Some time ago as a young lady, my sisters and I would gather in the cocina with my mother to learn the basics of cooking for a family of 9. Sitting around the kitchen table, my mother would spend time telling us about spices and measurements so that we would be able to prepare meals on our own. At the age of 11, I was finally ready to prepare my first meal alone, well with my mom looking over my shoulder. How those times have changed!

At that point in time I realized how much I enjoyed la cocina! I loved the warmth and banter of my sisters and parents and the communion that we enjoyed. Later, I would take my mother’s recipes and add my own flare to them. Cooking gave me a sense of peace and a space to breathe in a house with 8 females. As time passed I would change and improve the flavors of those recipes by adding or replacing a few spices. And thus the flavors of Paulita’s were born.

In 1978 my father took a pastorate position in Roswell New Mexico, and oh my how my taste buds have changed through the years. I remember my first outing to a New Mexican food restaurant and asking for enchiladas. The waitress asked me if I wanted Red or Green. My response was that of a normal first time non-New Mexican, “I don’t want red or green, I want enchiladas”.

I love the taste of New Mexico Green Chile. Had I only known that such a wonderful flavor was waiting to be unlocked in the work of La Cocina donde nos Juntamos! Our cocina has never been the same and we still gather to prepare meals and enjoy our families together. My sincere hope is that the flavors of Paulita’s will bring your families and loved ones together in the same fashion as ours. Please enjoy the richness and unique taste of New Mexico.

~Paula