Arroz Con Pollo

Today my slice goes to my grandma and her arroz con pollo. That sweet, hardworking, funny lady who was a second mom to me and taught me so much.

Cooking was her love language. She made delicious food for an ordinary Tuesday and planned elaborate menus for special occasions like they were sacred rituals. I will always remember the smell in our house when she was cooking, my sister and I running to the kitchen to try the raw cake batter, my grandma calling one of us over to taste the food and make sure the salt was just right.

I will always remember her hands. Her smell. Her food. The endless nights listening to her stories about Cuba and her home, and of course, her food.

Today I carry on making her famous arroz con pollo. My family says it tastes exactly like hers… what a huge responsibility, and what an honor.

My mom requested her mom’s arroz con pollo a week ago. As I go from place to place making sure I get all the best ingredients, I can’t stop thinking about her, and about how today, through this dish, I can help my mom feel like her mom is here again. Like she can taste her food one more time.

Today my slice goes to my grandma, her arroz con pollo, and to keeping memories alive.