Our road trips through Mexico were always so much fun and full of adventure.  These were the kind of road trips where the things that happened are now almost unbelievable.  But I can sit back and reminisce about these trips, and only imagine what I experienced in those days–now in a full length movie.  We all have these memories about our families, because adventures with the family are priceless.

Not only were our trips to Mexico fun and adventurous, but they were full of learning.  I learned how to self entertain for hours at a time.  I didn’t have nifty gadgets like all the kids have these days where they watch movies for hours or play games till their eyes fall out.  My imagination grew as I looked out the car window, for countless hours observing and absorbing the landscapes before me.  I learned to read facial expressions and body language at first glance.  With one look I could tell when someone needed to use the restroom.  I was the first one to make everyone in the car aware we needed to pull over to relieve ourselves.  I could tell when my dad was about to get mad at the men in the “aduanas” (customs).  As soon as I saw my dad’s bushy eyebrows go up and down one at a time and began sniffing like a boxer, I knew I needed to pray to sweet Jesus and all the saints I’d ever heard my Abuela mention.  I didn’t even believe in religion at the time, but I knew not to mess with Mexican officials.  If I could have knelt to pray in the back of the van, I would have.  Luckily, we never did anything illegal, other than drip cold beer on my brother’s burnt back from too much sun exposure.

Another thing I learned was that even if the beach in La Paz, Baja California looked amazing after driving for hours through a road of black and grey volcanic rock on both sides in 120 degree weather didn’t mean it was safe to run through the sand into the beach.  OUCH!!! At first I couldn’t feel it from the excitement of finally reaching the water, but seconds into my run, my feet were scalding hot.  My brother who is 4 years younger than me ran right behind me.  Once I heard him crying, I picked him up and ran back to the car.  Our poor feet were hurting.

Our trips took about 3 days.  My dad loved to stop everywhere.  It’s like he had family or friends in every state and if he didn’t, he would make some.  When we finally got to our destination of Purepero, Michoacan, we were so happy to finally be able to stretch for long periods of time and sleep laying down.  I loved our 3 day travels but there was ONE THING I really really dreaded.  LAS VITAMINAS!!!!!

My Great-Aunt had 3 kids around my age group.  Some how the vitamins topic always came up.  She would recommend my mom and dad the vitamins she was giving my cousins at the time.  She would tell them all the benefits.  But my parents were convinced as soon as they heard, “Y les da mucha hambre!”.  I was such a picky eater and didn’t have a good appetite according to them.  They thought if I took these vitamins my appetite would for sure increase, eat all the veggies in the world and gain weight!  Ayyyyyyyy!!!!!!  What was wrong with being a thin kid? LOL

There was this one time my mom went straight to “La Farmacia” to buy the vitamins.  From a distance I saw her approaching me–vitamins in hand.  My heart began to pound so hard, I could see my pulse over my shirt.  As she walked into the door, she went straight to the “garrafon”to get a glass of water and then walked towards me.  As she walked to me, she was opening up the vitamins box to pull one out.  They were HUGE!  She gave it to me and said, “Tomatela”.  I took the pill, put it in my mouth and quickly chug the water.  As quick as I took it down, was as quick as it came back up.  I could taste the “disgusting-ness” of the pill.  I can’t even begin to describe it–something between rotten Bacalao and old sewage water.  Every time I would try to take it down, I would practically through up.  When my dad heard all the fuss he came to see me take them.  After 30 minutes of crying, gagging and a red face, by some miracle of God, the pill slipped down my throat as I used my fingers to pretty much push it down my esophagus.  I wish I could say this was the only occasion this happened, but those pills went home with me to California!

Till this day, I don’t take pills very well.  I don’t take any medicine very well.  Something has to be pretty extreme for me to even take Tylenol.  Call me whatever you want, I ain’t taking that pill!  Y Vitaminas?  Ay no!!!

***Not advertising these pills or endorsing them.   Consult a doctor.

It’s December 1st!!!  CAN YOU BELIEVE IT?!?!?!? It’s a crazy month and on top of that both of my kids have birthdays in December. Aaaaaah! As if that isn’t crazy enough, we will be doing daily random acts of kindness through the Inland Empire until Christmas.  Check out this link for more info ( https://youtu.be/XJjuV6Csajk ).

