Bienvenido to This Latin Life!

Latins... 

They're loud, beautiful, and colorful people with the richest culture and even more diverse cuisines.  They often talk of home with longing and moist eyes, as so many of them live here in the United States, in order to give their families a better life. But a striking contrast to the frantic hustle of American life is how Latins choose to dance to their own rhythm (bacchata, salsa, cumbia, etc.), as the world watches from beyond wondering what is their secret? Across all world happiness polls, Latin countries are consistently deemed the most happy people on the planet. But how and why, I wondered?

As an outsider years ago, I wondered why and how are they so happy? In 2011, I got my answer. From this vast world, where I was born in Florida and my now husband, Aaron was born in Costa Rica, God chose to converge our lives in Atlanta, Georgia in 2011. And it was at that specific time that I fell in love with this beautiful Latin culture, its people, and its cuisines. Moreover, I started my journey of discovery by learning to cook Latin foods. Let me tell you, it's no mystery why these people are so happy! Their cuisines are incredible.

Latins are the happiest people on the planet because their priorities are correct. They love God, their families, their culture, and cuisines. And their cuisines wrap-up all of those priorities into one. Examples: Religious observations are celebrated with feasts of Latin foods; every important event in the life of the family is celebrated with an abundance of good, Latin food; and even when Latins long for their homelands, they cook "tipico" dishes that remind them of home.

Latins are the happiest people because through their food, they never forget who they are. 

If you know any Latins well, you understand that they cook unique, yet delicious foods almost with rich, magical qualities. Have you ever experienced authentic Mexican molé with its 20+ spices or an authentic Costa Rican sopa de olla de carne or Venezuelan arepas with salsa guasaca or Salvadorian papusas or Peruvian causas?  

I truly believe that I never ate "real" food until I met Aaron and experienced Latin cuisines and the cultures behind every dish.  

So, the purpose of This Latin Life is to show the world how easy it is to fall in love with and cook Latin cuisine on a daily basis. La comida (the food) is magical, natural, healthy, and most importantly, delicious. 

I am pleased to be your guide on this journey. Please feel free to email me any questions or suggestions at thislatin@gmail.com. 

Salud,

~Brooke~

Enjoying Brunch at historic Cafe Tacuba in Mexico City

April 2015