Cooking Up Stories: Creating Connections Cookbook

Cooking Up Stories: CrEATing Connections A book of connections, chemistry, and recipes from HTe’s Third Grade Scien-Chefs

How does food enrich our lives and help us connect? What is the chemistry of cooking? These were the driving questions that third grade scientists explored together during our Cooking Up Stories: CrEATing Connections Project at High Tech Elementary. Within this book, you will find answers to those questions. Throughout this project, we were scientists exploring labs on digestion, mixtures vs. compounds, rubber eggs, changing states of matter, chemical reactions, the science of sourdough and discovering what makes popcorn pop! We also worked as authors by brainstorming, drafting, critiquing, revising and publishing our writing. We hope you will enjoy our family stories and recipes that show how food connects us all. Collecting, writing, revising and cooking up these stories has been hard work and also an act of love with our family and friends. The stories and recipes are important parts of who we are. We hope they will fill you up with warmth, meaning and deliciousness!

Breakfast

Dad’s Famous Pancakes By: Zeke Alli Have you ever gotten up in the morning on the counter to help him. The reason I chose this recipe is because and smelled the sweet smell of whenever I think of pancakes it reminds me of my dad. I can just pancakes? Pancakes smell like cookies imagine being in the kitchen and cooking with him. Whenever I baking in the oven. think about this memory it sends a tingle of happiness through my chest and I smile. In my kitchen, my dad and I cook pancakes for breakfast together. In the morning, I wake up and open my eyes to the smell of pancakes. Zeke Alli 4 I can imagine what my dad is working on out there. So, I decided to get out of bed and walk out to the kitchen. “Good morning Dada!” I say as I finish my stretch. “Good morning Deke Boy!” (that’s what my dad calls me). “Are you hungry?” “Yes I am!” I say joyfully. My dad’s pancakes are so yummy I could eat them 24/7. They are round, golden brown, and have chocolate chips dropped into them. They are soft and fluffy like a cloud. They taste sweet and a magical reaction happens in my mouth. They are pretty easy to make. All you need is buttermilk pancake mix, water and chocolate chips. First, mix two cups of pancake mix with one and a half cups of water. Mix it all up and dump it in a warm pan. Then add a few chocolate chips to the top. We know it is ready to flip over when we use the spatula to peek under the pancake and see that the bottom is golden brown. Flip it over and let the other side cook. When it is done, place it onto a plate. Then just add syrup. I like my syrup cold. And there you have it...Dad’s famous chocolate chip pancakes! I grab my plate and sit at the table. My dad and I enjoy the pancakes together. We talk about video games and challenging each other. When I was younger and my dad made pancakes, I would climb on the counter and help him. Now I am 8 years old and I still climb up

cont. Recipe: 2 cups flour 1/2 cup granulated sugarv 2 teaspoons baking powder 1 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 1/2 cups buttermilk (plus up to 1/4 cup extra if needed) 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract 2 large eggs INSTRUCTIONS Combine together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a large bowl. Make a well in the center and add the buttermilk, slightly cooled melted butter, vanilla and egg. Whisk the wet ingredients together first gently into a round shape with the back of did you know... before slowly folding them into the dry your ladle or measuring cup. ingredients. Mix together until smooth When the underside is golden and ...that a change of states of matter happens (there may be a couple of lumps but that’s bubbles begin to appear on the surface, in my recipe when you put the batter into a okay). flip with a spatula and cook until golden. warm pan? The evidence of the change of Set the batter aside for a good 10 minutes Repeat with remaining batter. matter is when the batter turns from a liquid to let rest and settle the ingredients into Serve with honey, maple syrup, fruit, or to a solid and it will start to bubble. each other while heating up your pan or enjoy plain! griddle. Zeke Alli 5 Heat a nonstick pan or griddle over low- medium heat and wipe over with a little butter to lightly grease pan. Pour 1/3 cup of batter onto the pan and spread out

Mom’s French Toast By: Avery Bishop Have you ever made French toast before? Let me tell you about the time when I made French toast with my family. I was in bed when a smell woke me up and I went in the kitchen and my mom was cooking. I said, “What are you making? She said, “It is a surprise! Wake up your little brother and dad and get dressed.” When I was done doing my job I went to breakfast and I tried French toast. We ate as a family at the dining table and served it with whipped cream and berries. It tastes sweet and the texture was crispy. It was so good! My little brother liked it too and so did my dad. I thanked my mom for making such a good breakfast. She said, “You’re Welcome!” The next weekend mom and I cooked French toast together. I told her to try adding vanilla and cinnamon to the recipe. It made it even better! We love cooking together because we laugh a lot! This story is special to me because I never really cook food and just remembering how tasty it was! By: Avery Bishop 6

cont. Recipe: 1 egg 1 teaspoon vanilla ½ teaspoon cinnamon ¼ cup milk 4 slices of bread Instructions: Beat egg, vanilla and cinnamon in shallow dish. Stir in milk. Dip bread in egg mixture, turning to coat both sides evenly. Cook bread slices on lightly greased nonstick griddle or skillet on medium heat until browned on both sides. Serve with butter and syrup. did you know... ...that a mixture happens in my recipe when you stir the vanilla, cinnamon, milk, and egg? The evidence of the mixture is when you combine two or more things together. by: Avery Bishop 7

Evelyn’s French Toast By: Evelyn Casian Have you ever made French toast? Well let me tell you, at home I wanted to make french toast, so I called my mom. “Mom!” I said. My mom said, “Yes sweetie?” I asked her, “Can I make French toast?” She said, “Okay, you can but, be careful.” “Thank you mom,” I said. “You’re welcome,” she said. I went to the kitchen and I got vanilla, cinnamon, and bread from the pantry, and I got an egg and milk from the fridge. I got a bowl and a spoon from the cabinet. In the bowl, I poured the milk, then I got the egg and cracked it. I added cinnamon and poured vanilla in the bowl. I got the spoon and I mixed until it’s done. I took the bread out from the bag, I put in the bread in the bowl for two seconds then took it to the stove. Then I ran back to get another bread in the bowl and ran back to the stove. After putting the bread on the stove, I waited for ten seconds, flipped it, and then waited for another ten seconds. After I was done with the second bread I called my mom. “Mom!” I said. “What?” said my mom. “Come to see my french toast!” I said to my mom. “Wow nice work!” she said. I said, “Thank you.” I got another bread, took it back to the stove, waited for ten seconds, flipped it and then waited for another ten seconds, then flipped it and then I repeated everything until I had a stack on a plate. I called my mom. “Come,” I said then I put it to the table and me and my mom sat and ate. The reason I chose this recipe is because when I made it with my class I remembered something that I did with my family and that’s why I chose this recipe. By: Evelyn Casian 8

cont. did you know... Evelyn’s French Toast Recipe ...that a chemical change happens in my recipe when you put the bread on the stove? The evidence of a chemical change is By Jamie Harrison & Evelyn Casian when you make French toast, it changes into a toast and you can’t undo it. It stays like that. Ingredients: By: Evelyn Casian 9 -1 loaf of bread -3 eggs -1/3 c of milk -cinnamon and vanilla to taste -1 bowl for mixing -butter Directions: In a bowl, whisk all the eggs with cinnamon, vanilla and milk. Take a slice and dip it in egg mixture, coating both sides. Rub butter on a hot skillet and place the egg-soaked bread on skillet for about a few seconds on each side. *Optional: sprinkle more cinnamon to each side for more flavor* Repeat until all the egg mixture is gone. Serve with your favorite toppings.

