Join us on an educational adventure through each state in the USA! Each post in this series focuses on one state, and includes a regional recipe from that state. This is a fun way to get your kids involved in cooking, as well as learn a bit about United States geography! The post also includes a link to the featured state’s website, where you can learn more about the state. We also include free forms that you can download and print to use along the journey. Geography has never been so delicious!

Make sure to check back each week for the next post!

Did you know that the climate in southeastern Arizona is ideally suited for growing apples? Yep! Sunny days, cool nights, an elevation of 4,500 feet, and a plentiful supply of water create the perfect apple growing environment. Arizona apple growers raise 55 million pounds of apples each year, ranking 21st in the nation. Apple harvesting in Arizona begins in August and runs through October.

This recipe takes advantage of sweet and juicy, newly harvested apples – mixed with a little southwest flair! It’s an easy recipe that is fun to make, and one that kids really enjoy!

ARIZONA Apple Salsa

What You Will Need:

• 2 tart Apples, cored and diced (any type of apple will work, but a Red Delicious, Rome, or Criterion apple from Arizona tastes great!)


• 4 tablespoons Lime Juice


• 1 fresh Jalapeno Chile, seeded and diced


• 1 fresh Red Bell Pepper, seeded and diced


• 1/2 medium Red Onion, finely chopped


• 1 small Clove Garlic, minced


• 1 tablespoon Fresh Cilantro, coarsely chopped


• 1/2 cup Walnuts, coarsely chopped and lightly toasted (optional)


• 1/4 teaspoon Salt


• Dash of Pepper

What You Do:

• Cut the apples from the core, leaving the skin intact, then cut apples into small cubes (approximately 1/4″ cubes)


• Toss apple pieces with the lime juice and set aside.


• Cut the peppers in half lengthwise and remove the seeds and white ribs. Dice peppers into small pieces.


• Add diced peppers to the apples, then add remaining ingredients and mix thoroughly.


• Allow flavors to blend for about 1/2 hour before serving.


• Serve Apple Salsa with low fat tortilla chips.


• Salsa is also delicious with tacos and enchiladas!


• Serves 4 to 6

Arizona State Information – Click this link to learn more about Arizona attractions, activities, and to request free brochures, maps, and so much more! Make sure to watch the Grand Canyon Travel Video!

US Geography Journal Pages – Use these journal pages to create a geography journal as you collect information about each state.

Arizona Outline Map – Use this state map to label capitals, major rivers and lakes, and other areas of interest. Draw a star on the place you would most like to visit in this state!

United States Outline Map – Use this USA map to track your journey as you “eat your way across the USA”! Color in each state that you’ve tried one of recipes for.

• The United States Cook Book – Take a Tasty Tour of America’s 50 States, and learn a lot of United States geography along the way! (PLEASE NOTE: The recipe featured above is not included in this book.)


• US History Cook Book – Serve up a heaping lesson of history with delicious recipes from our nation’s past… from the pilgrims’ first feast to today’s high-tech, low-fat fare.


• Maps of the United States – This reproducible book contains geopolitical maps of each of the fifty states; political maps of the six regions; and political, physical, and thematic maps of the United States. You’ll also find fun facts, geography bee-type questions, and review pages.


• DK State-by-State Atlas – More than an atlas, this book shows and tells young geographers who, what, when, where, and why.


• The Geography Book – From finding directions by the stars, to mapping your neighborhood, to making an earthquake in a box, you’ll have a great time learning about the world with The Geography Book.


• Professor Noggins USA Geography Game – From rural farming communities to urban cities, from snow-capped mountains to tropical islands, this game covers both the natural and political geography of the United States. Learn about the states, cities, and natural geographical wonders that make this country such an interesting place to visit.


• State by State Card Game – Learning about United States geography is made fun and memorable with this unique deck of cards!


• GeoPuzzle USA Puzzle – GeoPuzzles provide a hands-on approach to learning geography.

Make sure to check back next week for the next state in this series!

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