Everybody loves my cooking. They always asked me what’s my secret. I always laugh but tell no one because it’s the little angels from the Virgin of San Juan who come to help me and give the last touch to my dishes—putting some salt, or some coriander, or parsley. I thank the Virgin of San Juan for this supernatural miracle of sending her angels to help me at the kitchen.

Doña Rosita Paredes’ kitchen was invaded by rats. She had a toddler and was afraid the rats might bite him. But thanks to Saint Paschal Baylon she managed to get rid of them with a broom, and the rats didn’t bite anyone. She offers this retablo to the saint.

Petra Sanchez was preparing mole at the kitchen when suddenly a rat ran on her leg up to the groin. Petra thanks Saint Paschal Baylon for the rat didn’t bite her.

Puebla, 1917

I dedicate this retablo to Saint Paschal Baylon because we won a nice American kitchen in a Guanajuato’s radio program raffle. Now I can cook delicious dishes for my husband—green pozole, pork escalopes, tacos al pastor, chicken balls, marinated arrachera steak, meat with mushrooms, grilled ribs, chilaquiles and pork with beens.

Pachuca, January 3, 1969

Isabel Morales prepared such a delicious mole de caderas that even her late husband came to try it. She thanks God for having seen her husband.

Jose Lopez, with warm devotion, gives infinite thanks to Saint Anthony with this retablo for sending him a woman who likes to cook naked. He’s even thinking to propose her.

Help me, Virgin, to make the animals understand that they have to be eaten on your holiday.

On his day, I prepare for my late husband Ramiro his favorite dish. Thanks.

Since I didn’t know how to cook my dishes always turned out horrible. I was in despair and asked Saint Paschal Baylon for help. Little by little my cooking skills were improving. Now my husband is very much satisfied with my food and even has bought me new pans and pots. I give thanks for that.

Felipa Cordero
Cuetzalan, Puebla

Filomena Venegas had difficulties with her mother-in-law because she didn’t know how to cook. She prayed to Saint Paschal Baylon, and now she cooks so delicious food, that even the mother-in-law licks her fingers after the meal. Filomena gives thanks for that.

Puebla, 1925

My patrons asked me to cook some mole and two turkeys. I was feeling bad to kill birds. I thank Saint Paschal because I convinced my patrons to have another dish and they even gave me those two turkeys as a gift. I took them back to my hut, and I’m very glad.

Maria Flores
Atlixco, Puebla

I bring the present retablo to Saint Pascual Baylon who helped me so my tortillas went well and didn’t burn because my mother-in-law was to come. She loved my dishes, and I thank for that.

Gregoria Xicotencatl
Tlaxcala, 1938

I’m a terrible cook. That’s why my mama used to say I’d never get married. But thanks to Saint Paschal I found a husband who cooks marvelously. He adores cooking, and it is his passion. He prepares delicious dishes for me and our kids. I thank Saint Paschal, the patron of cooks.