Constantine’s Gallo Pinto It is important for our family because when my mom prepares it, she is continuing the tradition of her family and we are learning some of the By: Constantine Mironowski gastronomy and culture of Nicaragua from my mom’s origin. I hope someday I can learn to prepare Gallopinto and share it with my friend. Have you ever tried Gallo Pinto? You might be wondering what Gallo Pinto By: Constantine Mironowski 10 is. In Spanish it means spotted rooster. My mom always tells me that when she was a young kid like me, she used to eat gallopinto for breakfast, lunch, or dinner every day. It is also one of my favorite dishes to eat for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It is special to my family because it is a Nicaraguan dish that has been passed down from generations to my mom. I love to eat Gallo Pinto so much, I decided to ask my mom one morning how to make it. I said, “Mammi, how do you make Gallo Pinto? I would like for you to teach me how.” She said, “Okay Constantine, I will show you.” The first thing that I needed was a wide saucepan she told me. Next, we took some oil and put it in the pan, and turned the burner to medium heat. My mom then chopped some onion. She then sauteed it in the saucepan for 2-3 minutes. Next came the beans. She took the beans in a big pot and first cleaned them. Then she put them in the big saucepan. Once we had the oil, onion, and beans in the saucepan, she told me that we needed to wait 10 minutes for it to cook. I sat at the table waiting. Once the ten minutes of waiting was over, she took cooked rice and mixed it over the beans in the saucepan. She turned the heat down to low and added some salt for flavor. Now we had to wait because the rice and beans cooked together for ten more minutes. This is Gallo Pinto, a simple rice and beans dish from Nicaragua. For my mom, Gallopinto always brings memories from her childhood and her family. This is a traditional meal that my mom cooks for us.

cont. Ingredients: softened and see-through for about 5 minutes. Add the prepared rice and 2 cups of beans to a pan and cook, stirring 1 package (14-16 oz) small dried red silk beans from Central America until the rice is evenly coated. Continue to cook, stirring to allow flavors (only 2 cups cooked beans needed for recipe) to meld and the mixture to become slightly crisp for about 10 minutes. 2 cups uncooked long grain white rice Cover and cook over low heat for an additional 10 minutes. 4 cups of water for beans 3 cups of water of chicken broth for rice Once the Gallopinto is ready you can enjoy this simple and nutritious 4 tablespoons vegetable or canola oil recipe with your favorite dish. 1/2 onion finely chopped 3 cloves of garlic did you know... 1/2 bell pepper diced 3 tsp salt ...that a mixture happens in my recipe when you put the rice and beans together? The evidence of a mixture is to put two For the beans: things together. First of all, my mom cooks the beans in a pressure cooker with 4 cups of water, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, and 3 cloves of garlic for 45 minutes. By: Constantine Mironowski 11 For the rice: In another pan, she prepares the rice or sometimes she prefers to use the left over rice from the day before which she says it tastes better. Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat until simmering. Add 2/3 of the onion and cook, stirring until softened and see-through for about 5 minutes. Add rice and cook, stirring until the grains are shiny and evenly coated with oil for 2 to 3 minutes. Add 4 cups of water or chicken broth and 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, increase heat to high, and bring to a boil. Place bell pepper on top of rice. Boil rice without stirring until most of the liquid has evaporated and you can see small bubbles bursting on the surface of the rice. Immediately reduce the heat to the lowest setting, cover, and cook (do not stir, do not remove lid) for 15 minutes. For the Gallopinto: Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in large saucepan over medium-high heat until simmering. Add the rest of the onions and cook, stirring until

Mom’s Famous Pumpkin Muffins By: Sanaii Otah Have you ever had My family loves it because we have it every month. We love to pumpkin muffins? If come together as a family, and eat it fresh out of the oven, and not, you should give that is one way our family comes together to enjoy something them a try. Pumpkin delicious and fun to make. muffins are very sweet to eat, and smell By: Sanaii Otah 12 great. When I make pumpkin muffins the smell goes through the house, and I feel like I’m eating them already. Now I will tell you how to make them. First you would go to Traders Joe’s and buy a box that says Pumpkin Bread and muffin mix. When you get home, you would pour the mix into a big bowl, start adding in two large eggs, ½ cup vegetable oil, 1 cup of water and a few chocolate chips (just for fun). My sister and I take turns mixing, making sure everything is blended well. I grease the muffin pan, pour muffin mix into muffin pan, turn the oven on 350 degrees and put it in the oven for 55 to 60 minutes. Let it cool for 15 minutes.

cont. `Pumpkin Bread Recipe: 1 full package of muffin mix 2 large eggs ½ cup of vegetable oil 1 cup of water Baking Instructions: Prepare preheat oven to 350 degrees Grease pan with butter or cooking spray Combine; eggs, oil, water into a bowl Optional; add chocolate chips for taste Pan: Spread batter in pan filling corners and leveling top Oven: Bake for 55 to 60 minutes allowing to cool for 15 minutes before removing from pan. did you know... ...that there is gas in my pumpkin muffins? When you put the pumpkin muffins in the oven, the water evaporates and it turns into steam. By: Sanaii Otah 13

My Mom’s Famous Pancakes By: George Ramirez Pedraza Do you know how to make pancakes? Well, my mom’s way of making pancakes is different. In just five minutes, my mom can mix the batter and can start flipping the pancakes! I like watching my mom flip the pancakes because it inspires me. I hope when I grow up, I can make and flip pancakes the same way that she does. A story I will never forget is the time my mom taught me how to make pancakes. I was only 6 years old! In my story, my mom and I were playing soccer in my backyard. Then my mom said, “Time to eat!” We finished playing soccer and went into the kitchen. She said to me, “Do you want to help me make pancakes?” I said, “Yes!” Then we got the ingredients out. She said, “First you put the batter in a big bowl. Then you put the water in the same bowl. Then you mix it until it doesn’t make little bubbles.” I followed my mom’s directions and made the batter. Next, we put the batter on a hot pan. The batter started turning into a circle. My mom helped me flip the pancakes. The kitchen smelled yummy and I was getting hungry! When the pancakes were ready, we ate them together. When I make pancakes with my mom, it makes me feel connected to my family because we have made so many pancakes together! I hope that you will want to try my recipe and make it! By: George Ramirez Pedraza 14

cont. Recipe: Ingredients 1 cup all-purpose flour 2 tablespoons white sugar 2 teaspoons baking powder 1 teaspoon salt 1 egg, beaten 1 cup milk 2 tablespoons vegetable oil Directions 1) In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. Make a well in the center, and pour in milk, egg and oil. Mix until smooth. 2) Heat a lightly oiled griddle or frying pan over medium high heat. Pour or scoop the batter onto the griddle, using approximately 1/4 cup for each pancake. Brown on both sides and serve hot. did you know... ...that heat happens in my recipe when you put the batter in a hot pan? The evidence of heat is that the batter will start to bubble. Name of student 15

