In The Community
Some of us have a natural affinity for cooking. We measure with our eyes and hearts rather than going by a recipe’s measurements. Whether you’re skilled (or not) in the kitchen, check out these TikTok accounts for your next cultura meal inspiration or cooking lesson.
1. @edithxgalvez
Edith Galvez uses simple editing to serve up her recipe videos. Her TikTok’s 5 million followers keep coming back her Mexican-inspired recipes.
2. @cookingconomi@cookingconomiAnother Staple… #mofongo #camaronesalajillo #cookingconomi
@cookingconomi Another Staple… #mofongo #camaronesalajillo #cookingconomi
Venga, que Omallys Hopper of Cooking con Omi is here to show you how to make some of her favorite Puerto Rican and Latino recipes! We love Hopper’s orgullo for her culture along with her friendly delivery of delicious recipes.
3. @_cookingwitd@_cookingwitdMangu con los 3 golpes 🇩🇴 #cookingwitd #mangu #platanos #platanosconsalami #platano #plantain #tresgolpes #🇩🇴🇩🇴🇩🇴 #friedcheese #quesofrito
@_cookingwitd Mangu con los 3 golpes 🇩🇴 #cookingwitd #mangu #platanos #platanosconsalami #platano #plantain #tresgolpes #🇩🇴🇩🇴🇩🇴 #friedcheese #quesofrito
Myrna Dahianna Gomez is the creator behind CookingWithD, a cooking account dedicated to Latino foods with an emphasis on dishes from the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, and Cuba. Don’t watch while hungry, we warned you.
4. @saltycocina@saltycocina#arrozconleche #bolis #hielitos #summertreats #saltycocina
@saltycocina #arrozconleche #bolis #hielitos #summertreats #saltycocina
Ana Regalado is the woman behind the Salty Cocina, a must-have account on your feed if you’re looking for easy to follow Mexican recipes. Abuela approved, we promise!
5. @jennymartinezzz@jennymartinezzzGorditas de Chorizo with a fresh Salsa Verde! Using my COOKS Griddle from @JCPenney #JCPpartner #ad #AllAtJCP
@jennymartinezzz Gorditas de Chorizo with a fresh Salsa Verde! Using my COOKS Griddle from @JCPenney #JCPpartner #ad #AllAtJCP
You might have heard of Jenny Martinez from her win on the Food Network’s “Guy’s Grocery Games,” a competition show featuring Guy Fieri. Martinez is using her newfound fame to produce some of our favorite videos on TikTok to make your palate sing.
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If you're out of the loop, no worries; we're here to fill you in. Essentially, "girl dinner" is a TikTok trend that's been making the waves recently. The concept revolves around women showcasing what they eat for dinner, all with a lively and enthusiastic rendition of the "girl dinner" melody playing in the backdrop. Here’s the original:
@karmapilled i CANT FIND THE GIRL DINNER PERSONS ACC BUT SHE IS MY HERO (alt: @karma (´◠ω◠`) )
The fusion of relatable content and catchy jingle is unbeatable, with women hopping on the trend to showcase their dinner choices. "Girl dinner" typically constitutes a snack plate, composed of anything you've got handy. It's a meal you whip up just for yourself, requiring no cooking or cleanup.
But the universal characteristics of the ideal "girl dinner," as showcased by the thousands of videos under the trending sound, are 1. It should be quick and easy. 2. The nutritional worth of such dinner is often dubious. Examples might include spicy chips drenched in lime and soy sauce, a large glass of Coca-Cola, nothing at all, or simply opting to sleep instead.
The trend has sparked considerable debate about whether it's all in good fun or if it's endorsing unhealthy, chaotic eating habits or even eating disorders. It's even been criticized for being an insensitive privileged joke that overlooks the struggles of low-income individuals who may not have much to eat for dinner. Even though TikTok trends aren't necessarily designed to be taken seriously, this particular one has stirred up quite a storm.
So, what makes "girl dinner" so relatable?
