Grades 1-3
WorldBlessings
An important tenet of Unitarian Universalism is an appreciation of our world and its many blessings. This curriculum seeks to introduce our world’s diverse countries, religions, and holidays through the shared activity of cooking. Each session will include a story, discussion, and a recipe to cook together.
Rice Balls: Everyone Cooks Rice
From Haiti to Viet Nam, everybody cooks rice. This story connects cultures from around the world in a neighborhood of the United States. Then make a tasty puffed rice treat.
Microwave Apple Pie: Bring me some Apples and I’ll make you a Pie
Hear the story of Edna Lewis, an African American chef from Virginia who championed regional cuisine and farm to table eating.
DIY Pasta Salad: Prayer of St. Francis
Learn about St. Francis of Assisi and his prayer. Enjoy a taste of Italy with DIY pasta salad.
Peas Porridge: John Murray Day
Hear the story of Universalist John Murray. Then cook a traditional dish that might have been eaten during his time–peas porridge.
Vegetable Biryani: One Grain of Rice
In this Indian folktale a clever girl tricks an unjust ruler to help feed her people. Then make a delicious vegetable biryani rice dish to share.
Squash Soup: Is it Sukkot Yet? Learn about the Jewish fall holiday Sukkot and make squash soup.
Carob Pudding: The Magic Bean Trees
Hear this legend from Argentina explaining why the carob tree brings good luck, then make a tasty and healthy carob treat.
Rainbow Dip: Pride–The Story of Harvey Milk and the Rainbow Flag
Learn about LGBTQ+ activist Harvey Milk and the origin of the Pride flag. Then make a colorful treat.
Sopapillas: A Gift for Abuelita
Learn about the Mexican/Catholic holiday Day of the Dead and make tasty sopapillas.
Coconut Lad: Ganesha’s Sweet Tooth
This book introduces children to the Hindu god Ganesha, who has an elephant head. After the story, satisfy everyone’s sweet tooth with a yummy coconut ladoo.
Mama Panya’s Pancakes
Share this Kenyan story of generosity and community. Then make savory pancakes using the recipe from the book.
Wojapi and Fry Bread: The First Strawberries
This Cherokee story tells of how the first strawberries came to be. It’s moral–be kind and loving to each other. Then make strawberry wojapi and fry bread.
Wintercake
Share a cute holiday story and make a microwave wintercake.
Tacos and Tortillas: The Story of 3 Wise Kings
Learn about Three Kings day, celebrated in many spanish speaking countries. Then make tortillas and tacos.
Collard Greens: Seven Candles for Kwanzaa
Share a story about the meaning of the African American holiday Kwanzaa, and make and eat collard greens.
Freedom Soup
Every year, Haitians all over the world ring in the New Year by eating a special soup, a tradition dating back to the Haitian Revolution. Hear the story, then make soup.
Festive Stir Fry Rice: The Runaway Wok
Caprese Salad Skewers: Imbolc
Learn about the pagan holiday Imbolc, which celebrates the coming of spring and new life.
Three Sisters Succtash: Giving Thanks
Share a thanksgiving message from the Iroquois and then make Three Sisters Succotash.
Irio: Wangari’s Trees of Peace
Gator Gumbo
Easy Hammentaschen: The Sneaky Tricky Hamantash, a Purim Story
Festival of Colors: Mango Lassi
Irish Pancakes: Patrick, Patron Saint of Ireland
Domaj: Seven Special Smethings, a Nowruz Story
Devilled Eggs: Balance Dance: A Spring Equinox Tale
Matzo Ball Soup: Matzo Ball Moon
Berry Parfait: Berry Song
Papaya Salad: The Life of the Buddah
Bolani: The Stranger’s Farewell–This story is set in Afghanistan and shares an important message about giving and receiving. Then make Bolani–a stuffed fried bread from the middle east.
Sushi: Hiromi’s Hands
No Bake Birthday Cake: The Birthday of the World–A Story About Finding Light in Everyone and Everything