Aguacates y Guacamole

Learning a little about the culture and economy of our neighbor to the south, the Spanish 1 and Spanish 2 classes whipped up, using traditional techniques, delicious, authentic Mexican guacamole. Understanding farming aguacates, or avocados (English), contributes greatly to Mexico’s agricultural economy, the students experimented with several other vegetables and spices used in the traditional […]

Learning a little about the culture and economy of our neighbor to the south, the Spanish 1 and Spanish 2 classes whipped up, using traditional techniques, delicious, authentic Mexican guacamole. Understanding farming aguacates , or avocados (English), contributes greatly to Mexico’s agricultural economy, the students experimented with several other vegetables and spices used in the traditional dip, opening their minds to try new things, and using an authentic recipe (completely in Spanish). The class began with 90% of students expressing general dislike of guacamole, and ended with 100% of the class tasting it… and coming back for seconds, and thirds, and fourths…

A large part of teaching foreign language is helping students to understand and accept products and practices of other cultures; so to see the students’ opinions of something change so drastically is what we as foreign language teachers call ‘mission accomplished.’  So when your teenager sends you to the grocery story with new items on their grocery list, such as white onions, cilantro, and avocados, expect authentic Mexican cuisine for dinner!