Recently, I wrote about Heirloom Recipes.
How they are passed down from one generation to the next.
How we keep them close to our hearts.
How they bring comfort to us, and even our families when we lovingly prepare them.
One of the recipes that provides my husband comfort and the recollection of fond memories from his childhood, is Suman Tatsulok.
Nino has often spoke of his Cha (Cha also means Tita which also means Auntie) Zeny, and her suman, and what it was like when he was a child looking forward to this rice snack during the family gatherings and reunions on his mother’s side.
Cha Zeny is the youngest sibling of his Lola Mely. Lola Mely is his maternal grandmother and my children and I are very lucky to have been able to get to know her and spend time with her when I first visited Manila with Nino, and later when we moved here, through the weekly Sunday lunches she would host for the family with our children.
It’s bittersweet to look at photos of when we first moved here.
Back in November of 2016, when Nino and I first moved to Manila with our (then) three children, I remember requesting to attend the weekly Sunday lunches to connect with his extended family for the sake of our children.
Children need a multigenerational approach in parenting, and this is why the saying runs true when often referred to the fact that “It takes a village to raise a child.”
It’s probably why Nino has these fond memories of Cha Zeny as well.
So, earlier this year, when Nino was reminded of his Cha Zeny, we planned a visit to her in Bulacan, so our children would get the chance to meet her too.
I wanted them to spend time with her, and perhaps even indulge in this childhood treat that Nino still loves, and is familiar to so many Filipinos, Suman Tatsulok.
We have yet to make this treat at home. But one thing is for sure, our kids will remember this little visit with Cha Zeny, and the time spent with her, and their dad, remembering nostalgic moments of his childhood.
What are some of your favorite foods from your childhood that bring back fond memories?
Remember, sharing is caring 🙂