In the hustle of the month, the challenge isn’t if we can buy presents in time– the challenge is to make time to extend ourselves to others, to put others first.  We have made so many wonderful memories during the Christmas season in the past– working together as a family sharing love and the Christmas Spirit to those around us.

On behalf of everyone involved with Abuela’s Kitchen, we want to wish each and every one of you a very special holiday season.  May your homes be filled with smiles, joy, laughter, family and great food! I’ve compiled a list of Christmas recipes we have done in the past to make it easier for you to find.  So hustle on over to the kitchen!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Jesus is the reason for the season.

Feliz Navidad!

Buñuelos with piloncillo:  https://youtu.be/z9oGRbE2woY

Champurrado:  https://youtu.be/vBIMHPi6WIo

Pan Dulce: https://youtu.be/h8SrSzNN1B8

Ponche De Fruta:  https://youtu.be/ujcWhKw2i4w

Pozole:  https://youtu.be/nEpCwPfXaeU

Menudo:  https://youtu.be/Rw69DzP7IsM

Tamales de res:  https://youtu.be/Rw69DzP7IsM

Tamales de Chile Verde:  https://youtu.be/6Gqp4KvXJE4

Atole de Guayaba:  https://youtu.be/D_Z6p5-KPd8

Pierna de Puerco en Adobo: https://youtu.be/5QtyErsHMiw

Extras:

Birria:  https://youtu.be/IvxnSJ48fUg
Mexican Donut Bread:  https://youtu.be/bIctmj-yKhI
Arroz Con Leche:  https://youtu.be/cv0zvHD6RXA
Flan:  https://youtu.be/tIe-6HEmhzE
Gelatina De Leche:  https://youtu.be/O9ux7ZaeVbE

Diary Entries

Sept. 23, 10:45 pm

I’m sitting here at the airport next to a floor plug making sure all my gadgets are fully loaded for my midnight flight. I have 30 minutes before I have to board for my trip to Mexico, Guadalajara to be exact. I”ll be staying with some friends in Guadalajara and from there I will be taking a drive to Purepero, Michoacan.  I’m headed on this trip for a few reasons. Initially, I only had 2 reasons to go to Michoacan, but as I have been thinking about this trip and the way things have unraveled, this trip has turned out to be much much more.

Reason number one: I want to go document the house Abuela grew up in and the town. I’ve been going to that town since I was a baby and have so many amazing memories and want to share them with everyone even if it’s through video vlogging. I want to capture the beauty of the town. It has so much to offer and the way things are in Mexico (I’m sure you have all heard the rumors), who knows when any one of us will ever have the chance to go back. This might be the last time I get to go and I want my kids to experience it. I know Abuela doesn’t want to go back, and so this is my way to bring her home land to her, by capturing what I can first hand and taking it back to her.

Reason number 2: At the beginning of 2015 I decided to finally put my dream into action, to write a book. The way life’s circumstance and God have been leading me, the book I am currently working on is a cook book/story book. Recently, (more like in the past months) I’ve been having writers block and I felt I needed to go to this nostalgic, utopian place and be inspired by it’s natural beauty. I just want to sit in the big patio, under “the tree”, reminiscing of all the family that has ever stood under it. Some would sit and eat there, some would cross stitch and others would just sit and talk. I want to do the same somehow and have all those memories come back and even close my eyes and visualize my Great-Great Uncles and Aunts, my Great Grand Parents and everyone in between.  How or why I have been able to have met so many ancestors is beyond me. But in this trip I intend to find out… or at least relive some memories. (Rereading 10/29—reason—continue the history? Keep the family alive?)

I am nervous. I don’t know why. I already have this sense of wanting to shed tears and I don’t even know why. I have been there so many times. But this time it’s different. Why? Because the relationship between my Abuela and I have grown so much that anything I can do to be more connected and relatable to her has become somewhat my mission.  But I ask myself, “Why have I always had such a huge interest in my ancestry? ”  I can give you some random answer but honestly, I’m not sure why.

