Ways to Celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month with Children

As a mother to multicultural children, it’s always been important to me that my children embrace all of their roots. My family tree alone consists of ancestors from Italy, Spain, Cuba and Puerto Rico, just to name a few. My husband’s family has roots in Ireland and Scotland. We cook Irish-inspired dishes and teach our twins and teen about European history. I have a desire for my children to understand the Spanish language and be able to identify with it. Whether families have a Hispanic background or not, many parents want their children to be exposed to various cultures and have a global-minded perspective.

Resources to help introduce the Hispanic culture are available during Hispanic Heritage Month. As stated by the Library of Congress, “Each year, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15 by celebrating the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America.”

EVENTS

• Events across the nation occur to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, highlighting diversity, food and music, and provide an educational learning experience for all who attend.

LANDMARKS

• Experiencing the outdoors can be part of learning about Hispanic heritage by visiting properties and landmarks that have Hispanic cultural significance as listed by The National Register of Historic Places.

EDUCATION

• Hispanic Heritage Month Recommended Reading Lists that are categorized by age groups and grade levels are available at Scholastic, Public Library, Bilingual Site for Educators, School Library Journal, Books for Teens and For Teachers.
• The Smithsonian provides resources and materials for educators to incorporate into their classroom lesson plans.

GAMES 

• Scholastic has interactive games for children.
• Popular kid-friendly websites, such as PBS’s Maya y Miguel, offer online games, episodes, and printables celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month.  Other sites include coloring pages, worksheets and arts & crafts.
• A series of videos available on the Disney Jr. YouTube channel showcase age-appropriate, fun Hispanic-influenced recipes that children can help make with adults.

EASY RECIPE – PICADILLO (CUBAN STYLE HASH)

In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, I’m sharing a brief how-to video below and recipe of a simple family-favorite Cuban dish called Picadillo (Cuban Style Hash). It is an easy weeknight meal, affordable, can be easily modified to taste and all ingredients.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 LB Lean Ground Beef (93% Lean)
• 1 Small Green Pepper, Chopped
• 1 Small Onion, Chopped (or 2 Cups of Wellsley Farms Frozen Peppers & Onions)
• 2 Large Cloves of Garlic (or Wellsley Farms Minced Garlic)
• 1 Can Tomato Sauce
• 1 Packet Adobo Seasoning Con Culantro Y Achiote (or Adobo Seasoning to Taste)
• 1/4 Cup Stuffed Olives
• 3 Tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil & for Sautéing
• Optional – One (1) 14½ oz. Can of Diced Tomatoes
• Optional – 1 Large Russet Potato, Cooked and Cubed

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Heat Oil in a Large Pan over Medium-High Heat. Add in Ground Beef and Brown Evenly.

2. As Meat is Browning, Add Onion, Garlic, Peppers Until Softened (About 5 – 7 minutes).
3. Once Onion, Garlic and Peppers are Softened, Stir in Remaining Seasonings (Tomato Sauce, Cumin, Adobo, Olives). *Add Optional Items at this Time*

4. Reduce Heat to Medium. Simmer and Cook for About 5 – 8 Minutes, Stirring Occasionally.
5. Serve Over Hot White Rice. Enjoy!

EASY RECIPE – CHILI CON CARNE

For an at-home activity, an easy, family-friendly recipe that is a good staple for the upcoming colder months is chili con carne.

Ingredients

• 2 teaspoons of olive oil
• 1/2 cup of onion, chopped
• 1 pound of lean, ground turkey
• 1 15-ounce can of red, pinto or kidney beans; rinsed and drained
• 1 28-ounce can of crushed tomatoes
• 1 to 2 tablespoons of chili powder—more  or less according to taste
• 3/4 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar, optional
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Garnishes: Chopped red onion, tomato, cilantro and shredded cheddar cheese

Directions

1. Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat.
2. Add onion and cook until golden, about 5 minutes.
3. Add turkey and cook, stirring often to break up the bigger bits, until turkey is cooked through, about 6 minutes.
4. Add kidney beans, crushed tomatoes, chili powder, salt and pepper.
5. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
6. Remove from heat and stir in apple cider vinegar.
7. Serve with onion, tomato, cilantro and cheese for garnishes.

Learn more about Hispanic Heritage Month on Mami of Multiples by clicking: HERE