From our kitchens to yours, we hope your holidays are filled with good food, laughter, and time spent with the people you care about.

To celebrate, we’re sharing a few favorite holiday recipes—

perfect for sharing around the table:

Vegetable Tamales

The holidays are tamalada time—a chance to gather, pitch in, and make something meaningful together. These vegetable tamales are smaller, meat-free, and quicker to cook, making them a great option for busy schedules and shared meals. They’re perfect for making a big batch, sending guests home with extras, or stocking the freezer for winter meals.

[Get the Recipe]

Red Chile Sauce

A rich, warming staple rooted in New Mexico tradition, this red chile sauce has been part of Cooking with Kids programming for over 25 years. Whether spooned over tamales, ladled over mashed potatoes, or served alongside simple dishes, this versatile favorite adds warmth to holiday meals of all kinds.

[Get the Recipe]

Potato Pancakes

Crispy, comforting, and made with simple, affordable ingredients, these potato pancakes are a holiday favorite for a reason. They come together with pantry staples and work just as well for a festive meal as they do for a cozy breakfast, lunch, or dinner. A longtime favorite in Cooking with Kids classrooms, this version adds a little sweet potato for color and warmth—perfect for Hanukkah or any winter gathering.

[Get the Recipe]

Homemade Applesauce

Warm and gently spiced, this applesauce is a classic pairing with potato pancakes—or as a comforting side dish at any meal. It’s easy to make, fills the kitchen with the cozy scent of cinnamon, and is perfect for even the littlest chefs to help with.

[Get the Recipe]

Extending a measure of gratitude to our special community partners...

The holidays are also a time to celebrate the people and organizations who show up for our community all year long. We are deeply grateful for the partners who help make our work possible—whether through funding, shared resources, collaboration, or the wisdom that comes from years of service.

A Special Thank You:

...with a special shoutout to new Rio Arriba "Local Heroes"

and our partnering schools and districts!

Thank you to our first local heroes from the Rio Arriba County Sheriff’s Office, who joined students for the inaugural round of Cooking with Local Heroes in Rio Arriba County. This effort invites public service members—police officers, firefighters, EMS, armed service veterans, and other community leaders—into classrooms to cook and learn alongside students.

These visits offer kids a chance to meet the people who serve their community every day and to see healthy food as part of what makes Rio Arriba County strong, caring, and connected.

Interested in connecting? Please contact Patty Romero, CWK Rio Arriba County Coordinator

Heartfelt Thanks to our
2025-2026 School Partners

  • Española Public Schools
  • Kha’p’o Community School
  • Las Vegas City Schools
  • New Mexico School for the Deaf
  • Ohkay Owingeh Community School
  • Pojoaque Valley Public Schools
  • Santa Fe Public Schools
  • Turquoise Trail Charter School
  • West Las Vegas Public Schools

Cooking with Kids educates and empowers children and families to make healthy food choices through hands-on learning with fresh, affordable foods.

Cooking with Kids, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. EIN 20-4396207

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