Multicultural Puzzle

This puzzle was bought at a store called Anthropologie which is a ladies clothing store in West Edmonton Mall. Search in the back corner of the store to find a children's book and toy section. It was about $17.00 and has different pictures on the back of each piece as well. The box says 3 and up but some 2 year olds can do this with ease. It can also be bought online by clicking here to link to amazon.com.

Lentil Soup

4 leeks - white and light green parts only
1 bunch kale
1 Tbsp olive oil
1 can (28 oz) tomatoes , drained
6 cups water
2 sweet potatoes - peeled and diced
1/2 cup brown lentils
1 Tbsp fresh thyme leaves
2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
12 fresh basil leaves (optional)
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

Slice each leek in half lengthwise, then slice into half moons about 1/4 inch thick. You should have about 2 cups. Place in a large bowl of cold water and swish to remove any grit. Drain and pat dry.
Remove stems from kale. Stack leaves on top of one another and slice into strips. You'll need about 3 cups.

In a saucepan over medium heat, heat oil. Add leeks and cook for 3 minutes.Add tomatoes and cook for 5 minutes. Add water and bring to a boil. Stir in kale, sweet potatoes, lentils, thyme, basil, salt and pepper.Simmer until lentils are tender- about 30 minutes. Spoon inti individual bowls. Sprinkle with parmesan.

To freeze: Omit parmesan. Let soup cool. Ladle into large resealable bags, filling each one halfway. Store up to 3 months.
Serves 6

Tacos

6 soft flour multigrain or corn tortillas
Hard shell tacos (optional)

Meat Mixture: make the night before so it's ready for lunch
1 pound of ground beef (can use ground chicken or turkey)
2 tsp chili powder
2 tsp onion flakes
1 tsp cumin powder
1/4 tsp turmeric
1/2 cup ketchup
1/2 cup water

Toppings:
leaf lettuce
green onions
cilantro (optional)
roma tomatoes
cheddar cheese, shredded, light or fat free
sour cream, light or fat free
chunky salsa

Brown ground beef in a frying pan. Add spices, ketchup and water to browned meat. Simmer on medium-low for 10 minutes.

Wash all vegetables. Cut them up small and set out in serving bowls.
Have the children spoon meat mixture onto tortilla, sprinkle with cheese and add their favourite toppings. Roll up the tortilla.