In The Community
Mexican Tacos Al Pastor
Photo by Jarritos Mexican Soda on UnsplashA crowd favorite, Tacos Al Pastor is a dish that's versatile, flavorful, and perfect for a communal setting. Thin strips of marinated pork are traditionally cooked on a vertical spit, then served on small tortillas with a blend of finely chopped onions, cilantro, and pineapple. For a backyard get-together, you can adapt this by grilling the pork. Set out a 'make-your-own-taco' station with all the toppings and let your guests have fun customizing their tacos. Get the recipe here.
Cuban Ropa Vieja
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Ropa Vieja, a classic Cuban dish, translates to 'old clothes' due to the shredded appearance of the meat, which mimics torn fabric. This hearty dish is a mixture of slow-cooked shredded beef stewed with bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes. It's a dish that can easily be scaled to feed a crowd, and is perfect for serving alongside rice and black beans, allowing your guests to serve themselves. You can find the recipe here.
Colombian Sancocho
Photo by Keesha's Kitchen on UnsplashSancocho is a traditional Colombian stew that is hearty, robust, and perfect for large gatherings. It is typically made with a combination of meats, potatoes, plantains, corn, yucca, and is flavored with herbs and spices. Served with a side of white rice and avocado slices, Sancocho offers a complete meal in one bowl and is easily scalable for larger groups. Follow the recipe here.
Venezuelan Arepas
Photo by Frederick Medina on UnsplashArepas are a staple of Venezuelan cuisine. These versatile cornmeal patties can be grilled, baked, or fried, and are typically split open and filled with a variety of fillings, from shredded beef and cheese to beans and avocados. For a summer gathering, you can set up an Arepa bar where guests can choose their fillings and make their own personalized Arepas, offering an interactive and delicious experience. Get the recipe here.
Salvadoran Pupusas
Photo by Daniel Lloyd Blunk-Fernández on UnsplashPupusas are a Salvadoran specialty that your guests are sure to enjoy. These thick, stuffed corn tortillas are traditionally filled with a blend of cheese, cooked pork, and refried beans, although you can experiment with other fillings as well. Pupusas are typically served with a tangy cabbage slaw called curtido and a tomato-based salsa, making for a flavorful and satisfying bite perfect for a casual summer get-together. You can find the recipe here.
Puerto Rican Arroz con Gandules
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Arroz con Gandules is a flavorful Puerto Rican dish perfect for any large gathering. This savory rice dish is cooked with pigeon peas, olives, capers, tomato sauce, and a mix of spices, with optional additions like pork or chicken. It's a one-pot dish that's easy to serve and is hearty enough to be a stand-alone meal, making it perfect for a summer get-together. Follow the recipe here.
Each of these dishes brings a unique flavor profile and cultural tradition to your summer gathering, creating a vibrant, diverse, and delicious spread for your guests to enjoy. From the tangy, sweet, and savory notes of Tacos Al Pastor to the hearty, robust flavors of Sancocho, there's something to suit everyone's palate!
From thought-provoking memoirs to haunting tales and powerful narratives, these five Latine summer reads will transport you to different worlds and leave a lasting impact. So grab your beach towel, find a cozy spot, and let's embark on a literary journey.
"You Sound Like a White Girl: The Case for Rejecting Assimilation" by Julissa Arce
You Sound Like A White Girl is an amazing book where Julissa Arce, a bestselling author, shares her personal journey as an immigrant in America. She debunks the idea that assimilation guarantees happiness and belonging, emphasizing the importance of embracing our uniqueness and heritage. By weaving her own experiences with current events and Latine history, Julissa encourages people of color to recognize their identities as Americans and promotes greater visibility and representation for the Latine community.
Mark your calendars for an Instagram Live session with the inspiring Julissa Arce on our Luz Instagram page on August 16th. Stay connected and make sure you're following Julissa Arce and Luz Media on Instagram for all the latest updates!
"The House in the Pines: A Novel" by Ana Reyes
Get ready for a suspenseful and mysterious ride with Ana Reyes' "The House in the Pines." The story revolves around Maya, who is haunted by the mysterious death of her best friend. Determined to uncover the truth, Maya embarks on a journey into her past, unearthing hidden messages and secrets in her hometown. With addiction, lost time, and an eerie presence, Reyes keeps readers on the edge of their seats until the very end. This gripping tale explores the power of confronting our past and finding our way back home.
