One by one, each family arrives.   Some juggling diaper bags and babies, others carrying pies or cases of drinks.
Of course, they don’t knock.  There is no need.  They are my family which means this is …

I love Thanksgiving.
Being Cuban Americans, we appreciate that Thanksgiving is a holiday unique to this country.  When we first started joining in and cooking the turkey, the side dishes were typically Cuban – arroz con …

Growing up in a Cuban household means drinking coffee. A lot of coffee. And it means learning how to make coffee at an early age.
For most of us Cuban kids our first words were, “Mami. …

Even though I’m a pretty decent Cuban cook, I still love when other people cook for me. I especially love finding an authentic Cuban restaurant, which are few and far between in my little corner …

We write a lot here on the Tiki Tiki about our cultural tendency to translate literally and so wind up with a delicious mish-mash of Spanglish.
My English speaking kids sometimes find themselves at odds with …

I’m always on the look out for fabulous new recipes. The ideal recipe, whether for a main dish or a dessert, is something that is simple to make but looks complicated and is a little …

A few months ago, my local newspaper, the Orange County Register began soliciting stories for Hispanic Heritage Month. They specifically wanted, they said, stories about the Cuban-American experience. I submitted a piece.

I’m very proud to …

When I was in my teens in the late 60’s and early 70’s, I had that feeling that most teens struggle with: I don’t feel like I quite fit in.
When I was sixteen, my family …

Can I just tell you why I love quizzes so much? It’s because the answers give me such an insight into you. I like that we can get to know one another better.
I have been …

Do you have the Monday Morning Blahs? I confess that I do.
But I also have the perfect cure…

Happy Monday!