Dear Reader,
This Blog is designed for the parents, grandparents and caregivers of young children. Each post will highlight a great book that all children should hear, with tips to enrich beginning reading skills. You will also find fun recipes that go along with each story. Enjoy reading and cooking with the children in your life.
*Read to the children in your life every day. You are giving them a gift that will last a lifetime!
Are You My Mother? By: P.D. Eastman
Ages: Toddlers through First Grade
Are You My Mother? is an oldie, but a goodie! A few of our friends have requested this one and even though it is over 60 years old, it is timeless. In our story, the little bird hatches while his mother is away, so he goes in search to find her. He encountered many animals and objects, and with a little help from a friend, makes his way back to the nest and his real mother. Children will love going along with the little bird and his adventure.
Tips for Reading:
- Before reading the story, read the title to the child and ask him/her to look at the cover picture and see if he/she can predict what the story is going to be about.
- After reading the story ask the child to tell you why mother bird was missing.
- After reading the story, ask the child to recall some of the animals and objects that little bird encountered on his journey to find his mother.
- After reading, ask the child to tell you how he/she thinks little bird felt when he found his mother.
Additional Books:
- Me and My Mom! By: Alison Ritchie Illustrated by: Alison Edgson
- Wherever You Are: My Love Will Find You By: Nancy Tillman
- Love You Forever By: Robert Munsch Illustrated by: Sheila McGraw
- I’ve Loved You Since Forever By: Hoda Kotb Illustrated by: Suzie Mason
- You Are My Happy By: Hoda Kotb Illustrated by: Suzie Mason
Cooking Time:
Chicken Supreme
This casserole is a family favorite and made its way to every holiday table. It can be a side dish or the main course. Children can help by cutting the chicken and adding the ingredients. Don’t forget to include them with kitchen cleanup.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9 by 13 inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
1 1/2 cups chopped rotisserie chicken
1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of chicken soup
1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
1 can (5 ounces) sliced water chestnuts, drained
2/3 cup evaporated milk
1 can (5 ounces) chow mein noodles
- Using a large bowl, mix together the soups and milk.
- Add the chicken and the water chestnuts. Mix to combine.
- Add the chow mein noodles and combine.
- Place the mixture into the baking dish.
- Bake for 30 minutes in a 350 degree oven.
Makes 8 to 10 servings.
Green Bean Bundles
These bundles are so easy to make and children will love helping. Children can help roll the beans with bacon.
12 ounce bag of fresh green beans
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
6 slices of bacon, cut in half
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place a rack on a baking sheet.
- Place the beans in boiling water and blanch for 3 minutes. Rinse in cold water.
- Place the beans in a bowl and toss with olive oil, salt and pepper.
- Bundle 5 beans together and wrap with a strip of bacon.
- Place the bundles on a baking sheet and bake for 10 to 15 minutes or until bacon is cooked.
Makes 12 bundles.
Sour Cream Coffee Cake
This cake recipe is expected by everyone visiting. It is perfect for breakfast, brunch or a dinner dessert. Using a cake mix makes it easy and the sour cream makes it very moist. Children can help by cracking the eggs, adding the ingredients and sprinkling the sugar mixture.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a tube pan with non-stick cooking spray.
Cake:
1 box (15.25 ounces) yellow cake mix
1 cup sour cream
1 package (3.4 ounces) vanilla instant pudding
4 eggs
1/2 cup vegetable or canola oil
Sugar Mixture:
3/4 cup sugar
3/4 cup chopped pecans
1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a tube pan with non-stick cooking spray.
- Prepare the sugar mixture by placing the sugar, pecans and cinnamon in a food processor or chopper.
- Mix until the nuts are finely chopped. Set aside.
- Using a mixer, combine the cake mix, sour cream, pudding, eggs and oil on low until combined.
- Mix on medium speed for another 2 minutes.
- Place 1/2 of the cake batter into the tube pan. Sprinkle 3/4 of the sugar mixture evenly over the cake mixture.
- Pour the rest of the cake batter evenly over the sugar mixture.
- Sprinkle the top of the cake with the rest of the sugar mixture.
- Using a small measuring cup, gently press the sugar mixture into the top of the cake.
- Bake at 350 degrees for 40 to 50 minutes or until a tooth pick comes out clean. Do not overbake.
- Place the cake on a wire rack to cool.
- Once cooled, cut gently around the edge of the cake and remove the cake from the pan.
- Remove the inner tube and place on a serving plate right side up.
Makes 10 to 12 servings.
