Growing up as an Afro Latina, my Puerto Rican family had a lot of celebrations, parties, birthdays and get -togethers. At every gathering the thing I most looked forward to wasn't the games or music but my grandma's Pernil. Every time I ate her cooking I felt so grateful. I was grateful that I was able to eat such amazing food from a person I love so much. Since there were so many occasions where she would be asked to make it I would always enjoy sitting with my dad while we watch and learn how she makes it. My dad would always tell me to pay close attention so we could both try to make it one day. The Pernil she made was so special not only because of its authenticity but the love and attention she puts into it. My grandmas Pernil wasn't just loved by Me and my dad but by my whole family, so many relatives we have from all over would come from miles away to come together. We would have so much fun being together and eating all of my grandma's amazing cooking. One of the last times my grandma made her Pernil me and my dad recorded her, everything she used, what seasonings she added, how long she would cooked it, the temperature of the oven. We recorded it all so we could remember every step she did. Now after years of her not being with us anymore we still get to enjoy her amazing Pernil with the whole family just like we used to.

 

– Adriana Roman

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