For many of us, our first introduction to a new culture came though sampling its cuisine. Similarly, helping children prepare an ethnic recipe is a great way to introduce them to the customs and traditions of another country. This is especially true of China, where great importance is placed on the appearance and texture of a dish as well as taste. Recipes like Egg Rolls or Wonton Soup can seem quite exotic to an eight-year-old.
Here are some simple "child-friendly" recipes, along with a section on Chinese table manners that includes instructions on using chopsticks. I've also included resources on traditional Chinese festivals such as Chinese New Year and the symbolic foods associated with them.
Recipes- Scallion
Pancakes
Children love rolling out the dough and shaping the pancakes - Baked Egg Rolls
These egg rolls are baked in the oven - much safer than deep-frying with large amounts of hot oil. - Chinese "Barbecued" Pork
From the Cooking With Kids site. - Chicken
Salad
This is a very basic Chicken salad recipe that can be adapted to add a few Asian ingredients such as water chestnuts. - Almond Float
A simple desert made with gelatin and canned fruit cocktail. - Where's
the Rice?
A page from a site in the Junior ThinkQuest competition that has several Simple Chinese dishes that children can help make, from soups to dessert.[/link] - Hot Bananas in Coconut Milk
In this recipe bananas are simmered in sugar, cinnamon, and coconut milk. (Note: This is an Indonesian version of a Chinese recipe for Banana Fritters. In the Chinese recipe the bananas are deep-fried in oil).
At the Table
- How
to use chopsticks
This video makes it easy for kids to learn how to use chopsticks. - The Guest of Honor - How to Behave at a Chinese meal
Chinese Festivals and Festival Foods
-
Chinese New Year
- All about Chinese New Year, China's most important traditional festival. Includes links to finding out your Chinese animal sign and horoscope. - Mid-Autumn Moon Festival- Learn about this Chinese festival celebrating the Autumn Harvest moon.
- Mooncake Cookies
A simplified version of mooncakes, made with chocolate chips - Mooncakes
A very easy recipe with jam, great for younger children -
Moon Festival Resources
An excellent list of children's books about the Moon Festival, from the Family Culture site.
