Winter is a time for enjoying with family, having fun, and celebrating. Whether you observe Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or a different holiday, food plays a significant role in most winter celebrations. In this blog article, we have gathered several international holiday recipes ideal for preparing with children during this time of year!
Cooking as a group is an excellent way for families to connect and enjoy meaningful time together over the holidays. Sampling various dishes from different countries can also be an enjoyable and stimulating method for children to gain insight into various cultural traditions.
Hanukkah Recipe from the Middle East
Hanukkah is a winter holiday observed by Jewish families worldwide annually. Friends and family come together each night for eight days to light a candle on their Menorah and recite prayers in Hebrew. Once the candle is lit, they exchange presents, engage in activities, and enjoy delicious foods such as latkes and sufganiyot.
The recipe below is from Manischewitz, a brand that has been at the forefront of kosher foods. They have recently introduced frozen latkes that are easy to make with the kids at home.
Whether you’re savoring crispy potato latkes or finding innovative ways to incorporate those flavors into your dishes, Manischewitz provides the ideal products to spark your culinary creativity. The recipes combine classic methods with contemporary touches, perfect for festive events and occasions whenever you feel like indulging in the flavors of Jewish food.
Give this new version of Mozzarella Sticks a try:
Latke-Coated Mozzarella
Ingredients:
- Oil for frying
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1 egg
- 1 (6-ounce) box Manischewitz Potato Pancake Mix
- 8 ounces of string cheese
- Tuscanini Crushed Tomatoes, for dipping
Directions:
- Fill a large frying pan with a couple of inches of oil and heat to 365°F.
- In a smaller bowl, whisk the milk and egg.
- In a separate bowl, empty the latke mix.
- Cut each string cheese stick in half. Dip each piece into the egg mixture, coat it in the latke mix, then repeat the process for a double coating.
- Fry the pieces in batches until the crust turns golden brown, about one minute.
- Remove from the frying pan and place on a paper towel to drain excess oil.
- Serve warm with Tuscanini Crushed Tomatoes for dipping.
Kwanzaa Recipe from West Africa
Kwanzaa occurs annually from December 26th to January 1st. Many individuals use this holiday as an opportunity to pay tribute to their African heritage, engage in familial customs, and rejoice with their local community. They frequently mark the occasion by lighting a candle on their Kinara, trading gifts, and hosting large gatherings and festivities with loved ones.
Jollof Rice, a popular dish during Kwanzaa, consists of seasoned rice and various vegetables and proteins from West Africa. Here is an easy Jollof Rice-inspired recipe that you can create with children!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of rice (rinsed and drained)
- ½ cup of crushed tomatoes
- 1 ½ cups of vegetable broth
- 1 Red onion
- 3 tbsp of Tomato Paste
- Crushed tomatoes
- 1 Bell pepper
- 2 Garlic cloves
- Vegetable oil
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tbsp curry powder
- 2 tsp thyme
- Salt & pepper to taste
Directions:
- Cook the chopped onions, bell peppers, and minced garlic in a large pot with vegetable oil over medium heat.
- Incorporate all your spices (except the bay leaves) and then stir in the tomato paste until all the vegetables are evenly coated.
- Add the crushed tomatoes and bay leaves, then simmer on low for 15 minutes or until it reaches a deep red hue.
- Combine the rice with the vegetables and mix well, allowing the rice to slightly brown before pouring in the broth.
- Once a minute or two has passed, add your broth and increase the heat to bring it to a boil.
- Once the water comes to a boil, put a lid on the pot, decrease the heat to low, and allow the rice to cook for roughly 30-35 minutes, or until the liquid is fully absorbed.
- Take the rice off the stove and allow it to rest for an additional 15 minutes while keeping the lid on. Next, discard the bay leaves, fluff the rice with a fork, and serve.
South American Christmas Recipe
During the holiday season in Peru, people often enjoy a warm and tasty beverage called Spiced Hot Chocolate. This tasty beverage is ideal for a chilly winter day and is a fantastic way to familiarize children with the delicious tastes of South American food.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups milk
- 4 ounces semisweet chocolate, finely chopped
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/8 teaspoon ground star anise (optional)
Don’t be discouraged by a long spice list – work with the spices you already have!
Directions:
- Mix the milk, chocolate, and your preferred spices in a small saucepan. Heat it on medium heat, stirring continuously until the chocolate is melted and the mixture is smooth.
- Mix in the vanilla extract and stir until thoroughly combined.
- Fill a mug with the hot chocolate and savor it! If you prefer, you can also add whipped cream or marshmallows on top as well.
Tips For Making Cooking With Kids Easy
Cooking with young children can create a strong connection within the family, but can be challenging. For example, when you cook with children, it’s a surefire way to create chaos! One of the most effective ways to simplify the process is to not worry about the mess! Enjoy the experience and have fun making delicious meals and long-lasting memories with your child.
It is also crucial to create a child-friendly cooking area and provide tools suitable for their age so they can easily assist you. Getting all the ingredients ready in advance is another excellent method to simplify recipes for children. Allowing children to take on responsibilities such as mixing and stirring during meal preparation can help them develop crucial life abilities and enable them to feel like they are making a valuable contribution to the cooking process.
You can make cooking with kids a very enjoyable and rewarding experience for everyone by accepting the mess and simplifying the recipes for young learners.