From the Cafeteria family to yours: 
have a safe and Merry Christmas
and of course 
buen provecho!




Menu for the week has been posted

Christmas in Honduras - time for food, family, fireworks, and fun.

This article is from Honduras This Week and was published in three parts last year. We are running an edited version.  

Christmas is an all-important annual festivity for Hondurans, as much so as in any other country. Not only because the majority of the population are devout Catholics, but also because, as in Western society, it is an intrinsic part of traditional family life. Few things bring families closer together than a shared meal around the table, especially in this festive period which is all about celebrating with those near and dear.

The following are a little more than a handful of the most popular Christmastime traditions Hondurans observe this time of year.

Honduras has adopted its ‘Ronpopo’ tradition from Western countries but it is now very much the Honduran Christmas beverage of choice. The drink, which can be drunk hot or cold, is typically prepared with milk, egg yolks, sugar, cinnamon, cloves and a liquor of choice acting as preservative and giving a warming, little kick.

Now the drink is popular across the Americas with the alcoholic component changing country by country. The Honduran way is to add ‘guaro’, a local rum. Ronpopo can be found in most Honduran supermarkets or made at home.

The predominantly Catholic celebration of the Posadas is a more local tradition having come over from Spain with the original Spanish settlers and is most popular in Central America. In smaller rural communities (as well as in parts of Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula) you’ll see groups of friends and family going around their neighborhood during the nine evenings before Christmas, carrying a homemade replica of the nativity scene. This ritual is to remember the biblical story of Joseph and Mary finding no room at the inn in Bethlehem.

Each evening the group visits three different homes in the area, symbolically requesting a room for the night. The first two will refuse and the third will accept, welcoming the group inside for the celebrations. This is all done through the traditional Posada song that tells the story of Mary and Joseph. This third home will keep the nativity scene for the night until it is taken onto the next place the following day. In return, the hosts will provide Ronpopo or Ponche Infernal, coffee, biscuits and sweets.

Aside from the main Christmas dinner, Nacatamales are an important part of Honduran Christmas gastronomy and are eaten throughout the festive period. The nacatamal is described as the king of Honduran tamales. And tamales, eaten on every corner of the country by pretty much everyone even now, are the oldest form of Honduran food that we know of (corn grinding stones used to make these were found at the Copan Ruins from 1300 BC).

Developed as a portable ration for use in war (much like the sandwich), tamales are a popular tradition eaten throughout Latin America which means recipes are naturally varied. But opinions on origins of this particular type are mixed. Some say that the ‘nacatamal´ is the Nicaraguan tamal, others claim it is purely a giant one. Either way it plays a big part of Honduran Christmas culture.

‘Estrenos de Navidad,’ or new Christmas clothes, is a Latin American tradition basically means wearing new clothes for the first time. Many locals go out and buy new outfits on the 24th (and also on the 31st), translating into booming business at clothing stores at the malls in the larger cities of Honduras. We don’t know where the tradition comes from, but it is an integral part of the family Christmas here in Honduras.

Cohetes, or fireworks, have long been a significant feature of Honduran Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve celebrations. Around midnight on the 24th and 31st of December, in any town in the country, you can see (and hear!) firework displays. Things have changed a little in recent years though, with a law against the more traditional fireworks, meaning families can no longer buy fireworks themselves (unless they go out of town or buy them illegally) or arrange their own displays, but watch those put on by the local officials.

The National Congress prohibited the sale of fireworks in 2001 because of the huge number of resulting burn injuries. Hospitals would see a huge increase in children with gunpowder burns over the Christmas period due to the popular use of fireworks and their wide availability. Now, the festive displays are generally saved for organized events but, even so, remain a favorite among Hondurans at Christmas.

The nacimiento, or nativity scene, is a feature of virtually every Catholic or Protestant Christmas celebration across the world. We’re all familiar with the scene of Joseph and Mary with the baby Jesus, surrounded by three kings, shepherds, farm animals, angels and the Star of Bethlehem.  Here in Tegucigalpa, Nacimientos are on nearly every corner and in nearly every home. The most famous is undoubtedly that by architect Fernando Martinez. Also known as Menando, Martinez is a well-known public figure, having run for mayor twice in the capital. Despite an unsuccessful bid to become mayor, he is known for sharing his views on the current political and social status within the country through his annual Nacimiento.

