“Nothing is better than a home-cooked meal that is wonderfully flavored with native plants, and served with love.” – Aurora Garcia Saqui
Producciones de la Hamaca is proud to announce the publication of U Janal Aj Maya: Traditional Maya Cuisine by Aurora Garcia Saqui with Amy Lichty of Maya Centre. “Learn how to prepare traditional Maya food from garden to table with recipes that have been passed down through the generations.”
Aurora Garcia Saqui is a Yucatec Maya, one of the famous Garcia sisters of San Antonio, Cayo, who married Ernesto Saqui of Maya Centre, a Mopan Maya. Reflecting these two language traditions, both Yucatec and Mopan names are given for each recipe. She and Ernesto have welcomed guests at their Nu’uk Che’il Cottages in Maya Center since 2000 and served them all traditional Maya food. “They always ask how I can cook such delicious food and I answer, ‘Because I cook with love.’”
Nicely illustrated with photographs at every stage, the book begins in the garden where many of the ingredients are grown. Instructions for preparing ingredients such as annatto and a description of the Mayan kitchen are included. From Sah’ (Atole) to Tz’yan Arroz (Rice Lab), 46 recipes of beverages, breakfast, soups, sauces, seasonings, side dishes, main dishes and desserts will delight any cook. The book sells for BZ$30.
U Janal Aj Maya will be launched at a Maya Cultural event on December 21, 2013, beginning at 10 am at the Nu’uk Che’il Cottages in Maya Centre. There also will be a demonstration of making tortillas on a fire heart followed by a buffet lunch. A traditional Maya winter solstice ceremony will be held in the afternoon. The public is invited by reservation because space is limited. Call 665-1313. A fee will be charged with proceeds going to the new Maya cultural organization Juun-tulico’on.
Jumbelo’on ich muchnalil – “together we move forward”
Juun-tulico’on is a diverse group of non-profit volunteers, committed to sustaining Maya cultural heritage for future generations. Email: Juuntulicoon@gmail.com. The book is currently available at the Image Factory and will be available at Nu’ukcheil Cottages in Maya Center and other giftshops and bookstores around the country after December 21, 2013. For more information on the cookbook contact Judy Lumb at 501-226-0197 or 600-4710 or email at: producciones.hamaca@gmail.com
