Translating Abuela’s Recipe & Making it a Family Gift: An Illustrated Recipe Story

Each custom illustrated recipe begins with storytelling. In the questionnaire, I ask about the history of the recipe, where it comes from, when / why you eat it, and any specific memories you have around this dish. The stories people share in this little text field can move me to tears with their beauty. 

With Ben’s blessing, I am sharing the story behind his Abuela’s Arroz con Leche with you.

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“Our Abuela was one of the biggest role models for both me and my brother. She was the matriarch of our family, bringing everyone, including our father, from her native Cuba back in the 1960's. She died just last year at the age of 94. She was an amazing cook and host, and is no doubt part of what inspired both of us into the areas of food and hospitality.

“This is a recipe [she] made for us growing up. I loved her arroz con leche (rice pudding) so much she would make two casserole dishes-worth of it – one for the family, and an extra one for me. That's just the kind of person she was, always looking to take a little extra special care of everyone she knew.

“As she was getting older, becoming less mobile and able to cook, my brother was able to chronicle her making the dish. We never saw a written recipe because she always sort of cooked from memory or skill. It was also difficult because she spoke almost no English, and we second-generation kids spoke fairly little Spanish. But he did it. 

“Several years ago on a trip to his new home (we live in different cities), he surprised me with not only a copy of the recipe, but a big tupperware of the rice pudding to take home. He just got married and he and his wife just bought a house, so I want to return the Arroz-con-leche-favor and get him this as a housewarming gift.”

After Ben gifted the artwork to his brother, he wrote back to me to share his brother’s reaction:

"My brother loved it- he was taken aback in the best way possible, tears included. He relayed his gratitude to me as well and was really touched by the gift. I want to thank you for this process – the work was beautiful, the process easy and smooth despite the physical distance, everything was prompt, and most of all, you handled an obviously sentimental and personal subject with great care. We really appreciate that. Best of luck with your work- it's important stuff." 

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Would you like to turn an heirloom recipe into a gift for the whole family? I would be honored to illustrate it for you. Begin the process here.