Her extended Cuban family has long made peace with the rhythms of life in Miami. Still, when it comes to some things (like, say, the Christmas pig), the old ways die hard.
For a cook, discovering a new ingredient is like a painter discovering a new color. And that's the source of my fascination with what is labeled the "ethnic aisle" at the grocery store.
Barely a day goes by at the Puerto Rican table without rice and beans making an appearance, but this version is pull-out-the-stops-special rather than everyday.
