Mexican Edible Sombreros

Today we are taking part in an Around The World In 30 Day blog series hosted by Cutting Tiny Bites. It is a whirlwind virtual trip to 30 countries in 30 days to develop a resource base of activities for toddlers and pre-schoolers.

Our chosen country is Mexico. My husband and I went there on holiday in 2008 and were fortunate enough to visit Chichen Itza. That day I purchased two Mexican dolls and four miniature sombreros. These were to be used as a teaching aid for my class. I never expected to be using them a few years later with my own son.

For our toddler and pre-schooler based activity we created Mexican edible sombreros. This activity helps to develop fine motor skills and following instructions as well as learning a little bit about another culture.

As I am hopeless in the kitchen, I opted to use shop bought biscuits – although bigger biscuits would have been easier. Using Dr Oetker Vanilla Cupcake Icing, the toddlers attempted a circle around the outside of the biscuit. The nozzle on the tube proved too tricky for the toddlers so we used disposable icing bags instead.

The biscuit was then placed upside down on a plate of 100s & 1000s Mini Sugar Balls. Another squirt of icing sugar was placed in the middle of the biscuit and a American Hard Gum Sweet was placed on top. The toddlers had made their own Mexican edible sombreros.

What surprised us was that the toddlers wanted to do the activity again and again. We finished an entire packet of biscuits. Adam and Beth could complete the activity independently, remembered the instructions in the correct order and waiting patiently for their turn.

After dinner, the toddlers had a tea party with the Mexican dolls. I hadn’t expected Adam to go near the biscuits as he is so particular about his food. He is milk intolerant but we are beginning to introduce milk back into his diet. However, he shocked us by having a try at a biscuit and then eating the whole thing. He was obviously taken by the Mexican edible sombreros!

Equipment needed:

* Round biscuits

* Cupcake icing – we used Dr Oetker Vanilla Cupcake Icing

* 100s & 1000s Mini Sugar Balls

* American Hard Gum Sweets

Remember to check out the fabulous activities as part of the blog series hosted by Cutting Tiny Bites and help your little ones tour the world from your living room.

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