• 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

5 Things I’m Loving Right Now

February 15, 2018 By Marta Darby 4 Comments

There are things I like and there are things I love. (I’m not talking about the obvious, like husband and kids and grandsons.) 

Right now there are a few things in my life that have I more than love. Truthfully, I’m a little obsessed with them. I know you’ll appreciate these as much as I do, because you have excellent taste. 

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

1 – ‘THIS IS US’

Not gonna lie: I didn’t want to like this show. Because we don’t have cable and only watch shows we’re really interested in (Love you, Masterpiece Theater!) it’s a big deal for us to commit to watching a tv show. Enter ‘This is Us.’ I started seeing the fandom grow on my Facebook feed and a close friend suggested I give it a try, so I decided to take a chance. Holy WOW.

Now we’re super invested in the lives of the Pearsons. Don’t judge. If you haven’t already started watching and worrying about what to do about your Crockpot, I highly recommend this show. It’s written so well and the story arcs are all pretty compelling.  Milo Ventimiglia’s portrayal of Jack Pearson has almost (almost!) made me forget about Gilmore Girls.  Warning: have tissues handy.

Also, Jack and Rebecca should have just made Ropa Vieja in your Crockpot. Cuban food would have saved him from the fire and Tia Cuca would have unplugged it and thoroughly Cuban Cleaned® it. Ya tu sabes. 

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

2 – JOULE SOUS VIDE

I received my Joule Sous Vide last year for Mother’s Day from my kids. At first, I was hesitant to use it. I wasn’t quite sure how this new (to me) method of cooking was even viable. It sounded like crazy-talk. 

“So you put your food in a freezer ziplock bag and the device heats up the water like a jacuzzi? It cooks everything precisely to your specifications and all you need to do to your meat is sear it?” It sounds so uncomplicated and reasonable, doesn’t it? The truth? It totally is! 

Wait. What? 

Explanation from the Joule Sous Vide website: With traditional cooking methods, heat flows from a burner to a pan then into our food, or the glowing elements of an oven heat the air around the food, cooking it. Because the air in the oven and the metal in the pan are much hotter than you want your food to be, you’ve got to take it away from the heat at just the right time. Take it off too early or too late and your food is either over- or undercooked. But when cooking with water, instead of an oven or a pan, we can raise the temperature just enough to get the food to the exact temperatures we prefer. We can take it out as soon as it’s done cooking, or let it rest in the water until we’re ready to eat—no more obsessively checking inside the oven, no more chaining yourself to the stove.

My first attempt at sous vide cooking was Eggs Benedict for a family brunch. (I know. What can I say? I can tend towards overachiever. Shut up.) Trust me, I know how weird the thing looks sticking out of the pot and the food in baggies and all that. But the finished product? Showstopper!

The absolute beauty of this hardworking little kitchen friend – I named mine Julia – is that the food is perfectly cooked to the internal temperature because you tell it how you’d like it done from your no-brainer app on your smart phone. There’s an app! With guides and directions. It’s so genius.

Every time I cook with my Joule, I feel like I invented fire. My food turns out so perfect. It comes out ready to hit my cast iron pan for the perfect sear. Can you feel the love here? 

I don’t think I can love it any more than I do. I may do a video showing you how it works, but Chef Steps is way ahead of me there. Watch. And love.

I want to tell the world about how much I love this little device. Check it out for yourself. And if you’ve thought about it, come talk to me. I will talk you into it. There’s so much to love here! (Full disclosure: I am an Amazon Affiliate, so if  you click on the link below and choose to purchase, it’s credited to my amazon account.) 

If you have any questions on Sous Vide Cooking, please feel free to ask. I am always happy to talk with new converts. 

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

3 – MAGNOLIA HEARTH & HAND™ FLUTED GLASS TUMBLER

Magnolia. I’m seriously obsessed with all things Chip and Joanna Gaines. (Don’t judge.) Last year Eric and I visited The Magnolia Market at the Silos and fell more deeply in love with their fun aesthetic. Seriously. 

Now Target has gotten into the act with an entire line of Joanna’s distinctive look. These glasses – from the Hearth & Hand™ with Magnolia collection. Okay, “tumblers.’ I don’t know anyone who calls them ‘tumblers’ in real life, but that’s not important right now. 

I ordered a dozen of them immediately. Target, you’re seriously killing me here. (No, this is not a sponsored post. I wish!) They are so friendly and happy looking and they fit into your hand in such a pleasing way. 

They’re not full-sized water glasses – okay, they’re’ tumblers,’ (shut up) but they’re perfect.

Pretty and functional and they have an old school Cuban feel to them. Can you tell? LOVE. 

