From Abuela’s Kitchen To Mine: 3 Comfort Recipes That Still Bring Us Together

In my family, the kitchen has always been more than a place to cook—it’s where stories unfold, laughter fills the air, and abuela’s wisdom lives on in every dish. Food serves as our bridge between generations, connecting us to our roots while we create new traditions.

After a challenging year, we’re all eager for a cozy Nochebuena and Christmas with loved ones. We look forward to sharing comfort foods and childhood favorites that remind us what truly matters: togetherness, shared meals, and the familiar flavors that feel like home.

Here are three dishes that bring my family back to the table—recipes filled with nostalgia and heart, easily recreated with a few essentials available on Amazon.

1. Abuela’s Caldo de Pollo

Nothing beats a caldo de pollo just like my abuela used to make during the colder months. This welcoming starter warms hearts like nothing else. A steaming bowl of chicken soup, slowly simmered with fresh vegetables and aromatic seasonings, offers unmatched comfort. This is a Latina mom’s universal remedy: whether for a cold, a heartbreak, or a long day.

I recreate this dish with skinless chicken thighs, carrots, potatoes, corn, and butternut squash. I add a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, oregano, and parsley, two teaspoons of sea salt, and my secret ingredient—one medium Japanese sweet potato for a naturally sweet fragrance. It’s remarkably simple: gather ingredients, chop vegetables, and cook everything in boiling water with seasonings.

The key is timing: bring water to a boil, add the firmest ingredients first, then reduce to medium heat. Once they begin to soften, add the more delicate ingredients and let their flavors meld together. A cast-iron Dutch oven will elevate your caldo de pollo—it distributes heat evenly, creating the perfect simmering environment.

Serve in ceramic soup bowls, which retain heat longer and are oven- and microwave-safe. For a special touch, place a slice of bread topped with cheese under the broiler for a few minutes. Shiny stainless-steel soup spoons complete this simple yet sophisticated presentation.

There’s no need to complicate things—this dish is effortlessly delicious and guaranteed to please everyone. This is comfort food at its finest: healing, heartwarming, and bringing everyone together. It’s the kind of dish that nourishes both body and soul during the holidays.

If you prefer to follow a step-by-step recipe, I recommend this option!

2. Empanadas for Sharing

Empanadas are a pan-Latin American staple, with each country—and each region—claiming its own unique twist. In my childhood home, preparing and baking empanadas was always a group effort. Rolling dough, filling it with savory meat or cheese, and crimping the edges—everyone wanted to participate. It wasn’t just about food, but about the teamwork that made the kitchen come alive.

I remember my six-year-old self standing on a bench at the counter, sneaking pieces of meat while my mom taught me the signature flower-shaped fold. Meat filling was a special treat, so we often got creative with alternatives like cheese, corn, spinach, and tuna. Empanadas are among the most convivial foods, with a unique way of bringing people together, regardless of the flavor.

For the perfect batch, use aluminum pans—they conduct heat evenly, ensuring consistent baking. Serve on lightweight bamboo plates with festive Christmas paper napkins for easy, stand-and-chat snacking. Ideal for the holidays, they never fail to bring that same joy of togetherness.

Check out the variety of empanada recipes at Comedera. Spoiler alert: they’re in Spanish, but they’re easy to follow even if you don’t speak the language.

3. Arroz con Leche

For the grand finale: a warm, creamy, lightly sweet arroz con leche—perhaps with a swirl of dulce de leche—spiced with cinnamon just as my abuela Norma made it. The ultimate comfort.

Arroz con leche—rice pudding, in English—is a dessert that has shaped my childhood memories like no other. Just thinking about it can bring tears to my eyes. Visiting abuela and finding she had made it was always pure joy!

Today, I can’t imagine a better way to end a family gathering like Nochebuena or Christmas than with a bowl of this rich delight. Its aroma and taste perfectly capture the sense of home and heritage every Latinx longs for.

Each family adds their own touch—some add lemon or orange zest, others include raisins or a splash of condensed milk. But the best part is that it’s easy to make with pantry staples: rice, milk, and sugar. Plus, these simple ingredients stretch far, creating a generous batch that satisfies a big group.

My abuela always said the secret was patience and constant attention—letting the rice cook slow and low until you know it is just right. I’ve tried to learn from her, but everyone’s mano creates a different kind of magic. The challenge is achieving the perfect consistency—neither too thick nor too runny—and preventing the milk from scorching.

Amazon can help with tools and ingredients. I recommend a nonstick saucepan and a wooden spoon—this Our Place set has been a game-changer.

The type of rice and milk you use is key. Short-grain varieties like Arborio or Calrose release more starch, which, combined with whole milk, creates the velvety texture we all expect from this dessert. Quick tip: I use lactose-free milk to help my guests avoid any discomfort.

Here’s how to prepare it: rinse one cup of rice under cold water in a strainer, then combine with four cups of milk and ¼ cup sugar. Always taste as you go to adjust the sweetness. Bring to a gentle simmer, reduce the heat, and stir every five minutes while watching the consistency. Finish with lemon peel, a hint of vanilla extract, and a sprinkle of powdered cinnamon.

Every time I make it, I know it will take about 30 to 50 minutes—time when I can’t leave the pot’s side. I’ve turned this into a gentle ritual. I play soft music and, as my mind wanders away from daily worries, I simply stand beside the pot, stirring occasionally and assessing its texture. Gradually, time slows down, the aroma of cinnamon and warm milk fills the kitchen, and I find myself in a more deliberate pace of life. I’m fully present—rooted in the simple, soothing act of creating something with care.

I usually serve it warm with organic cinnamon sticks during family gatherings. It never fails to spark stories of “remember when!”

Food is always so much more than just nourishment—it’s family memories, tradition, and connection. These recipes remind us that even in challenging times, we can find joy in the simplest acts: sitting together, passing plates, and carrying our abuela’s kitchen into our own.

With a few ingredients, a little love, and the right tools at hand, every meal becomes a celebration of what keeps us together.