About 55 social science students at Crossroads High School and Middle School got a taste of international flavors and cultures last week with the school’s eighth annual International Food Day.

Sponsored by the alternative school’s Social Sciences department, students are asked to bring an entree, dessert or drink from a foreign country or region to the event to share with the other students.

World history/world cultures instructor James Fuller headed up this year’s effort and said students brought a variety of tasty dishes representing their cultures.

“We have students at our school from Mexico, Iraq, Iran and other countries,” Fuller said. “This event gives our students a chance to understand other cultures. I think it is important for them to expand their horizons.”

Fuller said the students brought Persian and Mediterranean dishes, tamales and steak tacos from Mexico, Asian noodles and even shepherd’s pie.

“We had a great variety. The kids love it, they just really love it,” the social sciences teacher said.

Each of the four social science teachers at the school pick 10 students from their class who earn the chance to participate in the event through their work in class.

Teachers include the department’s head, Wesley Marshall, as well as Nick Zincone and Chris Aman.

In addition, the 15 students at the school who are in the English as a Second Language class also participated in the food fest.

Fuller said about 10 students helped with the setup and clean up for the food tasting event.

“One of our students brought 50 steak tacos with all the authentic condiments, such as cilantro and red jalapeño sauce,” Fuller said. “The kids from Iraq brought couscous and other local dishes. All is all we had a lot of interesting food.”


Try this at home: Easy Couscous Salad

Ingredients

1 box flavored couscous (garlic or Parmesan), cooked

1 can chickpeas

1 red bell pepper, finely chopped

½ Vidalia onion, chopped

1 English cucumber, peeled, seeded, and finely chopped

1 tomato, chopped

¼ cup fresh parsley leaves, chopped

½ cup crumbled feta cheese

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

1/4 cup olive oil

2 to 3 limes, juiced

Directions

In a large bowl, toss all the ingredients with the olive oil and lime juice. Chill until ready to serve.