In many Latino families, grandmothers are a very important part of the family. They hold the household together and allow her children to pursue the American Dream without forgetting their roots.
Tom Llamas, TODAY’s host, caught up with women who took the lessons that their grandmothers taught to a new level, embracing comedic adventures, and experimenting in culinary splendor, all for their abuelas.
A Cuban American woman from Miami has created an alter-ego based on her childhood memories. The character is gaining a lot attention online. The character Abuela was created by actor and producer Jenny Lorenzo as a tribute to her Cuban grandmother.
It’s funny because I always say the same thing when I meet my friends’ abuelas. Lorenzo asked Tom, “What’s going on?” “A lot is in the facial expressions. Her judgment stare is particularly striking. “Like, pierce your soul right through.”
Lorenzo has over 232,000 YouTube subscribers, 261,000 Instagram fans and millions of views. Her abuela is a character that viewers can relate to as she rushes to administer flu remedies. to enjoy Thanksgiving dinner.
Abuelas’ legacy isn’t just about humor in the digital era. Abuela’s Cuban Counter is a platform that allows users to share the recipes and techniques that their abuelas taught them.
Ani Mezerhane, a chef and Cristina Bustamante, a lawyer, post recipes on their websites and social media to help their followers learn how to cook authentic Cuban cuisine.
Mezerhane explained to Tom that the idea came from a project we began working on together during COVID. We were just sharing recipes and trying to preserve all of our traditions. “I used to sit on the counter of my grandmother’s kitchen and watch her make all these dishes come alive.”
Cuban Style Black Beans and Croquetas de Jamon are just a few of the foods that connect Mezerhane, Bustamante, and their families to their childhoods, to their abuelas and to their recipes.
Bustamante said to Tom, “There is so much tradition in cooking and I think that we both connected with it.” “We felt that there was a larger community out there to be discovered, and we both connected with it,” Bustamante told Tom.
Bustamante added, “Every time that I cook I feel like I have a piece of her with me. I can then pass this on to my children.” “And I believe that was always what she wanted,” Bustamante continued.
Lorenzo, as Abuela, met Mezerhane & Bustamante in order to celebrate the love of grandmothers and try some Abuela Counter dishes.
Lorenzo, a.k.a. Abuela, said in Spanish: “I’m sure those girls’ grandmothers have taught them to cook.” She also approved the ladies’ black bean dish, taking a small bite and exclaiming “!Que Rico!” (“How Delicious!”)
Tom invited Malena and Juliette to his three children, Thomas, Thomas, and Thomas, in honor of abuelas past and present.
Tom asked his mom, “Do you think it’s your responsibility to keep the family legend alive… the entire history of Cuba until now?”
She replied, “Definitely.” “I begin by instilling a love for Cuba and this country which has opened its doors to all of us… respect your country and never forget who you are.”
This story was originally published by Today.com in an earlier version.
