ORANGE, California, April 6, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Día del Niño or Day of the Child, a nationally recognized Mexican holiday (typically taking place on April 30th) began in 1925 as a way to celebrate children and the important roles they play in society. Since then the holiday has evolved taking its place on the world stage, and though dates and traditions among countries may differ slightly the theme of celebrating our children remains key. That’s why this year the makers of the HERDEZ® brand, the number one salsa brand in Mexico, are partnering with Celebrity Chef Martita Jara and her nephew Jojo, mini Chef in training, to encourage everyone to celebrate our children every day by cooking with them.
“My mama inspired me to cook and in turn I want to pass down the traditions, starting with my nephew Jojo,” said Chef Martita Jara, Food Network Star Alumni and cast member of OWN’s Home Made Simple. “We’ve been cooking with the HERDEZ® brand since he was able to sit up. Sharing these moments with our kids means the world to them.”
In honor of the holiday, Chef Martita Jara and Jojo have created simple kid-friendly recipes with everyday household ingredients like tortillas, cheese, salsa and broccoli to help kids and families collaborate in the kitchen, preparing easy after school snacks, light lunches and even dinner together. Available exclusively on www.herdeztraditions.com, Martita and Jojo’s recipes include:
- Pizza Casera— This all-time favorite gives traditional pizza an HERDEZ® brand twist. Featuring a combination of Salsa Casera, Salsa Verde, on a tortilla crust, topped with jack cheese, ham, basil, herbs and a touch of olive oil. Perfect for a quick and tasty after-school snack.
- Albondigas de Pollo a la Barbacoa— Barbeque delight! This version of meatballs including chicken, jack cheese, HERDEZ® Salsa Verde, oregano, breadcrumbs, spices and homemade barbeque sauce will create fun forms in the kitchen culminating in a leisurely light lunch.
- Mac and Cheese Verde— No kid-friendly recipe is complete without mouthwatering mac and cheese. This take incorporates pasta, tortillas, milk, butter, broccoli, sharp cheddar, HERDEZ® Salsa Verde, Maseca, a touch of olive oil and spices to taste for a crisp, creamy creation.
- Cheesy Spinach Enchiladas— This appetizing arrangement is made with tortillas, spinach, jack cheese, corn, avocado, olive oil, spices and a combination of HERDEZ® Salsa Casera and Salsa Verde. Inspired by traditional enchiladas and elaborated with kid-friendly ingredients, this recipe is a delicious dinner-must the whole family can enjoy.
“Food is always a part of the celebration! Most of our happy childhood memories are centered around our Tia’s kitchen,” said Gilberto Gutierrez, senior brand manager for the HERDEZ® brand. “Martita and Jojo’s Día del Niño recipes are an easy and fun way to celebrate our kids and get them involved in the cooking experience.”
To further encourage the celebration, the makers of the HERDEZ® brand are hosting a “Celebrate Your Chef” video and photo social media contest so families can get that extra motivation to jump in the kitchen with their kids and win fun prizes. Simply cook with your kid, capture the moment and share on Facebook or Instagram using #HERDEZKids for a chance to WIN $1,000 cash, cooking classes and prizes. All participants are eligible for a free child-size apron while supplies last.
For more information on the HERDEZ® Brand “Celebrate Your Chef” Contest, to download kid-friendly recipes or learn more about the holiday visit www.herdeztraditions.com/dia-del-nino. Follow the HERDEZ® brand via social media on Facebook and Instagram @HERDEZTraditions and on Twitter @HERDEZBrand. Join the conversation via #HERDEZKids.
About the HERDEZ® Brand
HERDEZ® salsa is made the authentic way, using fresh ingredients like tomatoes, onions, chile peppers and cilantro. Today, HERDEZ® Salsa is the No.1 selling salsa brand in Mexico and a growing staple in homes in the United States. HERDEZ® authentic Mexican products are available nationwide at major grocery stores. Visit www.herdeztraditions.com for more information.
