Contribution by Elizabeth Gonzalez

EG: My husband and I love to cook … especially alfresco in our beautiful backyard. Altadena’s great weather and scenery was always the star along with our creations.

What is a dish that reminds you of home? Alternatively, what is a food or drink memory that you feel really speaks to to Altadena more generally? 

EG: Enchi-Latkas. [It is] a hybrid dish my husband and I cooked for Christmas to honor his Jewish back ground, and my Mexican heritage.

[I] also make my matzo ball soup with spicy Cajun and Mexican seasoning. It’s so good!

Why do you want to contribute to this project? 

EG: To honor our mother’s legacy, as a longtime Altadena resident and cook. She like so many other Altadenians embodies the spirit of love, dedication, creativity, nature and nurturing that is so present in our beautiful and diverse community.

[Her star dish was] her enchiladas de pollo, rojas, which are a pain to make but so delicious!

Elizabeth Gonzales is in her 40’s, works in healthcare/ social work, and is an avid gardener, reader, and cook. She is the mother of two humans and a dog, and is married to a man who loves world cuisines and cooking as much as she does. She lost her home in the Eaton Fire.

Note: This contribution was sent to Altadena Cooks through google form & social media DMs/ comments, and responses have been edited lightly for clarity. See an issue? Please email me at altadenacooks@gmail.com