Artist at Home: Melisa Pereyra

Core Company Actor Melisa Pereyra shares her favorite comfort food with us in this new video, with a cameo appearance by her roommate. Watch the video here.

APT: When did you first start making buñuelitos?  
Melisa Pereyra: This is a family tradition as well as part of my cultural identity. Because this little dessert is so easy to make, I spent a lot of time as a kid asking someone to make them for me, then making them myself when I was finally old enough to do so. I have always loved sweets and what I love most about buñuelitos is that I only need a few ingredients and such little time. Some people like to add lemon zest to the recipe (which I did but it's not shown on the video), orange zest, vanilla, etc. Other people love to add toppings like Dulce de leche, powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar. 

APT: Can you tell us a little about maté? 
Melisa: I grew up drinking maté and gossiping with my relatives and girlfriends; it tastes like a strong green tea. It's the national beverage in Argentina and every time I drink it I feel nostalgic as I am reminded of all the humid afternoons I spent as a kid surrounded by community, talking about the latest neighborhood bochinche with the people I loved. It brings me a lot of joy as well as a good dose of caffeine! 

APT: What else are you doing right now to feel creative and comforted?
Melisa: I am writing a lot. And I am continuing to stay busy with our reading series, which you will be able to check out in June! (More details on that here). I have been reading and started a new workout plan I'm in love with. Every May, I feel that I begin to train my body for the season. Not having that this year is so odd, so I am trying to calm my body by letting it exercise. 

APT: Tell us a little about your adorable roommate.
Melisa: So that's my dog Boombox. We rescued him last March, so he has been with us for a little over a year. We think he is a Maltese and Chinese Crested mix, but are not sure. Because he doesn't have a lot of hair on his body, me and my husband (Jeb Burris) have spent some time picking out some adorable shirts for his summer looks. Now that we are home all the time, he thinks we quit our jobs to spend more time with him and has begun to ask for certain luxuries. Summer shirts were on his list. 

APT: Anything else you want to tell us?
Melisa: I just want to extend a thank you to all the essential workers out there who continue to show up for their communities. It is humbling and so inspiring to watch people be present for their community, both in Spring Green and around the world. I look forward to the time when I can picnic up-the-hill again with my mate and buñuelitos.