From Cuba With Love: Recipes and Memories [Paperback]

Ramona Abella (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 27, 2003

This is Cuban food in its proper context. Let Cuban-born author and experienced chef Ramona Abella take you on a multilevel tour of her homeland. Learn about the roots of Cuban cuisine within the framework of the culture, humor, and psychology of her people. You will find this collection of family pictures and anecdotes to be as interesting, digestible, and satisfying as their favorite dishes. And the recipes-from delicious appetizers to fantastic desserts-all graced with a Cuban accent, will bring you pleasure and give you a glimpse into the heart of the Cuban experience.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

The author lived in Cuba until age 13. She learned to cook from her mother, Carmen, through a lifetime of observation. After sampling food in 11 countries and on three continents with Up With People! she loves Cuban food best. She is a psychotherapist living in Portsmouth, New Hampshire.

Product Details

• Paperback: 214 pages
• Publisher: iUniverse (August 27, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0595276334
• ISBN-13: 978-0595276332
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.7 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,602,891 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Whole Cuban Experience - Food, Family, and Fun!, December 31, 2003

By 

A. Menendez (Texas) - See all my reviews

This review is from: From Cuba With Love: Recipes and Memories (Hardcover)

Ramona Abella takes the reader on an historical and culinary journey to old Cuba that will have you wanting to travel there. I enjoyed reading the heartfelt tribute to the author's family and her Cuban homeland. Anyone with Cuban or Spanish ancestry is guaranteed to find favorite recipes from their childhood in "From Cuba With Love". The wide variety of recipes provides everything needed to experience a Cuban meal - from the main course, side dishes, desserts, and even an assortment of beverages. The Arroz con Pollo is the absolute best Chicken with Rice recipe I have found anywhere! I think I have a new `covered dish' for whenever the occasion arises. This recipe is so easy to make that it practically cooks itself. Many of the recipes are for one serving. This is terrific for creating a special meal just for myself or calculating the exact recipe needed when cooking for any size group. I also enjoyed the tips on kitchen behaviors that are very helpful in taking the `work' out of the cooking experience. Even the most experienced chef can learn from these tips that range from planning the meal to easy cleanup habits. Ramona's psychotherapist perspective also provides a very interesting insight into the role food plays in our moods and emotional behaviors. In her own words, "The affirmation of love, life, creativity, self-expression, and having lots of fun in the process, that's what cooking is all about!" This is not only a cookbook I will want to keep handy in my kitchen, but also a reflection of Cuba that I will want to read and enjoy over and over again.