My Dad’s Smoothie memory of when you make this smoothie. I like it a lot and hope that the person you love makes this for you and you love the person By: Judith Servin more. Have you had a smoothie? If you By: Judith Servin 16 have, I have to tell you about my dad’s smoothies. They are the best! I will tell you about a weekend breakfast with my family. I woke up in the morning and I walked down the stairs. I smelled the bacon and I said “Ooooh bacon!” I walked into the kitchen and said, “Good morning mom and dad, oh hi Manny” Manny saw me and said, “Hi Judith, good morning” Mom said, “Good morning Judith” Dad said, ”Good morning Judith. Could you call Alex to come eat breakfast please.” I said, “Yes” and went upstairs to my brother’s room and asked him if he was hungry. Alex said, “Yes I’m hungry, I will go eat.” I said, “Okay!” and I went to my room to use my iPad. My mom called me and said that the food is ready. I said “Ok I’m coming,” and I went downstairs. I didn’t see what my dad put in the blender, but my mom told me he put frozen strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and grapes along with ice and water. I heard the blender spin and turn the fruits into a frozen smoothie. I said, “Ooooh a smoothie and I got a sip and said “I love IT so much!” Dad said, “Thank you, Judith!” The rest of our breakfast was pancakes and bacon with strawberries and bananas on the side. It was amazing because I love all of those things. I put Lechera on my strawberries my mom thought I was crazy and we all laughed together as we ate. I even got a second pour of the smoothie. It was really good, it’s cold and you can feel the seeds from the strawberries in your mouth. It feels bubbly if you stick your finger in it. Yes I did that! I really hope that you like my story about a weekend breakfast with my family. I hope you make a good

cont. Recipe 1 cup of frozen strawberries 1/2 cup of frozen raspberries 1/2 cup of blueberries 1/2 cup of frozen grapes 1/2 cup of ice 1/2 cup of water Add sugar if desired, but all the fruit is sweet so we rarely have to add any. PREPARATION In a blender add water, sugar if you are using and 1/2 of the frozen fruit and blend until smooth. Slowly add the rest of the fruit and the ice until everything is incorporated and smooth. Serve and drink immediately for better taste. It tastes better than Jamba Juice and you made it yourself! did you know... ...that a mixture happens when you blend all of the fruit together in the blender? The evidence of a mixture is when you mix different things together. Name of student 17

Esteban’s Family Recipe By: Esteban Torres Have you ever tried chilaquiles? Chilaquiles are tortilla chips that are cut into squares and covered with spicy sauce with some cheese on the top. They are so delicious and they are my favorite. Once I was on my computer and I got hungry so I said to my mom, “Mom, can you make something to eat I’m so hungry!” My mom said, “Yes, we’ll make something to eat.” I went to sit at the table with my brothers and my dad. Then my dad said, “Esteban and Diego do you want to go outside and do baseball practice?” My brothers and me said “Yes, but after we eat.” Then the food was ready and it was chilaquiles and I really love chilaquiles. My mom makes chilaquiles every weekend for breakfast. I think that is really special! I hope you really like it, like I do! And I hope you try my recipe. I hope this inspires you and your family to try something new. By: Esteban Torres 18

cont. Ingredients: Add the fried tortilla quarters to the salsa. Gently turn over the pieces of tortilla until they are all well coated with salsa. Let cook Corn tortillas for a few minutes more. Corn oil Remove from heat. Serve chilaquiles with garnishes. My family likes Salt chilaquiles with queso fresco and fried eggs. Red chile sauce: Enjoy your chilaquiles with your family. 4 jalapeno chiles 2 cloves garlic did you know... Tomatoes Salt ...that a mixture happens in my recipe when you blend the Garnishes: chiles, tomatoes, and salt together? The evidence of a mixture Queso Fresco is when you put different things together. Fried Eggs By: Esteban Torres 19 Directions: You can make the salsa as spicy as you like by adding or taking away jalapeno chile peppers. My family loves spicy salsa so we use 4 jalapeno peppers. First, remove seeds, stems, and veins. Heat chiles lightly on a skillet on medium heat to draw out their flavor. Put chilies in a saucepan, pour boiling hot water over to cover. Let sit for 15 minutes. Add chiles, 2 garlic cloves, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and tomatoes into a blender. Hold down lid of blender tightly while blending, blend until completely puréed. Strain through a mesh sieve into a frying pan to make the chilaquiles. Cut up tortillas into 1 inch squares, heat up oil and when the oil is hot place tortillas in the pan until they are brown. Take the chips out and put them on a plate with a paper towel so the excess oil can drain and sprinkle salt on them. Heat the salsa: Add 2 Tbsp oil to pan, bring to high heat again. Add the salsa and let salsa cook for several minutes.

Dad’s Famous Fruit Waffles waffles I feel like I am with my family eating and laughing together. I hope you will want to try my recipe! By: Alisa Wegner By: Alisa Wegner 20 Have you ever tried to put fruit in your waffles? I like fruit waffles better than regular waffles because they have more flavor from the fruit. In my house we eat lots of different kinds of waffles. Let me tell you about my dad’s fruit waffles. I was sleeping on a Sunday morning, when an unusual smell woke me up! I smelled fruit and spices. Then I heard a whisk tapping a bowl! I went out to the kitchen to see what was going on. When I got out to the kitchen I asked my dad what was smelling so good. My dad said, “You just have to wait and see!” I said, “But I want to know now!” “You will find out soon!” he said. After a while my dad called to me and said, “Alisa, can you wake up Mommy and Eva please?” I said, “Yes! And then can we eat? I am starving!” “That’s the plan, Stan!’’ he said. Once we were all at the table, my dad said, “All of you close your eyes.” My dad put a big plate in the middle of the table. We opened our eyes and saw waffles on the plate. And since it is our tradition we all said, “Thank you for the delectable waffles you made!” Then we all took a waffle and buttered our waffles and put syrup on them. My two sisters and I all eat ours differently. I like mine cut into squares and drizzled with syrup on top. Maya likes hers cut into strips with syrup on the side. Eva drizzles her syrup in a squiggly line and eats her waffle whole. On my first bite I said, “These are soooooo good!” as I rubbed my belly. They tasted like fruit and spices. “Of course they are good! All of the things that he makes are good,” said Eva with a laugh. Then we all laughed with her! I chose this recipe because it reminds me of Sunday mornings at my house eating breakfast with my family. When I think about fruit

cont. did you know... Wegner’s Fruit Waffles ...there is gas in the waffles? The waffle iron heats up the water inside of the Makes 4 servings waffle batter and it turns into a gas, 2 cups flour which makes the waffles fluffy! 4 teaspoons baking powder 1 teaspoon cinnamon By: Alisa Wegner 21 ½ teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon nutmeg (optional, great with apple waffles) 1 cup fruit (diced small) 2 eggs (separated) 1 ¾ cups milk (more if needed to thin batter) ¼ cup melted butter or oil Directions: In a medium bowl, mix flour, baking powder and spices together with a fork Add diced fruit to the flour mixture and stir until fruit is coated Separate egg whites into a small bowl and set aside. Place egg yolks in a large bowl and mix together with the milk. Add flour/fruit mixture to wet ingredients and mix well. Stir in melted butter or oil. Use an electric mixer to beat egg whites on medium speed until soft peaks form. Fold egg whites into the batter. Pour into warmed waffle iron and cook until steam mostly stops. Serve warm with butter and syrup.

