Eddy Jody - ICuba!: recipes and stories from the Cuban kitchen

The Cuban Pantry

BIJOL

A commercial blend of ground achiote seed with the addition of coloring agents, cumin, and corn flour, used as a golden coloring agent in many Cuban dishes. It bestows the faintest hint of sweet chile on a dish, a flavor synonymous with many Cuban recipe classics. It is frequently used as a stand-in for dishes requiring saffron. In a pinch, turmeric can be used as a substitute.

CHORIZO

A classic Spanish pork sausage, traditionally spiced with smoked paprika but sometimes made with native red chiles in Cuba that not only spice up its flavor but also impart a deep red color. It is enjoyed cured and semi-cured throughout the nation and is sometimes used as a paste in dishes such as tostones or slathered on bread for a hearty afternoon snack.

CONCH

Cubans have a long tradition of incorporating conch into their recipes, much as cooks have done throughout the Caribbean for centuries. This meaty animal, producer and inhabitant of large sea shells (which deliver the sound of the ocean into our ears), is best when consumed unadulterated, freshly plucked from the ocean. Its also popular in Cuba in chowders, seviche, fritters, and salads.

FUFU

Smashed green plantains served alongside stews or other dishes with thick gravies.

HELADO

Ice cream, a beloved dessert in Cuba.

MALANGA

A starchy, high-calorie root vegetable that is frequently boiled and served as a side dish in Cuba.

MOJO

Hot spices are rarely used in Cuban cooking, and mojo sauce is the primary flavor delivery agent in many recipes. Its components vary, but at its most elemental it includes garlic, oregano, citrus juice, and oil.

PLANTAINS

A banana relative, starchy green plantains are served as a savory component of many meals. Theyre frequently fried to accompany congri, or black rice and beans.

SOFRITO

A secret ingredient in many Cuban dishes, sofrito is a combination of slowly cooked onions, bell pepper, and garlic. Tomatoes and/or cilantro are other common sofrito ingredients.

SUGARCANE

This subtropical grass that flourishes throughout Cuba is the nations primary source of sugar and, lets not forget, rum.

TOSTONES

Green plantains that are sliced and fried, then pressed, and fried once more. Theyre served unadulterated in Cuba but also stuffed with delicacies like lobster, crab, or pork.

YUCA

Not to be confused with the ornamental yucca plant, this root vegetable of the evergreen family is related to malanga. The starchy white tuber is often boiled to a sweet, candy-like consistency. Its a ubiquitous and highly nutritious mainstay on the Cuban table.

acknowledgments

FROM DAN AND ANDREA

This book is dedicated to the Cuban people, their resilient spirit, delicious food, and beautiful culture. They welcomed us with open arms and showed us that it is not how much you have, but how much you enjoy life that truly makes you happy.

MOLLIE HAYWARD You transformed simple ingredients into delicious dishes. Your food styling and dedication are why these recipes came to life. Thanks so much for all of your hard work. We are so happy you were able to collaborate on this book with us, our Mojo Queen.

BETH MAY Thank you for your unique design work on this book and for your out of the box aesthetic. It has been a spectacular collaboration and your vision has taken the design of our book to another level.

NICOLE J. RUIZ Our very own Shirley Temple. You are a rock star producer and we could not have done this project without you. Your mad skills kept us organized, on time, well fed and most importantly heavily caffeinated. Your constant support, advice and sarcasm have not gone unnoticed. Thank you for always having a smile on your face. Your friendship and dedication is greatly appreciated.

BECKI SCHOLL To our fabulous mixologist. Thanks for taking our vision and making it better! Your creativity and devotion to your craft have turned classic Cuban cocktails into fun, modern drinks with a twist. Cheers!

JODY EDDY Thanks for hopping on a plane and meeting us in Cuba to take on this project with enthusiasm and eagerness. We appreciate you working countless late-nights to make these stories come to life. Your beautiful words have really given this book heart and a voice.

THE CREW Samer Almadani, thank you for your spectacular retouching, great attitude, and work ethic. Travas Machel, thanks for all the big and fluffies and all of your help on set. Erin Quon, who started this journey with us. Your culinary skills are only over shadowed by your great big heart and infectious spirit. Andy Rosenstein, for all of your help and for keeping Mollie smiling in the kitchen. Will Smith, for your fabulous food styling, creativity and storytelling. Emilie Zanger, your copyediting skills were a lifesaver. Samantha Hylla and Jamie Bayer, for your digital teching magic. Jon Scott and Robert Rutherford, for your color correcting, printing and proofing. Amaurie and Ruben, who took us places we may have never seen and for never saying no.

TEN SPEED PRESS Sincere thanks to the incredible team at Ten Speed Press. Jenny Wapner, for believing in us and allowing us to realize our dream. Kara Plikaitis, for your beautiful sense of design, art direction and patience. We owe you a gin and tonic! Hannah Rahill, for giving us the opportunity and taking a risk. Emma Campion, for making this book as functional as it is beautiful. Clara Sankey, for making sure we never missed our deadlines and keeping us on our toes. It does take a village, and we needed the whole teams guidance to make this book happen. We are so grateful you took a chance on us. Thank you for everything!

FROM DAN

MY WIFE & DAUGHTER Casey and Dylan, thank you for holding down the fort when I am traveling, and thank you for putting up with me when Im tired and hangry. You have always inspired me to follow my dreams and I am very thankful. This book has been a long journey and you have been there for me every step of the way.

FAMILY Mom and Dad, thank you for encouraging me to go to art school and to follow my dreams. I appreciate your love and support.

ANDREA KUHN Thank you for pushing me to always do better! For making this book the best it could possibly be. Your brilliant creativity, unique styling and indistinguishable aesthetic are what make this book so engaging. Your dedication, hard work, and hysterical sense of humor are what got me through the long hours on this project.

TERRY HEFFERNAN Thank you for being my mentor and teaching me your craft. You have taught me so much and your passion continues to influence me.

EMISSARY ARTISTS Thank you Liz and Stacey, for keeping my business going while Im traveling in Cuba. You both help to guide me forward in my career, sometimes with a nudge and sometimes with a push! Your friendship and advice mean so much to me.

FROM ANDREA

MY MOTHER Lillian Kuhn, who always encouraged me to follow my passion and always believed in me.

MY BROTHERS AND SISTER Jeffrey, Stuffy, Arnie, and Tari for putting up with their baby sister all these years and always taking good care of me. Thankfully, I was able to pay you back for that grilled cheese sandwich.

MY FAMILY AND FRIENDS For all of their support and constant enthusiasm for my Cuban adventures.

DAN GOLDBERG What can I say? You are the best partner in crime. Thank you for supporting all of my crazy ideas. Your dedication, perseverance and amazing photography are what drives this book, and made my work look that much better. You made me laugh through this whole process, sometimes at your expense. I will always treasure my memories of lifelong friends and jokey drinks. Thank you for letting me ride shotgun on this crazy, wild adventure.