The Fremont Senior Living Culinary Honors Hispanic Heritage Month

In 1968, President Lyndon Johnson signed into law a week-long celebration of the contributions and influences Hispanic Americans have made on the culture and history of the United States. This observance was expanded from a week to a month by President Ronald Reagan in 1988, to begin on September 15th, which recognizes the start of the Mexican War for Independence. All US presidents since 1988 have given a Presidential Proclamation to mark this historic date.

Today, there are roughly 63 million Hispanics living in the United States, that make up 19% of the population. They come from such diverse countries and bring with them unique and different cuisines.

At The Fremont Senior Living, we will be recognizing those culinary contributions by celebrating the food of Chile, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and Argentina. We will be serving Chile Verde, empanadas, Bistecca chimichurri, tostones, and chicken enchiladas. I chose these countries because I have the most experience cooking their cuisine.

Having worked with many cooks and chefs in very diverse kitchens and having taught international cuisine in my past, I know a lot about the many nuances in preparing foods from these countries. The addition of olives and raisins in empanadas, crispy twice fried plantains, the explosion of herbs in chimichurri, and subtle variations of seasonings added to beans are all things that make Hispanic food so intriguing.

We hope you enjoy our interpretation of these dishes and learn a little more about Chile, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and Argentina in the process!