The Amazing Daddy French Toast By: Chaz Miller Have you ever tried eggs and toast? What about eggs in toast? Do you want to learn about my Dad’s special eggs and toast? If you do then read this story! One Saturday morning before my soccer game, my Dad said “What do you want for breakfast today?” Then I said “I want daddy french toast!” Then my dad said ”Ok let’s make that happen!’’ All right, go wake up Liam.” Then I ran up stairs then I opened my Liam’s door and I said “Wake up Liam we are having Daddy french toast!” Then Liam jumped out of his bed he said “Really we are!?’’ I said “Yep we are.” Liam said “Ok, I will get dressed” I said “Ok I will be down stairs!” I ran down stairs, then I heard the sizzling of the pan and it smelled sweet and buttery. I could taste it. Then Liam came down, and we talked about our goals for our soccer games. Then my Dad said “Chaz breakfast is ready!’’ I said “I will be there in a minute!’’ I walked to my seat and there was a piece of toast with a fried egg in the middle. The toast was crispy and buttery and the egg was squishy and yolky. That’s the way I like it. While I was eating, my Dad said “Liam your breakfast is ready!’’ make it.’’ I said “This is the best daddy french toast I have ever tried!” Liam said “ok I am coming!’’ Then Liam came over. Then my Dad It tasted sweet and buttery. My Dad said “I loved it too. Chaz get came to the table with his plate, and Liam said “How do you make your stuff on and ready for soccer.’’ I said “ok I will.’’ daddy french toast?’’ My Dad said “Well first you need all the This recipe is special to me because my grandma made it for my ingredients: eggs, bread, butter, butter knife, and pan. Now that you dad when he was 5 or 6 and then he started to cook it when he have all the ingredients, now you can start cooking! First you put a was 9 or 10, almost my age. Since my Dad loved it so much, my slice of butter in the pan, then get the bread and the knife and cut a grandma called it Darren french toast, but now we call it Daddy circle out of the bread. Then put the bread and circle in to the pan. french toast. We all love eating it, and my dad loves cooking it too! After, crack the egg into the hole of the toast. Cook the bottom, and then flip the toast with a spatula. Then cook the top for a short amount of time and you’re done!’’ Liam said “Oh, so that is how you By: Chaz Miller 22

cont. Daddy French Toast Optional Add-ons: There are many did you know... ways you can dress-up this recipe. Cook time: 5 minutes One of my favorite ways is to make a ...that chemical change happens when you put Prep time: 5 minutes sandwich with two pieces of Daddy the eggs and toast on the pan because it takes Ingredients: French Toast. Put one slice on the in heat? The evidence of a chemical change is Bread, butter, and eggs. Optional: plate, add cheese, ham and avocado, when you put it on the pan and the bread and Avocado, cheese, ham… then put the second piece on top eggs turn a different color from the heat. Step 1: Pre-heat the pan on medium to and add salt and pepper. What other medium high heat. I like to use a cast ingredients would you like to try? By: Chaz Miller 23 iron, but any non-stick pan will work. Step 2: Cut out a hole in the bread, leaving the crust intact. You can do it with a knife, but it is also very easy for kids to do it with an small upside-down cup. Push the cup into the bread, give it a slight twist and remove. Keep the cut-out pieces to toast in the pan; they are perfect for soaking up any leftover yolk after you’re done eating your Daddy French Toast. Step 3: Put a slice of butter in the pan and add the bread. I like to flip the bread at this point, so both sides get some butter on them. Step 4: Crack an egg into the hole in the bread and cook until the bread is brown, and the egg is cooked halfway through. Then flip and do the same on the other side. Step 5: Serve and enjoy!!

The Amazing French Toast bacon grease left over in the pan!!!) 30 minutes later grandma said “Breakfast is ready!” By: Kellan Shultz “Yay!!!!!!” everybody (except me) yelled. Grandma set down plates with French Toast and bacon filling them up. “WAKE UP!” I was wacked in the face “MMMMMMMMMMMM”everyone sighed as they smelled the with a black and green plastic spatula. food. Everyone dug in happily. “MMMMMMMMMM” dad said as I opened my eyes and saw my sister, he tasted the French Toast. “This is so good!” Mom said. “I know.” Avery, standing over me. “You’re going grandma said with a wink. THAT’S when I remembered I couldn’t to make French Toast.” she said. This is chew!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! everyday life in my kitchen. But before I Thank you for listening to my food story! French Toast is really can tell you that story, I have to tell you important to me & my family because my grandma has been this one...about French Toast!!! making it ever since I can remember and she still makes it for us when we spend the night at her house! And it’s important to It was December 25th (Christmas), 2010. I was three months old my whole family because it is a VERY special memory!!!! Thank at that time (also not able to chew because no 3 month old has you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! teeth). We were at my grandma’s house, my sister was playing with my grandma’s dog, Sugar and my dad was watching football. My By: Kellan Shultz 24 Mom and grandma were talking about Who-knows-what And I was trying to escape my crib, but failed every time. Sound boring so far, right? But not much longer till the good stuff begins!!!!!!!!!!! Anyway, back to the story. After the 99,000 time of trying to escape, grandma said “Let’s make French Toast!” “Sure!” Mom said. “SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS” the pan sizzled as grandma put bacon on it. “Ow!!!!” grandma yelped as she accidentally touched the 150 degree pan. “Can you pass me the eggs please?” grandma asked. “Okay.Do you have the cinnamon?” Mom asked,handing grandma the eggs carefully. “Yes.” The aroma from the bacon had spread throughout the house. I could smell the bacon so much I could TASTE it!! And it tasted DELICIOUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Grandma took the bacon off the pan and set them down on a napkin to cool off. Then she started to dip the thick cut French bread into the cinnamon/egg/milk combo and gingerly placed them on the pan (Her secret to the best French Toast in the Universe is cooking the French Toast in the

cont. Recipe: Ingredients: Milk, eggs, cinnamon, thick cut French bread baguette, bacon. First,add 3-4 eggs in a bowl,then add a quarter-half a cup of fresh milk into the bowl.Then add 5-10 shakes of cinnamon. Then mix ingredients together thoroughly for 30 seconds, then put that aside.Then start on the bacon. First, lay out as much bacon as you would like, (thick cut bacon recommended) on a cutting board, then cut them in half and place in a pan gently with long tongs. Also, grease the pan with butter so the food doesn’t stick to the pan (Be care full so you don’t get burnt by tiny popping pieces of bacon!) Cook until crispy and brown and put on a napkin on a plate to cool off. Then start on the French Toast! First, make sure you saved the bacon Then dip the bread into the cinnamon/egg/ did you know... grease in the pan, then measure how much milk combo and place very carefully in the bacon grease is in the pan, because if you pan with tongs. Check the French Toast ...that a chemical reaction happens in put too much bacon grease in the pan then every minute and don’t flip until brown/ my recipe when the heat from the flame the French Toast will just taste like a lot of black but don’t burn it. After you have evaporates? The moisture from the eggs, bacon. cooked the French Toast, coat it in maple milk, and cinnamon into a solid on the After you have measured the bacon grease, syrup and serve to your family!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! cooking French bread creating the French cut the French bread into thick pieces. Toast!!! By: Kellan Shultz 25

