With approximately 60 people in attendance, the Charles Darwin Foundation (CDF) officially launched the first "Nuestras Raíces" (Our Roots) cookbook of traditional dishes from Isabela Island. The event was attended by CDF Executive Director Rakan Zahawi, International Affairs Coordinator Johanna Carrión, Isabela Mayor Bolívar Tupiza, local authorities, the families who created the cookbook, students, and community members.
The Auditorium of the Historias Vivas Theater in Puerto Villamil, was the venue for the launching of this recipe book, whose authors are high school students of the Centro Educativo Fiscomisional Inmaculada Stella Maris (CEFISM) and their families.
"The idea is to focus on a more sustainable Galapagos, working with our available, local products," emphasized Rakan Zahawi.
The book is made up of 12 recipes, divided into appetizers, main courses, and desserts prepared by Isabela families who happily thanked CDF for its support. "Those who have tasted my dishes know that I love cooking and have learned it since I was a child; the dishes we prepare with our family have local products that we must take advantage of," concluded Rosa Solórzano, author of one of the recipes.
Ernesto Bustamante, CDF Isabela Liaison Coordinator, explained that behind the final recipe book was hard work and teamwork to achieve the proposed objective. "The idea for the recipe book was born in 2019 when we culminated the sustainable community project. Today I am happy to officially present this recipe book. This book is for the community of Isabela, Galapagos and for anyone who wants to venture a little with the history and culture behind the recipes of Isabela."
At the end of the event, the families that are part of the recipe book received a certificate of participation and the physical book as a thank you for the gastronomic and cultural contribution made through this initiative. Joshua Rodríguez, recipe author indicated "I am happy that I was taken into account for this project".
Andres Cruz
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