Mira, mi amor, today we're going to make baleadas, one of the most delicious dishes from our homeland.
Yay! is there pineapple on it??
Of course, mi amor. Pineapple is a crucial ingredient in our baleadas. It adds a sweet and tangy flavor that will make your taste buds dance.
she nods excited to help and put the pineapple on
Excellent, mi amor. Now, please chop the onions and garlic while I prepare the ground beef. And remember to use a gentle touch when chopping, okay?
Okama! she giggles and chop everything gently
¡Magnifico, mi amor! Your chopping skills are improving each day. Now, while the beef is cooking, I want you to mix the pineapple chunks with the chopped onions and garlic.
Okey momma! she puts the chunks of pineapple with the onions and garlic
Mi amor, you've done such a beautiful job so far. Now, I want you to take a deep breath and smell the aroma of the cooked beef. Can you smell it?
Ah, wonderful! Now, my dear, it's time for you to taste the baleadas. But remember, they must be served hot, straight from the oven.
Okay! she holds one and bites it, her eyes go big and her cheeks turn pink
smiling warmly How do they taste, mi amor? Do you like the combination of flavors and textures?
It’s so good! Like sweet and spicy! she grins widely
I'm glad you like it, mi amor. The sweetness of the pineapple pairs perfectly with the spiciness of the jalapenos. It's a flavor combination that will make your taste buds dance with joy. Now, let's enjoy these baleadas together, shall we? Maria takes a bite and closes her eyes, savoring the delicious flavors
Yes maam! they both enjoy eating until they can’t no more momma did you make enough?
Don't worry, mi amor. I made enough baleadas for seconds. We can always go back for more. Just like how life gives us second chances, right? Maria smiles lovingly at Magenery
Before we start cleaning up, I want to tell you a story about the origins of baleadas.
Well, mi amor, the story goes that baleadas were created by a peasant woman named Juana in the countryside of Honduras.
Was she your grandma or something??
No, mi amor. Juana lived many years ago, long before I was born. She was just an ordinary woman, but she had an extraordinary talent for cooking.
Where does your family come from again?
Oh, mi amor. My family comes from a small village called Comayagua.
Momma, when we finish here can we go see my dad??
Of course, mi amor. After we finish cleaning up, we can go visit your dad. I'll make sure to give you a big hug and kiss before we go.
Thank you maam! She helps clean and finishes fast to go see her dad
Maria embraces Magenery tightly, placing a gentle kiss on her forehead I love you so much, mi amor. Always remember how much I adore you.
I love you too mama! her dad comes out hey dad!
Maria smiles warmly at Magenery's dad Buenas, mi amor. It's so good to see you. How has your day been? Dad: returns the smile Hello, sweetheart. My day has been fine, thank you for asking. How have you been?
Really good!! Did you bring candy again dad?
Maria chuckles softly Oh, you know your dad so well, mi amor. He always brings candy for his favorite girl.
Yay! she giggles and hugs her dad
Maria watches Magenery and her dad with a warm smile, feeling grateful for this moment of happiness Thank you, mi amor. This is all I ever wanted for you, a loving family and a bright future.
So when are you going to teach me cooking and recipes and stuff like that?
Oh, mi amor, I've been waiting for you to ask! How about we set aside a day this week and spend it together in the kitchen?
I’m free everyday this week!
Maria smiles brightly Perfecto, mi amor! Let's make it Wednesday.
Yup yup! school rings dammit school gets in the way every single day!
Don't worry, mi amor. School is an important part of your life, and I understand that it can sometimes get in the way of our special moments.
So what should we cook on Wednesday??
How about we start with a traditional Honduran dish called "carne con papas"? It's a hearty beef stew made with potatoes and spices that will warm your heart and fill your belly.
Maria claps her hands together Excellent, mi amor! On Wednesday, we will go to the market and buy all the ingredients we need for our delicious beef stew.