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August

Race & Equity Resources (Click here)

Heritage, Food & Diversity Awareness Month

Who are we? Where are our families from? What makes our cultures unique and extraordinary? Let's learn about each other and share about ourselves!

Our country of origin, culture and traditions all have a great influence on the way we think, how we do things, and how we connect. Through exploration and learning we have the opportunity to get a glimpse of other peoples heritage and culture, which can help us develop an appreciation for a heritage and culture outside of our own. Each country has their beautiful landmarks and fun activities that you can partake in, however let's not forget about the amazing food you'll get to learn about, and perhaps try one day.

Food, aside from being an important part of our human needs, is an important part of culture. Each country has an exquisite way of making delicious foods that represent culture, influences, and traditions. Recipes oftentimes get passed down within the family lineage, and with it, so many memories and special times are often shared. For many who have immigrated to the United States, bringing recipes and traditional foods to the United States has allowed to preserve culture, and with this, continue traditions in our home, away from home.

We invite you to explore the different countries, and the deliciousness of the foods representative of these countries via these pictures and videos. We attempted at including as many countries and foods representative of different countries, as possible.

Fun fact: You'll also have an opportunity to learn about foods representative of the culture of some of our district staff.

Welcome to this multicultural recipe wonder.

Click on the image above for book titles and read alongs

Africa

Explore the beauty of Africa

Video Source: Come explore...Africa with Lonely Planet Kids by Lonely Planet via Youtube

Africa has 54 countries

Cape Town, South Africa

Video Source: Introducing Cape Town & Garden Route by Lonely Planet via Youtube

Kenya

Video Source: Introducing Kenya by Lonely Planet via Youtube

Madagascar

Video Source: Introducing Madascar by Lonely Planet via Youtube

Morocco

Video Source: Introducing Morocco

Guide Lonely Planet travel videos via Youtube

Copy of Culture/Heritage Intro

Nigeria

Ms. Geeter

Food

Nigeria

Food: Nigerian Jollof Rice

Mrs. Geeter

Jollof rice is a staple rice dish that is common all over West Africa. It can be made with a variety of different proteins, but the basic ingredients for jollof rice are tomatoes, onion, salt, and red pepper. Affiong Utuk prepares her jollof rice with some of the usual ingredients but she also uses tomato paste, chicken bouillon and lots of crushed red pepper that gives her version of the dish a spicy kick. She serves protein dishes on the side, to to accommodate the various dietary needs of her four children.

Recipe author: Cookingbyheart

Ingredients:

3 cups of long-grain parboiled rice
9 cups of water
8 to 9 buillon cubes (vegetable, chcken or beef)
2 to 3 tablespoons of crushed red pepper
1/4 cup of vegetable oil (for cooking)
6-ounce can of tomato paste with roasted garlic
1 medium onion, diced
2 bell peppers, diced

Preparation time: 15 minutes Cook time: 20 minutes

Instructions:

1. Place rice and water in a large pot.

2. Add bouillon and crushed red pepper.

3. Boil on high heat for 20 to 25 minutes, or until rice is al dente. Let cool.

4. In another large pot, heat oil. Then add tomato paste, and move it around continuously so it doesn’t burn. Sauté until tomato paste is caramelized.

5. Add onions and peppers, and cook until onions are soft

6. Add rice to the tomato paste mixture, and gently fold the two together until it is uniformily mixed.

Egypt

Ms. Moreno - Kinder Teacher - .MOV

Food: Rice Pudding

Ms. Moreno

Ingredients:

1 cup short grain rice, uncooked
3 cups water
3 cups whole milk
1 cup Half & Half
1 cup Heavy Whipping Cream
1/2 teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract
1 cup sugar
white raisins and crushed almonds for garnish

PREPARATION

Bring rice and water to boil in a medium saucepan. Cook over medium heat until rice absorbs all the water and becomes very thick and creamy(stirring more frequently towards the end so it doesn't burn). Stir in milk, half and half, and the heavy whipping cream and bring to boil, watching that it doesn't boil over. Stir in the vanilla extract. Stirring frequently, cook until the milk is absorbed and the pudding is thick and creamy. Stir in the sugar and vanilla extract, taste and add more sugar if desired. Remove from heat and cool. Pour the pudding into individual sized containers and refrigerate, covering the surface of the pudding with covers.

