Cooking Activity: Cheesy Quesadillas

In this recipe we count, find shapes and make a yummy quesadilla with veggies and leftovers. Join "Cooking Counts" chefs Patty Rodriguez and Oliver as they explore early math concepts like discovering shapes, counting ingredients and using spatial vocabulary.

Find this and other recipes and fun music videos on our YouTube channel @FamilyMathKids.

Learning Objectives

Find shapes, count, measure, and sort ingredients.

What You'll Need

*Makes 4 servings

• 2 flour tortillas
• 2 corn tortillas
• 3 cups of shredded cheese
• 2 cups of shredded chicken
• 1 avocado
• Assorted veggies - spinach, pre-cooked bell peppers
• Assorted toppings - crema, salsa

Steps

• Prepare fillings and toppings: shred cheese and chicken, and mash avocado.
• Warm tortillas to make them easier to fill and fold.
• Add filling to each tortilla. Fold each tortilla in half to form semi-circles.

* Talk together: “What’s the shape of the tortilla before we fold it? How about after?”

• Puree strawberries in a blender with a little bit of water.

* “How did the strawberries change?”

• Mix puree, agave syrup and vanilla into the yogurt.

* “If we want the yogurt to be sweet, we add MORE syrup. If we want it to be tart, we add LESS syrup.”

• Warm the folded tortillas in a pan to melt and flatten ingredients together.
• Transfer tortillas to cutting board. Cut into triangles.
• Add toppings and enjoy!

Talk Together

Number sense is about understanding quantities and concepts like more and less. Help your child master counting by using everyday activities, like cooking:

• “Let’s count the spinach leaves together. 1, 2, 3, 4.”
• “Help me count 2 corn tortillas and 2 flour tortillas.”
• “How many spoonfuls of salsa would you like on your quesadilla?”

Fun Fact

In addition to cows, goats, and sheep, cheese can be made from the milk of buffalo, camel, donkey and even hippopotamus.