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 early colonists in Massachusetts learned to make baked beans from their Native American neighbors? Native Americans flavored the beans with bear meat and maple syrup. The colonists substituted salt pork for the bear meat and molasses for the maple syrup. Baked beans on Saturday night became a Massachusetts food tradition in colonial times. The tradition started because the Puritans were not allowed to work on Sunday, so beans were cooked on Saturday and served for Sunday’s dinner as well.

This recipe makes a delicious batch of beans!

MASSACHUSETTS Boston Baked Beans

What You Will Need:

• 1 medium Onion


• Vegetable Oil Cooking Spray


• 2 16-ounce cans Navy Beans


• 1 15-ounce can Pinto Beans


• 1/3 cup Ketchup


• 3 tablespoons Brown Sugar


• 2 tablespoons Molasses


• 1 tablesoon Spicy Brown Mustard


• Saute Pan


• Colander


• 2-quart Casserole Dish with Cover

What You Do:

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.


• Remove the skin from the onion, then chop into small pieces. (Adult supervision is required).


• Spray a saute pan with vegetable oil cooking spray, then heat the pan over medium heat.


• Add onions to the pan and saute until soft. This usually takes about 5 minutes.


• Open the 3 cans of beans and rinse them in a colander under cold, running water. (Kids like this step!)


• Stir onions, beans, ketchup, brown sugar, molasses, and mustard together in a casserole dish.


• Cover and bake for 30 minutes or until the mixture is bubbly.


• Serve and enjoy!

Massachusetts State Information – Click this link to learn more about Massachusetts attractions, activities, and to request free brochures, maps, and so much more!

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

Massachusetts 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 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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