Morocco

Food: Top 10 foods to try in Morocco

Video Source: By Traditional Dishes via Youtube

Asia

Explore the beauty of Asia

Video Source: Come explore...Asia with Lonely Planet Kids by Lonely Planet via Youtube

Asia has 48 countries

China

Video Source: Introducing China by Lonely Planet via Youtube

India

Video Source: Introducing India by Lonely Planet via Youtube

Philippines

Video Source: Introducing the Philippines by Lonely Planet via Youtube

Thailand

Video Source: Introducing Thailand by Lonely Planet via Youtube

Cultural Heritage.mp4

Japan

Mr. Suzuki

R. Purcell Cultural Heritage Video.mp4

Korea

Ms. Purcell

Food

China

My grandparents grew up in Hong Kong and would take us to Dim Sum in China Town whenever they would visit. It's full of small plates and dumplings.

Food: Dim Sum

Ms. Archie

Israel

Apples and honey are almost synonymous with Rosh Hashanah. Rosh Hashanah, literally meaning "head [of] the year", is the Jewish New Year. The biblical name for this holiday is Yom Teruah, literally "day of shouting or blasting". It is the first of the Jewish High Holy Days. Israel, the Jewish diaspora, and myself will all celebrate Rosh Hashanah starting sunset Friday, September 18. Rosh Hashanah will end sunset Sunday, September 20.

Food: Apples and Honey

Mr. Schleien

Food: Miso Soup

Mr. Suzuki

Japan

Korea

Food: Top 11 Traditional Delicious Korean Foods You Need Try In Your Life

Video Source: By Traditional Dishes via Youtube

Thailand

Food: Top 10 Thai foods you must try

Video Source: By Traditional Dishes via Youtube

Australia

Explore the beauty of Australia

Video Source: Introducing Australia by Lonely Planet via Youtube

Food

Australia

Food: Lamingtons Dessert

Video Source: How to make Australian Chocolate Lamingtons by Recipe 30 via Youtube

Caribbean

The Caribbean has 13 countries

Introducing the Caribbean

Explore the beauty of Jamaica

Video Source: Introducing Jamaica by Lonely Planet via Youtube

Food

Cuba

Food: Lobster with Garlic & sautéed onions, white rice & fried plantains

Jamaica

Food: Sweet & Sour Chicken

Video Source: EASY to follow Sweet & Sour Chicken Recipe || QUICK AND DELICIOUS|| Whitney's Kitchen Jamaica via Youtube

Central America

Central America has 7 countries

Explore the beauty of Central America

Video Source: Introducing Central America by Lonely Planet via Youtube

Belize

Video Source: Introducing Belize by Lonely Planet via Youtube

Guatemala

Video Source: Introducing Guatemala by Lonely Planet via Youtube

Honduras

Video Source: Introducing Honduras by Lonely Planet via Youtube

CostaRica_Heritage_DS.mp4

Costa Rica

Ms. Suarez

Food

Costa Rica

Food: Gallo Pinto In English, “Gallo Pinto” translates to “spotted rooster”. Gallo pinto is the national dish of Costa Rica. It is a combination of cooked rice, beans, cilantro, red bell pepper, onion and a special sauce called salsa Lizano. This dish is typically eaten for breakfast with scrambled or fried eggs, but it is enjoyed throughout the day as well.

Video Source: How to make Gallo Pinto (Costa Rican dish) by Gabe Arredondo via Youtube

Ms. Suarez

El Salvador

Food: Pupusas -they are made with different fillings, such as, black beans with cheese; cheese only, or with pork meat and cheese, and are topped with a curtido (almost like a cole slaw, and topped with a sauce).

