By M. Diane McCormick 

Across the globe, nearly every culture eats meat or cheese wrapped in dough. Call it a pierogi, a wonton, or an empanada, but the meat pastry is a staple of world cuisine. 

The Library brings one of those staples, the Mexican empanada and its many South American variations, to its Taste the World program for Hispanic Heritage Month.  

“Each culture has something a little different that you can bring to the table,” said Library Programming and Outreach Administrator Tynan Edwards. 

Taste the World is The Library’s popular series that introduces attendees to cultures worldwide and the culinary traditions that anchor them. Previous editions have featured local chefs bringing their dishes and explaining their significance to their cultures while attendees nibble on samples. 

The upcoming East Shore Area Library program on Oct. 5 introduces a new twist. Library staff will bring their innovative Charlie Cart mobile kitchen, and participants will prepare their own empanadas on the spot for a cooking lesson to accompany cultural awareness. 

Edwards believes it’s the first time a Library program has invited attendees to make and taste their own food. He noted that kids might not know what an empanada is, but they can make the connection with the pierogis and wontons that they recognize. 

“It’s an intuitive way of showing kids we’re all the same,” Edwards said. “Not only does everyone need food, but we’re all making the same kinds of foods. You’re more invested to try if you spent 15 or 20 minutes making it.”  

The family program gives kids a chance to be chefs for a day. 

“It is a hands-on lesson that lets kids get their hands in the dough and try some cooking,” Edwards said. “It’s the idea of being able to expand horizons with something as innocuous as a meat pastry. It’s an easy way to try something new. What kid doesn’t like ground beef and pastry? It’s a really good entry point into getting to know another culture.” 

Because it’s a Library program, there will also be recommendations for books on continuing the culinary exploration of Hispanic heritage. The Taste the World reading list includes “Empanadas for Everyone,” “Gaby’s Latin American Kitchen,” “Comida