About me... My name is Yatnaira, but since I was little my aunt Marie, one of the pillars of our family, called me Yayas, a name that today also represents my business in her honor. From a young age, cooking has been my great passion, a love first sparked by my grandmother Cutin who is no longer with us teaching me the basics and the importance of keeping our Puerto Rican traditions alive. My mother, in turn, has been my greatest inspiration in the kitchen, refining my skills and guiding me in the preparation of pasteles and many other traditional dishes. She has shared her secrets and techniques with me, ensuring that every creation captures those authentic flavors we all love. Although I hold a Master’s degree in Labor Relations and have spent nearly ten years working in Human Resources, cooking has always been my refuge, my source of inspiration, and my way of relieving stress. Every creation I make tells a story of family, love, and heritage, carrying with it the flavors and most cherished memories of my island.
Yaya’s Cravings was born out of nostalgia and a love for the authentic flavors of Puerto Rico. What started as a way to satisfy my own cravings after moving to Virginia in 2017, following the devastating Hurricane Maria, grew into a dream come true: a small business dedicated to sharing a piece of our island with everyone. We specialize in a variety of traditional desserts and treats, including our renowned tres leches, quesitos, guava pastries, polvorones, and almond moistened pound cake, perfect for all kinds of occasions. We also offer our famous pasteles wrapped in leaves, made exclusively by pre-order, with the homemade flavor and care that transport you straight to Abuela’s kitchen. More than a business, Yaya’s Cravings is a celebration of flavor, tradition, and the joy of sharing, because every creation is made with love, dedication, and the pride of representing Puerto Rico wherever we are.