SEPT 24, 2015

Guadalajara

We got to Guadalajara at the break of dawn got picked up and went straight to sleep for a few hours.  We stayed today with our friends in beautiful Tlaquepaque, Guadalajara to regroup and visit before driving inland. It is such a completely different experience staying in the city. They have a nice little flat/condo in a private gated community with a lush park. It even has grass! It’s pretty rare to have yards with grass in Mexico. It was such a difference even from where I live in California.   It was such a nice change from California since we are in a drought and in most places the grass is pretty brown or non existent. But the city is definitely different than the rural cities in Mexico. I arrived at the break of dawn so I haven’t really gotten to see the city yet. I have been to Guadalajara before but I’m anxious to see if there are any changes or what the feel is like. One thing for sure, I can’t wait to sink my teeth into some good food. Is that really all we think about when traveling to Mexico? The food?! YES! YUM!  So we showered, got ready and headed to have lunch.  We had lunch at a nice, indoor torta restaurant.  It wasn’t just any regular torta restaurant.  They had specialty tortas, tortas ahogadas.

(Rest written at home)

That night our friends took us out to eat in the downtown area.  It was pumping!  Music was high energy all around with nightclubs in full swing on a Thursday night.  They took us to one of the best taco joints in the area.  It was a sit down restaurant in the open air and had a waiting list to sit.  They had the largest al pastor display I had ever seen in my life!  The waiting felt like forever even though it wasn’t because the meat display was staring at you no matter where you looked or turned, kind of like the Mona Lisa painting.  The smell was so amazing that there was no escaping it.  It was secretly calling your name no matter how much I tried to concentrate on the conversation I was having with our friends.  We finally got to sit.  I sat exactly where la carne al pastor was piercing my being.  There was several of us, so we decided to order a bunch of dishes that we could all share, buffet table style.  Once we got our food, I didn’t know where to start, but being the cheese lover that I am, I aimed for el queso fundido con chorizo plate.  My mouth is drooling just thinking about it.  They brought freshly made tortillas and all I could do was dig in like a cave woman.  My teeth sank right through my first bite as the cheese melted to perfection.  What a mix… it was truly a party in my mouth.  Next, I went for the carne asada, mushrooms and cheese.  I don’t know what kind of cheese it was and I should have asked, but MY-OH-MY, definitely something my taste buds won’t forget anytime soon.  There were so many different plates of carne asada or meats mixed with so many different ingredients.  When babies or puppies are full and you lift their hands or paws, it’s like they have transferred to another dimension of sleep, that is where I was after I was done eating.  I needed to be carried back to the car.  Clearly I had died and come back to earth once I needed to use the restroom.  But it was worth it. 🙂
Video to go along with blog:

During the time my Abuela lived in Tijuana,  the holidays were a for sure trip across La Frontera.  It was like an adventure for our little family of 5 when my dad would join us.  Most of the time it was just my mom, my sister, my brother and myself.  On many of those trips, my aunt Mela would join us.  We would wake up at the crack of dawn, pile up in the car and make our way down the 405 FRWY.  We always made a stop in San Clemente at the rest area.  There were food trucks with all the junk food I was never allowed to eat.  My sister Eloisa (AKA Eli), loved the nachos with jalapeños they sold.  The mornings were so cold and the hot, melted cheese would hit the spot. NACHOS FOR BREAKFAST!?!?!   My mom was and still is a health freak and to this day I wonder why on earth she would allow us to have nachos for breakfast.  But boy were they disgustingly good!

After the short pit stop, we were back on the road knowing we were half way to Tijuana.  Once I could see the huge Mexican Flag and the “MEXICO” sign from the distance, I would get so excited and anxious.  We would get the hand gesture to cross and my mom (usually the driver) would switch into a ferocious-agressive Tijuanera driver.  We held on to our chonis for dear life.  We managed to always get safely to our destination by the grace of God!

Most Thanksgivings, my mom would cook the turkey the night before and we would take it to Tijuana and take extra ingredients to make some side dishes.  As my aunt’s family grew, they would all make their way to Tijuana as well and each family would bring something to add to the feast.  They were great times.  My Abuelo was alive, my sister was alive, my uncle Jose was alive, my dad was still living at home and we all gathered to say a prayer of Thanksgiving and enjoy a delicious feast with an extensive variety of trimmings.  Even my Tio Jose and Abuelo would join in on the cooking.