The Pancakes to smell the delicious pancakes. It smelled buttery and warm. I then heard my mom say, “They’re ready!” So we went over to the kitchen By: Rocco Silva and, dun dun duuun pancakes!!! We saw lots of delicious, golden, buttery pancakes! I took my first bite and they were warm, soft, not There is my mom pouring the batter burned, crispy and buttery on the edges. The pancakes were extra onto the pan. You are probably good because of the syrup. My cousins also enjoyed the pancakes! wondering what my mom is making. After eating this great breakfast my cousins and I played tag until Well this is the story of my mom’s my aunt picked them up. pancakes. They are the best! And when I chose to write about pancakes because cooking pancakes is our I say the best I mean the best. Sunday tradition. It is important to me because my mom doesn’t have time to cook breakfast for us during the week because of work. Let me tell you about a time my mom made pancakes. “Rocco”! We all look forward to the weekend when we can cook together ,said my cousin Evan. “Yea” , I said. “Your foot was in my face!” and spend family time together. I chose to write about this specific said my cousin. “Sorry”, I said. It was a Sunday morning and my Sunday because my mom, my dad, my brother, and cousins were cousin Evan and Aliyah had spent the night. It was around 8:00 all there and it was extra fun this day! in the morning and we were laying in bed waiting for my brother In conclusion, I want to say , “Listen to your parents kids, I mean it!” Lukas, Aliyah and my mom and dad to get up . Like ten minutes and thank you for taking the time to read my story. later my brother woke up and came to my room and said “Mmm’’ because he was tired. About nine minutes later my cousin Aliyah By: Rocco Silva 26 woke up and came to my room. Then like eleven minutes later my mom woke up and said, “What do you guys want to eat?” I replied, “Pancakes and eggs” Then my mom said, “Sure I will make that”. Do you want to know how my mom makes pancakes? The ingredients needed are: Aunt Jemima buttermilk pancake mix, water, Butter, syrup and blueberries (optional). We first grab a bowl and pour in 2 cups of pancake mix, 1 cup of water and stir it. Let it sit for a couple of minutes. In the meantime, heat the skillet and rub a little butter on top so the pancakes won’t stick. Once the skillet is hot leave it on medium heat and pour batter on the pan using a deep spoon (ladle). Let the pancakes cook until you see bubbles. Then they are ready to flip. Once they are golden brown you can remove the pancake from skillet. You can add more butter on top for a buttery taste! And top with fruit and syrup. Anyways, Back to my story. After some time, I was in my room able

cont. Recipe: Pancake Recipe : 2 cups Aunt Jemima buttermilk pancake mix , 1 ½ cup water , stir together , ( can mix in fruit of choice ex. blueberries). Heat skillet over medium heat, Put about ½ tablespoon of butter on skillet , once skillet is hot, pour about ½ cup of pancake mix onto greased skillet ( we use a soup ladle to pour), cook until bubbles form (about 90 seconds) ,then flip over . Wait about another minute then remove pancake from skillet ( avoid turning pancake more than once). Pancakes should be buttery and golden brown. Top with maple syrup and blueberries! did you know... ...that heat happens in this recipe when we put batter on the pan? The evidence of a heat reaction is under there is a little bit of fire which makes the pan hot. By: Rocco Silva 27

Saturday Crepes By: Sera Aguilar Have you ever smelled crepes cooking on the stove? Let me tell you about how we make crepes on Saturdays after ballet. My dad was driving me to ballet. It took one second to get there because I live close by. When I got there, my teacher said, “ Time for ballet class, can you tap dance to the beautiful song called the sweet child?” We will be performing at the San Diego fair.” We did kicks and danced to jazz music called sweet child, at the end of class my dad drove me home. My dad always says “Hey Sera, now that ballet is over guess what’s for breakfast ?” “Crepes” I yell with excitement. On Saturdays, my dad makes crepes. He mixes a homemade recipe that came from a book. After he mixes it, he cooks it in a pan. When one side is cooked he flips it with a spatula. Then my mom gets the nutella for everyone who wants it on their crepes. We fill them with bananas and then we sit down as a family and eat them. We spend time together and talk about ballet. “My favorite part was when my ballet teacher turned into an octopus”, “That’s so silly” said my mom. I love spending time with my family and enjoying the crepes we made. They taste so yummy and makes me feel so happy. I wanted to share this memory because it was a time when I did ballet and spent time with my whole family. I hope that my story and recipe inspires you to become the best baker or spend time with your family. By: Sera Aguilar 28

cont. did you know... Recipe: ...that a solution happens in this recipe when the ingredients are blended in. The evidence of a For the Crepes: Place ¾ flour in a solution is when ingredients get mixed together mixing bowl. Add 2 eggs one at a and cannot be be taken apart. time, whisking to combine. Add 1 cup milk bit by bit and whisk to combine By: Sera Aguilar 29 until all the milk is incorporated. Whisk in 1 ½ tablespoons extra virgin olive oil. Season with salt and allow the batter to stand for 10 minutes to an hour. Heat a 6-inch nonstick pan over high heat until hot and add a dab of butter. Turn the heat down to medium and pour 1 1/2 tablespoons of batter into the pan and swirl to coat. Cook until pale golden on the bottom, about 1 minute. Flip and cook just 5 or 10 seconds on the second side. Remove and set aside. For the Bananas Foster: Melt ½ stick butter over medium heat in a large non-stick skillet. Add ½ cup brown sugar,1 stick Cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon Nutmeg, 2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract and cook until caramelized, stirring occasionally. Toss in 4 Bananas (diced) and coat with the sauce. Cook about 5 minutes. To Assemble: Fill crepes with a large spoonful of filling, fold and serve with whipped cream on top.

