Sweets found on Hispanic tables through the winter.
written by Claudia Cruz
photo by Claudia Cruz
Familismo is a term associated with the closeness of Latino families, and it can be acutely observed starting before Christmas Eve through Three Kings Day on Jan. 6.
It is during this period when the sweet smells of vanilla, citrus, cinnamon, and other wintry flavors make you forget your diet and enjoy that flan or arroz con leche; the natilla and some turrón; and, of course, pan de Pascua. Fortunately, due to the plethora of Hispanic food markets within Reno and Sparks, it’s possible to enjoy these seasonal treats year-round.
If you plan to make them yourself, you’ll notice that many Latino desserts can be made without needing to use an oven — you need only the stovetop. This makes sense considering how hot and humid it can be in Mexico, Central and South America, and the Caribbean. Nowadays, when Navidad approaches, however, many Catholic families just pick up freshly baked traditional custards, cakes, and cookies, such as flan, Rosca de Reyes, and alfajores from a local bakery instead of baking at home.
Across Latin America and in some communities in the United States, families and close friends participate in various traditions, which are great ways to find yourself near these delicious goods. The Mexican posadas are daily parties (usually at alternating homes) that begin on Dec. 16 and culminate on Dec. 24; Christmas Eve is customarily when families gather. Another lively way to gather is for Puerto Rican parrandas. This, in essence, is Christmas caroling, but along with the singing, you’ll hear maracas and drums; usually at each stop, this is when you have a chance to enjoy a treat and a yummy libation.
What’s fun about the holiday season is sharing a meal with your parents and siblings, perhaps at your tío and tía’s house, all the while laughing and dancing the night away with more cousins and other aunts and uncles. And remember, leave room for the postre after every meal.
RESOURCES Find holiday treats for your Christmas table at:
Marketón 1500 S. Wells Ave., Reno 775-786-8788 · Find Marketonreno on Instagram
Mendoza’s Coffee Bar 5425 Sun Valley Blvd., Sun Valley 775-360-6663 · Find Mendozas_coffee on Instagram
Panadería Las Palomas 814 S. Wells Ave., Reno 775-323-1881
Toro De Oro Market 588 N. McCarran Blvd, Sparks 775-622-3919 · Find Torodeoromarket on Instagram
