Kids Cook: Taco Dinner Night

Cooking with your children can be fun as well as lay a good foundation for healthy habits. Enjoy creating a Taco Dinner with your kids using these recipes from Chefs Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger featured on FoodFit.com

Nutritional Information
per serving of meal
Calories : 527
Total fat : 17g
Saturated fat : 3g
Protein : 31g
Sodium : 650mg
Cholesterol : 55mg

Carne Asada Tacos
Makes 8 tacos (2 per person)

1 pound skirt steak
salt and freshly ground pepper
olive oil
1 lime
8 corn tortillas

Instructions

  1. Kidds sprinkle the steak all over with salt and pepper.
  2. Place a cast-iron skillet or grill pan over high heat and lightly coat with oil. Sear the steak about 2 minutes per side and place on cutting board to rest for about 5 minutes.
  3. Kids can cut the limes in half, pierce the juice side with a fork and twist to release the juice all over cooked meat.
  4. Cut steak into thin slices across the grain and then let  cut each slice into bite-sized pieces for bringing to the table.
  5. Kids can warm the tortillas by dipping first in water and then placing in a dry pan over low heat. Use tongs to lift out and wrap in a towel to keep warm.
  6. Everyone can assemble the tacos at the table with salsa fresca and guacamole. It’s easy to replace the steak with chicken or fish.

Salsa Fresca
Makes 2 cups

4 ripe tomatoes, seeded and diced
1/4 red onion, minced
2 jalapenos, seeds optional, diced
1/2 bunch cilantro leaves, chopped
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice
salt and freshly ground pepper

Instructions

  1. Salsa should be a Team Effort. The only item that needs adult attention is the jalapeno and its seeds. For more heat, keep the seeds and chop.
  2. Younger kids can chop the cilantro while mom dices the tomato, onion and peppers. Be sure to have the kids put everything in the bowl and handle the mixing.

Guacamole
Makes 3 cups

2 ripe Haas avocados
½ bunch fresh cilantro, leaves chopped
1/4 medium red onion, diced
2 jalapenos, stemmed, seeded and finely diced (optional)
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice
salt and freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

  • Cut the avocados into halves and remove the seeds. Peel the fruit and place in a mixing bowl.
  • Have kids mash avocados with a potato masher or fork until chunky. (Good luck stopping them from mashing into a thin paste!) They can add the remaining ingredients (after grown-ups have chopped the jalapenos) and mix with a fork.

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