The best dancer and cook in Colombia

Soledad Henao, My daughter in law's Grandmother. My son told me about her before I left for South America. He told me about her non -stop energy. Her enthusiasm for life, her involvement with her family, and how she could cook. He did not tell it enough, I had to witness it for myself. She is now 84 years old. Hasn't slowed a step.

We took to each other as soon as we met. As soon as she arrived she took over the kitchen, the maids just had to get out of the way the food was on the way.

I went to the market the day of the pre wedding party, I was collecting fresh produce to make a risotto for the party. So many rices to choose from . I will write later of the market.

When I got back to the house , she was already in the kitchen. She welcomed me in, but I knew there were limits. This was going to be challenge. She was in a whirlwind movement, her instructions were flying everywhere. I looked through the refrigerator for ingredients. I asked many questions, but me not speaking Spanish and her not speaking English made a pair in the kitchen.

I started my sauce that I was going to add fresh sausage purchased at the market, the stove was limited, but I pushed forward. When that was well on the way, I then set up my pans to make risotto. You have to have a pan for stock to dip in slowly a ladle at a time. I was using the copper pan for the first time that my daughter in law had helped me purchase that day. It is still my favorite pan. I put my onions and garlic in to saute with butter and oil, then the rice to coat it. I then started adding the hot stock one ladle at a time. This was working, when Grandmother thought the pans should be in different order, while I was still dipping stock. I was obviously in her way! I knew the guests were going to arrive any time. The risotto has to be served when it is ready, it does not wait well. Hurry was the word!!! I still was going to make a bananas foster, which in Colombia no one had tasted.

Soledad was still the ruler of the house and kitchen. She ran everywhere. The guests arrived and all was well, they came to the kichen to taste the food and visit with Grandmother. She talk to all of them. The dinner ended and she was still center stage. Soledad and I danced that evening and at the wedding. She wore me out, I could not keep up with her. She was everywhere for the eight wonderful days I spent there. She lives life like it should be....as God would want you to. She is all about family and friends. Beatriz and all love their Grandmother. Me too!!! My best dancing partner. I have to thank her for sharing all of her advice.

Love to all of my South American friends.

Mike