Maria Osorio Driscoll: Flavors of Colombia
First things first, I am obsessed with Latin and Spanish culture, and I mean all countries whose native-tongue is Spanish. Of the countries I’ve visited, and the people I have met, I have found all to be incredibly friendly and always willing to celebrate, the food amazing, and traditions alive - sounds somewhat like the Southern United States, no? As you know, I collaborated with Maria Osorio Driscoll on the inaugural cookbook design for Preserved Press. Maria’s vibrant collages are what initially drew me to her art, but I’m thinking it was subconsciously because she is a native of Colombia. Our collaboration was further cemented by the fact that we both went to Hollins University. Guess what? I’m not the only one in love with Maria’s work. Southern Living just published a feature on her in their March 2022 issue. So head to your favorite mag rack and pick up a copy!
I am excited for you to learn more about Maria’s upbringing in Colombia as it relates to food. I am also selfishly excited to add an authentic Colombian recipe to my arsenal. In hearing about Maria’s food influences, I can’t help but think that the fondant flowers she made with her grandmother are a preview into her work as an artist, and I hope to be invited to an empanada session with her sons and mother one day!
Read Maria’s food story below!
Where in Colombia did you grow up and how does influence your cooking style?
I grew up in Bogotá, Colombia. If you ask my husband, he would say a lot of cumin, which is my favorite spice. I love using a lot of fresh ingredients and I always make sure the meals I prepare have a lot of color. I love introducing friends to my favorite Colombian dishes.
Was eating a home-cooked meal an important part of your upbringing?
I was very fortunate to mainly have home-cooked meals. My parents worked so my favorite meals were the ones they made on the weekends!
Where were most of your meals eaten as a family?
In Colombia we don’t eat heavy meals at night so the meals we ate as a family were on the weekends. One of my favorite memories is waking up to piles of pancakes every weekend! We also stayed at the table after meals and had long conversations while sipping on after-meal coffee.
Who did most of the cooking while growing up? Is that person still considered to be the “best cook in the family?
Since my parents worked, we had a person that helped in the house and cooked most of the weekday meals. Both my parents are really good cooks, but my dad loves cooking and was always excited to make special meals.
What are some (or one) of your favorite food memories?
Definitely my mom’s weekend breakfasts, and family meals at my grandmother’s. I really believe they said I love you with food. My maternal grandmother was an amazing baker and made the most intricate and beautiful wedding cakes. I would sit with her for hours and help her make little fondant flowers. She was an artist! I also always admire the incredible pride that my mom takes at setting the table. She has dishes, napkins, table cloths and chargers for every occasion and her table is always beautifully set.
Do you continue to cook family recipes today? And are you teaching those to your children?
I love cooking and baking and I do try to make family recipes. Being far away from my country makes me really homesick and food is always the best way to heal it. You know I am extremely homesick when every meal has a side of plantains. My boys are not really into cooking, but they can eat their weight in empanadas. They set up a big empanada production when my mom comes to visit and they make a big batch together. They eat some right away, and save some to freeze and throw on the air fryer for after school snacks.
What is your favorite family recipe?
Arroz con Pollo and Ajiaco ( potato, chicken, corn stew).
Stay tuned for Maria’s recipe for Arroz con Pollo y Ajiaco.
