There are moments in life when you realize that the beautiful stories are rarely the convenient ones. Cooking for tonitasny Toñita’s Fest was truly an all-hands-on-deck kind of experience. Borrowing kitchens. Calling friends. Leaning on my community. Figuring it out in the most unconventional places, one solution at a time. It’s not glamorous, but it’s real. And honestly… I wouldn’t have it any other way. I’m doing all of this because I believe in this cookbook with my whole heart. Every event, every plate, every long day is another chance to introduce people to this little love letter to Puerto Rico. I don’t expect anyone to buy my book simply because I wrote one. I want to earn every purchase. I want people to taste the love before they ever turn a page. Because food has always been the language I speak best. It’s how I say “welcome,” “thank you,” “I’m glad you’re here,” and “I love you.” So if you see me running around a borrowed kitchen with tired feet and a full heart… just ...