Santa Pancakes By Alex Lopez Santa pancakes. Have you ever had a pancake with Santa’s face on it??? At my house it’s a christmas morning tradition. For christmas we usually make regular pancakes but one year my My mom just buys regular pancake mix and adds mini chocolate mom saw santa pancakes on pinterest and she wanted to try them. chips. When the pancakes are done making we add cut up We liked them so much we decided to make them a christmas strawberries for the hat and the nose. Then we add whipped cream morning tradition. for the beard and mustache and chocolate chips for the eyes. My favorite thing about santa pancakes is that they are different than the regular pancakes we make every weekend. Turning them into santa pancakes makes Christmas morning more fun. By Alex Lopez 30

cont. Santa Pancake Recipe Follow instructions on pancake mix box to make pancakes Add mini chocolate chips to pancake mix Cut up strawberries to add to pancakes When pancakes have cooled a little bit add cut up strawberries for the hat and one in the middle for the nose Add whipped cream for the beard Add two chocolate chips for the eyes did you know... ...that a chemical change happens in this recipe when I cook the pancakes? The evidence of a chemical change is when the liquid batter gets solid and turns brown. By Alex Lopez 31

I Burnt Myself And I said, “Ok.” My dog had a little tear and I felt sad for him, but he Making Pancakes was good. My dog always cuddles with me while watching movies. We often watch movies as a family after we eat pancakes. By Alexander Solorio My family and I enjoy eating pancakes together. Just do not do what I did, if you want to make pancakes. Do not spin with your Have you ever burned yourself while arms out for fun, because you might get a bloody finger like me. making pancakes? I did. Once I was Just to let you know, it is a bit hard for kids to cook. Always cook helping my mom make pancakes for with an adult. I like to wake up on Sunday mornings to cook my dad and my brother. My mom pancakes with my mom. turned the stove on and I tried to check if the pan was hot. I placed my finger on the pan and it was hot and I burnt my finger. It was bloody. You might be wondering how I got in this situation. I will tell you. My mom and I woke up at 7:30 in the morning because my family was in the mood for pancakes. First we added the pancake flour into a bowl. Next we put two eggs, butter, and milk into the mixing bowl. Then we turned on the stove to preheat the pan. So I spun for fun, I had my arms out and I touched the pan. It hurt bad! It was bloody, but the pancakes were still good. My dad and mom were so happy that I made pancakes for them. My dog had a little pancake. He loved the pancake! He ate the pancake like his toy. I ate my pancakes with butter and syrup on top. My family sat at the table and ate pancakes with milk. Then I played soccer with my dog. It was funny because he ran to get the ball and gave it back. My family, our dog and I were watching a movie while eating pancakes. We were watching IT Two. It was scary! Me and my dog jumped scared, so did my brother. My mom and dad were laughing. My mom and dad said, “It is OK. It is just a movie, It is not real.” By Alexander Solorio 32

cont. RECIPE did you know... Makes 10 pancakes ...that a solution happens in this 1 cup mix flour recipe when I mix the flour in the ¾ cup of milk water? The evidence of a solution 1 Tbsp of butter is when the flour dissolves and the 1 egg batter cannot be separated. Heat the pan at medium low. Mix all ingredients and stir until large lumps disappear. Pour mix batter for each pancake onto By Alexander Solorio 33 lightly greased pan. Cook 90 seconds on first side. Flip and cook for another 60 seconds. Serve with desired toppings. Syrup,sprinkles,chocolate chips, toffee and fruit. Cinnamon Muffins

Cinnamon muffins By Busy Buckley Have you ever tried cinnamon muffins? Because if you haven’t, you’re missing out on a little bit of CINNAMON HEAVEN. A story I will never forget is when my mom whipped up some delish cinnamon muffins. I remember when I woke up on Christmas morning and ran to look at the presents. Then I woke up my brother and we looked at the presents together. Next I woke up my mom. I nudged my mom and yelled, “WAKE UP IT’S CHRISTMAS!” she said. “GO BACK TO BED IT’S CHRISTMAS MORNING AND I GET TO SLEEP IN.” I didn’t leave her alone. I made sure she woke up so we could make CINNAMON MUFFINS with each other. However, my mom only gets a little help from me and my brother but my gramma helps make them. After we opened presents, my mom made cinnamon muffins. My mom, my grandma, my big brother and me were there and the muffins smelled yummy. How we make it extra delicious is we add extra cinnamon. I eat the muffins cut up for fun. Cinnamon muffins are special to me because every Christmas morning we eat them for breakfast so they are a tradition. By Busy Buckley 34

cont. did you know... Cinnamon Muffins ...that a heat reaction happens in this recipe when my mom Recipe puts the batter into the paper cups and puts it in the oven? The evidence of a heat reaction is when it turns from a liquid You will need: that gooey to a fluffy muffin. Muffin mix, ¾ cup water, ¼ cup vegetable oil and 2 eggs By Busy Buckley 35 Step one is to heat oven to 425F (or 400F for dark or nonstick pan). Put paper baking cups in 12 regular size muffin cups, or grease bottoms of muffin cups with cooking spray or shortening. Step two is stir muffin mix, water, oil and eggs in medium bowl just until blended (batter may be lumpy). Divide batter among muffin cups (about ¼ cup each) Step three is sprinkle streusel over batter in each cup; press lightly. Bake 15 to 20 minutes or until golden brown and tops spring back when touched. Cool 5 minutes. Carefully remove from pan (if muffins are not in paper cups, run knife around sides before removing) Cool completely before storing. If giving to a 5 year old or younger I suggest cutting them up.

Pumpkin Muffins By Ethan Gatzke Have you ever tried pumpkin muffins? I like it more than my sister and I wish that I could feed the whole Because when you try them, you world pumpkin muffins. Maybe someday? But probably not going to can’t stop eating them. Well, me and feed the whole world. When you try, you feel like you are in heaven! my papa make it every October to Have you ever tried them before? If you have not tried them, you celebrate Halloween and Thanksgiving. HAVE to try this recipe! One time, I ate 10 and then I threw up. I ate 5 yesterday. This morning I ate 2 pumpkin muffins with butter on them. Now, my sister eats tons of them and I get to help my papa every time with the pumpkin muffins. My sister loves to make them with my papa, but the funniest part is when my sister licks the bowl. My sister always says that she gets to go first licking the bowl, but this last time I finally was about to get to go first, but my papa said I had to do my writing about pumpkin muffins. Now I always get to pick the first muffins. You gotta try it! This year I put chocolate chips in it. Now, I love to eat it every Halloween, but sometimes I eat pumpkin pie. I eat pumpkin muffins on every trip I go on. When I make them with my papa and my sister, it makes me so so so so so so so so soooooooo ooooooooooooooooooooooo happy! And it makes my papa and my sister so happy, too. By Ethan Gatzke 36

cont. RECIPE: did you know... Here are the instructions. ...that chemical change happens First you get pumpkin bread mix. in this recipe when the muffins get Then you get chocolate chips. heated in the oven? The evidence Then you get eggs and crack them in the bowl and stir it all of a chemical change is that the together and put it in the muffin pan. muffins go from liquid to solid, Then you put the pan in the oven and wait 18 minutes. grow, change color and smell. Then pull it out of the oven and wait until it is not hot, and then eat them. By Ethan Gatzke 37

