Cooking with Maya

When I was small, I stayed in the kitchen with my grandma. She was always cooking and it is where I learned. I helped her grate cheese. I chopped onions and I sliced tomatoes. I even helped her pick grapes for homemade wine.  When everyone else simply came to the table when it was time to eat, I was learning how to make magic happen.

Now I watch my daughter chop onions, scoop out avocados and chop cilantro for her yummy guacamole. Or season eggs or make cookies from scratch. She even helps with my famous gumbo.

The more special moments are cooking side by side like tonight. I was prepping pork for a crock pot stew as she was making lunch. She is chopping and I am braising. She is seasoning and I'm combining. We are talking and she is asking questions about life.

And I am reminded how traditions never die and how much I miss my grandma. But how much Maya reminds me of her. And how precious time is.

Cooking with Maya is always a great night and I am grateful for them.