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

4 – POSTRES CUBANOS (AKA – CUBAN DESSERTS)

I guess you could say this works on multiple levels. I love me some Cuban Desserts (Postres Cubanos) and I had a customer share that they’d love to see them all on a poster. 

Your wish is my command. Boom! Here’s the link to my Etsy shop: Cuban Desserts Poster

Inspired by my Cuban friends – with a little help from Porto’s Bakery. And voilá. I added this to my shop this week. I’m quite proud of it. And more than a little in love with it. Now I’m busy making a list of all my Cuban friends who need this in their life. 

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

5 – SPOTIFY

Believe it or not, I’ve completely given away my entire CD collection. I know. Who am I?? Much of my old – and new – favorite music is completely available on all my devices with Spotify.com. (Again, this is not a sponsored post. This is all about love.) 

Also, it’s 2018. I, personally listen to music on a computer or on my Echo (using Alexa) or on my smart phone. The monthly fee is so worth it to me to have access to ALL THE MUSIC IN THE HISTORY OF EVER WITH NO COMMERCIALS. I would spend so much more on music left to my own devices. So for me and my family (we have the $14.99 a month family plan) – worth it. 

I especially love, love, LOVE it for parties – and most recently a wedding (!) – it’s super easy to create an exhaustive personalized playlist for the theme at hand. 

Speaking of themes (and because I love you), I want to share one of my very favorite playlists that I’ve recently created. 

I began with a Cuban theme (are you surprised?) and chose songs about places in Cuba and Cubanity. Pretty sweet, right? 

LISTEN NOW

I hope you enjoy it as much as I do. 

This is a glimpse of my life right now. Not just my love affair with my husband or kids or grandsons, but of everything else that makes up my extraordinarily ordinary life. And that is important right now.

You might also like:

Sharing life. My Big Fat Cuban Cooking Playlist Leaving a Legacy You Know You’re Cuban if…

Filed Under: Cuban-American Life, Entertainment, Food and Drink, Lifestyle, Shop, Television Tagged With: Amazon Associate, Cuban food, glass tumbler, Joule Sous Vide, Magnolia, Marta Darby Designs, Spotify, This is Us

Previous Post: « 25 (and a Half) Years
Next Post: Saying Yes To the Dress »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. sandra perez says

    February 15, 2018 at 2:47 pm

    Marta,
    Your website has inspired me to create my own blog. I have lived in Miami all my life so theres “cubanity” all around me. Such as Cuban bakeries in every corner and La Carreta 24 hour dining where everyone goes anytime theres a big Cuba announcement (like Fidel’s death) or when Miami Heat won the Championship. Miami is unique and sometimes Americans don’t understand our culture. So Im hoping I can share a little of Miami in my blog.

    Thanks for the inspiration, your beautiful posts and all your Cuban recipes!

    Reply
    • Marta Darby says

      February 16, 2018 at 2:15 pm

      Hi Sandra,

      That makes me so happy! Lucky you to live in Miami – you have so much fodder for a blog!

      Un fuerte abrazo,
      Marta

      Reply
  2. elkana says

    February 27, 2018 at 2:24 pm

    Split Pea soup is a wonderfully hearty soup and very easy to make when using a crockpot. Crockpot Split Pea Soup with pork  Ingredients: 4 cups split peas 4 cups Turkey Bone Broth 6 cups water 1/2 cup carrots, diced 4 celery stocks, diced 1/4 cup dried onions or one small onion, diced Cracked Salt and Pepper to taste 1 lb thin cut boneless pork chops Sour Cream (Optional) Place the pork chops on bottom of the crockpot. Next arrange the split peas in the crockpot in an even layer.

    Reply
  3. theambler says

    February 28, 2018 at 3:05 pm

    Thanks for the comments!

    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 Café La Llave Giveaway
    October 16, 2022
  • Sweet 16
    October 3, 2022
  • I’m Loving It
    September 9, 2022
  • Chicken With Peaches and Plums, Oh my!
    September 8, 2022
  • To Live Would Be An Awfully Big Adventure
    June 28, 2022

