I have had a difficult time finding an object to help connect me with my family story. I come from two different countries and i still couldn't gather anything from either one. The way I was able to connect was through food. I had so many food options to choose from but the one that stood out the most was the Salvadorian dish Pan con Pollo (bread with chicken). The name of this dish is self explanatory but there is much more involved. The chicken is cooked with many spices and the sauce has all kinds of vegetables to create such a savory welcoming taste. The bread is cut in half and then stuffed with the chicken mixed veggies and escabeche which is cabbage, carrots, and green beans cooked and then tossed in mixed condiments like mayonnaise and mustard along with spices. This Salvadorian dish has always made me feel at home and connected to my family and culture. When my mother arrived in the US she knew nothing about this country and had no one to guide her. She started her life on her own pregnant with my sister. She worked hard to make a living and make sure that her and my sister had an opportunity in this country. As the years went by family and friends began to arrive to this country as well and my mother was able to connect with them. She finally had family away from home. They helped her make all the Salvadorian dishes my mother missed. Now it has become a tradition to gather family together on the holidays and assemble our perfect Salvadorian pan con pollo for Christmas. This dish is what helps bring me and my family together especially during the holidays.

– Natalie

Relationship:  Im/migrant Im/migrant