When I think of South American cuisine, my mind dances with vibrant flavors and bold spices that leap off the plate. Imagine a world where every meal feels like a celebration—where kids eagerly await dinnertime, not just for the food but for the stories each dish tells. These recipes are more than just food; they’re an adventure, a ticket to a land of culinary magic that even the pickiest eaters can’t resist.
Steps
- Mexican Guacamole: Begin by peeling and mashing avocados in a bowl. Finely chop onion, tomato, and cilantro, then mix them into the mashed avocados. Add serrano chiles, salt, and a squeeze of lime juice to taste, then mix everything thoroughly.
- Colombian Arepas with Queso: In a bowl, combine precooked cornmeal, water, and a pinch of salt to form a dough. Knead the dough until smooth, then incorporate cheese into the mixture. Shape dough into flat discs and cook on a stovetop with butter until golden and crisp on both sides.
- Buñuelos: Mix cheese, eggs, and milk in a bowl. Gradually add cornstarch, baking powder, sugar, and salt, stirring until a dough forms. Shape the dough into small balls and fry them until they are golden and cooked through.
Ingredients
- Avocados
- Onion
- Tomato
- Cilantro
- Serrano chiles
- Salt
- Limes
- Precooked cornmeal
- Water
- Salt
- Butter
- Cheese
- Cheese
- Eggs
- Milk
- Cornstarch
- Baking powder
- Sugar
- Salt
FAQ
- What are the benefits of cooking with kids?
- Engaging children in cooking activities keeps them away from screens while teaching them new skills, including math (like measuring ingredients). It also offers a fun way to explore family heritage through traditional recipes.
- What makes Luna’s dad’s guacamole special?
- Luna’s dad’s guacamole is renowned for being exceptionally tasty and having a longer shelf life compared to other recipes. It uses just seven ingredients: avocados, onion, tomato, cilantro, serrano chiles, salt, and limes.
- How do you make Colombian arepas with cheese?
- To make Colombian arepas with queso, you need five ingredients: precooked cornmeal, water, salt, butter, and cheese. The process involves kneading the masa, adding cheese, and then cooking them on the stovetop, all of which can be done in about 40 minutes.
- What are buñuelos and when are they traditionally served?
- Buñuelos are golden, savory-sweet cheese balls traditionally enjoyed during the Christmas season with Colombian hot chocolate. They are made using cheese, eggs, milk, cornstarch, baking powder, sugar, and salt, and can be prepared in about 30 minutes.
- Why does Luna love buñuelos as much as arepas?
- Luna adores buñuelos as much as arepas because both include cheese, which is one of her favorite foods. She even plans to make buñuelos for every dessert occasion.
Tips
- Involve children in measuring ingredients, which encourages them to practice math skills while making the guacamole, arepas, and buñuelos.
- Use family recipes to give kids a sense of cultural heritage and make the cooking experience more meaningful and fun.
- Prepare all ingredients before starting to cook, making the process more organized and allowing children to focus on the fun parts of cooking.
- Encourage kids to try different flavors and textures by experimenting with the amount of cheese in arepas and buñuelos, catering to their taste preferences.
Equipment
- Avocado Masher or Guacamole Tool – For making guacamole.
- Arepa Maker or Griddle – For cooking arepas evenly.
- Deep Fryer or Heavy-Duty Pot – For frying buñuelos.
- Cheese Grater – For grating cheese used in arepas and buñuelos.
- Cornmeal Mixing Bowl – For mixing ingredients for arepas.
- Dough Kneading Mat – Useful for kneading masa for arepas.
- Cooking Thermometer – To ensure the oil is at the right temperature for frying buñuelos.
