Celebrating food + familia

ike many expat families living in the U.S., my Cuban family relishes our traditions. We may no longer live in the places where we were born or where our families come from, but the holidays are the perfect time to showcase our culture. (Christmas Eve) is an especially important time for us. My mother and I prepare the turkey according to my ’s instructions, by stuffing minced garlic under the skin and pouring (a bitter orange marinade) all over it. Meanwhile, my brother and cousin work diligently to make everyone’s favorite (black beans and rice cooked in black bean water). Finally, after hours of cooking, we’ll gather around the table late into the evening, eat our mix of Cuban and American dishes and count the minutes until we get to open