"Of Women and Salt" by Gabriela Garcia
Join the multi-generational journey through time and borders in Gabriela Garcia's "Of Women and Salt." The story is set in Miami and follows Jeanette, a woman struggling with addiction, as she unravels her family's history. Garcia paints a vivid picture of the choices, betrayals, and legacies that shape the lives of extraordinary women. From displacement trauma to the challenges of motherhood, this powerful book delves into personal and political betrayals and the resilience of those who refuse to be silenced. It beautifully captures the intricate threads of the human experience.
"The Haunting of Alejandra: A Novel" by V. Castro
Brace yourself for a terrifying and captivating read in "The Haunting of Alejandra" by V. Castro. Alejandra becomes the target of La Llorona, a vengeful Mexican folk legend, as she uncovers the dark secrets of her family's past. Castro skillfully combines horror and self-discovery, exploring Alejandra's identity and the inherited courage from her foremothers. This chilling novel delves into themes of loss, strength, and the determination to confront the shadows of the past.
"How Not to Drown in a Glass of Water: A Novel" by Angie Cruz
Dive into the emotionally rich narrative of "How Not to Drown in a Glass of Water" by Angie Cruz. The story revolves around Cara Romero, a woman in her mid-50s who unexpectedly finds herself back in the job market after losing her long-time factory job. Through twelve sessions with a job counselor, Cara reflects on her tumultuous love affairs, complex relationships, and encounters with debt and gentrification. As she confronts her darkest secrets and regrets, Cara's resilience shines through, making this a truly compelling read.
So, as you soak up the sun and embark on your summer adventures, remember to pack these five Latine summer reads in your beach bag or load them onto your e-reader. They will transport you to different worlds, introduce you to captivating characters, and offer a deeper understanding of the diverse experiences within the Latine community. Happy reading!
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Pose
Step into the fabulous world of ballroom culture with the critically acclaimed show "Pose", created by Ryan Murphy with all-star Janet Mock at the helm. Featuring a powerhouse cast including Black and Latine creators like MJ Rodriguez, Billy Porter, and Indya Moor, the series sheds light on the gripping tale of queer and gender-nonconforming ballroom competitions in 1980s New York City. This groundbreaking series gives viewers a front-row seat to the energy, struggle, and artistry of this vibrant community.
Freeridge
Fans of "On My Block" will find their summer binge-watching fix with its spin-off series, "Freeridge". The show stars Latine talents Keyla Monterroso Mejia and Bryana Salaz, following a group of friends who stumble upon an old box that brings chaos and mystery into their lives. You can also expect to see the return of old favorites, like Peggy Blow, in this intriguing new show that promises to keep you glued to the screen.
Gentefied
Gentefied, created by Marvin Lemus and Linda Yvette Chávez, takes us on a comedic yet poignant journey through the lives of three Mexican-American cousins. The series delves into their struggle to pursue the American dream while keeping their family's taco shop afloat. Notable for its nuanced portrayal of Ana’s lesbian relationship and her questions about queerness, brownness, capitalism, and art, Gentefied is a show that truly captures the complexities of modern life.
The Last of Us
This is not just for the gamers. Based on the wildly popular video game, "The Last of Us" stars Pedro Pascal and explores a post-apocalyptic U.S. Filled with thrilling encounters, heartwarming friendship, and raw survival, this series is garnering rave reviews as the best video game adaptation ever made.
Not Dead Yet
For those looking for a touch of comedy and supernatural, "Not Dead Yet" is a great pick. Starring Gina Rodriguez, the series follows Nell Stevens, a woman navigating her life after a separation and stepping back into the job market in the unusual role of an obituary writer. Adding a ghostly twist, Nell develops the ability to see spirits, leading to humorous and insightful encounters.
One Day At A Time
An update to a classic, Gloria Calderon Kellet's reboot of "One Day At A Time" brings a contemporary touch to the story of a single mother raising her family. The series skillfully handles contemporary issues like gender diversity, mental health, and queer relationships. Deemed a necessary watch for kids and families today, "One Day At A Time" is a heartwarming show that beautifully incorporates LGBT characters and narratives into the fabric of everyday life.
Whether you're into drama, comedy, or supernatural, there's a Latine-led show on this list that's sure to captivate you this summer. So grab your popcorn, make yourself comfortable, and get ready to be entertained by these brilliant shows.
