When I tell people that I homeschool my kids, they seem to be under the (very!) mistaken impression that it means that I have them chained to desks all day and they don't see another soul for hours, days and weeks. Who started this ridiculous myth? In fact, nothing could be further from the truth. Right now, as I write this, Adam has a group of ...
By request. . .
Bistec de Palomilla.It was a holy moment.A very thin sliced top sirloin, marinated in garlic, lime and onion.Quick-fried, smothered with onion, topped with fresh parsley.There was so much emotion that went into this dish. Read about it here. And don't question those holy moments when they come and surprise you.They are a gift. ...
Dressing for success
Isn't she adorable? This is sweet CJ wearing a prototype of an apron for Marta's Cuban American Kitchen. Her grandma is my best friend and a dedicated lover of all things Cuban, but especially Cuban food. I get such a kick out of this. Some of my very first memories involve helping in the kitchen and of course, the greatest, most fun part was ...
“Hey! Isn’t that. . .?”
Amy and I were elected to go to the airport last week to pick up my Cuban uncle.His flight was delayed for over an hour which left us with that much time to people watch (my very, very! favorite spectator sport, but that's not important right now) at John Wayne Airport. I notice a familiar looking gentleman in the baggage claim area and start ...
La Misma Lengua
Que bolá?It's Amy, AGAIN. But my new Cuban nickname is Kikita. (more on that another day) Anyway, my uncle is in town. Ok, he's actually my mom's uncle which makes him my tio abuelo, but we call him Tio Timbiriche. (like I said, more on nicknames another day) So his first night in town, Luza (my abuela) has made congri as part of ...
Excuse me, Mr. Google?
Hello, mi gente! It's Amy again. I'm having issues. I need help. The other day, I was talking with my Mom and I was messing with her a bit when out-of-the-blue and for the first time in my life she exclaimed, "San Apapusio, baja!" Umm . . . what?? who?? Obviously, she was frustrated and asking for a particular Saint to come ...
Señor Google is in da house!
Hello everyone! It's Amy. I've been living with my Abuela for almost 3 years now and she has never had internet. Because, really, what would a 90-something Cuban grandmother need the internet for? (Yes, it's been hard on me, but - when I can no longer live without it - I just go to Mom's house.) Anyway, my Abuela is slowly learning ...
Haikus R Us
My niece Natalie has so much going for her. Ah! To be eighteen! She was so little; I thought she'd be taller now. Happy Birthday, Nat!Aunt Marti's so weird. Her haikus are ...
Fairy Godparents? or Fairly Oddparents?
From left: My sister, Alina, who is my niece Helen's godmother, who is Alina's daughter, Kelley's godmother, who is Helen's daughter, Daisy's godmother. Did you get all that? Here's a fun Cuban Easter tradition we follow: I don't know who decided it, but it's engraved in stone. When you are appointed the high honor of being asked to be ...
Living the dream
I'm so proud of Eric. He was finally able to quit his day job and come home. (Yay!)Wait!Let me say that again . . .HE QUIT HIS DAY JOB! I'm so delighted. We all are.It's just so nice to have him home.And he's got some great clients. I can't even tell you how wonderful this is. (picture me flipping cartwheels . . . umm. . . or not. . . ...
