It'd been a while since we'd actually made something using local products. Ecuador has a variety of exports, among the most popular are bananas.
We decided to meet and cook with a local chef, Kathy from La Warmi, to give us some local cooking lessons. Kathy specializes in French cooking techniques, and helped us to prepare garlic shrimp (a local specialty) and patacones, something we'd eaten at practically every meal in Ecuador.
Patacones (if you're from the D.R., tostones) are created with plantains, sliced, squashed, and then fried. Kathy buys a lot of produce from La Fiera Libre, where she gets the freshest merchandise.
Actually making some food was a great way to connect produce to the kitchen, and helped us get a new perspective on the connection between plants and people. Thanks to Kathy at La Warmi for the patience and knowledge!