About

Overview

Making Apricot Empanaditas with tortillas is a hands-on cooking activity that works well at tables in small groups. This activity allows children to explore new flavors and develop cooking skills, creating a culturally relevant snack inspired by New Mexico's Hispanic and Native American food traditions.

Learning Objectives

  • Children will explore the taste and textureof Apricot Empanaditas—and their cultural significance in New Mexico’s Hispanic and Native American food traditions in a fun and interactive way.
  • Children will develop basic food preparation and fine motor skills through mixing, filling,and sealing.

Teaching Objectives

  • Teachers will model healthy eating behavior by participating alongside the children.
  • Teachers will will guide children in safe food handling and preparation practices.

Teaching Tips

  • Remember that the more times children are exposed to a new food, the more likely they are to develop a taste preference for that food.
  • Children are more likely to try a new food if an adult models the behavior!

Prep Info

equipment

Equipment Required

materials

Materials/Supplies

* Optional

handwashing illustration

Before the Lesson

  • Wash and pit the apricots, then chop them into small pieces no larger than ½ inch.
  • Preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat * (For safety, this step must be handled by an adult only and away from children)..
  • Ensure all cooking materials, such as child safe knives and spoons, are ready for use.
  • Immediately before the lesson, ask the children to put on their chef aprons, chef hats, and wash their hands.

Activity

Introduction

“But first, what is something great chefs always do before they start cooking?” (Answer: Wash their hands!)

Activity Description

  1. Prepare the Filling:
    • Invite a few children to help add the chopped apricots, applesauce, cinnamon, and nutmeg into a bowl. Let them gently stir the ingredients while talking about the colors and smells.
  2. Prepare the Tortillas:
    • Lay the tortillas on a clean surface. Ask the children to place a spoonful of filling on one half of each tortilla. Show them how to fold it into a half-moon shape and press the edges to seal.
  3. Brush with Oil or Butter:
    • Demonstrate how to brush the tops with olive oil or melted butter. Let the children take turns brushing theirs.
  4. Cook the Empanaditas: * Adults only
    • At a later time and without the assistance of your class, place the empanaditas on a heated skillet or griddle and cook for 2–3 minutes on each side, until golden and crisp.
  5. Serve, Taste, & Discuss:
    • Allow the empanaditas to cool slightly. Serve each student a portion. Invite them to observe, smell, and feel the food. Let the mdecide whether to taste it and share their thoughts or personal connections.

Summary

Enrichment

Ask the children, “What other fruits can weuse for empanaditas? Could we use peachesor pears instead of apricots?”

Attention Teachers!

Following this activity, please fill out the teacher’s weekly log form for this lesson.

Weekly Log

Attention Teachers!

Following this activity, please fill out the teacher’s weekly log form for this lesson.