Each year, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15, by celebrating the histories, cultures, and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America.
MEET SOME BROOKS BEES WITH HISPANIC HERITAGE & STORIES TO SHARE!
Meet Sofia (5) and Lily Reyes (1)
Hola, my name is Juan Reyes! My wife Aimee and I have 2 kids at Brooks elementary, Sofia in fifth grade and Lily in first grade. I was born and raised in Managua, Nicaragua except for the few elementary school years when I lived in the US to escape the revolution in Nicaragua. I returned to the US for college, medical school and beyond where I feel I have been able to truly live out the American dream!
Did you know that Nicaragua has many active volcanoes and the only freshwater sharks in the world?
I love to share Latin culture with my family by listening to Latin music like salsa and merengue, watching “futbol” matches (including my daughter Sofia’s many club matches!), and by sharing classic Nicaraguan dishes like Nacatamales (Nicaraguan tamales), Nicaraguan stuffing, and rosquillas with cacao.
Every Christmas I make a batch of Nacatamales and the whole family helps me. It is a labor of love that takes about 2 days but I’ve been told by some that they are the best around! I’ve included two recipes below for fried plantains “tostones” and queso frito.
Meet Ms. Fernandez, 4th grade teacher
Hi, my name is Francise Fernandez! This is my 8th year with ACPS and my 3rd at Naomi L. Brooks Elementary School.
I am the first-generation daughter of a Cuban mother and Dominican father. My parents came to the United States when they were 9 and 11 years old, respectively. Both of my parents served in the U.S. Military – my mother in the Air Force and my father in the Navy.
One of the many things my family enjoys doing together is cooking. My mother has taught my siblings and I many of the recipes that she grew up with as a child in Cuba; and today I’m sharing one of my favorites with you!
Picadillo is a traditional Cuban dish that is generally eaten over rice. Please enjoy the recipe posted below.
