My cooking inspiration...My dad "Papi Super Leo"

Claudia & Papi

He is not everybody's cup of tea or like the saying in Spanish goes, "No es monedita de oro para que le guste a todo el mundo"... He is not a gold coin that will appeal to everybody, but in my world after God and my husband, my dad is my everything. His instruction methods were not my favorite growing up as he asked me to follow him around the kitchen making dishes "disappear". This is papi's code for "wash and watch" while I cook and teach;) Cooking is a past time I enjoy almost as much as I enjoy eating chocolate, rarely do I find it a chore & I owe that all to him as today I understand the cooking for your friends and family can really be a form of ministry. Fellowship, health, conversation, sharing, laughter, relationship naturally develop during the times when one breaks bread.

I eyeball most everything when cooking and my family will say they've never had the same dish twice, since I tweak food unintentionally depending on what is in my pantry and fridge that day. These things I picked up from my dad, who also comes from a long line of foodies whose delicious creativity in the kitchen is unmatched. Below, is our cooking/eating love story in pictures. I hope it inspires you to bravely whip up something you've never tried before. Afterwards, may you get to relish & savor it slowly, blessed with the company of the ones you love! In His Peace & Grace. xoxo Claudia~

We start our foodies young! (Alex, BBQ in Panama)

They gain experience in the family business while young!
Turning in an order @ Papi's restaurant

Sofi learns the art of preparing "Chocoberry's



Preparing Papi's "Secret" Recipe Salsa

Wearing spicy pepper-repellant goggles;)

 

Papi supervises his tribe while making Christmas dinner (Hallacas)