Cooking Lesson: Tacos! (American-style)

Cooking with Kate!On Tuesday June 7, Kate provided a cooking lesson to our summer English Language Program students. Students were able to vote in advance on what dish (American cuisine) they wished to learn to make. For this lesson the top choice was: Tacos!During the lesson students learned about the difference between traditional Mexican tacos, and the American counterpart.We began with making our own guacamole (recipe below); before putting together our tacos. Students were able to personalize their taco and try different types. At the end of the lesson, students took home taco kits to make their own at home!Guacamole recipe:Ingredients:

•  2-3 ripe Avocados
• 1 clove garlic minced
• Red onion (cut in small pieces)
• Tomato (cur in small pieces
• 1 lime, cut in half and juice ½ into mix.
• Salt ¼ tsp
• Cilantro (optional)
• Jalapeno (optional)

Cut avocados in half and remove the pit. Scoop out avocado with a spoon and mash in a medium serving bowl. Stir in onion, garlic, tomato, lime juice, and salt. (add cilantro and Jalapeno if you wish). Chill and serve!Taco (American) recipe:Ingredients:

• 1 lb lean ground beef; or 1 lb chicken, cut to bite sized pieces.
• 2/3 cup water (150ml)
• 1 package of taco seasoning mix
• Hard shell tacos or soft tortillas
• Toppingso Cheddar cheeseo Oniono Tomatoo Lettuceo Sour creamo Jalapenoso Cilantro

In a skillet, cook beef or chicken over medium-high heat until cooked. Drain extra oil/fat from beef (do not put in sink!).Once cooked, stir in seasoning mix and water; heat to boiling. Reduce heat, and simmer uncovered 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently.If making hard-shell tacos: Remove tacos from packaging and place on cookie sheet, put taco shells in oven (350 degrees Fahrenheit) 5-7 minutes. Remove carefully- they will be hot!Spoon meat mixture into tacos (hard shell or tortillas) and add the toppings you wish. Enjoy!