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Latin Food = ‘Latin Lite’
Tamales, tortillas, gordillos, for example all use dough made from pure grounded corn. Now, that’s a relief from the common corn syrup and enriched flours used in ninety percent of our foods today.
Latin American foods revolve around vegetables, fishes, grains, meats and exotic fruits. Fast food restaurants have demoralized and commercialized the amazing healthy Latin dishes into heart attack inducing meals. Latin food cooked at home is in most instances, healthy.
By Lucía Tovar-Matthews and Chef Portillo
READ STORY IN THE AMERICANO
When many Americans think of Latin Cuisine, an image of a fat, stuffed, beef burrito or enchiladas plunged in red sauce and cream comes to mind, let’s not even mention how spicy it may be. So many diet watchers simply disregard Latin foods to stay slim and healthy, but little did they know that Latin cuisine goes so much further, and healthier, than the stereotypical greasy burrito.
Latin America as a whole is comprised of Central, South America, and various islands along their coasts. With such tropical weather, traditional meals incorporate the use of the variety in exotic fruits and vegetation. Countries next to bodies of water, such as Costa Rica, Cuba and Puerto Rico for instance, tend to have a higher intake of fish and legumes. Those with a lot of cattle, such as Brazil and Argentina, have a higher intake of red meat. However, when we think of “Latin Cuisine”, the type of food that comes to mind varies depending on where we live here in the United States. If you ask a citizen in California about Latin Cuisine, they will probably think of Mexican food, while someone from Florida would respond with Cuban food and equally someone from New York might respond with Puerto Rican foods. Let’s explore some of these little well-known Latin American dishes.
The island of Cuba commonly eats lean fish meats, topped along with sweet potatoes, yuca (a starchy potato-like root) and pineapples. A popular Cuban food is sofrito, a combination of green bell peppers, onions and garlic all sautéed in olive oil. Super healthy and simple. Although a Cuban diet cannot be complete without pork, fried bananas and starchy vegetables, all Cuban dishes incorporate the citrus tangy fruits of the Caribbean.
Puerto Rican cuisines have the influence of African, European and indigenous cultures due to its history of colonization. A country diverse in fruit and vegetables, their dishes are light, heart healthy and nutritious. Puerto Rican dishes revolve around plantains, a type of banana only edible if cooked, and other humid friendly vegetation. From crabmeat stew to empanadas, breaded beef, and alcapurrias, a combination of ground squash, plantain, and other tropical fruits alongside fried fishes and shellfish. Last, but not least, pork is one of the main attractions to Puerto Rican cuisine, popular to special events and holidays, Puerto Ricans love pork, from its white meat to actual blood ball sausages; pork is a symbol of festivities.
The classic burrito is not only the image of Latin cuisine, but also the image for all Mexican foods. Mexico’s dishes go way past the simple burrito, from the hundreds of spices to the creative use of corn, tortillas, red/green salsas and meats. Mexican cuisine has much to offer other than the stereotypical burrito and fajitas, and by the way, fajitas are not even Mexican, they were created here in the U.S. All authentic Mexican dishes revolve around corn and beans, made fresh without the use of unreadable, unknown chemical ingredients. Tamales, tortillas, gordillos, for example all use dough made from pure grounded corn. Now, that’s a relief from the common corn syrup and enriched flours used in ninety percent of our foods today. Even chocolate, the indigenous produce of Mexico was originally used by the Aztecs in ancient times.
Fast food restaurants have demoralized and commercialized these amazing healthy dishes into heart attack inducing meals. Latin American foods all revolve around vegetables, fishes, grains, meats and exotic fruits. There are so many dishes that are, in fact, healthy for you. Next time Latin American foods are brought to mind, think of the fruits, spices, grain, meats and the unique flavor behind these dishes rather than assuming everything is bathed and fried in oil. It is time to appreciate, and enjoy, the traditional and healthy forms of Latin cuisine dishes.
