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!
Change Sings By: Amanda Gorman Illustrated by: Loren Long
This amazing book by Amanda Gorman is a must read for children and adults. You may recall that Ms. Gorman is the youngest presidential inaugural poet in U. S. history. This beautiful book is an optimistic look at change in the world and the importance of tolerance and love for each other. The illustrations highlight Ms. Gorman’s insightful words. This is a book to just read, enjoy and reflect. This would be a beautiful gift for anyone on your list.
Tips for Reading:
- After reading the story, ask the child to look at the pictures and tell how the children in the story are making changes.
- After reading , ask the child what he/she could do to help make positive changes in the world.
Additional Books:
- What the Road Said By: Cleo Wade Illustrated by: Lucie de Moyencourt
- The Giving Tree By: Shel Silverstein
- I Believe I Can By: Grace Byers Illustrated by: Keturah A. Bobo
- I Am Enough By: Grace Byers Illustrated by: Keturah A. Bobo
Cooking Time:
Hummingbird Cake
We decided to make one of our favorite sweet treats to go with this beautiful book. Enjoy!
Cake
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease 3 nine inch round cake pans with non-stick cooking spray. Line each with parchment paper and spray the paper.
3 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
2 cups sugar
1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
3 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 cup crushed pineapple with liquid
2 cups very ripe bananas, mashed
1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts, optional
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
- Using a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt and cinnamon.
- Add the sugar and mix completely.
- Add the oil, eggs, pineapple, bananas, nuts (optional) and vanilla. Stir until combined.
- Pour the cake mixture evenly into the 3 prepared baking pans.
- Bake at 350 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes.
- Remove to a wire rack and allow to cool for 10 minutes.
- Remove the cakes from the pans and return them to the racks to complete the cooling process.
- Prepare the frosting.
Cream Cheese Frosting
1 cup butter, softened
16 ounces cream cheese, softened
2 teaspoons vanilla
7 to 8 cups powdered sugar
- Using a mixer, beat the butter and cream cheese until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes).
- Add the vanilla and mix until blended.
- Add the powdered sugar, two cups at a time.
- Beat until very smooth.
Frosting the Cake
- Place the first layer of cooled cake onto a serving platter. Invert the cake. You will be putting the icing on the bottom of the layer.
- Put a generous portion of icing onto the cake and spread evenly.
- Put the second cake layer onto the top of the first. Be sure to invert.
- Spread icing onto the second layer.
- Place the third layer on top of the second layer inverted.
- Spread icing generously over the sides and top of the entire cake.
Makes 12 servings.
