Let me start off by saying this. If you are an “I need EXACT measurements” kind of person. This is not the place for you, lol… maybe one day, but not today. You got to listen to your soul. Your ancestors will tell you when to stop seasoning. Growing up, I’ve always been interested in cooking. I even considered culinary school in my younger years. I never did go. My path leads me somewhere else, and I’m okay with that! I still love being a secret home chef! I cook for my boyfriend almost daily, and he loves it. He is a sucker for all of the recipes I’ll be sharing.

Allow me to give you some backstory. I am Costa Rican, or as we call it in my motherland Tica/o. I moved from CR at age two and was raised here in Georgia. My mom, or as I call her “Mami, always cooked like a Costa Rican mom at home. A regular meal for my family and I was Rice, Beans, some sort of cold salad (such as sliced tomatoes, cucumbers with lime, etc.), and a protein (Flank steak smothered in Onions, Fish, Pork Chops, etc. ), ohhhh and sweet plantain…. ugh sooo delish! Growing up, I was always lurking in the kitchen, trying to see what Mami was up to. This lady always had cake on deck too lol! Hispanic mommas definitely can warm your heart through your belly.

Mami did teach me the kitchen basics, which I am forever grateful for. She also never made me feel like cooking was something I had to do just because I was a woman, which I also appreciated. Culturally as a woman, it can be considered your “duty.” Every circumstance is different for all women. You just need to do what’s best for you and yours. Cooking isn’t a women’s job, so kudos to the men who come thru in the kitchen.

So when I was fifteen, my family and I moved back to Costa Rica. Then when I was around 18, I really took an interest in learning to cook. Costa Rican food is very different than American food. Costa Rican food is more vibrant in color, and the fruits and veggies taste so fresh. I will hype Costa Rican food any day of the week. ALLL of it, Arroz con Pollo, Olla Carne, Maduro con Queso, Arroz con Leche, there’s so much goodness.
I welcome you to my BITES OF PARADISE: COSTA RICAN FOODIE Section. I’ve created this blog section to share those recipes from the motherland I enjoy most! From my table to yours <3. Provecho!

All My Best,
Susy M Garcia