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
It’s time to get busy to welcome the New Year on It’s time to get busy to welcome the New Year once again! 🥳
Get your grapes 🍇 and cidra 🥂 ready, people!
This is not a drill!🚨
Próspero Año Nuevo! 🎉http://bit.ly/2iB783G(Link in profile☝🏼)#cubannewyear #prosperoañonuevo
#mybigfatcubanfamily
There’s Christmas Music, then there’s CUBAN Ch There’s Christmas Music, then there’s CUBAN Christmas music. 🇨🇺🎄🎶 You need this Playlist as you salsa around your Christmas tree. 💃🏻🎄🕺🏼 bit.ly/2gvvCdK(Link in profile☝🏼)
#Cuban #CubanChristmas #ChristmasPlaylist #CubanMusic #ChristmasSongs
#MyBigFatCubanFamily
This is why I keep getting invited to holiday part This is why I keep getting invited to holiday parties.
😉🎉🇨🇺
Homemade Pastelitos de Guayaba for the win! 🏆
Recipe link in profile☝🏼
.
bit.ly/2esihpI
#cubanfood #cuban #pastelitos #guayaba #thefoodofmypeople #mybigfatcubanfamily
Looking forward to Noche Buena like… 🎄💃🏻🥳
Who’s with me? 🇨🇺🎄#cuban #cubanchristmas #nochebuena #mybigfatcubanfamily #arbolitodenavidad
Pro tip: Always end a Cuban meal with espresso. Ya Pro tip: Always end a Cuban meal with espresso. Ya tu sabes! 🇨🇺😉You can find these digital downloads in my Etsy shop for only $12. 😱Buen Provecho! 🥘☕️http://etsy.me/1VAIQYo#martadarbydesigns #cubanfood
#comidacubana🇨🇺 #foodposters #thefoodofmypeople🇨🇺
Going into Cyber Monday like, 🗣️“Mas espres Going into Cyber Monday like, 🗣️“Mas espresso, por favor!” 🇨🇺☕️
Cuban Coffee poster digital download available in my shop. 😉 Ya tu sabes.http://etsy.me/2gcn1PT#cybermonday
#CubanFood #CafeCubano #Coffee #CubanCoffee #Cuban #Cuba
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#cubanchristmas #cremadevie #nochebuena #ohthecubanity #mybigfatcubanfamily
Now that we’re stuffed with turkey and wondering Now that we’re stuffed with turkey and wondering what to do next…Let’s shop! 😂🤣But seriously, check out my Etsy shop, Marta Darby Designs right now. I’m offering digital downloads on all my food posters. ‼️My fam is still singing my praises over the NocheBuena poster.
🎶🏆🎄☺️But I also have Cuban, Cuban Desserts, Puerto Rican, Mexican, American and most Latin countries represented. 🇨🇺🎉🎁All the digital downloads in my shop are only $12. 😱
Link in profile☝🏼
Have fun shopping! 🛒#mybigfatcubanfamily
#thefoodofmypeople🇨🇺
#NocheBuenahttp://etsy.me/1VAIQYo
And so it begins: the shopping, the delegating, th And so it begins: the shopping, the delegating, the decorating, the slicing, and dicing as we prepare for the Big Day. 🦃🍁🥧🍽️
Let me make your like easier.
Play this Cuban Cooking Playlist and échale your own salsita to the preparations.
What are you waiting for? A gozar se ha dicho! 🎶💃🏻http://bit.ly/2fjIBy9(Link in profile☝🏼)#mybigfatcubanfamily
#belikemarta 🖖🏼😎
#JapiSanGuibin
Wrapping up Hispanic Heritage Month with a tasty g Wrapping up Hispanic Heritage Month with a tasty giveaway sponsored by my friends at @cafelallave.
☕️💚🗝️To enter you must pop over to my blog and answer some questions about your coffee habits.  Not too personal, I promise. 😉
We have all week to get to know each other. Let’s make it so!🥳https://bit.ly/3T9RrCiClick on the link in my bio and find yourself at my blog and leave the comment there. Thank you for your infinite patience. 🙏🏼
I’m so excited to get this Giveaway going!
For me, Hispanic Heritage Month must be celebrated For me, Hispanic Heritage Month must be celebrated with The Food Of My People. 🇨🇺What an absolute delight to find  delicious Cuban food right here in Downtown Disney. 🎉
@kikiscubanfoodtruck was every thing my Cuban-food-craving-heart could ever desire.
🇨🇺🥳❤️We pretty much ordered everything on the menu: Cubanos, Yuca Frita, maduros, black beans, papas rellenas, and lechón asado; all cooked to perfection and washed down happily with Materva, Iron Beer, and Malta Hatuey. 🍺Kiki herself is a talented red-headed Cuban beauty who runs the truck with boyfriend, Mitchell and represents us so very well. 👩🏻‍🦰Full disclosure: I judge every Cuban restaurant by their black beans. (It’s true.) Theirs were pretty perfect. 🙌🏼So proud of this Cubanita! We will most certainly follow this delicious food truck around the Southland.