Birthday Breakfast On the morning of my birthday, my mom wakes up an hour before me. By Hailey Clark This gives her just enough time to make my special Birthday Breakfast Do you have a special Birthday Breakfast? Well I’m . It is always homemade waffles with going to tell you about my special Birthday Breakfast. chocolate chips, sprinkles, whipped cream, and syrup! To top it off, my mom sticks so many candles in them that it’s a fire hazard, she sings happy birthday and I get to make my first birthday wish. I love how the sprinkles and chocolate chips come together to form a sweet, melted, chocolatey filling. But, when you add the whipped cream and syrup, it makes it perfect! I know what you’re thinking, “That is way too sweet for me,” and that may be true, but if you have a husband or kids that love sweets, this may be the perfect recipe for you. It’s your traditional birthday cake, except it’s a waffle instead of a cake. We make this every year on my birthday and I’m so grateful that we do! This is a special family tradition because it makes me feel happy, loved, excited for my birthday and I get a sugar rush, which I always love. By Hailey Clark 38

cont. RECIPE Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour 1 3/4 cups milk 2 eggs 1/2 cup butter melted 1 tablespoon white sugar 4 teaspoons baking powder 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 cup of chocolate chips Whip cream Sprinkles Instructions: Dump in your chocolate chips (add a little extra did you know... if desired) Preheat your waffle iron and spray with cooking Let mixture sit for about 5 minutes before ...that chemical change spray or rub a little melted butter on. adding to the waffle iron. happens in this recipe when Whisk together the dry ingredients - flour, sugar, Pour onto hot iron and cook until golden brown. the waffle mix is put in the baking powder and salt. Serve topped with a huge dollop of whipped waffle maker? The evidence In another bowl, beat the eggs with a mixer cream, vigorous shakes of sprinkles, and pure of a chemical change is that until light and fluffy and pale in color. maple syrup :) the waffle changes color and Add the vanilla to the egg mixture. smells great! Mix the egg mixture into the dry mixture. Add the butter and milk into the mixture- blending until just smooth. By Hailey Clark 39

Overnight French Toast By Jacqueline Girard Have you ever tasted overnight, It was Christmas Eve, my mom was going shopping and I didn’t cinnamon French toast? In my family, know why. It was 12:35 when she got back. I said, “Why did you go we add cinnamon to our french toast shopping?” She said, “It is a surprise.” I already had lunch but my when it is Christmas Eve and then we mom was cooking for some reason. I was trying to go in the kitchen eat it on Christmas morning. to see what she was making but she wouldn’t let me in. After a while it was time to go to sleep. After a while of sleeping, my Nonna woke me up and I was so excited about Christmas morning, I forgot all about the day before. When I went downstairs I smelled something good. I didn’t know what it was. I looked in the kitchen and I saw French toast. I wasn’t surprised because we normally have it. Then I looked at the tree and it was full of presents and I opened the presents with my sister. Then it was breakfast time. When I took a big bite of my French toast I said, “This is soooo good what is in here?“ My Nonna said, “Cinnamon.” I ate the whole thing! I chose this recipe because I will always remember my Nonna when I eat it. I want to have it more because we only have it on Christmas morning. I will always pass it on when I grow up. By Jacqueline Girard 40

cont. RECIPE: *Note I have left a generous baking time window because it varies on ovens and the size of your bread cubes. I used to cook this closer to 60 Overnight Baked French Toast Recipe by Our Best Bites minutes at my old house, but in my new convection ovens it’s done www.ourbestbites.com closer to 45. Keep an eye on it and let me know how long yours takes 8 eggs 2 cups half and half (one pint) 1 cup milk (whatever kind you to bake! have on hand) 6 tablespoons brown sugar 1 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon 1/2 Let cool for 5-10 minutes before cutting into squares. Drizzle with teaspoon kosher salt (a little less if using table salt) 1 tablespoon vanilla melted butter and syrup, top with berries, whipped cream and a extract 1 lb loaf of french bread softened butter for greasing baking dish sprinkle of powdered sugar if desired. (2-3 tablespoons) Topping 4 tablespoons packed brown sugar 4 tablespoons white sugar did you know... 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg 2 tablespoons cold butter ...that a solution happens in this recipe when I mix all of the For Serving melted butter maple syrup powdered sugar berries ingredients together? The evidence of a solution is when you whipped cream mix the ingredients together and can’t take them apart. Crack eggs into large mixing bowl and whisk to combine. Whisk in half and half and milk. Add brown sugar, cinnamon, salt and vanilla. Set aside. Use softened butter to butter bottom and sides of a 9×13 baking dish. Cut bread into 1 inch chunks and place in dish. Whisk egg mixture one more time and then pour evenly over bread. Use a rubber spatula to very gently toss bread, moving bread on bottom to top, and making sure all of the piece on top get dipped in egg mixture. Spread out evenly, cover dish, and place in fridge overnight. To make topping, place brown sugar, white sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg in a bowl and stir to combine. Cut cold butter into very small pieces and add to bowl. Use clean hands to break up butter and combine mixture until crumbly. Cover and place in fridge until morning. When ready to bake preheat oven to 350 degrees. Remove plastic from dish and sprinkle topping evenly over top. Bake for 40-50 minutes or until top is golden brown. You can stick a knife or skewer in the casserole to make sure the egg mixture is set on the bottom. By Jacqueline Girard 41

Cinnamon Rolls I picked this story because I like sweet stuff and dessert, but I have so many choices. Gwen and I always made all kinds of cool snack By Sonia Garcia ideas when we were in the kitchen. Have you ever had a cinnamon roll or made one? Because, if you haven’t you are missing out. They are like HEAVEN. Well do you want to know what happens well this is the story of the cinnamon rolls. It was a great day when my roommate Gwen yelled, “WHO WANTS TO MAKE cinnamon rolls!!!!” and I said, “Yes.” So we got the ingredients we needed. Then we put the things we need on the table. Then my came in from working in the garage. Then my mom said, “What are you doing?” “We’re making cinnamon rolls.” Mom said, “Cool.” Then mom went back to the garage to finish her work and we worked on the yummy treat. Well I have to tell the truth. I can’t put the cinnamon rolls in the oven. The oven was so hot, Gwen didn’t want me to get hurt or burned in the oven, because I said in the beginning that it was hot. But they also took a long time to get ready and it took so long like in 100 hours waiting. I’m’ not lying. And they were finally DONE! Then I asked my mom if she wanted one. “No thank you”, my mom said, Then Gwen and I ate one each. The cinnamon rolls were so good. They taste so sweet in my mouth. But then a few minutes later my mom changed her mind and got a cinnamon roll. During dinner, we put the cinnamon rolls in a container since we couldn’t eat them all. Did I mention that they smell so good? I could smell them from upstairs when they were in the oven .From this day on, I will never forget the awesome memories of this yummy treat!!! By Sonia Garcia 42

cont. RECIPE: did you know... Buy a packet of cinnamon rolls from any store you’d like. ...that a chemical reaction takes place when you heat up Preheat oven to 400F. the cinnamon rolls in the oven? The evidence of a chemical Stick pan with a little butter. reaction is when the cinnamon rolls change color and smell Separate into rolls. delicious. Place with sides touching in 8” or 9” round cake pan. Bake 15-17 minutes or until golden brown. By Sonia Garcia 43 Drizzle icing over the hot rolls. Enjoy!

