Fiesta Food Tasting Event
By: Analisse Rodriguez, UTSA Dietetic Student
In honor of the month of Fiesta, a Fiesta Food Tasting Event was presented to the Grace Place clients. Vince, the production manager at Meals on Wheels ordered and supplied the ingredients that were used for today’s event. All food was prepared at Meals on Wheels prior to the presentation. With the help of Oscar and Josh, kitchen staff members from Meals on Wheels, delicious fiesta inspired food items were prepared. Special thanks to them because without them and Vince, none of this would have been possible!
The distribution of food was administered by Grace Place staff members and Rhaizza Velasquez, the Registered Dietitian at Meals on Wheels. After each food was tested, each participant was able to note if they liked or disliked the food. Once the taste testing was done, the participants played nutrition bingo. Below are the foods with the listed ingredients from the event. (Unfortunately, not all of the exact measurements are not listed due to preparing the food in bulk). Enjoy some yummy Fiesta inspired food and Happy Fiesta!
Infused Water
- 2 containers of strawberries (sliced)
- 2 ½ cucumbers
- Water
Preparation
Water was filled to ¾ of the container. Next 2 ½ whole cucumbers and 2 containers of strawberries were rinsed, sliced and then placed into the water. Finally, the infused water was left alone till the presentation. For a stronger flavor, let the water sit overnight (with cucumbers and strawberries) and enjoy the next day.
Comments:
More than half of the participants enjoyed the infused water and many commented that it tasted refreshing. This was inspired by Aguas Frescas that are popular around this time of year.
Black Bean and Corn Salsa
- Black beans
- Corn
- Tomatoes
- Green bell peppers
- Red onion
- Whole wheat mini crackers for tasting
Preparation
All ingredients were prepared separately. The black beans and corn were provided in can form, so Oscar and Josh heated the corn and black beans to their appropriate temperature. The tomatoes, green bell peppers, and red onion were rinsed, diced and separated individually. Once all items were prepped, I mixed the items together. Measurements vary, but most of the salsa was black beans, and tomatoes. The corn, green bell peppers, and onion were added in lesser amounts.
Comments:
Many of the clients enjoyed the taste and commented how colorful the salsa looked. I also made note that some of the participants did not like the onions in the salsa. The onions can easily be substituted with another bell pepper, avocado or diced cucumbers.
Mini Street Tacos
- Corn tortilla
- Grilled Chicken
- Diced purple onion
- Diced red bell pepper
- Chopped cilantro
- Queso fresco
- Lime (squeezed over)
Preparation:
The add-ons (diced onion, red bell pepper and chopped cilantro) were rinsed and prepared first. Once the add-ons were prepared, Oscar and Josh began to cook the chicken to its appropriate temperature. As the chicken finished cooking, the mini corn tortillas were placed in warmers to heat up. The tacos were put together by placing two strips of baked chicken on the corn tortilla, followed by the addition of diced onion, red bell pepper, cilantro, and queso fresco.
Comments:
Many of the clients enjoyed tasting the mini street tacos. I noted that this was their favorite food to taste test. Again, I got some negative comments about the onion, but other than that, the participants enjoyed the mini street tacos. This food was inspired by the mini street tacos that are commonly sold in stands during fiesta.
CONFETTI YOGURT
- Vanilla Greek yogurt
- Strawberries
- Blueberries
Preparation
First, the strawberries and blueberries were rinsed. Once rinsed, the strawberries were sliced in halves. After the fruit was prepped, one container of Greek yogurt was placed in a blow. Fruit was then added to the bowl and mixed. The confetti yogurt was left in the fridge until the presentation.
Comments:
About half of the participants liked the yogurt and half did not. I received a couple of positive comments about the fruit that was in the yogurt, but some participants did not enjoy the consistency of the yogurt. Unfortunately, there was not enough time to freeze the yogurt and treat it as a “paleta,” which is a popsicle, but I would highly encourage others to try it at home for a refreshing snack!
Once the taste testing was complete, everyone had a great time playing Nutrition Bingo!
