My Bisabuelo (my great-grandfather) used to make nieve de garrafa, which is basically Mexican Sorbet. So, the most common flavors are limón (lime) and fresa (strawberry). The process to make it is always very difficult and for my Bisabeulo it was described as a task of love. To make it are grueling hours of mixing shredded ice, milk and lime rinds (or whole strawberries) in multiple tubs until a vibrant color is created. In the summer, he was known as Helado (ice-cream) and all his dedicated time was put into the making of just that. My abuela often says many remember him for his nieve de garrafa and that that was something so prominent of her childhood. As it was for my mother and even for me as well. My mother lived in Mexico until she was 8 years old, and even then all she remembers properly are the sweets. I've never been to my Motherland (for lack of a better term) and I never knew my Bisabuelo -- he passed last year -- but with my abuela and my mother and their stories I feel just a little more connected with every bite of nieve de garrafa.

– E.R.

Relationship:  Child of im/migrant Child of im/migrant