Video Source: Salvadoran Pupusas as Made by Curly and His Abuelita by Tasty via Youtube

Europe

Explore the beauty of Europe

Video Source: Come explore... Europe with Lonely Planet Kids via Youtube

Europe has 44 Countries

England

Video Source: Introducing Englad by Lonely Planet via Youtube

France

Video Source: Introducing France by Lonely Planet via Youtube

Germany

Video Source: Introducing Germany by Lonely Planet via Youtube

Italy

Video Source: Introducing Italy by Lonely Planet via Youtube

D'Agostino Heritage Lesson .webm

Italy

Mr. D'Agostino

VID_20200820_160422653 (1).mp4

Norway

Ms. Carlston

Food

Germany

Food: Sauerkraut

Video Source: Sauerkraut Recipe | How to Can | Allrecipes.com via Youtube

Mr. Dawson

Hungary

Video Source: 10 Traditional Hungarian Dishes by Traditional Dishes via Youtube

Italy

Video Source: Top 10 Famous Italian Dishes by Traditional Dishes

Poland

Food: Periogi

Pierogi are filled dumplings made by wrapping unleavened dough around a savory or sweet filling and cooking in boiling water. They are often then pan-fried before serving. Pierogi may be stuffed (singularly or in combinations) with mashed potatoes, fried onions, quark or farmer cheese, cabbage, sauerkraut, meat, mushrooms, spinach, cheese, or other ingredients depending on the cook's preferences. Dessert versions of the dumpling can be stuffed with sweetened quark or with a fresh fruit filling such as cherry, strawberry, raspberry, blueberry, apple or plum; stoned prunes are sometimes used, as well as jam. For more flavor, sour cream can be added to the dough mixture, and this tends to lighten the dough.

Traditionally considered peasant food, pierogi eventually gained popularity and spread throughout all social classes including nobles. Some cookbooks from the 17th century describe how during that era, the pierogi were considered a staple of the Polish diet, and each holiday had its own special kind of pierogi created. Different shapes and fillings were made for holidays such as Christmas and Easter. Important events like weddings had their own special type of pierogi kurniki – filled with chicken. Also, pierogi were made especially for mournings or wakes, and some for caroling season in January.

Ms. Zangerle

Spain

Food: Paella

Video Source: How To Make Spanish Paella | Omar Allibhoy via Youtube

Middle East

There are 17 countries in the Middle East

Explore the Beauty of the Middle East

Video Source: Introducing the Middle East by Lonely Planet via Youtube

Iran

Video Source: Introducing Iran by Lonely Planet via Youtube

Turkey

Video Source: Introducing Turkey by Lonely Planet via Youtube

Food

Turkey

Food: Top 10 Traditional Foods in Turkey

Video Source: By Traditional Dishes via Youtube

Lebanon

Food: Grilled chicken shawarma with Lebanese style pita bread Recipe

Video Source: Youtube video: Grilled chicken shawarma with Lebanese style pita bread Recipe By Food Fusion

Greece & Turkey

Food: Rolled Baklava Recipe | Greek-Turkish Baklava | How to make best honey baklava | Mediterranean dish

Video Source: Youtube: Minutes Cooking. Rolled Baklava Recipe | Greek-Turkish Baklava | How to make best honey baklava | Mediterranean dish

North America

Explore the beauty of Canada

Video Source: Introducing Canada by Lonely Planet via Youtube

United States of America

Explore the Beauty of the United States of America

Video Source: Introducing the USA by Lonely Planet via Youtube

Native American Heritage & Cultures in the United States

RachelCastillo_Lincoln_1stGradeTeacher.mp4

Cherokee

Ms. Castillo

Mrs.Amber's Heritage and Culture.mp4

Rosebud, South Dakota

Mrs. West

Food

North America

Very common dish in the "Southern States," like Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, to name a few.

Mrs. Geeter

Food: Soul food Macaroni & Cheese

Ingredients:

4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, plus more for baking dish
Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
3 cups elbow macaroni
2 (12-ounce) cans evaporated milk
1/3 cup skim milk
2 large eggs
1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
2 (8-ounce) packages extra-sharp cheddar cheese, grated
1 (8-ounce) package Monterey Jack cheese, grated
Paprika, for sprinkling

Preparation:

Step 1:

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Generously butter a 13-by-9-inch glass baking dish; set aside. Bring a large pot of water to a boil; add salt and

macaroni. Cook until al dente according to package directions. Drain, and return to pot. Add butter, and toss until pasta is coated and butter has melted; set aside.

