Aracely's Heritage
 

Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month honors the history and culture of the U.S. Latinx and Hispanic communities, commemorating how those communities have influenced and contributed to American society. We wanted to learn more about how our co-workers honor their culture. Property Risk Analyst Aracely Nunez helps colleagues across UCSF navigate the nuances of property insurance for any University of California-owned property, such as buildings, vehicles and equipment. She talked with us about how she ensures her children know their roots and the food that brings her family together.
 

How do you celebrate your heritage?

During Hispanic Heritage month we participate in fairs and festivals. I’m Salvadorian. We like to take our kids to the big festival every year celebrating El Salvador’s Independence Day (September 15). We want them to know where their mom and dad are from and to know their roots.
 

Each year we can’t wait to see the different flavors of pupusas (masa flour pouches filled with beans, cheese, and/or meat) offered by the festival vendors. It's fascinating to see the evolution, like adding shrimp or creative colors. They’ll add spinach into the masa to make it green or tomato to make it red. It’s so delicious!
 

At home, making pupusas involves everyone – kids, grandparents, family, close friends. It’s labor intensive; we make our own fried beans, pork/carnitas and we shred a lot of cheese. It’s our comfort food. When we make pupusas, it’s what unites us.

FAVORITE COOKIE JAR TREAT?
Dark chocolate chip cookie with sea salt
 

Aracely's favorite pupusas recipe

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