Nutritionist and “Latin Lite” chef, Denise Portillo and Lucía Tovar-Matthews, member of the San Diego Community College District board of directors have recently collaborated with TUCOCINA (www.tucocina.net ) for the launch of “La Salud en Tu Cocina,” an initiative developed by the kitchenware maker to encourage Hispanic families to come back around the dinner table. For more information, and to find out how to participate in the initiative, email mariana@dialogo.us.
Through the Lens of the Mujer
By Lucía Matthews and Alice Gomez, for PODER Hispanic Magazine.
An old African proverb posits that ‘until lions have their historians, tales of the hunt shall always glorify the hunter’. In other words, historical accounts benefit the storyteller. History has by in large been reported from the male perspective thus illuminating the world from a man’s view. Women have traditionally experienced less access to mainstream representations. Latinas and other minorities are sometimes faced with additional prejudice. In the past their stories were rarely given a voice.
Through the efforts of countless individuals significant headway has been made towards recognizing the significance of female societal contributions. As women’s voice gains increased status, film provides a forum through which it can be transmitted. Recent strides by female filmmakers may lead the way in redirecting the U.S. storyline to include the women’s viewpoint.
The National Women’s History Project (NWHP) is one of the many organizations taking charge of advancing the women’s movement. It serves as a catalyst for promoting the recognition of women’s achievements in all facets of life- science, community, government, literature, art, sports, medicine, etc.
The NWHP has designated March as Women’s History Month. The focus of this year’s 30th anniversary of Women’s History Month is ‘Writing Women Back into History’. Understanding our past is a vital component to a healthy understanding of who we are. An adequate presence in history facilitates an enhanced sense of self worth. To honor the theme the organization developed a nation-wide program highlighting outstanding women and their achievements.
According to the NWHP, when the effort began in the eighties less than 3% of the content of teacher training textbooks mentioned the contributions of women and when included, women were usually written in as mere footnotes. Women were deprived of female role models. Today the web contains millions of citations professing the accomplishments of women.
What better testament to the improved vocality of the female perspective than the evolution of women filmmakers- the ultimate storytellers. This year’s Oscar winner for Best Director went to Kathryn Bigelow for The Hurt Locker. She is the first woman to ever win this award. Only three women have ever even been nominated.
Many women in the industry understand the deep impact of this landmark event. Actress Yareli Arizmendi, of such films as Like Water for Chocolate and A Day Without a Mexican, acknowledges this accomplishment was a long time coming.
“Let us not forget that change doesn’t just happen, it needs to be imagined and worked” Arizmendi said. “The fact that Kathryn Bigelow won Best Director and Best Film was a natural evolution of what had been imagined and worked for the past centuries.”
The progression of the Latina perspective specifically is an important part of the U.S. narrative. The 2010 San Diego Latino Film Festival highlights the contributions of Latina film makers with the 17th annual Cine Mujer. Cine Mujer features six films, eight documentaries and over 30 short films by Latinas and the Latina experience. The event provides an opportunity for women filmmakers and audiences to share perspectives with one another.
The arts, such as film, have always led the way in progressive leaps for the marginalized. The industry itself has yet to create a level playing field for mainstream representations. Women seek alternative routes to ensure their voice is articulated and heard.
“Unfortunately the truth is that there are not that many women directing narrative films in Hollywood. There are, however, many women who work on documentaries, and there is a network of support from these women that is amazing” Laura Varela,
San Antonio-based documentary filmmaker and Cine Mujer participant, said. “Therefore, women, being as resilient as they are in general, and as filmmakers find ways to tell their stories without having to depend on a system which is not as open to them.”
Despite the developments made towards advancing female voice a gender gap remains. Women, especially minority women, are still a marginalized group with minimal admission to dominant discourse. As film and other creative industries continue to incorporate female viewpoints, societal understandings will increasingly reflect multiple understandings.
Latina Entrepreneurs’ Impact on the U.S. Business Scene
The National Women’s History Project (NWHP) brings the contributions of Latinas to the forefront of public discourse.
