"No one makes an apple pie like my mother." "No one makes a paella like my mother!" Almost everyone believes that their mother is the best cook under the heavens. I, too, think this about my mother's cooking talent. Yet, my appreciation for her delicacies goes father. I've learned to be healthy, cherish my heritage, and love my family through her cooking.
             To commence, my mother's cooking has taught me to be healthy. In every meal she prepares, every section of the food pyramid is introduced to me. For instance, one dinner would consist of white rice, red beans, fresh meat, green salad, and crystal water. For dessert, she would bake a fruit pie or a low-fat cake topped with fresh fruits. My mother always encourages me to eat breakfast and eat healthy snacks. Such as an apple or pear. She has taught me the real meaning of health.
             Next, her ability to cook has taught me to cherish my heritage. If one enters my mother's kitchen one can find a vast supply of Spanish seasonings like garlic, onion, peppers, mint, oregano, cumin, and more. The interesting fact is the way she manages to use them all appropriately to make a mouth watering banquet. Mother also cooks many dishes from our homeland, Nicaragua. My favorite is gayo pinto, carne asada, and tres leches. Gayo pinto is rice in combination with Nicaraguan red beans and roast meat. My mother has taught me to cook these typical foods. Therefore, I will also teach my children what their ancestors used to eat.
             Finally, I've learned to love my family through my mother's cooking. Whenever she cooks, she does it with a smile. Mother doesn't mind cooking because she knows the food is for us and it will nourish her loved ones. She sacrifices time to herself to cook for her family. For instance, instead of resting or getting a manicure, she cooks and then does what she wants. I have learned to sacrifice fun, money, and time to mysel...