Head of School José de Jesús and Middle School Assistant Dean of Students René Jimenez showed the students how to prepare mangú: a dish made from boiled, mashed green plantains, and Orley Ramirez P’21 shared his recipe for patacones: crispy, twice-fried slices of green plantains, and smashed flat, all while guiding the students how to peel, fry and smash the plantains. Under Chef Jaz’s direction, everyone had a role to ensure safety and an efficient flow in the kitchen. It required teamwork and attention to instructions in Spanish in order to prepare the food and have time to taste their creations. 

The lesson on Latinx food integrates with the Spanish 4A curriculum as the students have studied the Puerto Rican community in East Harlem and the Dominicans in Washington Heights, and will soon start to study the Colombian community in Jackson Heights. The students had fun learning a recipe by doing it with their classmates and reinforcing their Spanish skills. ¡Qué rico! Click here to view the photo gallery.