The Christmas dinner, however, tops the list as the most widely celebrated holiday tradition in Honduras. Christmas night or ¨Noche Buena¨ is celebrated on the 24th in Honduras and the feast begins at midnight! Since personal firecrackers are prohibited and midnight mass is held in the early evening, a family gathering at home is how most Hondurans celebrate the season. Families get together, usually wearing their new clothes, catch up on each others’ lives, dance, drink ronpopo or ponche infernal and eat, eat, eat!

The traditional Honduran Christmas dinner usually includes roasted pork leg and a sweet dessert called ¨torrejas,¨ which is a biscuit bread that we make, with an egg glaze, fried and boiled with cinnamon and brown sugar.

The feast continues until the early morning. After wishing each other a merry Christmas, the young adults or young at heart, go out and spread the cheer. Christmas day is more laid back and quiet. Most Hondurans take this opportunity to visit relatives and friends, eat leftovers or go to restaurants.

Three phrases that sum up Christmas are:  Peace on Earth, Goodwill to Men, and Batteries not Included.  ~Author Unknown

Menu items swapped

Due to reasons beyond my control 2 menu items will be swapped from the OPTIONAL Lunches:

On MONDAY instead of Sushi Rolls we’ll have the COUSCOUS SALAD

On TUESDAY we will have the California Rolls

Everything else remains the same.

Sorry for any inconvenience this may cause you 

Its the season to be jolly

Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful.  ~Norman Vincent Peale

The menu has been posted.

Nacatamales

Last Nacatamales of 2011

We'll be making our last Nacatamales of the year on Saturday 10 and 17 only so reserve yours now. 3 days notice minimum.

The Menu for the week has been posted.  Remember this Wednesday is half day.

Cafeteria service is an important part of your child’s school day. Studies have repeatedly shown that students who eat well do better in school.  If your child skips breakfast at home the cafeteria offers 2 or more breakfast items at first recess daily plus a variety of fruits, salads and veggie sticks.  

Holiday Parties!

The holiday season usually begins  after Thanksgiving and as it brings the usual whirlwind of social events, keep in mind the cafeteria offers a full range of foods, from appetizers to complete meals to desserts.  Please see Christmas page for more info.  Feel free to call or write me. 

Here are a few samples of our appetizers. 

Empanadas (meat, chicken or chard)

Churros de Queso o Hot Dog

Kibbes

Sambusek

Buffalo Wings

Jalapeno poppers

Rellenos

Hummus  

The Menu for the week has been posted.
Remember we only have classes until Wednesday.

Happy Thanksgiving

        

Thanksgiving has always been one of my favorite holidays. 

Great food, family and friends enjoying time together having lots of fun and giving thanks for the many blessings in our lives. 

I wish you all a wonderful holiday!

Thanksgiving

Check out our Thanksgiving page!

FRUITS

FRUITS OF THE WEEK

GUAYABA
MANDARINA
APPLE
PINEAPPLE
WATERMELON
GRAPEFRUIT
CANTELOUPE
BANANAS
LICHAS

The menu for the week has been posted.  

Thanksgiving is almost here.  

We are already taking orders.  

We are offering turkey and trimmings for classroom celebrations and for Thanksgiving Day at home too.  

Please browse the Thanksgiving page for details.

Thank you!

A heart warm thanks to all elementary Teachers for their cooperation in making our 1^st Parent Luncheon a resounding Success! 

A special thanks to Ms. Cristiana and Ms. Gloria for their help in the kitchen speeding up service.   

I appreciate parents taking their time to attend the activity.  Thank you!

This is truly what makes Discovery special; the way everyone comes together in full cooperation sharing their time. 

Thank you Parents and Teachers!

Success!!

Parent Luncheon was a Success!!!!

Parents enjoyed quality time with their children while having a delicious lunch together.

We'll have another one next quarter!

Parent Luncheon is this week!

If your havent sent you pre-order slip don't delay and do so on Monday to secure your order.  

Lunches should be picked up at the cafeteria.  We'll have additional tables ready.  

Happy Halloween!

Cafeteria Open for UN day

The Cafeteria will be open on Friday 28th - UN day Celebration - in case you want a drink or snack.

Please remember to drop off your Pre-Order Slips and payment for Parent Luncheon.


Menu 1: Meat Lasagna, Caesar salad and Cheesy Garlicky Bread
Menu 2: Spinach Lasagna, Caesar salad and Cheesy Garlicky Bread
Menu 3: Pizza (Pepperoni, Ham or Cheese)

Short Week

This coming week is very short.

