En la Cucina con Ida

My dear friend Ida (pronounced E-da) came for a visit last weekend. We've been friends since the 10th grade when we met at Show Choir Camp - think Glee but you don't get to go home at the end of the day. Ida is Puerto Rican and a marvelous cook. I was so happy when she offered to cook for us and teach me some Hispanic recipes. For those of you that don't know, my husband is of Colombian descent. He is a first generation American, his parents having come to the states in the 60s. So needless to say, he was excited about some Hispanic home cooking!



First up - Empanadas! Ida said that on the east side of PR they are called something else but I can't remember what it was! (Ida - remind me!)



That would be me trying my hand at crimping them closed. I think this is something you get better at with practice!



She also made Aroz con Pollo (Chicken with Rice) which was to die for!



And one of my favorites, Tostones, which are made from green plantains:



I got to squish them, which was kind of fun.



Needless to say, it was a wonderful meal and I think I may be able to recreate it though definitely not as well. :)

I'd also like to say that we dedicated our day of cooking to Ida's grandmother, Mama Ida, who passed away this summer. I never got to meet Mama Ida, she lived in Puerto Rico, but I felt like I knew her. She would call Ida at my house when she would sleep over when we were in high school so I did get to talk to her a bit. Mama Ida is dearly missed by her family.

Thank you, Ida, for the wonderful treat!

~RR