Step 2. In a medium bowl, whisk together evaporated milk, skim

milk, and eggs. Add seasoned salt, garlic powder, 1

teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper; set aside. In

another medium bowl, combine cheeses; set aside.

Step 3

Place 1/3 macaroni in an even layer in the bottom of prepared baking dish; cover evenly with 1/3 cheese. Repeat with remaining macaroni and cheese mixture. Pour milk mixture evenly over contents of baking dish. Sprinkle with paprika. Bake until top layer is lightly browned, 35 to 45 minutes. Let stand 10 to 15 minutes before serving.

Top 10 Traditional American Foods

Video Source: By Traditional Dishes via Youtube

Mexico

Explore the beauty of Mexico

Video Source: Introducing Mexico by Lonely Planet via Youtube

Mexico has 32 states

George G - Gto, Mex.mp4

Guanajuato, Mexico

Mr. Garcia

Intro to My Culture/Heritage.mp4

Guanajuato, Mexico & Michoacan, Mexico

Mr. Herrera

Elizabeth_Heritage.mp4

Jalisco, Mexico

Ms. Guijaro

Food

Mexico

Chicken tinga is a Mexican dish made with shredded chicken in a sauce made from tomatoes, chipotle chilies in adobo, and sliced onions. It is often served on a tostada and accompanied by a layer of refried beans. I love tostadas de tinga! They are easy to prepare and they are so delicious! I especially love that I can add several toppings to my tostada. For example, I add lettuce, sour cream, cheese, radishes, salsa, and avocado.

Ms. Guijaro

Food: Chicken Tinga Tostada

Mexico

Food: Menudo

Mr. Herrera

Mexico

Ingredients:

4 Roma Tomatoes
1 Jalapeno
1 Cup of Chopped Onions
¼ Cup of Cilantro
5-7 Dried Red Peppers
Salt to Taste

Preparation:

Take the 4 roma tomatoes and jalapeno and roast it on the stovetop until the skin is falling off the tomatoes and the jalapeno is nice and charred.
Put the jalapeno, tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and dried peppers in the blender and blend until you have your desired consistency.
Add salt to taste.
That’s It! The whole process takes about 30 min.

Food: Mexican Red Salsa

Mr. Herrera

Good Memory:

Learning how to make this salsa. I feel like my mom passed the torch down to me by letting me in on her cooking secrets. Now I can share my culture and amazing food with my friends and family.

Why it’s Special to Me:

This salsa was so important in all of my mom’s dishes. You want tacos? Here’s some salsa. You want eggs? Here’s some salsa. You want rice? Here’s some salsa. You get the point. Salsa was huge in our family, and for one good reason…it is delicious! Salsa is so great because it can compliment any dish and give it that perfect spicy kick. Unfortunately, growing up with a mom that spent her whole life cooking, has spoiled me. I can’t really enjoy eating Mexican food at restaurants because my mom’s food is better. This is something I am still working on…I hope to enjoy Mexican food like a normal person one day. One step at a time. One step.

Mexico

Food: Sopes

Mr. Garcia

South America

South America has 12 countries

Explore the beauty of South America

Video Source: Come Explore...South America with Lonely Planet via Youtube

Brazil

Video Source: Introducing Brazil by Lonely Planet via Youtube

Peru

Video Source: Introducing Peru by Lonely Planet via Youtube

Food

Argentina

Food: Argentinian Empanadas recipe video

Video Source: Youtube video-How to Make Empanadas - Empanadas Argentinas Tradicionales | Total Noms

Brazil

Food: Feijoada traditional black bean and meat stew

Video Source: Youtube video-Feijoada - Traditional Brazilian black bean and meat stew

Peru

Food: Take a look at the video to see several delicious Peruvian dishes

Video Source: Vimeo, Peruvian Food, Kevin

Multicontinental

Food

Food: Challah

Although I am not Jewish, I have enjoyed making challah for many years. It is sweeter, eggy bread that is served especially at Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur. I thank my Jewish friends for introducing me to this wonderful recipe!

Mrs. Dawson

Jewish Food: More Than Just Matzo Ball Soup

Video Source: Unpacked via Youtube

National Dishes of Latin America; A Latin American Food Fiesta!

Source: AmigoFoods via Youtube

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