Honoring Hispanic Heritage through Food

The ties that bind are especially strong through the food we eat and traditions we celebrate. As we come together for Hispanic Heritage Month, the associates of Eurest invited us into their family kitchens to share in their traditions originating from Mexico, Guatemala, Puerto Rico, Peru, Dominican Republic and Chile.

Food and family are synonymous for many Eurest associates. With these recipes, our associates bring their culture to dishes that evoke memories, spark conversations and bring people together.

Pictured: Chef Claudia Saldana-Rose with four generations of women in her family

Chef Claudia Saldana-Rose, one of the Regional Chefs representing Eurest’s Eastern Division, shared her family’s Picante de Camarones recipe, a creamy seafood stew. “This is a typical dish in Peru – my grandma used to make this every Sunday, so it is particularly special to me.”

Chef Oscar Aponte of Eurest’s South Division shared his family’s Green Chicken Enchiladas recipe passed down from generations along with a determination he learned at a young age. “I was always taught no one is going to hand anything to you, you always have to work harder than the next person. I may not be the most talented, but no one is going to outwork me or have more heart.”

A simple dessert can transport you. Chef Gabriel Ochoa speaks of his connection to his grandmother when making his Arroz con Leche. “My love of cooking started with sitting on a barstool at the kitchen counter watching my grandmother cook. The way this dish makes the kitchen smell takes me right back to my grandmother’s kitchen.”

Pictured L-R: Chef Henry Valcarcel, Willian Rondon

Executive Chef Henry Valcarcel from Eurest’s National Accounts team shared his Mofongo with Fried Pork and Onions recipe using green plantains to represent his Puerto Rican heritage. “The Mofongo over the years has become the face of the Puertorrican cuisine to the world. The dish has African influences in combination with Caribbean spices,” says Chef Valcarcel.

Willian Rondon, a cook with our Eastern Division, shared his perspective on his culture along with his family Pernil Dominicano recipe, a traditional dish during Christmas holidays. “Making this recipe reminds me of times I used to spend with my family at the Holidays,” explains Willian.

We invite you to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month alongside our people.