By Alice Gomez and Lucia Matthews, for PODER Hispanic Magazine.
Over the years Latina entrepreneurs have made a strong impact on the U.S. business scene. The Hispanic population is the largest and fastest growing minority group. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the U.S. Hispanic population was 46.9 million in 2008; a 3.2 percent increase from 2007, meaning almost one in six American is of Hispanic descent. The large Hispanic influence has resulted in an economy robust with innovative Latina entrepreneurs. This month is Women’s History Month and various individuals, organizations and institutions are putting forth efforts towards recognizing the importance of female societal contributions.
This year marks the 30th anniversary of the National Women’s History Project (NWHP), which serves as a catalyst for promoting women as leaders and influential societal forces. The focus for this year’s theme is ‘Writing Women Back into History’. Mainstream historical accounts have largely undermined female contributions in society. The accomplishments of minorities tend to also receive a diminished role in typical historical reports. Therefore, Latinas face a double discrimination.
To honor the theme the NWHP has developed a nation-wide program highlighting outstanding women and their achievements. The organization places an emphasis on featuring positive role models and the importance of women from all backgrounds.
According to the NWHP, when the effort began in the eighties less than 3% of the content of teacher training textbooks mentioned the contributions of women and when included, women were usually written in as mere footnotes. Women were deprived of female role models. Today the web contains millions of citations professing the accomplishments of women and Latinas specifically.
Accrediting women for the work they have done opens doors for other women to follow their lead. Lisa Garcia-Ruiz, founder of The Grant Hunter, a consulting service that helps its clients seek funding sources, was motivated by the accomplishments of others.
“I have been inspired by other strong women entrepreneurs who have been able to create a business that allows them to make a difference, make money and have time for their families as well” Ruiz said.
For Latinas culture is an important influence in business endeavors and thus should be celebrated as playing a part in their success. Lilian de la Torre-Jiménez, Publisher of Bodas USA La Revista, the first Spanish-language bridal magazine in the U.S., notes the significance her Hispanic heritage has on her business.
“Being Hispanic is the foundation and the heart of my business” Torre-Jiménez said. “Our motto says it all: Tu Boda, Tu Cultura, Tu Idioma (Your Wedding, Your Culture, Your Language).” With that same approach of catering to Latinas with a culturally appropriate multimedia platform, the publisher is launching her third magazine, Mujer Empresaria, the first Spanish-language digital magazine for the U.S. Latina Entrepreneur in mid-2010.
Latina entrepreneurs have found alternative solutions to breaking down the barriers to success for minority business owners. Networking online through organizations such as the Hispanic Chamber of E-Commerce provides access to knowledge and resources that help promote Latina business.
“The Hispanic Chamber of E-Commerce has given online Hispanic-focused businesses a forum to come together and promote their product or services in a professional manner,” Martha Alburquerque, developer of Lela Luxe, an online magazine dedicated to the latest fashion, art, design, entertainment and samples sales worlds in New York City. “Stumbling upon the organization has inspired me to continue my efforts regardless of being a minority in the world of blogging.”
Another important aspect attributing to the success of Latina business is their competencies in communicating in multicultural environments. The U.S. is an increasingly diverse playground for business transactions. Creator of networking focused company Opening Latino Doors LLC, Lourdes Sampera Tsukada, articulates the importance of multicultural understandings.
“When one is doing business or interacting with small business owners from another culture, communication styles vary,” Sampera Tsukada said. “We are no longer doing business with the same culture and the same generations – we are doing business with many different cultures, generations, and forms of communications. The awareness of these key components is the key to future continued success!”
Women will have an increasingly prominent role in U.S. business. As the U.S. Hispanic population continues to grow much of this transformation will be made by Latinas. The contributions of Latina entrepreneurs should be recognized to encourage the entrepreneurial pursuits of younger generations. The result of such efforts will have a positive impact on the future of the U.S. business world.
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