Page 44 June 2013 Renae Chamberlain. Photos by Heather Kinkel. Fresh ingredients bring childhood recipes new life By Amanda Goossen Renae Chamberlain has a special place in her heart for the Latin culture. Her life and family are living proof. Born and raised in Buckeye, Chamberlain has lived in Arcadia with her husband and fi ve children for seven years. “My husband Rick and I enjoy the laid-back, minimal stress and easy-going lifestyle of the Latin culture and try to create that environment in our home,” she said. Her parents were both second-generation migrant workers. Chamberlain’s father was born in Eagle Pass, Texas and her mother in Laredo. Beans and rice were a main food for both, while bologna sandwiches were special childhood treats on the weekends. Married in 1970, they moved to Arizona, looking for a better life. Chamberlain grew up poor, eventually moving into the middle class. The family rarely ate out and enjoyed authentic Latin meals on a regular basis. Tacos, which come from the Spanish word meaning “light snack,” were a childhood staple. Now, as a mother to her own, Chamberlain works hard to continue traditions of her past while also establishing healthy eating habits and using fresh, seasonal ingredients. “I’ve had to modify the recipes I grew up with to enhance the nutritional value and still keep the authentic fl avors,” she said. “Except birthdays. Authentic enchiladas are a birthday treat.” Using fresh herbs from her garden and citrus from the trees in their yard, Chamberlain works hard to develop nightly meals. With fi ve children, as well as many of their friends staying for dinner on a nightly basis, meals are a large production. “I like to apply simple American twists to recipes I grew up with,” she said. Using coconut oil to replace other oils, putting strawberries and other fresh fruit in the salsa, adding mint to the margaritas and dressing up black beans with garlic, lime juice and a sprinkle of goat cheese are all accents helping bring Chamberlain’s childhood memories to her present table. Entertaining at home is one of the family’s favorite pastimes. “Laughter, food and music is a lifestyle for us,” Chamberlain said. “Friends and guests are always welcome. There is always something to eat and drink at our ‘casa.’ ” See Recipes, page 47 Italian Treat for 2... $ 44 00 ★ 2 Soup or Salad 2 Soup or Salad ★ + ★ 2 Dinner Entrees 2 Dinner Entrees ★ 20 entree choices included + ★ Full Bottle of Wine Full Bottle of Wine ★ from proprietor’s selection Open Mon–Sun 4:30 - 9:30pm 4231 E Indian School Rd • Phoenix 602.955.1213 • LaFontanellaPHX.com Live, Laugh and Love Dining Out! Expires 06/30/13. Maximum 6 people per table. Expires 06/30/13. Maximum 6 people per table. Not valid with other offers or special events. Valid only with payment in cash. Not valid with other offers or special events. Valid only with payment in cash. INCLUDES INCLUDES Chef Owned ~ Originally from Chicago Serving the valley for over 30 years ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ “Best of Phoenix” 2012 Phoenix Magazine HAPPY FATHER’S DAY DAY! FATHER’S HAPPY Come join us for Happy Hour 3-6 DAY! FATHER’S HAPPY 4144 E. Indian School Rd. 602-956-0178 A Variety of Prizes for Dads Every Father leaves a WINNER!