Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to celebrate the rich cultures, traditions, and contributions of the Hispanic community in the United States. In Central Florida, the Hispanic community plays a vital role in shaping the region’s cultural landscape and workforce. At the Kissimmee Utility Authority, we take immense pride in our diverse team, representing various countries and backgrounds. This diversity enriches our community in countless ways, bringing unique perspectives and experiences to the forefront.
One of the most beautiful aspects of celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month is indulging in the culinary delights from various countries. Our team’s favorite dishes provide a taste of their homelands, allowing us to experience the delicious diversity of Hispanic cuisine right here in Central Florida.
Catherine Fornaris, Customer Service, Valparaiso, Chile
Favorite Food: Empanadas de pino
This Chilean empanadas are filled of ground beef or sometimes a combination of ground beef and pork, onions, raisins, black olives, hard-boiled eggs, cumin, and other spices.
Christine Infante, Customer Service, Cienfuegos, Cuba
Favorite Food: White rice, black beans, picadillo and fried plantains
The Cuban-style Picadillo recipe comprises seasoned ground beef, onions, garlic, olives, capers, and a medley of spices, all simmered in a delectable tomato sauce for a burst of flavor.
Irene Acosta, Customer Service, Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic
Favorite Food: White rice, braised chicken, fried plantains, and garden salad
Bone-in chicken pieces are seared to perfection and then slow-cooked with a straightforward pan sauce crafted from tomatoes, garlic, an array of spices, and bell peppers
Itzel Estrada, Mexico City, Mexico
Favorite Food: Carnitas tacos
Carnitas tacos are crafted from pulled slow-simmered pork shoulder inside soft corn tortillas and garnished with shredded cabbage, onion, and cilantro.
Karla Lopes, Human Resources, Guayaquil, Ecuador
Favorite Food: Shrimp ceviche
The shrimp ceviche consists of shrimp marinated in citrus juice, typically lime or bitter orange juice and mixed with diced red onions, tomatoes, bell peppers, and cilantro. Additionally, a sauce made from orange juice, ketchup or tomato sauce, hot sauce (often using aji peppers), salt, and pepper is added to provide flavor and balance. This dish is served cold.
Luis Garcia, Operations, Maracaibo, Venezuela
Favorite Food: Hallaca, pork and chicken salad
The hallaca is made by preparing a dough from corn flour grated with banana and oil. This dough is then filled with a savory stew consisting of beef, pork, and chicken (although some variations include fish), and it includes ingredients like olives, raisins, capers, paprika, and onions. The mixture is wrapped into a rectangular shape using banana leaves. To finish, the package is tied together and then boiled in water.
The Venezuelan chicken salad bears a striking resemblance to the classic Russian salad, featuring boiled potatoes and carrots (without beets). It also includes shredded chicken, green apple, and green peas (which are optional but highly recommended), all generously coated with mayonnaise.
Omar Rodriguez, Finance and Administration, Sabana Grande, Puerto Rico
Favorite Food: White rice, pink beans and beef steak with onions
Cubed steak, slow-cooked with onions and an abundance of traditional Puerto Rican seasonings, yields an exceptionally tender and flavorful stew served with a side of white rice and stewed beans.
Rosana Canales, Customer Service, Poloros, El Salvador
Favorite Food: Pupusas
Resembling a corn-based pancake, pupusas come with fillings like beans, cheese, or meat. They are crafted from corn flour (masa) and offer a range of savory stuffing options, including cheese, beans, beef, pork, or vegetables.
Wilson Espinoza, Information Technology, Medellín, Colombia
Favorite Food: Bandeja paisa
In the traditional preparation of a Bandeja Paisa, you’ll find a combination of Colombian sausages, ground beef, rice, red beans, crispy fried pork rind known as chicharrón, an arepa, a portion of plantain, a slice of avocado, and a crowning fried egg.
As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, we are reminded of the incredible contributions of the Hispanic community to Central Florida’s social, cultural, and professional landscape. The Kissimmee Utility Authority is proud to have a diverse team that reflects this vibrant heritage.