Lunch & Dinner

Allen Family Famous Tacos By: Mila Allen Have you ever made add some beans. I like to add lettuce and cheese. Once we have ground beef tacos all the ingredients out we put them in the taco shell. Now they before? Tacos are are done! The only thing left to do is eat them all up! Once we are my favorite dinner all seated at the dining room table we share the things we are because I love crunchy thankful for and talk and laugh. My little sister always says, “I am taco shells. The meet thankful for Elsa!” which I think is silly. has a lot of flavor! I chose tacos because they make me feel connected to my family! What’s your favorite We always prepare and eat them together. So, if you’re looking for dinner? They smell a good and tasty meal to eat with your family, then I suggest you so good! try tacos! You can smell it the most when you are eating. It tastes like a By: Mila Allen 45 mixture of veggies and ground beef. My little sister Juniper just tried tacos and, it’s not like she doesn’t like them, she just said tacos are okay. She still likes burritos more than tacos. Personally, I like tacos better. But, it’s okay if some people like burritos or any other dinner better. I think burritos are okay. I always eat tacos with my family. My dad once asked me if I was getting bored of tacos because we eat them every Tuesday. Of course I said, “No’’ because I love them so much! Now I’m going to tell you about the recipe for our family tacos. First, grill the beef. Then add a packet of taco seasoning and then

cont. Taco Recipe: Ingredients: Lettuce Shredded Cheese Beans Tablespoon of Cream cheese Ground beef Taco seasoning Shredded Cabbage Taco shells or tortillas Cook the beef and drain the fat. Then add taco seasoning. We like to add a tablespoon of cream cheese. Then add your taco meat to your shell and add your toppings. did you know... ...that a mixture happens in my recipe when we put the taco seasoning on the taco meat? The evidence of a mixture is putting two things together. By: Mila Allen 46

Barati’s Khoresh Karafs By: Arya Barati Have you ever made Khoresh Karafs? If you have not made Khoresh Karafs (celery stew) then I will tell you about one of my experiences. When my grandma made Khoresh Karafs she asked for me My mom gave me some plain yogurt and a piece of onion. My brother poured to help so I cut and washed the meat. The meat was hard me a glass of water. My favorite thing to eat first is the rice and so I took a to cut and it felt slimy. Then my grandma prepared the rest big scoop. It tasted delicious! The rice was a little bit salty, the meat was of dinner by cutting the herbs which smelled delicious. I really tender, and the celery had lots of flavor with a good texture. I ate until I helped her by putting oil into the fry pan, then adding the couldn’t. herbs and frying them, which takes longer than you would After we ate dinner my grandma left. Then we were happy and relaxed. We think. The herbs were all bright green. When I smelled the started to talk about if my family should get new couches. My brother and I herbs frying I thought of a garden. When the herbs were said no and my mom said yes, my dad said nothing. Then my cats started to done cooking, we put them into a pan and put the meat jump over boxes, which made us all laugh again. and other spices in it along with onions and fried celery. I We ended up getting couches and my family spends more time together. could hear the sizzling of the celery and the meat cooking. When my family eats this meal we become closer to each other and we love After that my dad stirred the pot, but then my cats started relaxing in the couches once we’ve finished eating. chasing their tails. Then we all laughed. The Khoresh Karafs had to cook for a while, so we worked on cooking the rice. I helped to get the rice cooker out and soak and wash the rice and rinse it out. I measured the right amount of water to put in the rice cooker along with salt and oil. Then it all smelled so good that I could almost taste it. I could smell the rice cooking with the Khoresh Karafs too. I couldn’t wait any longer. I was so hungry and I wanted dinner to be ready right away! We all sat down at the table for dinner. I helped to serve the rice and my dad put the Khoresh Karafs on my plate. By: Arya Barati 47

cont. Khoresh Karafs Reduce to a simmer, cover and cook for 2-3 did you know... hours on low heat meat are tender. Once in a Ingredients: while check the stew and give it a stir. ...that a mixture happens in my 300 Grams stew meat (lamb or beef) Pierce a few dried limes using a fork and add recipe when you mix the celery, 1 head of celery (stalks cut into 1-inch long them to the stew, then cook for another ten mint, and lamb together? The pieces) , chopped leaves included minutes until the limes are soft. Gently press evidence of a mixture is when you 1 Cup parsley, chopped them against the pot so they release their mix these three ingredients together. 1 Cup mint, chopped juice. 1 medium onion Serve warm with Persian rice and enjoy! By: Arya Barati 48 1 Teaspoon turmeric Prep time 30m Cook Time 2h 30m 1⁄2 Teaspoons black pepper 1⁄2 Teaspoons salt to taste vegetable oil a few dried limes water Instructions: In a large frying pan heat 2 tablespoon of oil and saute the chopped celery for 10 minutes over medium heat until soft. Add chopped parsley and mint. Saute for another 5 minutes and set aside. Heat 3 tablespoon of oil in a pot over medium heat and sauté the chopped onions until soft. Then add stew meat and sauté for 2-3 minutes. Add turmeric, salt and pepper. Stir until all sides of the meat are lightly brown. Add the mixture of celery and herbs to the pot and give it a good stir. Add about 2 cups of water and bring to a boil.

Cheese, Meat, Tacos! By: Kaylum Berry Do you eat tacos daily? I eat Everyone makes their tacos their own way. Gabriel and I eat our tacos every Friday with my tacos the same way with just meat, tortillas and hot sauce. I usually family. It began 5 years ago eat 2 tacos. Manny can eat 3 tacos but I don’t know how he eats with my Nana wanting my that much. I love making Tacos with my family and spending time family to be together once a together. week. She wanted to have When we sit down to eat I say: “This looks yummy!” a time where we all came It is important to know this recipe because tacos are healthy and together. My Paw-Paw is the yummy and it is really important to spend time with your family. one who came up with the Let’s make some tacos tonight. recipe and started cooking them with our help. By: Kaylum Berry 49 The people who come are me, Gabriel, Manny, my Mom, my Paw- Paw and my Nana. Let me tell you about my family’s taco recipe. The ingredients you need to make tacos are: cheese, meat, hard shells or soft tortillas, lettuce, tomatoes, salt, pepper, paprika, onions, garlic cloves, garlic powder, oil and hot sauce. Sometimes my Paw-Paw and mom cook the meat and I cut the vegetables carefully. When the meat is cooking it smells delicious. I hear cracking and sizzling. My mom says, “back up or you might get hurt.” I set up the plates and the forks. My mom puts the meat and cheese in the tortillas. Then she adds lettuce and tomatoes. When I get my tacos, I add hot sauce. We all eat together.

cont. Cheese, Meat, Taco Recipe Ingredients: Ground Beef Onion Garlic Tomato Chili Powder Paprika Salt Pepper Corn or Flour Tortillas Sour Cream Cheese Lettuce Directions: Cook the meat in a pan on medium heat. Add in the spices. Drain the extra liquid. Cut the onions, tomatoes, and lettuce for toppings. Warm the tortillas in a pan on the stove. Make the taco by scooping meat into the tortilla. Add cheese, lettuce, onions, tomatoes and sour cream on top. did you know... ...that a mixture happens in my recipe when you mix the cheese, lettuce, and meat together? The evidence of a mixture is when you mix things together. By: Kaylum Berry 50