Research has shown that when women get married, they end up with an extra 7 hours of additional daily work. This involves keeping the house neat and tidy, managing various chores, and, of course, preparing dinner for their partner or the entire family.
Especially in a "traditional" household where patriarchal values persist, wives have very different expectations compared to husbands. Women are expected to ensure the well-being of the home and family. This typically includes feeding your children and partner nutritious meals. However, more often than not, by the end of it all, women are simply too tired to cook for themselves or have simply lost their appetite.
This usually results in, you've guessed it, a classic "girl dinner."
It's no surprise then that numerous married women, as observed from TikTok comments, can relate to this trend. Not just married women, but many women in romantic relationships or who have assumed the role of family caretaker have also shared their experiences.
Given the hectic nature of everyday life, it's understandable why we might opt for a quick and convenient meal. In a society that expects us to manage our responsibilities impeccably and also ensure the well-being of our entire family, a bit of "girl dinner" seems harmless... right?
The thing is, from a very young age, we’re taught to care for others but not for ourselves. While it’s all in good fun, the amount of women that actually relate to this trend is concerning and should probably be a wake-up call of how we’re taking care of ourselves, our nutrition, and our overall health.
The meals presented in these videos highlight the persistent time constraints many people, especially women, grapple with, and reflect both the societal expectations and pressures faced by women and the realities of their daily lives. In a society that often still expects women to shoulder the majority of household tasks and caring duties, it's unsurprising that "girl dinner" resonates with so many.
This phenomenon also sheds light on a form of self-care, albeit unconventional. After fulfilling responsibilities towards others, women often find themselves with scarce time or energy for their own needs. These quick, personal meals, despite their uncertain nutritional value, can be viewed as a form of self-nourishment and self-care, a moment of respite in a busy schedule.
"Girl dinner" also takes a dig at societal eating standards. It provides an honest peek into how people truly eat when nobody's watching, contrasting with the typically idealized meals frequently portrayed on social media. It rejects the pursuit of perfection, instead embracing the reality of consuming whatever is convenient or appealing at the end of a long day.
And finally, the widespread identification with "girl dinner" exposes a shared experience among women from all walks of life. It initiates discussions about work-life balance, the distribution of labor within households, and the societal pressures women face. Although it may have started off as a light-hearted trend, it's actually starting meaningful conversations about the roles and experiences of women in modern society.
There are many sides to this trend, and not all of them are bad. Granted, sometimes things just don’t have to be that deep. But hey, there’s nothing wrong with calling something out when you see it. Sometimes it's a critique of societal expectations for women; sometimes, it's just that you really crave some late-night cheese.
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TikTok has become a powerful tool for amplifying new voices and nurturing budding talent. With its unique algorithm and wide reach, it provides a stage where creators can authentically express themselves. For Latino creators, this means a significant opportunity to showcase their culture, share their experiences, and reclaim the narrative.
Today, we shine the spotlight on some of our favorite Latina creators who are making waves on this dynamic platform, not only captivating audiences with their creativity but also reshaping the landscape of Latino representation:
@fernandacortesx
@fernandacortesx Always remember to buy and support mexican owned tequilas! ❤️🇲🇽 #mexican #mexico #tequila #latina #latino #mexicantiktok #mexicanowned
Say hello to Fernanda Cortes! This amazing mujer, originally from Guadalajara but now living in Phoenix, is all about keeping our cultura alive. Whether she's telling you about kick-ass Latina figures or spine-chilling legends, she's a treasure trove of Latino culture.
