Easy Cinco de Mayo Recipes for the Whole Family

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Some parents are leery of letting their children anywhere near the kitchen-and with good reason. Heating elements, sharp knives and breakable containers and dishes are hazardous for everyone, especially younger children. But with proper supervision, kids love helping out in the kitchen and making dinner for the family and with easy recipes like those found in Trish Kuffner's "The Children's Busy Book," they can take charge of the kitchen without fear.

This recipe is perfect for Cinco de Mayo, a holiday which celebrates the victory of the Mexican Army over the French at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. It represents Mexican unity and patriotism, and is celebrated throughout Mexico and in American cities with large Hispanic populations. Bring the party to your home with this easy, kid-safe recipe from " The Children's Busy Book" (Meadowbrook Press, $9.95).

Easy Bean Burritos

Ingredients
One 8-ounce can refried beans
6 flour tortillas
3/4 cup grated Monterey Jack cheese
Chopped lettuce, tomato, and/or green pepper (optional)
Salsa
Sour Cream

Cook the beans, stirring occasionally, in a small saucepan over medium heat until they're warm (about five minutes).
Spread about three tablespoons of beans on one side of each tortilla
Sprinkle the cheese evenly over the beans, then add chopped lettuce, tomato, and/or green pepper, if you like.
Fold the bottom of each tortilla up over the filling, then fold the right and left sides in. Fold the top over so that the tortilla looks like an envelope. Turn the burrito over.
Cut each burrito in half and serve it with salsa and sour cream.

"Kitchen activities are valuable for children," says author Trish Kuffner. "They help develop hand-eye coordination, small motor skills, and reading and math skills. Learning to prepare food will give your child practical skills they can use all their life, and being able to cook and bake for other will boost their self-esteem."

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