Our friend Ellen Silverman first visited Cuba for when she was at a crossroads in her life. Having been a professional food and still-life photographer for many years, she was wondering what the next step would be that would take her into new territory and expand her view. We remember her being “all questions” at that difficult time.

On a whim, she went to Cuba for a photography workshop…and fell in love with the culture rich with Pre-Columbian, Spanish, Caribbean, African even Chinese and French influences, and the generous people she met. That first trip catalyzed many returns to Cuba and a body of photographs of Cuban kitchens: spare, dazzlingly-makeshift spaces where great cooks improvised with the limited ingredients available. They gave her the idea to create a cookbook that would truly showcase the Cuban spirit and culture as expressed through its food.

Ellen formed a collaboration with Cuban-American Ana Sofia Peláez, writer of the popular food blog Hungry Sofia, and together they created the very beautiful The Cuban Table: A Celebration of Food, Flavors, and History. It is a rich and many-layered book, one of those cookbooks you want to read in bed, as Ellen’s images and Pelaez’s writing transport you to Cuba both present and past.

Here is a just a taste. Starting today, and over the next few weeks, we’ll feature recipes that are at once purely Cuban, and perfect for the holiday table.

Ellen Silverman
Ellen Silverman

Ellen Silverman
Ellen Silverman

Ellen Silverman
Ellen Silverman

Ellen Silverman
Ellen Silverman

 

 

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2 replies on “Delicious Read + Perfect Gift: The Cuban Table

  1. I am not able to make a contribution. I have enjoyed what I have read, and will need to look elsewhere for inspiration. 🙁

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