So I’m working on my Spanglish Cookbook, if you are in my neighborhood, please stop in for leftovers. I wanted to pay a little homage to the chefs, moms, dads…people who have inspired this magic in the kitchen we call Latin Cuisine. So I interviewed a few of my friends;  

This is Frances Mercado she lives in Savannah Georgia. And finally can you give me your favorite Spanglish recipe?

When did you learn how to cook?  When I got married in 1994.  My husband was PR so I had some big shoes to fill.

Who taught/inspired you?  My mom taught me the basics before I moved out.  I took notes on how to make white rice and beans.  That was it.  And yes, I had notes.  lol

What type of cuisine do you cook? From what region/country?  I could eat rice and beans every day.  But, my meal is not complete with out a side salad with adobo, olive oil, and avocado.

What is the first thing you ever cooked? I cooked Uncle Ben’s white rice (in the microwave) and I sprinkled sazon on it after it was cooked.  It was the nastiest thing I have ever tasted.

What does Latin food mean to you?  It feeds my soul.  You can always taste the love and compassion that was put into the meal.  What’s amazing is, 3 different families can cook the same rice and beans and all have different flavors while the seasonings are somewhat similar.  It’s a signature I believe.

Do you remember the first time someone said WOW this is amazing…about your food? Yes, it was after I had been married for some time.  I make chicken on the stove.  (pollo gizado).  I cooked it until the meat just wanted to fall off of the bone.  It was so good, everyone sucks the bones for the marrow. Yum! Until this day its my picky son’s favorite.

And finally can you give me your favorite Spanglish recipe?

Dry Spagettie- This is my favorite dish my grandmother Loudivina used to make.

Noodles
Ragu (yes, Ragu lol)
Olive Oil
Oregeno
Adoboe
Sazon
Garlic
Salt
Black Pepper
Sofrito/Rec
2 Bay Leaves
Chicken, dark meat

Cook sauce for 2 hours on low heat.  
Cook Chicken separate any way you like.
Cook noodles.
Peel meat off bone and cut into pieces.
Mix all together.

Thanks so much Frances, I can’t wait to try this.  Que Rico!