This year not only will my Abuelo be missing but my sister and my Tio Jose will be added to that list.  We will always have those wonderful memories in our hearts and minds for years to come and will always be able to retell of our fun, adventurous and sometimes unbelievable stories because in the kitchen and on the dinner table we all made tons of personal memories.  May this Thanksgiving be filled with joy, laughter, blessings and family as you make your own memories.

Con mucho amor,
Silvia Salas-Sanchez

Mi Familia
(My sister missing and a few cousins)

*** I’ve compiled a list below of all of our Thanksgiving recipes for you to consider as you plan your meal.  Enjoy!

Green Beans With Chorizo:  https://youtu.be/C1fbLVM_WFQ

Chorizo Stuffing: https://youtu.be/wjztMwRhIFI

Candied Yams:  https://youtu.be/mmflJbA8z30

Pumpkin Empanadas: https://youtu.be/4tTocllSvKk

Cheesy Green Bean Casserole:  https://youtu.be/_xNHZa15oSc

Juicy Turkey:  https://youtu.be/_xNHZa15oSc

Pumpkin Bread Pudding:  https://youtu.be/4Z9thl1y2-g

Calabaza Enmielada:  https://youtu.be/RTnxseBMuR0

Pumpkin Tamales:  https://youtu.be/L5OJgWgTx5E

Roasted Pumpkin Seeds:  https://youtu.be/1zC5VemXF3Y

Turkey Tamal:  https://youtu.be/ifZ2qALNrEM

Pork Leg in Adobo: https://youtu.be/5QtyErsHMiw

Sweet Potato and Marshmallow Casserole:  https://youtu.be/PSED223gKlQ

White Chocolate and Macadamia Nut Bread Pudding:  https://youtu.be/gBnmudEOfKI

Mashed Potatoes Con Longaniza Y Queso Oaxaca:  https://youtu.be/vXIiR-9ATFY

BBQ Meatballs:  https://youtu.be/GX316QK0MJY 

Pie De Camote:  https://youtu.be/DFpwdvwf728

Pavo En Adobo:  https://youtu.be/GCa9pb2f2FA

Pumpkin Cupcakes:  https://youtu.be/YEMG9tjipZk

Chicken and Apple Salad: https://youtu.be/ek7jc4na0TY

Turkey in Adobo Sauce:  https://youtu.be/GCa9pb2f2FA

Pumpkin Cake:  https://youtu.be/5IltbIp8Cd8

ChocoEnchiladas Popcorn:  https://youtu.be/lPC0I0mXqwM

Pineapple Upside Down Cake:  https://youtu.be/7CJ1Se501R0

Chicken Pibil:  https://youtu.be/4ZdCiktxjag

Our Loteria Meet and Greet at Cafe Calacas was so much more than I expected.  Everything about the night was perfect.  The owners and workers at Calacas were beyond welcoming from their smiles, handshakes and delicious food and drinks.  My drink of the night was Habanero Lime Refresher.  I was running around the entire time so it truly hit the spot with it’s refreshing crispy lime taste and a special kick at the end of each sip–a not so heavy habanero touch–mmmmmmm is an understatement!   Cafe Calacas is definitely a place to check out when ever you are in the Santa Ana area. 

Meeting our Social Media family was definitely a treat for both Abuela and I.  We enjoyed hearing all their touching stories.  It’s so encouraging to know how our videos have helped some through their toughest times.  It’s so humbling to know that we have grow in their hearts through their times of need.  Both Abuela and I will hold what they shared with us in our hearts and will continue to pray for them in the days to come.  Know that I do pray for this YouTube channel.  I pray that God would move across the screen and touch lives, heal lives and speak to the lives on the other side of the camera who may be fighting some sort of battle.  So when you share with me-us something that is personal, we take it to heart and take it to God.  I know that He hears and sees the tears, pains and joys of our Social Media family.  And even if you don’t feel it–He is working– I know personally.  In His perfect timing he has answered my prayers.  Maybe not in the way I expected, but He has seen me through much and continues to do so.

