Explore global desserts to inspire your kid’s curiosity and taste for culture

Introducing kids to desserts from around the world is a definite way to spark curiosity about different cultures. Get your little ones to experience diverse cultures through food that transcends the limitations of language and geography. When children try treats like the Japanese mochi, Mexican churros, or French macarons, they're learning about traditions, ingredients, and stories that have shaped those cultures for centuries. They are introduced to a variety of taste and flavor profiles. It helps them identify and shape their personal food choices from an early age. This is true for cultures even within India. For instance, the sweetness of Bengali sandesh feels worlds apart from the spiced sweetness of Maharashtrian sweets. Exploring the diversity in these local and global cuisines will help kids develop a versatile palate.

Mango Sticky Rice (Thailand's favorite dessert)

Ingredients:

• 200 gm glutinous rice (sticky rice)
• 240 ml coconut milk
• 25 gm sugar
• 1 ripe mango, sliced
• A pinch of salt

Procedure:

• Rinse the sticky rice in cold water until the water runs clear. Soak it for about an hour.
• Steam the rice in a bamboo or metal steamer for about 30 minutes until tender.
• While the rice steams, heat the coconut milk, sugar, and salt in a saucepan over low heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
• Once the rice is cooked, pour the coconut mixture over the rice and stir to combine.
• Let the rice cool to room temperature. Serve with fresh mango slices on top.

Churros (Spanish delicacy)

Ingredients:

• 240 ml water
• 30 gm butter
• 12 gm sugar
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 120 gm flour
• 1/4 tsp salt
• Oil for frying
• 50 gm sugar (for coating)
• 1 tsp cinnamon

Procedure:

• In a saucepan, heat water, butter, sugar, and vanilla extract until it starts to boil.
• Stir in the flour and salt until the dough pulls away from the sides of the pan.
• Let the dough cool slightly, then transfer it into a piping bag with a star tip.
• Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Pipe four to six inch strips of dough into the oil and fry until golden brown.
• Remove and place on a paper towel. Mix cinnamon and sugar together and coat the churros while they’re still warm.

Anmitsu (Japan)

Ingredients:

• 10 gm agar-agar powder (or gelatin)
• 120 gm red bean paste
• 120 gm fruit cocktail (or fresh fruit like peaches, cherries, or mandarin orange)
• 20 ml honey or syrup
• 10 ml soy sauce

Procedure:

• Dissolve agar-agar powder in water and heat it until it dissolves completely. Pour it into a shallow tray and refrigerate until set (about 30 minutes).
• Cut the set agar into cubes. Arrange the cubes in a bowl.
• Add a scoop of red bean paste, some fruit cocktail, and a drizzle of honey or syrup.
• Top with a dash of soy sauce for that quintessential Japanese flavor.

Kue Cubir (Indonesian favorite)

Ingredients:

• 180 gm rice flour
• 120 ml coconut milk
• 50 gm sugar
• 25 gm grated coconut
• A pinch of salt

Procedure:

• Mix the rice flour, coconut milk, sugar, and salt in a bowl until smooth.
• Pour the batter into small, greased muffin cups or molds.
• Steam for about 10-15 minutes or until the cakes are set.
• Sprinkle grated coconut over the top of the cakes while they are still warm for a fun and delicious texture.

Mini Pavlova (from Australia/New Zealand)

Ingredients:

• 3 egg whites
• 150 gm caster sugar
• 8 gm cornstarch
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• Whipped cream
• Fresh fruits like kiwi, berries, and passionfruit for topping

Procedure:

• Preheat the oven to 120°C (250°F) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
• Beat egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add the sugar and continue beating until stiff peaks form.
• Gently fold in the cornstarch and vanilla extract.
• Spoon the meringue mixture onto the tray, creating small circles or nests.
• Bake for 1-1.5 hours until the meringues are crisp on the outside and soft inside. Let them cool completely.
• Top with whipped cream and fresh fruit for a refreshing, sweet treat. Introducing kids to desserts from around the world also lets them participate in a fun and educational journey. It enables them to connect with the world beyond their own through the universal language of food. It’s a sweet way to teach them that every culture has its own unique flavors and traditions to offer.