog
“So, Marta , how was your day?”Me: “It was “So, Marta , how was your day?”Me: “It was fine, but I’d have to say the highlight was that mention in the NEW YORK TIMES today." 😱🇨🇺“Oye, Chiqui! Get the sandpaper! Pa’ darme lija.”
🖖🏼😎We’re talking Caribbean egg nog drinks. Crema de Vie is my fave. 🥰❤️Crema de Vie Recipe and downloadable tags on the first page of my blog. 🎄Full story link in profile:https://nyti.ms/40Zktct#cremadevie
#Cubaneggnog
#newyorktimes
It‘s time to start making Crema de Vie for all t It‘s time to start making Crema de Vie for all the people who are on The Nice List. 🇨🇺🎅🏻🎁🤩🎄❤️I’ve included printable tags because I’m a giver that way.😉
You’re welcome. ❤️https://bit.ly/3nKgVpG#BeLikeMarta 🖖🏼😎#cubanchristmas #cremadevie #nochebuena #ohthecubanity #mybigfatcubanfamily
It’s that time of the year. 🎉 Before the Holi It’s that time of the year. 🎉 Before the Holiday Comelatas begin, we have to get our homes clean, people!
Not just “clean” - but Cuban Clean® - ahora sí!
🚰🧽🧹bit.ly/CubanCleanIf you need to review the “8 Rules for Getting Your House Cuban Clean®” tap the link in my profile for all the details.
Get the trapeadores ready!#ohthecubanity #cubanclean
#thecleanofmypeople
#mybigfatcubanfamily
Con un poquito de azúcar, por favor. 🇨🇺☕️Come check out my Etsy shop for all the delicious digital downloads.You can take to your local printer and have it done immediately. Que cosa más rica! 🎉Oye, pero Christmas is coming! 🎁🎄🎅🏻Visit Marta Darby Designs on Etsy. Link in profile.☝🏼https://www.etsy.com/shop/MartaDarbyDesigns#cubanfood
#cubanfoodposters
#martadarbydesigns
I’m giving away a box of delicious @cafelallave I’m giving away a box of delicious @cafelallave coffee goodies to celebrate the end of Hispanic Heritage Month. 🎉
Please visit my site and leave a message on that blog post to enter. Thank you. 🇨🇺☕️https://bit.ly/46OJcm0Link is in bio☝🏼Salud! ☕️#ohthecubanity
#cubancoffee☕️
#cafecubano
#mybigfatcubanfamily
@cafelallaveThanks 🙏🏼
It’s time to play my favorite game: “Maduros o It’s time to play my favorite game:
“Maduros o Tostones?”What do you have with each? I’m a picadillo xo tostones type girl.You? 🍌“It’s a Cuban thing.” 🇨🇺😉#mybigfatcubanfamily
#itsacubanthing
#ohthecubanity🇨🇺
My “merienda.” 😊And that’s how you do M My “merienda.” 😊And that’s how you do Mondays. 🙌🏼🇨🇺🏆You’re welcome. 😉#croquetas
#galletas
#cubanfood
#portosbakery
Some Mondays require more than others. Am I right? Some Mondays require more than others.
Am I right?? 🇨🇺☕️
Alaba’o sea santísima!🤩#belikemarta 🖖🏼😎#thedrinkofmypeople☕️
#cafecubano #cubancoffee
#ohthecubanity
#mybigfatcubanfamily
There’s nothing sexier. 🇨🇺☕️❤️ I K There’s nothing sexier. 🇨🇺☕️❤️
I KNOW I’m right. 😉💋Happy National Coffee Day! 🇨🇺☕️#nationalcoffeeday #cafecubano☕️ #cubancoffee #mybigfatcubanfamily
I made some amazing espresso ice cream with the he I made some amazing espresso ice cream with the help of @cafelallave // smooth, creamy, and.it tastes like your first cafecito of the day. // Best thing you’ll taste all day. ☕️💚🗝️Buen Provecho! 🤩Please visit my blog for the whole delicious recipe. (Link in profile☝🏼)You’re welcome! 😉🇨🇺https://bit.ly/45QhRPN#espressoicecream #cafelallave #mybigfatcubanfamily
It goes without saying, because CUBAN.
🇨🇺🍮😉❤️#BeLikeMarta 🖖🏼😎#flanislife #itsacubanthing🇨🇺
Cafe La llave Espresso ice Cream Check my site for Cafe La llave Espresso ice Cream
Check my site for full recipe 🍨
(Link in profile ☝🏼)https://bit.ly/45QhRPN
