December 2008

You don't know how to make pasteles? Don't feel bad, most of us are familiar with it, but less than half of us have actually attempted the task. Even though I am the Editor of EL BORICUA, I must confess that when my husband and I established EL BORICUA back in 1995, I had never made pasteles by myself.

From the time I could reach the kitchen table I always helped Mami make our pasteles at home - actually, she gave me no choice. Mami (Dolores Flores, our Language Editor), and my sisters Ivette and Mildred, and I, made delicious pasteles and made plenty to freeze for later. But, I just did what I was told, did not have a concept of what I was doing, and did not pay much attention.

I always saw it as a huge undertaking and when we came to live in different far away cities I turned to helping other women make their pasteles so that I could have some too. It wasn't until later in life, after my own children were grown and some had moved away, that I became the lead cook for pasteles.

The first time it was nerve wracking, for sure. Was I sure I could do this? Was I going to forget something important? Would the masa fall out between the banana leaves? (My helping task had never included wrapping.) Would they be edible? Would they taste good?

But I want to tell you, my readers, that you don't have to be scared of making pasteles anymore.

Now Puerto Rican Meals, has a 10-DVD Collection titled 'Cocinando con Mami' that includes, 'How to Make Pasteles',and is available to all. The video Chef, 'Mami,' is Mercedes Pagán, who was born and raised in Puerto Rico and has been cooking for her family and others as a caterer for a very long time. 'Mami' will show you step-by-step how to make our delicious holiday pasteles. The show also includes valuable hints, and tips and Puerto Rican cooking know how. You will be able to learn how to make pasteles in your own home. It's like having your own mother in your kitchen. You can watch over and over until you feel confident you can do it by yourself. (www.PuertoRicanMeals.com)

I purchased the Cocinando Con Mami DVD Collection a couple of years ago and I can tell you it is professional and you can trust it. I have enjoyed sitting down with my grown children to watch the videos and then together we make our own pasteles. Nothing like reassurance.

The DVD set 'Cocinando con Mami' includes not only How to Make Pasteles and holiday meals, but also how to make other main dishes like bistec encebollao, pernil, arroz con pollo, arroz con gandules, desserts, how to make coquito, and much more, all while listening to traditional music, including cuatro, in the background. You will be tempted to get up and dance.

The Puerto Rican Meals 'Cocinando con Mami' 10-DVD Collection features 22 cooking videos- with an insert providing a list of all the required cooking utensils, ingredients and complete preparation instructions. What is also unique about the DVD collection is that it is presented in English, with some Spanglish. All videos include English subtitles.

You've all seen ads for Puerto Rican Meals, on our site. This Cooking School is put together by Boricuas, José and Arlene Rodríguez who established Puerto Rican Meals in 2004. When you visit their website you will realize that José and Arlene love being Puerto Rican and this is their way to preserve the Puerto Rican culture. It is a labor of love.

What else can I say except for Bravo!

Ivonne Figueroa