Author Description

Claudia Patricia Gallo, was born in Cartago, Valle del Cauca, Colombia. She arrived to the United States over 30 years ago with her daughter Catherine, only 200 dollars, her green card and a suitcase filled with hurtful experiences. This suitcase only had one pocket-she called it her happy place- where she kept her biggest treasure: a notebook with Colombian food recipes that one day would be her daughter's. Her aim in the US was to learn English, to get better job opportunities so she could support her family. She learned 20 words per day in English, worked hard and made the best Colombian dishes that she had learned from both her grandmothers. Years later, she had a second blessing, her son Camilo. Since then, her medical condition had a strong impact in her life. When she got a second chance to live again, she promised God she would serve on his behalf and express love through food. While being in the US she learned-in different ethnic kitchens-a vast variety of secrets, thanks to the amazing people from different cultures that taught her their grandma's recipes. In this book she invites you to love, enjoy, appreciate what you cook and share it with your loved ones. Also, to dance with the spoons, sing to soups and hug your vegetables so your food is filled with good energy.