My grandson Max will be 2 next week. I figured it My grandson Max will be 2 next week. I figured it was time. 🇨🇺☕️
Don’t judge me. It’s a Cuban thing. 😉(For those of you freaking out right now, it’s only milk. I know. Shut up.🥛😆)Full disclosure: my mom would give all of us kids espresso from time to time. The most explanation I ever got from her was, “Asi se usaba en Cuba.” 🤷🏼‍♀️Oh the Cubanity. 🙌🏼🇨🇺#cafelallave #cubancoffee
This chapel, called “La Ermita,” is dedicated This chapel, called “La Ermita,” is dedicated to La Virgen de La Caridad Del Cobre, and is located in Miami.
Part of the @peroletmetellyou Miami Tour, 😉
I was there to show my respects, but as I sat there praying, I was not prepared for the intense burden I felt over the suffering of our people.Today, September 8th, is her feast day.
Today, like every day, we pray for a free Cuba. 🇨🇺We familiarly and with great love call her Cachita. ❤️Please read my story on how she is honored in Cuban homes everywhere. 🙏🏼https://bit.ly/15bs9I4(☝🏼link in profile)Photo 📸: @peroletmetellyou“Nuestro día ya viene llegando.” ~ @willychirino#itsacubanthing🇨🇺 #cachita #laermitadelacaridad
Today’s PSA, some words to live by: “Toma choc Today’s PSA, some words to live by:
“Toma chocolate.
Paga lo que debes.”And this is where I randomly start to cha-cha around my kitchen.🎶💃🏻🕺🏼
Who is with me?!Oh, the Cubanity. 🇨🇺😉#itsacubanthing #elbodeguero
The world looks brighter and much more fun after I The world looks brighter and much more fun after I’ve had my cafecito. ☕️ @cafelallave 💚🗝️🇨🇺🎨 by @ericdarby88#cafelallave #cafecubano
National Cuban Sandwich Day - from the archives - National Cuban Sandwich Day - from the archives - How to Make the Perfect Cuban Sandwich. 🇨🇺🥖This is a day I’m happy to celebrate. 🙌🏼🥳❤️https://bit.ly/1J31P2yStory and recipe link in profile☝🏼
#cubansandwichday
#mybigfatcubanfamily
I’m willing to die on this hill. 🤭 Oh, the Cu I’m willing to die on this hill. 🤭
Oh, the Cubanity. 🇨🇺#belikemarta 🖖🏼😎
Am amazing afternoon with our friends. Thanks to Am amazing afternoon with our friends. Thanks to  @spaghettinisb #spaghettiniathome #spaghettinisb @melissasproduce
To celebrate the beginning of summer I’m giving To celebrate the beginning of summer I’m giving away a beautiful basket of delicious Cuban coffee goodness courtesy of my friends at @cafelallave .
☕️💚🗝️⭐️Please click on the link in my profile☝🏼https://bit.ly/3NP9DRpLeave a comment on that post to enter,  and answer all my curious Cuban Coffee questions.🎉It’s time to wake up and smell the Cuban coffee, people! 😉Oh, the Cubanity!🇨🇺#cafelallave☕️ #cubancoffee #giveaway #coffeebasket
Load More Follow on Instagram

Follow Marta On Social

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

FEATURED POSTS

  • Crema de Vie – A Cuban Family Tradition
    December 10, 2018
  • My Big Fat Cuban Cooking Playlist
    November 21, 2016
  • Pastelitos de guayaba recipe with picturesPastelitos de Guayaba Recipe (Guava Pastry)
    July 27, 2016
  • 8 Rules to Getting Your House Cuban Clean®
    April 5, 2016
  • 10 Cuban Superstitions That Helped You Survive
    November 16, 2015

Blog Archives

Footer

Meet Marta

Marta Verdes Darby is a Cuban-American food blogger in South Orange County.

Connect

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Sign Up For My Newsletter

November 2012
MTWTFSS
 1234
567891011
12131415161718
19202122232425
2627282930 
« Oct   Dec »

Copyright © 2023 my big fat cuban family