Letter from the Editor

Dear Readers,

I grew up in a home where there was always a healthy, well-balanced and lovingly prepared meal for myself and my five siblings. But the holidays were especially wonderful, as the smell of homemade bread, the ethnic dishes that honored my parents’ Ukrainian and Italian heritages, the finger-licking of the frosting bowls and the huge variety of homemade holiday treats filled our home and built our traditions.

In this issue of Nicaragua living, we’ve shared the traditions and recipes of others living in Nicaragua. By sharing these recipes, we not only provide the opportunity to expand your holiday gastronomical repertoire, we also share happy memories and heartfelt happiness. I’ve even included a few favorites of my mother, Mary Huzar Serra. READ

Speaking of sharing, we hope you can join us in San Juan del Sur December 24th to share some good will by coming holiday caroling with us. Find out more about this by reading our story READ.

Our cover story on Selva Negra showcases the impressive sustainable farming efforts being practiced on the 1,500–acre coffee plantation, farm and tourist attraction in the rain-forested hills of Matagalpa. In addition to taking the tour of the coffee plantation, my friends and I had the opportunity to hike the beautiful rain forest and taste some of the cheeses produced at Selva Negra. I’d recommend this field trip to anyone who loves the outdoors and a rustic getaway. READ

Pennsylvania native Mike Cobb is doing some impressive work himself at Gran Pacifica. While Mike says he didn’t come to Nicaragua because of the lifestyle it offered, it’s t he lifestyle that’s caused he and his family to stay. READ

We hope you enjoy this issue of Nicaragua Living. On behalf of myself and the Nicaragua Living magazine team, we wish you and your families and friends a happy holiday season and a stellar New Year!

Cheryl L. Serra
Editor