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 rich soil in central and southern New Jersey is perfect for growing quality vegetables and fruits, and that New Jersey is a top state for producing tomatoes?

This recipe takes advantage of the delicious juicy tomatoes from New Jersey. It’s an easy recipe that is fun to make, and one that kids really enjoy! Perfect for serving during family game night.

NEW JERSEY Simple Salsa

What You Will Need:

• 4 firm, large Jersey Tomatoes


• 1/2 medium Onion


• 2 cloves Garlic, minced


• 1/2 cup Cilantro, coarsely chopped


• 1 Jalapeno Pepper, seeded and chopped fine


• Juice from 1 large Lime


• Pinch or 2 of Sugar


• Salt to taste


• Corn Chips to dip


• Non-Metal Hand Grater


• Mixing Bowl

What You Do:

• Using a non-metal hand grater, grate tomatoes on the largest holes into a mixing bowl, then grate the onion.


• Add the remaining ingredients (except the chips) to the bowl.


• Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate until serving time.

New Jersey State Information – Click this link to learn more about New Jersey 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.

New Jersey 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!

Copyright © 2007-2010 Escapade Direct LLC. All rights reserved. All content on this site is property of Escapade Direct LLC and may not be used without our written permission.