Jessica Monty_Schreiber

“Life is a tango, you just have to know how to dance it.”

Alicia Monty, my dear grandmother, lived her life fully and wholly. She had such a fiery energy and spirit—if she walked into a room, you knew it. She spent most of her years caring for her children and grandchildren as a housewife. Selflessly, she worked hard for all of us, and for that I am inspired to be the best woman I can, hoping to emulate and embody her grace and skill.

The woman could cook. She cooked well, and she cooked fast. Quite frankly, she, and everyone else in my family are fast. Oh… and loud! We are all loud, fiery, and fast. I, a second generation Cuban-American, grew up in Miami Beach, Florida. It was in Miami where my grandmother gave me my first cast iron pan. My grandmother said that every woman must own one, and if I took could care of it, that it would last forever. I take good care of it. I respect and savor its strength, usefulness, and season.

I now live in the Catskills in upstate New York. It’s rural, it’s country, and sometimes it’s f’n cold. I love it, but I am a “Cuban in the country.” There are some things I am learning about homesteading up here, as I am from the coast, and an aquatic lifestyle is more second nature to me. However, I am a lifelong student at heart, and I fully embrace the change of scenery. How I came to live in the Catskills is a long story for another day, but for now I will tell you that I live on twenty beautiful acres with my two sons, Timoteo and Dante, my husband (some of the time, which is another long story), my dog Sue Sue, and our flock of chickens.

This blog is where I document my culinary endeavors and lifestyle. I am a holistic health counselor and yoga teacher by trade, so my take on a healthy lifestyle will be sprinkled throughout. I am passionate about food, and creating recipes. It is my main creative medium. I am a self-taught cook; however, my abuelita definitely provided my foundation. I sprinkle love and life into every dish, and I hope you can taste and smell the aroma.

I hope you find this blog inspiring, educational, and entertaining. Please feel free to comment, g