Llapingachos - Ecuadorian Potato Pancakes

These fried potato pancakes were a huge hit with the kids!  They loved mashing and making patties with the soft potatoes, but even more, they LOVED eating them!  "Llapingachos" is also really fun for the kids to say aloud. Our ingredients were simple with potatoes and mozzarella fried in olive oil and salt. Next time we make these we'll try adding more veggies into the potato mix and see how they like them.

Step 1
Peel potatoes with a child safe peeler.  This was a challenging task, but they persevered and yelled "I did it!" when they got some peel off.

Step 2
Slice potatoes with a child safe crinkle knife - check out their knife skills!

Step 3
After potatoes have been boiled and cooled, get your friends together and take turns mashing.  Mashing is an excellent activity for gross motor development.

Step 4
Grate the mozzarella (queso blanco is good too).  We love this box grater from Oxo.

Step 5
Prepare to pat!  It helps to have  moist hands before making patties so your hands don't get too sticky.

Step 6
Form patties, then poke a hole in the middle and hide some cheese inside.

And try not to eat all the patties before you fry them!

The kids loved checking out this Giant Leopard Moth at our nature table.

The kids created a special sand habitat for the seals and whales that evolved throughout the day.

Kathleen teaches the kids what size hole to dig for our new baby transplants.

Who needs dressing frames when you can help dress each other...

and play dress up!

Cooking muffins...

and eating muffins!

Bubbles had the kids running and smiling.

Free play!

We love our alphabet and shape puzzle mats!

These kids have rhythm!