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My Big Fat Cuban Family

My Big Fat Cuban Family

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Sweet 16

October 3, 2022 By Marta Darby 8 Comments

I started writing this blog 16 years ago and I’m all about celebrating this milestone. It’s my Sweet Sixteen, people! And is there anything sweeter than celebrating with Cuban pastries? 

When I started writing this blog, I wanted to keep a diary of sorts, slightly like a journal, a place where I could document my family’s comings and goings. 

I found that in the midst of writing that I would reminisce about what it was like growing up Cuban in the U.S. And what it was like (at the inception) to homeschool my kids. 

There were some profound questions I needed to answer…

Like how did my Cuban memories of what authentic Cuban food should taste like jibe with my general laziness in the kitchen? I know. Shut up.

My Big Fat Cuban Family grew into a place where cyber-friends would often visit back in the day when “blog-hopping” was a thing. 

Venturing out onto the “Internets” was a little daunting at first. Was anybody reading my stories? 

Apparently they were! (I’m still a little shocked by that – but that’s not important right now.) 

My kids have grow up here on these pages. My family’s celebrations have happened right here.

Personally, I’m so happy I have a pretty consistent record – like the front page of my mom’s Bible – of births and deaths and marriages. And a lot of shared memories with special friends I’ve made along the way. 

Celebrating the birthday of my friend, Willy Chirino. *sigh*

I have to make a note here that it was a year and a half ago that I was hospitalized for 36 days  and nearly died from COVID complications. But I survived by the grace of God and the fervent prayers of the saints. That is to say, my friends and family, connected through the same internet that I was at first reluctant to dip my toe into. 

Who knew? 

At our dinner table, we go around and share our daily “Highs and Lows.” (But the lows have to have a redemptive element.)

Here are links to some of my highs.

  • Meeting Gloria Estefan – where I fangirl HARD!
  • Visit to Skywalker Ranch – A total pinch-me moment!
  • From the Set to the Red Carpet – where Jon got cast in a movie!

I’ve had my share of lows, like when my mom, Luza passed away, but with gratitude of having had her for most of my life. (She was 103.) 

And that I have lots of video of her. Please appreciate her classic “Cuco and Yayo.”  ❤️

(Thank you forever, internets!) 

I have to say my highs outweigh the lows by a long shot. 

Special thanks go out to my friend, Val Prieto and the entire staff at Babalú Blog. I started cooking for them in early 2007 and that relationship opened many doors as well as blessing me with lifelong friends. Gracias, mi amores. 

clockwise from top left: Me, Miriam, Ofie, Alina, Helen Missing: my brother, Rudy

My family. The pandemic has strained the bonds of my relationship with my extended Big Fat Cuban family, which makes me sad in so many ways. (Low.)

But that has caused me to take the reins as the Matriarch of my own family. (Redemption of the low.) 

Adam, Alysha, Marc, Max, Lucy, Eric Asher, Marta, Sebastian, Amy, Jon – aka My Big Fat Cuban Family

My 3 grandsons have been born during these past years. 2 of my own have married. Our dinner table gets stretched often. (I wouldn’t have it any other way.) 

Asher, Max, and Sebastian

I still speak parenthetically and use run on sentences. If you ever meet me in person, you would see that I write exactly as I speak. I haven’t yet decided whether this is a good or bad thing. 

I’m just glad I have been able to document my life in this oh-so public way. 

I thank you all for joining me in this master class we call life, which, as I often say, is always in session. Technically, it’s CUBAN AMERICAN LIFE, which is its own category.

I’m glad I got to teach you all about Cuban Cleaning®. And the truly-scary-I’m-not-gonna-lie 10 Cuban Superstitions That Have Kept Us Alive.

One of the first things I shared was how to make Pastelitos de Guayaba at home.

Full Disclosure: I cheat. Also, you’re welcome.

I’m glad to be celebrating 16 Years in The Blogosphere. And I’m grateful for all who have come along with me. 

Happy Sweet 16 to me! ??

Embarrasing Disclosure: Last year at my Quinces, so many friends sent me congratulatory videos and I completely failed to post and share. I know. Que pena. I blame long-covid symptoms, but that’s not important right now. All this to say: I promise to share those this week. Stay tuned.

Que siga la tradicíon!

#belikemarta ???

You might also like:

3 with 6 zeros The sweet part Blog Talk MBFCF Quinces Celebration – On Cuban Time Pt. 2

Filed Under: Celebrate, Cuban-American Life, Featured Tagged With: 16 Blog Years, celebrate, sweet 16

Previous Post: « I’m Loving It
Next Post: Hispanic Heritage Café La Llave Giveaway »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Ody says

    October 3, 2022 at 5:43 pm

    Happy 16th Birthday!!!!
    I can’t believe it’s been that long already. I found you at a year and a half and remember binge reading to catch up. 🙂
    May this next new year in Blogoshere bring you many interesting and enjoyable entrees, but above all…good health to continue sharing your life with us.
    Te quiero amiga!!! ❤️

    Reply
  2. Ileana says

    October 3, 2022 at 6:15 pm

    Felicidades, Marta!!!

    Reply
  3. Yuria says

    October 3, 2022 at 6:21 pm

    Happy blog-day! How many times have I come visit for a quick recipe refresher or when the nostalgia hits and your stories put a big smile on my face (sometimes with one or two tears) thank you and keep them coming please ❤️

    Reply
  4. Cathy Roze says

    October 3, 2022 at 7:10 pm

    Happy Sweet Sixteen! I love your blog,and of course your recipes have made me famous in certain circles! As I have retired from one of those circles, my Spanish is really shaky.”Follow the tradition”? It’s a good thought, not sure I nailed it!

    Reply
  5. Jackie La Cubana says

    October 4, 2022 at 5:40 am

    Happy 16th Marta!!
    You make all of us Cubans proud.
    Que siga la tradición!!
    Besos y abrazos from Hollywood, Fl.
    ❤️❤️????

    Reply
  6. Maria says

    October 4, 2022 at 8:21 am

    Dear Marta,
    FELICIDADES!! I can’t believe it’s been 16 years! I feel like I’ve known you forever and even recall seeing your kids grow up. I remember so well your homeschooling adventures with them; even when they first started high school. Your mother and Kikita’s trip to Cuba is also very memorable! You really have touched me with your writing and feel like you’re a close, dear friend. I am so glad you’re back to blogging. Thank you so much for sharing your story all these many years!
    Wishing you continued good health & many blessings being sent your way!

    Reply
  7. Diana Chia says

    October 4, 2022 at 9:06 am

    Congratulations on 16 years! I have enjoyed you blog. My grandchildren love your easy recipe of pastelitos de guayaba!

    Reply
  8. Lourdes says

    October 4, 2022 at 4:29 pm

    Congratulations… I started a blog and after a few years just stoped. Wish I could have kept it… It would probably be about 15 years by now. Glad for the cooking..

    Reply

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    October 3, 2022
  • I’m Loving It
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Marta Verdes Darby is a Cuban-American food blogger in South Orange County.

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