Mexican Fiesta Lunch for Kids

Lunches during our family reunions have often been put together with little thought, other than getting those little tummies filled so that we could go on with activities.  This year, inspired by Pinterest ideas, we "visited" several countries during lunch.  Pictured here is our Mexican FIESTA lunch.  The menu included:

Cheese nachos, salsa, sour cream, grapes, fresh carrot chips, lemon lime soda, and piñata cookies. 

It would be easy to change the entree to burritos, tacos, or taquitos, with the same basic sides.

We used bright multi-colored paper products, straw hats and balloons (just out of photo range) to build the mood.  A nice touch would be  mariachi music playing in the background. 

Nachos for a crowd of children involves spreading corn chips on cookie sheets, sprinkling them with cheese, and baking a few minutes just until the cheese melts.  A pancake turner is useful in lifting the melty goodness on to each plate.

 We have found that fresh carrot chips and ranch dip is always popular with the grandkids.

A day in advance of the reunion, peel the carrots, run them through a food processor with the slicing tool, and seal them in a half quart jar with a vacuum sealer.  Prepare the dressing or dip then, too.  They are both fresh and ready to serve when needed.

We did the same thing with the grapes, washed and prepared the day before the reunion, they were fresh in the refrigerator waiting for last minute use.

Our piñata cookies were very popular, ending our Mexican fiesta.  This lunch would work very well on Cinco de Mayo.  Muy Bueno!