I hope you all had a lovely Christmas holiday with friends, family and great food. This year my dad decided to make the tradition Cuban dinner for Christmas Eve, or Nochebuena, and I loved spending time with him in the kitchen. Here are some snapshots and even a little video about him making the elements of the meal. It classically consists of pork marinated in a mojo, or bitter orange sauce, white rice, black beans and fried sweet bananas called plantains (pictured above).

Here’s a video of Papa Jose explaining the Cuban meal. With him is my step-grandma Arline, who adds in some info about the secret ingredient for the black beans! What could it be?

Dad takes such passion in cooking and pride in serving his Cuban food. He carries on my Abuela Mia’s recipes and traditions for my family and friends, which I hope to do in the future.

What cultural traditions do you have during the holidays? I can’t wait until Papa Jose decides to whip up another Cuban meal soon. I’m craving those beans and rice just looking at them! Happy almost 2014.

Love food. Love self. Love life.
Gabriela