Byfield: Food is a delicious way to unite families

Isabel Byfield

Submitted photo

Metro Creative Connection

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I grew up in Colombia in a very tight-knit family. My dad comes from a family of 17 children and from there, my extended family quickly grew to over 100 people.

Food has always been at the center of our family gatherings, which were held as often as once a month. No matter the occasion, they were always a celebration.

My aunts would be in the kitchen for hours making elaborate meals. Every single meal included a hearty soup even if it was hot outside.

The “seco” which in Spanish translates to “dry,” included some sort of rice dish (arroz con fideos was my favorite), a piece of meat dressed in savory sauce, roasted potatoes and a huge bowl of fresh salad in the center of the table.

Of course, there was always dessert. One of my favorites was a coconut flan made with sweetened condensed milk, our family’s signature dessert.

With so many people in the house during gatherings, we took turns sitting at the table. While some of us were eating, others were hanging out in the balcony, people-watching, telling stories from my grandparents or planning the next get together.

There were kids everywhere and the older cousins’ job was to keep us entertained until our parents ate. There were dance contests, singing, painting and lots of fun and laughter.

It took about three to four hours for every to finish their lunch. There was always plenty of food for everyone, and friends and neighbors always were welcomed. Many of them felt like family.

My aunts always made sure there was plenty of food and leftovers. My dad loved taking an extra serving home for lunch the next day.

Every year for Christmas and New Year’s, the entire family would gather at my aunt’s house. The young people usually sat outside by a wood fire, making the traditional Colombian Christmas foods like buñuelos, natilla and empanadas.

My aunts made tamales, pernil and all the fixings. It was a feast! 

On New Year's Eve, everyone would have their own bowl of 12 grapes to eat during the countdown to midnight. When the clock struck midnight, we would all hug and kiss and wish everyone a prosperous year ahead.

This is one of the fondest memories I have with my family in Colombia, and it’s the time of the year I miss them the most.

I left Colombia almost 15 years ago. Visiting at Christmas time is always my favorite. My family still gets together every year to celebrate the holidays, and they have made an effort to pass these traditions on to the next generation.

Growing up in a large family helped shape my love for food, and inspired me to bring people together around it. I started my blog to showcase what I love and to preserve family recipes so I can pass them on to my children and share with others.

Editor’s note: Isabel Byfield is a native of Colombia who lives in the West Valley. She is founder of TastyAZ.com, a lifestyle blog that focuses on food, family and travel. Reader reactions, pro or con, are welcomed at AzOpinions@iniusa.org.