Soledad O’Brien Talks Food & Culture

Soledad O’Brien is the anchor for CNN morning show Starting Point with Soledad O’Brien and a special correspondent for the CNN network.  When Soledad is not reporting breaking news or producing critically acclaimed documentaries, she’s spending time with her family at home.  Here, the American born daughter of Cuban and Australian immigrants shares some of her favorite food memories with The Latin Kitchen.  

Do you have a favorite memory from your childhood that stems around food and dinnertime?

I come from a big family and when I was growing up it was the era of joining around at the dinner table. Probably my best memory is around the time I was in college. My parents hosted Thanksgiving in their house every year, but once I started college I would go to my friends homes’ for Thanksgiving and was amazed that not everyone has rice and black beans for the holiday! [Laughs] Mashed potatoes and green beans were totally new to me. That was the funniest thing to realize.

What are some misunderstandings you think people have about Caribbean cooking?

I’m not a really good cook, so I don’t know. I love Caribbean cooking. I’m a big fan of eating, but I don’t really cook as much.

What is your favorite dish?

I would have to say black beans and rice. I love paella. My mother makes the best paella out there. I love flan. My daughter who’s 11 makes the best flan! She is a tremendous cook, which I’m encouraging.

What’s dinnertime like in your household?

I have four kids under 11! Dinnertime in my house is chaos! [Laughs]