A tortilladora is used in Mexico to flatten out the dough used to make a tortilla, when my parents migrated from Mexico they brought that along with them for memories sake. My grandmother had her own business in Mexico; she always woke up early to cook and then went out and sold her delicious freshly made food. My mother always made her own tortillas from scratch, because it made her feel close to home. She always spoke about the memories she had of cooking alongside her mother and preparing meals for her entire family all on her own. I would watch my mother as she made Sunday breakfast, quesadillas de papa y queso were my favorite! Watching my mom cook and hearing her stories about her mother made me want to start cooking along her side, it would be a bond we could share. Every time I use the tortilladora I am reminded of all the effort my grandmother put into her business, the strong woman she was and how much hard work was put into her business. Though my grandmother passed away before I could get to meet her, I feel as if I’ve built a bond with her through my mother’s memories and teachings. Food can always bring people together; it doesn’t matter if it’s not the same culture, if the same language isn’t spoken, or if different ingredients are used, it’s what reminds you of home and makes you feel like you never left that matters most.

– Stephanie Pastor

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