The recent growth of our channel has really brought so many amazing things, including getting to know family that I didn’t even know existed.  We had a chance to reconnect recently over Social Media.  One day a gentleman with the “Contreras” last name reached out and said, “Como han estado.  Saludos a la familia.”.  Although I didn’t recognize the face, the last name, which is my Abuela’s last name caught my attention.  I thought to myself, “Could we be related?”.  Something within me felt that we were.  After a short conversation over Instagram, we threw out names that ended up connecting me to his family.  The meet and greet was where I got to meet them all and I’m so happy I did!  **Shout out to my new family Frank Contreras, Yolanda Contreras and Gloria Contreras among many more!

Having my aunts and all their children present also touched my heart.  If you attended or saw our Meet and Greet Video, you probably noticed a lot of people wearing the black “La Abuela” loteria shirt– well, they were all family.  It made the night more special than it already was.  There was another event going on in the area and finding parking was pretty stressful.  But they stuck it out and showed up!  I am extremely thankful for that.  La familia is important and we must stick together.  And to this day, I can say that we have been present for each others accomplishments!  Here is to many more FAMILIA!  Love you all!

Although all these factors and so much more that happened that night made the event special, I would have to say that my highlight was to see my Abuela’s eyes sparkle.  I live for those moments- I long for those moments–when I get to see her face light up with joy–so much joy that for just a moment she can forget about her worries.  I love our drives home after our events.  Hearing her talk about her experience and the people she met and what she talked about is such a joy.  My heart becomes filled with gratitude for those moments.  She has gone through so much in her life and has done more for others than anyone I know and she deserves all the attention and spoiling she has gotten because of our videos.  My mom has made special appearances in the videos, cooking her own recipes and many of you also know her as well.  It’s an added bonus to see her get recognized too.  It’s just such a great feeling for me.

You all know that these videos started off as a way to document my Abuela, her cooking and ways for my kids and future generations.  But I must say that they have evolved into way more than that (not by luck, chance or coincidence).  It’s because we don’t show you something we are not.  What you see on video is really us.  I know everyone loves Abuela, and I’m just a facilitator in the videos but what we do share is our real relationship and the relationships we have with our entire family; and I believe you are a witness of it.  I know there are a few people who don’t like how I speak, how I act or even how I look but what’s the point of sharing with the world things that are unrealistic or unattainable.  My Abuela is a humble-hardworking woman, my mom is a God fearing woman who has worked hard to gain ground in the U.S. so that I could have a better life, and me…  Well, I do have a hard time saying who I am because of my own personal insecurities–  But I can say that because of what these women have done and accomplished in their lives, has paved the way for me to be the woman that God has created me to be.  I can enjoy what they worked hard for, and honor them for it through my life.  In addition, it is an opportunity to show the world that Mexicanos/Latinos(as) (that know the value of life and the meaning of hard work) can overcome all obstacles.  Those who understand and believe, realize that there is power in pushing each other to reach higher, without forgetting our roots.  Our roots keep us grounded and our God becomes the rock in which we stand. 

We are giving all of our wonderful followers an opportunity to order the exclusive “Abuela’s Kitchen Loteria T Shirt!”  This is a custom t shirt design, all in an effort to campaign for abuela to be added to the infamous Mexican Loteria. #addabuelatoloteria

Only available for purchase using PayPal.

SEE BELOW FOR BLACK T SHIRT ORDERS!

FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY:

These t shirt are a high quality Cotton Blend.  The graphics are printed utilizing a Direct to Garment (DTG) Heat press method.  So these are great quality t shirts…you will not be disappointed.  🙂

There are people we come across in our life time that leave different impressions or marks in our lives.  But there are those who have a lasting impact that alters your thinking, your perspective and possibly your life in a positive way.  I’ve had a few of those kind of people in my life.  Maybe I’m more impressionable than most people, but I know when someone’s sincerity is genuine.  Call it a gift or discernment, but whatever the case might be, I can tell.

