In honor of Mother’s Day here are 13 children from all over the world with some of the cutest (and straight up giggle-worthy) expressions I’ve seen around. Along with each child’s photo you will discover a few of their country’s favorite recipes. If these munchkins inspire you to take a taste of something new, excellent! Simply follow the recipe links below to get cookin’!

 

1. INDIA

 

“And then he said… What!?”

 

Children in India love an ice cold kulfi pop on a hot summer’s day. And spinach with homemade cheese (saag panir) is a fun and healthy meal for lunch or dinner! Celebrate Mother’s Day with a recipe from India.

 

 

2. IRAN

 

“No, you can’t have my ice cream.”

 

Children in Iran love kebabs (on ‘swords’!), Persian sour cherry rice, and cucumber salad topped with sumac – the bold spices will surprise (and delight!) you. Celebrate Mother’s Day with a recipe from Iran.

 

 

3. PAKISTAN

 

“But mom… who’s that photobombing behind us?”

 

Kids in Pakistan clamor for their version of the ubiquitous three bean salad (chickpeas, anyone?), and crazy-good garlicky rice (with pine nuts and cilantro). Their parents enjoy sips of cardamom coffee. Yum. Celebrate Mother’s Day with a recipe from Pakistan.

 

4. MEXICO

 

“They see me rollin’… oh wait. I seem to have run out of gas.“

 

There’s no shortage of yummy food in Mexico. Kids love a strawberry horchata (think strawberry milk, but better!), cheesy popblano dips, and grilled “pizza” that tastes like a giant taco! On a very special day, they might even enjoy a 5-step mole poblano. Celebrate Mother’s Day with a recipe from Mexico.

 

 

5. SLOVENIA

 

Hand. Glass. Hand. Glass.

“Fascinating.”

 

Kids in Slovenia celebrate special occasions with braided heart bread (you’ll find these a lot at Slovenian weddings). And they know a good soup when they see it: bean and barley is the way to go! Celebrate Mother’s Day with a recipe from Slovenia.

 

 

6. ISRAEL

 

“Ready, set, go!”

 

Children in Israel love a good minty lemonade (it’s so popular they call it “Israeli lemonade”). Speaking of lemon – their lemony and garlicky hummus is first rate! Fruit salad has mint in it, just like the lemonade – so refreshing – with all manner of yummy citrus. Celebrate Mother’s Day with a recipe from Israel.

 

 

7. TAJIKISTAN

 

“Can we keep him mom? He followed me home…”

 

Kids in Tajikistan love a good hunk  of bread, like naan (and it’s healthy, too – the dough is made with yogurt), as well as lamb and dried fruit plov, or rice. Celebrate Mother’s Day with a recipe from Tajikistan.

 

8. MONGOLIA

 

“Up, up, and away!”

 

Kids in Mongolia love their carrots – they are one of the few veggies that grow well in the brutal climate. The carrot salads have gone into our regular rotation. And their tea parties? All about green and millet tea – with plenty of milk, of course. Celebrate Mother’s Day with a recipe from Mongolia.

 

9. MAURITANIA

 

Confidence accomplishes more than size.

 

Children in Mauritania clamor for couscous, roast lamb with dried fruit stuffing, and hot sips of sweet North African green mint tea. Celebrate Mother’s Day with a recipe from Mauritania.

 

10. ETHIOPIA

 

Workin’ the look! (Puts Blue Steel to shame!)

 

No meal is complete in Ethiopia without injera, the spongey flatbread, perhaps with a bit of spicy lamb stew. Fresh popped popcorn is a way of life in Ethiopia, served during the country’s ubiquitous coffee ceremonies. Celebrate Mother’s Day with a recipe from Ethiopia.

 

11. CAPE VERDE

 

“I don’t know what she’s so excited about.”

 

Slurp your way through a coconut milk smoothie like a Cape Verdean … or go for their veggie-packed cachupa stew… or better yet, some sweetly addicting avocado and date dip (I have a feeling this one would be great for babies)! Celebrate Mother’s Day with a recipe from Cape Verde.

 

12. BENIN

 

Peekaboo!

 

Kids in Benin love bananas cooked in orange sauce (ice cream is a bonus!), mashed black eyed peas, coconut rice, and baked crabs! Celebrate Mother’s Day with a recipe from Benin.

 

13. BASQUE COUNTRY

 

“I have the same hat as my daddyyyy!”

 

The Basque country straddles France and Spain; children in this region love  everything from  pots de creme, French onion soup, artisan French bread, paella, churros, sangria, and more! Celebrate Mother’s Day with a recipe from France or Spain.

 

Happy Mother’s Day, from our Global Table Adventure, to yours!

Love you all loads and loads.

xxoo Sasha

 

P.S.  Hungry for more? You, too, can explore all of the world-wide recipes our family tried when we cooked our way around the world! Simply view our interactive map to begin.