A Feast of Dreams: How a Community Cookbook is Becoming a Beacon of Hope

By Dr. Julia Roncoroni

Introduction 

In the heart of a bustling kitchen, where the aroma of spices and the warmth of the oven bring to life the essence of home, a unique project is brewing — a cookbook. But not just any cookbook. Our book (titled, “Cocina Libre: Immigrant Resistance Recipes”) is a compendium of dreams, traditions, and culinary delights that transcend borders, languages, and cultures. Led by Drs. Julia Roncoroni and Delio Figueroa — with participation from graduate students in the Health Disparities Research Lab at the Morgridge College of Education (i.e., Arleigh Perkins, Hannah Branch, and Akilah Martin)— and supported by a vibrant community of immigrants, this cookbook was designed to be a bridge between worlds, a celebration of diversity, and most importantly, a means to support the Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition (CIRC), a nonprofit committed to making Colorado a friendlier state to immigrants and refugees. 

Food has the power to nurture, connect, and evoke memories. Our cookbook is a platform for immigrants in our community to share both cherished recipes and the profound narratives of their immigration journeys, including encounters with detention. Each recipe comes with a story, in first-person voice, an intimate glimpse into the lives of those who have faced unimaginable challenges in their immigration to the United States. 

The cookbook and a related documentary will be launched at the University of Denver on May 16, with support from IRISE and the Center for Immigration Policy & Research (CIPR). We will also have a public launch at Raices Brewery on May 21, 2024, with support from the Center for Community Engagement to advance Scholarship & Learning (CCESL). The cookbook will be available online at Ingram for pre-order April 10 and available on Amazon starting on May 16th. The book and documentary both aim to shed light on the rich tapestry of immigrant life and cuisine in Colorado, showcasing not only the food but the stories and dreams of those who have come from afar to call this state their home. 

A Participatory Effort Comes Full Circle 

From the outset, the cookbook project – which was funded by the Center for Community Engagement to Advance Scholarship and Learning (CCESL) at DU – was conceived as a participatory endeavor, inviting immigrants from various backgrounds to contribute recipes that held a special place in their hearts. The specifics of this project were designed with input from immigrants in the community; Dr. Roncoroni and Dr. Figueroa are also both immigrants (from Argentina and Puerto Rico, respectively).  Our collaborative cooking sessions have brought to life a variety of dishes, including the silky sweetness of flan, the hearty richness of borscht, the savory folds of empanadas, and the spiced delight of kotlet kachaloo. These dishes are fragments of identity, heirlooms of culture passed down through generations. 

What sets this cookbook apart is its community-oriented heartbeat. All proceeds are pledged to CIRC, a statewide membership-based coalition of immigrants, labor, interfaith, youth, and ally organizations. Their work encompasses organizing, leadership development within immigrant communities, policy advocacy, legal services, and educational workshops. The cookbook, therefore, serves not only as a celebration of culinary diversity but as a tangible means for supporting a cause, thereby affecting the very contributors who enriched its pages with their recipes and stories. 

Unintended Yet Impactful Consequences 

The journey of creating the book and documentary has included some remarkable and unintended consequences, underscoring the project's profound community impact. For instance, immigrants have found job opportunities in the food industry, aligning their passions and skills with professional avenues. Starting in March 2024, Dr. Roncoroni, Michelle Lasnier from Ruby’s Market, and Chef Lesley Mortimer (@knowyourrootspickles) have hosted community dinners at the University of Denver, where immigrants cook for a group of community and DU guests. Proceeds from these events go to Vive Wellness, a local nonprofit that has worked alongside the local Denver officials to help Venezuelan migrants in the city since they began arriving in late 2022. Immigrant chefs are compensated for their time, have a platform to display their culinary talents, and share their cultural heritage with wider audiences. These outcomes highlight the project's role not only as a cultural archive but as a catalyst of empowerment and economic opportunity for immigrant communities. 

Beyond a Cookbook: A Vision for the Future 

We envision more than just the success of the book and documentary; we aim to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of the immigrant experience. By bringing to the forefront the personal stories behind the recipes, our initiative invites readers and viewers into the lives of those who have journeyed from afar, sharing not only their cuisine but their hopes, challenges, and dreams. This intimate glimpse into the immigrant experience serves as a powerful reminder of our shared humanity regardless of our origins. 

Moreover, the project aims to inspire action. By illustrating the tangible impact of supporting organizations like CIRC, it encourages individuals to engage with and advocate for immigrant rights, recognizing that such efforts enrich our communities in myriad ways. 

Conclusion 

This cookbook and documentary represent not just a collection of recipes and stories; they are an invitation to foster a deeper connection with and support for the immigrant community. This project allows anyone who engages with it – be it as a contributor, supporter, or reader – to join a collective effort that celebrates the resilience and contributions of immigrants through the universal language of food. As we look forward to the release of these works, it is important to recognize that each recipe shares a personal journey, reflecting the hopes and dreams of those who seek a more inclusive society. 

This cookbook serves as a gentle reminder of the significant role food plays in our lives, echoing Anthony Bourdain's sentiment that food is a profound part of our identity and touches upon our nationalities, ethnic backgrounds, and family histories. It is a medium through which we can connect to our roots and to each other. 

In engaging with this cookbook, we are not merely exploring different cuisines. We are acknowledging and celebrating the diversity and stories of immigrants enriching our communities. 

Dr. Julia Roncoroni is originally from Buenos Aires, Argentina. She has lived in the United States since 2007. Since moving to the U.S., she has transformed the barriers she encountered as an immigrant into initiatives for community advancement in her research, teaching, and service. Dr. Roncoroni is a tenured associate professor in Counseling Psychology in the Morgridge College of Education at the University of Denver, joining its faculty in 2016.