Ismael Torres’ talent, creativity and dedication have made a national impact on the culinary world. A 2022 graduate of the Cumberland County Technical Education Center (CCTEC)’s Culinary Arts program, Torres serves as a pastry cook at Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside Resort in Orlando, Fla. He previously worked at Disney’s Magic Kingdom.
Recently, Disney chefs invited select employees to pitch dessert ideas for special holiday events across the parks. Reflecting on his Puerto Rican roots, Torres drew inspiration from coquito—a traditional Puerto Rican holiday drink. Within an hour, the foundation of an idea that would soon become something extraordinary came to life.
Working in collaboration with the culinary team at Disney’s Magic Kingdom, Torres refined and transformed this concept into an elegant, show-stopping dessert. After multiple rounds of tasting, presentation and recipe adjustments, the creation successfully passed Disney’s rigorous five-step selection process. It is now known as the “Snowflake Ornament”—featuring a coconut eggnog mousse encased in a delicate white chocolate shell adorned with shimmering sugar décor. It was officially selected to appear as a party-exclusive offering at Pinocchio’s Village Haus during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom.
Torres, a native of Bridgeton, said the experiences and education he received at CCTEC assisted him in achieving success in the culinary arts. While at CCTEC, Torres helped create catered desserts, learned kitchen procedures, participated in competitions, took many educational field trips and expanded his creative perspective through projects and lessons.
“I am eternally grateful for the work and advice of my teachers, mentors, chefs and friends at Cumberland County Technical Education Center,” said Torres. “Their career input and trust in me have catapulted my culinary passions. Without their guidance and instruction, I wouldn’t have known about the many opportunities in the culinary arts field.”
Torres’ love for his heritage and his passion for culinary arts was evident during his time at CCTEC. As a senior, Torres designed and taught a week-long course on Puerto Rican cuisine for his peers, drawing upon the traditions he learned at home. He also was an active member of CCTEC’s L.A.C.I. Club, which celebrates the cultures and traditions of Latin America, the Caribbean and Iberian countries—a connection Torres proudly credits as an influence on the dessert he created for Disney. That same year, he was honored with the Mr. CCTEC Award, recognizing his leadership, school spirit and exceptional talents.
At CCTEC, Torres was part of the team that received the 2022 NJAC County Vocational Technical School Cook Off Competition’s People’s Choice Award and Silver Judges’ Award. He also helped serve the Cape May Coast Guard Thanksgiving Dinner. In partnership with L.A.C.I. Club, Torres was involved in starting the first CCTEC Food Truck at the CCTEC Alumni Food Truck Festival.
After graduating from CCTEC, Torres continued his culinary journey at the Culinary Institute of America (CIA), earning a Bachelor of Professional Studies in Bakery and Pastry Arts. Through CCTEC’s Early College High School Program (ECHS), Torres completed his associate degree from Rowan College of South Jersey before high school graduation, allowing him to transfer approximately 60 college credits and accelerate his path to a bachelor’s degree. While at CIA, he completed an intensive eight-month externship with Walt Disney World, which ultimately led to his acceptance of a permanent position as a pastry cook. Torres is now approaching his one-year milestone as a Disney cast member.
“I enjoy the ability to make desserts that are meaningful to other people, as well as learning the profound amount of knowledge and opportunities that exist within the pastry field,” said Torres. “I also love the creativity of the field and developing new recipes.”