@gaabbycam
@gaabbycam Feliz 5 de mayo 🇲🇽♥️ batalla de puebla con estos chiles en nogada poblanos 🤗🧑🍳 una delicia ok 👌🏼 Feliz cinco de mayo 🇲🇽♥️ Los chiles en nogada es un platillo típico de la ciudad de Puebla muy exquisito mire que hay varias versiones y algunos ingredientes que no encontre aca en usa 🇺🇸 pero aun así es un estupendo platillo ideal para festejar las fiestas patrias de Septiembre 🇲🇽 pero aca pues empezamos antes 😅🤷🏻♀️🥳 alcavoz es viernes 💃🏻🕺 si quieren la receta detallada hare otro video mas lento 🧑🍳 #fyp #chilesennogada #comidamexicana ngredientes: PICADILLO: carne molida de tu elección yo le pongo medio de puerco y medio de res 2 dientes de ajo finalmente picados, 1 cebolla chica finamente picada,3 tomates cocidos 1/5 de almendras picadas peladas , 1/4 de pasas , 1 peras, 1 manzanas, 1 duraznos, aceite al gusto sal, canela y azúcar al gusto Procedimiento: En tu cazuela colocas aceite, ajo, cebolla dejas sofreír un poco agregas la carne molida sal al gusto la dejas cocinar como 3/4 de cocimiento de la carne agregas la salsa de tomate y dejas se reduzca el liquido, agregas las pasas las almendras y comienzas a agregar las frutas primero la más dura y la más suave al final como 5 minutos una de otra al final agregas azúcar y canela a tu gusto rectificas sabores el picadillo no es salado es más dulce que salado NOGADA: 2 TAZAS DE NUEZ DE CASTILLA 1 TAZA DE ALMENDRA PELADA , 1/2 BARRA DE QUESO CREMA PHILADELPHIA 1/2 LATA DE LECHE CONDENSADA 1/2 LATA DE LECHE EVAPORADA, CANELA MOLIDA AL GUSTO. Todos los integrantes ban molidos la nogada debes de prepararla antes de todo por si te queda un poco líquida en refrigeración espesa y agarra mejor consistencia Ya solo tuestas tus chiles poblanos los limpias rellenas y capeas o sin capear , granada y perejil para decorar 🇲🇽
Gabby is a Mexican chica living the LA dream, and trust us; you'll drool over her delicious Mexican recipes. Plus, she's got an online store, “Mexicana de Corazón,” where she sells super cool clothes and accessories.
@es_jenny_solares
@es_jenny_solares Saturday mornings are my version of Coachella 🎡✌🏻😎
The pandemic might've been a bummer, but it gave us Jenny Solares. Jenny’s channel has it all – family stuff, food content, comedy, beauty; you name it. Her comedy skits will have you in splits, and her famous “Why do you take so long cleaning?” series (with Spotify playlists included!) is hilariously relatable.
@shiadanni
@shiadanni Glam Kitchen 👄🔥 Hummus de 🥑🚨 I DONT KNOW WHERE THE LEMON CLIP IS BUT USE 17552 LEMONS LIKE I DID AND BY LEMONS I MEAN YOUR “LIMES” 🚨
Shiadanni, a true jalisciense born and raised in Guadalajara, Mexico, but now based in Canada, is an absolute star. She mixes style and substance in her 'glam kitchen' content. Not just that, she's also a fab musician and a powerful voice for mental health awareness.
@sammigarciaa
@sammigarciaa Sharing my thoughts on “Señora” lifestyle and the corporate world🤍 #latinacreator #latina #senoraera #senoralifestyle #morningvlog #corporateworld #wife #wifelife
Next up, we've got Sammi. Our girl has embraced her señora era in the most relatable way. You'll get hooked on her strangely soothing vlogs, easy-peasy recipes, and practical household hacks. Her content is chill and comforting; who knew that being a señora could be so aesthetic?
@jennizzle
@jenny_lorenzo Who else watched these shows growing up? 📺👵🏼 #latinomemes #growinguphispanic #latinosbelike #spanish #90s #nostalgia #reelitfeelit #wepa #puropincheparty #nomames
Hold onto your hats, folks, because Jenny Lorenzo is here! This Cuban-American queen is a comedian, actress, writer, and so much more. She's one of the masterminds behind BuzzFeed's Pero Like and has won the internet with her hilarious Abuela character. She’s everywhere on the internet now; keep up with her on her socials!
These talented women are bringing joy, laughter, and inspiration to our feeds. By supporting them, you become a vital part of their journey and help amplify their voices. Now go ahead, hit that follow button, and let’s show our favorite Latina creators the love they deserve!
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