Thank you, @kikiscubanfoodtruck for your gracious hospitality. 😘If you’re in Southern California, go find this truck and tell them Marta sent you! 👋🏼Also, the black beans?
Five Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️#thefoodofmypeople
#mybigfatcubanfamily
#belikemarta 🖖🏼😎
It is what it is. 🤷🏼‍♀️🇨🇺😉# It is what it is. 🤷🏼‍♀️🇨🇺😉#ohthecubanity
#belikemarta 🖖🏼😎
I started blogging 16 years ago. 🤯 I’ve share I started blogging 16 years ago. 🤯 I’ve shared stories and memories and all the relajo that is my real life.😁I have had many highs and lows in all these 16 years.🎢And I’m grateful for all of you who have helped me keep going. 🥳Happy Sweet 16 to me! 🇨🇺💝Swing by the blog this week and say hello. 👋🏼
(click the link in profile☝🏼)Que siga la tradición y el relajo!💃🏻💃🏻💃🏻#mybigfatcubanfamily
#quesigalatradicion
#belikemarta 🖖🏼😎https://bit.ly/3CuHFof
Our favorite Cuban bakery here in California is fe Our favorite Cuban bakery here in California is featured on “The American Story” podcast. Listen. And love.
🎙🇨🇺🧁🇺🇸❤️Link in profile☝🏼https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/make-cakes/id1474881598?i=1000580776224#portosbakery #cubanfood
Felicidades a todos que celebran este día de la c Felicidades a todos que celebran este día de la caridad. 🙏🏼❤️🥳My story about Cachita:http://bit.ly/15bs9I4(Check my Instagram profile for the link☝🏼)#virgendelacaridad #itsacubanthing🇨🇺
#patronsaintofcuba
🚨My son the actor: @therealjondarby is loving i 🚨My son the actor: @therealjondarby is loving it! ❤️ His @mcdonalds commercial just dropped.
🍟
Can you say “crazy-happy Cuban mom?? 🖖🏼😎Also, are you craving hash browns now? 🥳
🗣Ya tu sabes!#mcdonalds #hashbrowns #mysontheactor  #mynigfatcubanfamily #managementmontage
#eristalentagency
Authentic. Homemade. Cuban. Mantecado. Ice Cream. Authentic. Homemade. Cuban. Mantecado. Ice Cream. The recipe is up on my blog and there's much rejoicing in my world. 🎉
Just in time for #nationalicecreamday July19th. #weallscream #itsacubanthing #mantecado #mybigfatcubanfamily #CubanFoodhttp://bit.ly/1f8Gv42
How do you make a s’more Cuban? 🤔🇨🇺 Wit How do you make a s’more Cuban? 🤔🇨🇺
With Maria cookies, of course! 🤯
Happy Independence Day, my friends!💥🇺🇸
I’m proud to be a naturalized American citizen.
“Abre que voy! Cuida’o con los callos!” 💃🏻🇨🇺-🇺🇸❤️http://bit.ly/Cubansmores#thefoodofmypeople🇨🇺 #4thofjuly #cubanamerican
WINNER!! 🎉🎉🎉 Congratulations to @chHapp WINNER!! 🎉🎉🎉
Congratulations to @chHappy First Day of Summer!☀️
Let’s get this party started with a @cafelallave espresso gift box giveaway! ☕️🎉
Take a look at my blog for all the details.https://bit.ly/3n7pxbuTo enter:
1. Like this post on Instagram❤️
2. Follow @cafelallave
3. Tag 2 other espresso loving friends. ☕️🥰
4. Repost on your stories for an extra entry.🥳*Valid in the U.S.A. Only. Winner will be announced on Monday, June 27th, 2022 at 11 am PST.#cafelallave #ohthecubanity
Celebrating my 67th trip around the sun ☀️ and Celebrating my 67th trip around the sun ☀️ and trying to up my selfie game. 🤳🏻
I’m alive and I’m 67. 🎉
Not gonna lie: I’m super proud of making it to “estas alturas.” 🤩
Happy Birthday to ME! 🥳
“Que siga la tradición!”💃🏻#BeLikeMarta 🖖🏼😎
#mybigfatcubanfamily
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
  • Sweet 16
    October 3, 2022
  • I’m Loving It
    September 9, 2022
  • My Big Fat Cuban Cooking Playlist
    November 21, 2016
  • Pastelitos de guayaba recipe with picturesPastelitos de Guayaba Recipe (Guava Pastry)
    July 27, 2016

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

February 2018
MTWTFSS
 1234
567891011
12131415161718
19202122232425
262728 
« Jan   Mar »

Copyright © 2023 my big fat cuban family

 

Loading Comments...