My Great Uncle, Ramon (Abuela’s brother), has been one of those people who has left me enriched every time I get to spend time with him.  It’s not often, primarily because he has lived far from me all my life but no doubt the time spent with him has been valuable.  There is something about how he tells stories of the past, his facial expressions, body language and that special tone in his voice.  I immediately become connected to the past, our ancestors, who at one time all lived together in a big piece of land with different rooms within that sparse parcel.  To this day, some of the property in Purepero, MIchoacan, is still in tact, and with some of the same rooms still standing.

There is also something about the way he seems not to be paying attention, gazing into the distance during a conversation at times; but you can count on him to laugh at your silliness and jokes with impeccable timing.  Maybe that’s it–He makes it easy for me to be me to be silly even “si me paso“.  He doesn’t shut me down or notices my defects.  He embraces me, Silvia, as odd as I can be.

For the greater portion of his life, my Great Uncle Ramon, has lived in Purepero, Michoacan (where Abuela is from).  Almost annually, I would travel there and would stay at his house.  I always felt welcomed by him and his wife, Marica, whom I also have great respect for.  I looked forward to those trips and anticipated spending much time just sitting around with the family.  I enjoyed my time there, especially with the older generation.  I would just sit and talk about everything with them.  Sometimes, I would just sit and watch novelas for hours at a time, just to hear and see their reactions.  I got to meet my bisabuelos (Abuela’s Parents), and many other of abuela’s siblings and uncles.  It was the best of times. Even as a kid, I knew how important it was to get to know them all.  I wanted to somehow keep their memories engraved with in me.

Today, that land, (those little rooms on the plot located along Calle Cinco de Mayo) are no longer lived in.  The family that is still in Mexico, gather there to spend time together weekly, but is not a residence to anyone, according to my uncle.  The last time I was there, my uncle Ramon and his wife Marica were still living there–no more kids were at home, each one with their own family, no longer living in the same property.  I remember walking around on my last visit, I could still hear faint voices in my imagination, and the stories by those whom once inhabited the area.  I could see my Aunt Licho (Abuela’s sister), sitting in the corner she loved to sit in, I could imagine me pushing her around in her wheelchair, sometimes scaring her because I pushed her too fast.  I could imagine the times where I was allowed to grind the corn in a “metate” which I’m sure was just for fun.  I was very small to remember what we did with the corn but old enough to have the memory of it.  I could imagine my walks to the “cerro” to shoot my great-great grand-father’s gun from the “Revolucion” to then watch my uncle Ramon shoot a rabbit for dinner.  As a teen we would take those same walks to reach the top of the “cerro” just to sit, look down at the town and talk about life.

There is no way to reenact those experiences pero los llevo en mi memoria y corazon.  They are experiences that have left an impression in my life and will remain with me until the day I die.  I feel so blessed and thankful to have been enriched greatly by those experiences.  That’s why I enjoy my uncle Ramon’s visits.  They connect me to those old stories, to the family that has past, and to the experiences that have left a lasting impression within me.

I was so thankful to have been able to spend these few days with him and my Abuela, together.  It helped Abuela greatly during this hard time to have her only living brother with her.  I loved to see her light up as they told their stories of old together.  It was great to see her laugh (even despite the pain of her recent loss), and for that I am grateful.  Today, my uncle Ramon leaves back to Minnesota.  It was hard to say good bye to him, it always is.   I can only imagine how Abuela might feel to see her brother leave.
I don’t care how poor a man is, if he has family, he is rich. 

Today, I feel like the richest woman on the planet.

Most of us wish to live long lives. In our 20s, we want to live long enough to meet our significant other.  Years later, we would want only to live long enough to meet our unborn children.  As we pass that rite of passage, we  then hope to live long enough to meet our unborn grand children.  We live hopeful, because life bring many unexpected events.  Many people have had the privilege of reaching those marvelous milestones and have even surpassed them by getting to meet great-grandchildren.  As awesome as that is, it also seems like the longer you live, the more loss or pain you experience.

My Abuela will be turning 81 this coming September.  She has seen so many births and she has also experienced many deaths.  A few days ago we lost my uncle Jose (one of my Abuela’s sons),  the one many of you were praying for.  Being that we are a close family, we all took a big hit, especially his wife, children and Abuela herself.  She loved him so much and we all knew that.  She worked so hard these past few months, during the peak moments of his illness, to make sure he had all he needed.  Recently, my uncle Jose craved all sorts of foods and Abuela was so faithful to make sure that anything he craved, she would cook for him.  And with his passing, a piece of her heart as a mother…has also left.

