My mothers’ side immigrated from Ireland, Switzerland, and Germany over the last 200 years. My father’s parents migrated from Puerto Rico in the '60s.
This object is a recipe for Irish Soda Bread, handwritten by my mom's mom. She was a professional baker with PA Dutch ancestry. This is one of the few cultural foods passed down from this side. I wonder why my grandmother had a recipe for this soda bread – if it was inspired by my Irish grandfather, or her interest in cooking new foods. Her recipes lead me to additional questions & heightened curiosity about my family.
The 2nd image is from a cookbook titled Diasporican, referring to the connection between Puerto Ricans around the world & their homeland. The recipes remind me of the times I’ve made them with all generations of my dad's side. I’ve enjoyed eating these meals both on the island and the mainland. These smells are familiar to my dining table.
Some would say that these are an example of a “melting pot,” and perhaps be inclined to create some sort of Germanic-Celtic-Caribbean fusion recipe.  My 4 grandparents only met once – at my parents’ wedding. Did their conversations around food bring them together? Was it a barrier between them? Did they not talk about food at all, more concerned perhaps with the nuptials at hand? This is a more accurate analogy to my identity than the melting pot. My connection to these two sides is unique. Although they don’t interact often, I’m grateful for the memories formed with both.

– Margarita Ortiz

Relationship:  Grandchild of im/migrant Grandchild of im/migrant