Parker Woodring Tres Leches reflection

My immediate reflection after finishing this project is satisfied not because I am done but because I enjoyed the process and what I have learned along the way. Working with Johntu and creating a video project about making a Tres Leches Cake turned out to be a worthwhile journey of cultural exploration and a culinary adventure. The project aimed not only to understand the history and significance of this traditional dessert but also to delve into the personal connection it holds within Johntu’s family. Throughout the process, I learned about the cultural significance of the cake and each ingredient and step of the recipe. Johntu’s family became the perfect gateway to this cultural exploration. Learning from family members about the significance of the Tres Leches cake in their gatherings added a layer of authenticity to the project. It was not just a recipe; it was a tradition passed down through generations, a symbol of togetherness and celebration.

The baking process itself became a cultural immersion. From mixing the three kinds of milk (evaporated milk, condensed milk, and heavy cream) to layering the sponge cake and patiently allowing it to absorb the milky goodness, each step resonated with history and familial connection. As the cake was baked, the sweet aroma filled the kitchen. Johntu and I tried to figure out how to edit the videos on the TikTok app. What made this project truly special was the opportunity to share it with my football teammates. As a team, we often bonded over shared interests, and introducing them to the cultural significance of the Tres Leches cake felt like inviting them into a world of flavors and traditions. They all loved the cake and filling them in about the background and significance of it in Johntu’s family. Furthermore how the cake wounds itself in Hispanic culture. The project’s impact extended beyond the kitchen and the football field. It became a bridge connecting different cultural perspectives, fostering understanding, and celebrating diversity. The Tres Leches cake, in this context, became a metaphor for the sweetness that arises when we embrace and learn from each other’s cultural stories. After giving my teammates the cake discussion arose of some of their own cultural dishes that hold a great deal of importance in their own identity. Hearing about their dishes and the passion in their voice as they talked about it really made the whole project for me. I feel even more connected to my teammates after having done this project and I am grateful that I did it.

In conclusion, the video project on making a Tres Leches cake evolved into a journey of cultural discovery, family traditions, and shared experiences. It allowed me to explore the roots of a beloved dessert, understand its significance in my friend’s Johntu family, and share the richness of this cultural narrative with my football teammates. As I reflect on this process of making and baking the Tres Leches cake, it symbolized more than just a delicious treat; it encapsulated the essence of cultural exchange and the joy of coming together.

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