My all time favorite cook is my Vóvó Aurea (grandma). Today is her birthday and I couldn't let the day go by without honoring her. She makes simple recipes bursting with flavor. Growing up I loved being in her kitchen watching her cook and move around from one end of the kitchen where she has her favorite stove to the other end of the kitchen where she has another stove. She is repulsed by microwave and anything plastic. She had the tin cups and plates before anyone else thought they were cool/green.When I was in middle school I would have lunch with her everyday and this is when I finally stopped stuffing myself and actually started asking some questions about how she prepared such delicious meals. My favorite memories of her include food. For example, she would take me to church every Sunday and pack me a snack of white bread and mayonnaises (love it) and mint candy. For a long time I thought the whole meaning of church was to get special snacks. Her joy in life consists of feeding people, especially her family.
Unfortunately/fortunately this love for cooking skipped a generation (that's my mom in the background washing dishes. She never cooks. ever! only cleans, cleans, cleans) and that's me watching Vó Aurea make guava shortbread. If I feel extra festive I might make some today in her honor.
If by some miracle my grandma ever goes on line and figures out how to check my blog I want her to know that my love for food and all things related is a direct result of her always answering my questions.Te amo vó Aurea, e feliz Aniversario!