Parent Luncheon Order Slips will be going home on Tuesday.  Please send them back with payment by Thursday 27 or you can hand them to cafeteria staff on Friday at UN day Celebration.

The Cafeteria will be opened for Drinks and Daily Snacks on UN day.

PARENT-STUDENT CONFERENCES

CAFETERIA IS OPEN FOR CONFERENCES

STOP BY FOR A DRINK AND SNACK

COLD DRINKS

COFFEE

HOT CHOCOLATE

SNACKS:

    HOT DOGS

    NACHOS (CHICKEN, BEANS)

    CHILAQUILES

    TAJADITAS CON CARNE           

    SINCRONIZADAS

    CHICKEN QUESADILLAS

    CHICKEN SANDWICH

    HAM & CHEESE SANDWICH

    PEANUT BUTTER & JELLY

Parent Luncheon coming up!

Parent Luncheon is on Friday Nov. 04th for all Elementay

Menus and a Pre-order slip will be going home soon.   

No class on Monday

Enjoy the long weekend as Monday is Columbus day or "dia de la raza' as we say in spanish. See you Tuesday!

NACATAMALES

Cafeteria Staff is busy making "Nacatamales estilo Nicaraguense (Pork only)". They" ll be ready to deliver this Saturday. Order yours now. If you don't know what a Nacatamal is please see below for an explanation. We will be making Nacatamales every weekend as demand increases exponentially in this holiday season. The Honduran size Nacatamal is L.30 and the typical Nicaraguan size is L.50.

A nacatamal is a Nicaraguan tamal. They are much larger than the tamales typical of Mexico, Honduras, Guatemala, and El Salvador. Nicaraguans eat nacatamales typically on Sunday morning with bread or coffee. They are also eaten during lunch or dinner any time of the week. Nacatamales tied in plantain leaves ready to be steamed. A nacatamal consists of dough (masa) (made from nixtamalized corn flour, milk and lard mixed with sliced potatoes, green peppers, onions, garlic, salt and spices) and a filling (relleno) consisting of pork or chicken, tomatoes, rice, garlic, onions, potatoes, and mint leaves. The filling may also include olives, raisins or fresh chile. It is wrapped in plantain leaves to give it a unique flavor, tied, and then steamed or pressure cooked for several hours. From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Fruits of the week

Menu

The menu for the week has been posted.

Let's enjoy Fall Season!

Lunch menu change

Please note the middle and high school lunch for tomorrow has changed from "Spaghetti Criollo" to Carne asada.


Pizza for elementary remains the same.

Food for Opera & Picasso Field-trips

The cafeteria will have Chicken Quesadillas ready to go at 8:20am tomorrow if your child wants to eat in the bus.




We will also have hot lunches waiting for the students and teachers at 1:00pm.

Fruits of the Week

LICHAS

                                                                                                                     

MANDARINAS

ANONAS

Menu

The Menu for this week has been posted.  Check it out.

Breakfast Bags for Opera and Picasso Trips

As you may already know on Friday October 7^th students from grade 6^th to 12^th will be leaving school at 8:30am and returning at 1:00pm (grades 6-8) and 1:45pm (grades 9-12). 

The Cafeteria will have hot food for those students who let us know in advance they will be eating once they get back to school as they will be given time to do so.  

We are also offering a “pick me up breakfast bag” to take on the bus to eat on the way to the Opera.  These must be pre-ordered by Thursday, and will be ready to pick up by 8:15am on Friday. 

The bags will be filled with your choices which may include any of the following: Breakfast Bars, Cereals, Milk, Juices, Water, Bagel with cream cheese, Breakfast Bagel (egg, ham and cheese), Sandwiches (peanut butter and jelly, ham and cheese, chicken), Fruits, crackers, etc. 

Just come in and let us know what you want.  Thank you, 

Monday is a Holiday

Just as reminder Monday is a National Holiday.  Classes resume on tuesday.  Our National and Central American Hero Francisco Morazan was born one October 3rd in Tegucigalpa.

Morazan Statue

Enjoy the long weekend!!!!

Menu Change

Please note Lunch for Thursday has been changed.  Go to "Menu for this week" page.

Dessert

YUMMY FLAN DE COCO

Try it tomorrow!

Fruits of the Week

Banana

Pink Grapefruit

Pineapple

Guayaba & Apple

Watermelon

I am always looking for nutritious, satisfying dishes to offer our students and staff.

Be sure to check out the Menu for this Week PAGE for up to date Menus.  


Have a Wonderful Week!!!