I’m so grateful that my aunts suggested we gather at his house this past 4th of July. Our annual 4th of July Celebration usually consists of hanging out at my “Abuela’s” house.  We all would gather at her house around sunset; each family would bring their own stash of fireworks and we would all sit around to watch everyone light up the sky with all the colors of the rainbow.  We would sit around talk and laugh, as we munched on chips, papas con pollo (made by my Tio Manuel) and all sorts of junk food.  But this year, the “Aunts” of the family decided that we should all gather at my uncle Jose’s house and so we did.  Somehow we all felt that it might be my uncles last 4th of July.  But we never would have guessed that it was going to be his last full day of life.  This 4th of July, we had a great time with my uncle, laughing, eating, lighting up the sky and just talking.

July 5th at around 11:00pm, my Uncle Jose Contreras slipped away very gently with his wife, 3 kids, Abuela and some family by his bed side.

As heart broken as Abuela is, she was thinking about all of you today.  She wanted me let you all know why we will not be uploading videos for an undetermined amount of time.  We would like to thank you for your on-going support and encouragement.  If you are able, please keep Abuela and our family in your prayers.

Sincerely,

Silvia and Abuela
Abuela’s Kitchen
22421 Barton Road #308
Grand Terrace, CA 92313

To help the family with memorial costs, click on either of the links below.
http://josecontreras.mydagsite.com/

Pronto en Español.

At the Riverside Tamales Festival, I met a lot of cool people.  One of them happens to be Vanessa Aguilar.  Vanessa was last years’ winner at the festival in the “homemade” division with her ENCHIMALES, an enchilada tamal.  She has since then opened up her own business called “Banessa’s Tamales,” and I can understand why she has been in such a high demand for her tamales.  My mouth had the honor of tasting her tamales and let me just say… “MMMMMMMM”.  They were even ABUELA approved.

I met with Vanessa at the Mission Inn and she handed me a brown paper bag and immediately my mouth began to salivate (I obviously didn’t disclose that info to her lol).  I acted as normal as I could, but I wanted to run home and sink my teeth into them even though I had just had a huge dinner of Hot Wings.  I got home and peaked inside the bag thinking I would wait until the next day to try them but the smell was pulling me in.  I used every fiber in my being to restrain myself since I had already had dinner.  So I walked away and minutes later I hear the microwave beep and then I here, “MMMMMMMMM”.  That did it.  I quickly walked to the kitchen and there sat my husband chomping on a tamal.  He said, ” I don’t know what this is but these are amazing!” I took a bite and my eyes were rolling back from the goodness.  We were devouring the tamal without even knowing what kind it was.  There was a familiar taste to it.  It was sweet, tarty and comforting.  The label indicated it was a “guava with cheese” tamal.  After that, I put all the tamales away and decided the next day I would invite my Abuela, mom, dad and Uncle Art to join me in tasting all the tamales I had.

We sat around my kitchen bar area and taste tested one at a time.  It was as if we were having our very own tamal eating contest.  We tasted, scored, and made comments about each one.  We had Sweet corn with candied walnuts, pineapple coconut, pear apple cranberry, veggie (mushroom, zucchini, cauliflower, corn), green chili cheese, pork/potato with chile verde and the famous Enchimale!

We were so full after all the taste-testing but our palettes were well satisfied having lunch (and dessert) thanks to Banessa’s Tamales!!! We tallied up our votes to see which were our favorites.  Our overall favorite was the “Enchimale,” which is her number one seller.  In the “sweet” category, the Guava with cheese was our favorite and the pineapple coconut trailing close behind.  They were all so good, that it was really hard to choose a solid winner of the bunch.

Banessa’s Tamales has a tamal for every taste bud, from traditional tamales, sweet tamales, to the “vegan” tamal.
So be sure, to taste for yourself.  You will not regret it!

Happy Eating!
Silvia SS

You can contact Vanessa through facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/BanessaSTamales?fref=ufi
IG: BANESSA_S_TAMALES