The best pasteles arent found in a store. They come from this crossing guards kitchen. | Calavia-Robertson

By day, Milagros Matos is a dedicated Jersey City school crossing guard. And by night, shes a masterful Puerto Rican pasteles maker. But shhh! Thats only during the holidays when parents whove known her for years get to talking and news of her talent in the kitchen inevitably starts to spread.

Milagros, who most lovingly call Millie, is the 60-year-old crossing guard with the big smile and larger-than-life personality, whos proudly directed traffic, closely watching for the safety of her kids for I dont know, 24 years, 10 months, 3 weeks, 2 days and counting! But she also just so happens to be a mother of three, abuelita to 15 grandchildren, and the best-kept secret of locals, craving homemade Puerto Rican pasteles, which are so traditional on the Island during Christmastime.