We all have memories of growing up that are extra special, extra memorable, extra, everything. I must admit that I’ve been feeling nostalgic as we continue working on El Cafecito de mis Abuelitos, a book that is personally very special to me. Sifting through memories and committing them to simple illustrated form is an interesting and surprisingly powerful way to remember, to throw memories into sharp relief.
Working on the cute illustrations of these pastries really took me back! Food is something that is intrinsically tied to memory, sometimes more strongly than almost anything else. And when it comes to memories of family, it seems to me that food is always integral, a cornerstone of the things we most remember. As a Cuban American family, food was a huge part of our celebrations, as well as our daily lives. One of the most wonderful things about visiting my grandparents was always their cooking, and the wonderful places we would eat in Miami. You couldn’t separate one from the other. To visit them was to eat good food.
Growing up, many of the people I knew weren’t familiar with Cuban food. It was something that I took great pride in, because I knew that when they had the chance to try it, they would probably love it! Then, as now, I always wanted to share this part of our culture with others, so that they would know about it and hopefully enjoy it as much as I do. The idea for this book was something that came from this dream, a hope not only to preserve a small piece of the love and color and wonder of my Abuelitos’ house, but also to share in this love with others, both those who have never eaten Cuban food and those who love it.
These special pastries were always my favorites! They are called pastelitos de guayaba y queso, or Guava and cream cheese pastries. They have 4 ingredients:
Guava paste, puff pastry, cream cheese, and one whisked egg.
They may be simple, but they are delicious. They were always perfect with some Cuban coffee, or after a delicious lunch or dinner as a dessert. My family also liked to get the meat stuffed pastries, but for me, the Guayaba and cheese were the best and without competition!
These special traditions will always be central to my memories of family and the special relationship I had with my grandparents. My grandmother is still alive, my grandfather passed away last year. It is more important to me now, more than ever, to have these special memories to share with her. And so work continues on this project, and I look forward more and more to finally sharing this special part of our Cuban American heritage.
What are some special memories that you have of food and family? I wish you many of these special moments, especially as we approach the holiday season 🥧 Sending you lots of good energy and happiness for a lovely and special weekend.
-Colorful Swans Press 🦢
Colorful Swans Press 
We grew up in Chile and our grandmother, “abuelita”, lived with us. She was the one doing the kuchens, the cakes, the merengues and the turrones. There is something special thinking about those times which always brings a smile and loving memories. We are blessed to have had our grandparents as part of our lives and also the recipes of those times.
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Such delicious foods and recipes! It is such a blessing to have those special memories, you are so right❤️
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