Hosted by: Reesa Morala, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.

Are we doomed to repeat the relationship patterns we grew up with? Julie Cobos Hernández, mom of three and nurse, opens up about her journey of breaking free from chaotic relationship cycles and learning to build healthier, more fulfilling connections.

In this raw and eye-opening conversation with Reesa Morala, LMFT, Julie shares the steps she took to unlearn toxic relationship dynamics, heal from past trauma, and prioritize her mental health and emotional well-being—not just for herself, but for her children, too.

🍚 Plus! She shares her beloved family recipe for authentic Mexican Rice—because healing happens at the dinner table, too.

🌱 If you’ve ever found yourself stuck in unhealthy relationships or struggling to break generational patterns, this episode is for you. 🌱

📌 Save this episode to revisit when you need a reminder that change is possible.

💬 Have you worked to break a generational cycle? Share your experience in the comments!

Social media: Julie Hernandez

Authentic Mexican Rice

Credit: https://stellanspice.com/authentic-mexican-rice/

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups Mahatma® Rice Extra Long Grain White Rice

3 tbsp neutral oil

1/4 onion , diced

1 garlic clove, crushed

1 tbsp Knorr chicken bouillon

1/2 tsp garlic powder

2 roma tomatoes, (makes 8 oz tomato juice)

2 cups hot water

1/4 tsp salt, or to taste

3 sprigs cilantro

1 jalapeno

Instructions:

1. Over medium heat, add the oil to a heavy-bottomed or good quality non-stick pan, then fry the onions and garlic

2. When the onions and garlic have lightly browned, remove the garlic and set it aside.

3. Add Mahatma® Rice Extra Long Grain White Rice to the pot and toast the rice in the oil, moving it constantly for about 5 minutes or until it becomes slightly puffy and golden brown.

4. Add the Knorr chicken bouillon and garlic powder, the mix and continue toasting for another minute.

5. Blend together the roma tomatoes and fried garlic clove. You should have about 8 oz (1 cup) of tomato sauce.

6. Add it to the rice, stirring constantly for 30 seconds. The color should change to warm reddish orange color. At this point, watch the heat to make sure the bottom is not burning. Adjust the heat if you need to.

7. Add the HOT water to the rice. It has to be hot- if the liquid isn't bubbling on the sides of the pot, your water is not hot enough. Stir in salt to taste at this point if you're adding. I recommend about 1/4 tsp.

8. Add the cilantro and jalapeno on top, continue boiling over medium-low heat until some of the water has evaporated. Then turn the heat to the low and cover for 20 minutes. Do NOT lift the lid!

9. After 20 minutes, turn off the heat and fluff the rice with a fork. There will be a thin layer of tomato sauce at the top- that is what we want. Just gently fluff & mix it into the rice to distribute evenly.

10. At this point, the rice is ready if you don't like overly soft rice. This is good for me, but if you want it more soft & fluffy, cover for another 10 minutes (no heat).

If you are a parent ready to share your real-life parenting struggle and dish up a recipe with Reesa, apply here!

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