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Jerardo Tena and Norma Hernandez

          

Jerardo Tena is easy to spot – large smile, slight build and always a hat – cowboy or baseball- on a head with long, curly hair.  He learned to pot from his mother, Sofia Sandoval de Tena, half his lifetime ago.  Because of his excellent painting technique and animal shapes, his pieces are actively sought by collectors.  His innovative mind has led to the winning of numerous awards at the annual Pottery Concurso (Spanish for competition) held in Mata Ortiz.  In fact, in 8 concursos, he has won 11 first place prizes!

 

Jerardo is married to Norma Hernandez.  They’ve been married for 16 years – after a 15 DAY courtship!  Norma learned to pot from her husband and specializes in minis – tiny pots or animals or plates with Mimbres designs.  She, too, is a multiple winner at the Concurso.  For the May 2008 contest, they are collaborating on two pieces – one with two birds perched on the rim and one with two rams ready to charge each other on that rim. 

 

Their three children have three distinctive personalities.  Mariela, 15 on Cinco  de Mayo (May 5th), is shy and studious.  She is happiest reading, studying and working on the computer at school.  She will be graduating from the secondary school this spring.  For most teens of the village, this is the end of their formal education.  However, Mariela plans on going to the excellent high school in Colonial Juarez, the small Mormon village nearby, and then to college.  As former educators, we are encouraging her in every way we can.

   

Edith is the outgoing personality in the Tena household.  She loves to practice her English with those who stop by to see her parents’ pottery, and she is already making and selling pots of her own!  Likewise, Junior, who just turned 2, sits with his dad and makes pottery with him.  “I like clay!” he exclaims (in Spanish, of course!)

 

  In March, Norma and Celia Veloz treated us to a meal served at 1:00 PM which is the large meal of the day shortly after the children come home from school.  The menu consisted of chilis rellenos , Mexican rice, salad and a delicious dessert of jello and cream.   Jan helped a bit with the rellenos, and I would like to share Norma and Celia’s recipe with you.  

Chilis Rellenos

12 poblano chilies, Mennonite cheese, dozen eggs, salt, flour and oil

First, grill the chilies on a grill or in a skillet.  Slit open and remove seeds.  Fill chilies with cheese and “pin” shut with a toothpick. One at a time, with an electric mixer, beat the egg WHITES until frothy…throw in a pinch of salt.  Then add egg YOLKS…keep beating (takes two people to make these!) Dredge filled chilies in flour, then egg mixture, and place in hot oil in skillet.  Carefully, turn the chilies over once and drain on paper towels.