Recipes for Happiness
Make “no fuss” Mexican food with your child

Introduction
In the Maya & Miguel episode “La Nueva Cocinita,” Maya and Miguel happen upon an old menu from their Abuela Elena’s defunct restaurant “La Cocinita.” Maya quickly decides that with the magic of Abuela Elena’s old recipes, the whole neighborhood can experience some much needed happiness and harmony. She enlists her friends to be the kitchen and wait staff, and begins preparing for the big opening night (over Miguel’s steady stream of protests and warnings). Of course, Maya and her crew soon get in over their heads.

In this activity, authentic cultural foods will be made by following a series of easy recipe steps. Spoken English, Spanish or your own native language will be practiced as ingredients are used, recipe steps are followed and the kitchen is cleaned up.

Materials: Recipe instructions and ingredients (listed below)

Directions: Ask your child to join you in making these “no fuss,” easy step-by-step recipes. Encourage your child to use both English and Spanish or your own native language, as you follow each recipe. Assign your child the job of mixing and seasoning the ingredients while you do the cutting and handling of any sharp kitchen utensils.

Pico de Gallo!
Ingredients: 3 large tomatoes; 3 large sweet onions; 3 Serrano peppers; 1 bunch of cilantro; salt; pepper; garlic; vinegar; tortilla chips

Combine cut up tomatoes, onions and chopped cilantro. Remove seeds from peppers and chop finely. Add Serrano peppers, salt, pepper and garlic to taste. Pour 1/2 C. of vinegar and mix well to season ingredients. Keep refrigerated. Use for dip or as a garnish on frijoles, eggs or just about anything!

Easy Guacamole!
Ingredients: 4 large avocados; 2 T. prepared salsa; 1/4 C. finely chopped lettuce; 1/4 C. finely chopped onions; salt; pepper; garlic; lemon or lime; tortilla chips

Peel avocados, remove and keep seed for later use. Cut up avocado in small chunks. Add salsa, lettuce, onions. Season with salt, pepper and garlic to taste. Tip: Add avocado seed, sprinkle with lemon or lime, and cover to keep color fresh. Keep refrigerated. Use as dip or spread for sandwiches, tortillas, burritos, etc.

Talk About It: Ask your child to tell you about making the recipes again in English and Spanish or your own native language. Share kitchen cleanup and plan another time to make cultural foods together.

Take It Further: Try these ideas to continue exploring foods from other cultures:

• Cook with culturally new or unique ingredients from the grocery store.
• Dine at culturally different restaurants.
• Invite friends from other cultures to share recipes and traditions.

With a Group: Set a date for children and family member(s) to bring cultural foods for a Cultural Smorgasbord Celebration. Ask children (or a family member) to share information about their food’s background and why it is special to their family and culture.