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!
Dog vs. Strawberry By: Nelly Buchet Illustrated by: Andrea Zuill
This adorable book is about Dog’s attempt to beat Strawberry in a race. Of course, Strawberry never moves, but Dog is everywhere. Strawberry almost wins, until something very unexpected occurs. Children will love the antics of Dog and the surprising ending.
Tips for Reading:
- Before reading the story, read the title and ask the child to predict what this story could be about.
- After reading the story, ask the child to tell you some of the things that Dog did to win the race.
- After reading, ask the child to tell you why Dog thought that Strawberry was winning.
- After reading, ask the child to tell you the surprise ending.
Additional Books:
- The Little Mouse, the Red Ripe Strawberry and the Big Hungry Bear By: Audrey Wood Illustrated by: Don Wood
- I Love Strawberries! By: Shannon Anderson Illustrated by: Jaclyn Sinquett
- Spring is for Strawberries By: Katherine Pryor Illustrated by: Polina Gortman
- A Strawberry For Me By: Chelsea Marae Rogers Illustrated by: Virvalle Carvallo
Cooking Time:
Crepes with Strawberry Filling
Crepes can be a little tricky, but oh so delicious. Children can help by measuring, adding ingredients and cracking the eggs.
Crepes:
4 eggs
2 cups milk
1 1/3 cups flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 1/2 teaspoons vegetable oil or cooking spray
Filling:
2 cups strawberries, chopped
1/2 cup powdered sugar
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
- In a mixer or food processor, combine all of the crepe ingredients.
- Cover and refrigerate about one hour (very important).
- For the filling, combine the strawberries and sugar. Set aside.
- Using a mixer, combine the cream cheese, powdered sugar and vanilla. Mix until smooth.
- Fold in the strawberry mixture. Set aside.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and spray with cooking spray.
- Pour 1/4 cup batter into the pan, tilting to completely coat the surface of the pan.
- Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, flipping over once until golden brown. The thinner the crepe, the better.
- Put 1 to 2 tablespoons of strawberry mixture on each crepe. Roll up and serve with additional strawberries and whipped cream.
Makes 8 servings.
Strawberry Scones
These delicious scones are a perfect treat with fresh strawberries. Children can help by measuring, adding ingredients, cracking the eggs and adding the sugar topping.
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
3 cups flour, plus a little extra for dusting
1/3 cup sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 sticks butter, cubed and frozen
1 cup buttermilk, very cold
2 large eggs, 1 for batter and 1 for top
1 teaspoons vanilla
Coarse sugar for topping
1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, largely chopped
1 tablespoon flour to toss with berries
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, baking powder and baking soda.
- Add the butter and cut with a pastry cutter until the butter is the size of large peas. Can also use your hands.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, 1 egg and vanilla.
- Make a well in the middle of the dry ingredients and add the liquid mixture.
- Mix with a wooden spoon until just combined.
- Toss the strawberries with 1 tablespoon of flour.
- Gently add the strawberries to the dough. Do not over mix.
- Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface.
- Divide into 2 equal parts.
- Lightly knead into 3/4 inch thick, 6 inch diameter rounds.
- Cut each round into 8 wedges and place on the prepared baking sheet.
- Place scones about 2 inches apart.
- Beat the second egg. Brush each scone with the egg wash.
- Sprinkle a good amount of the sugar on the top of each scone.
- Bake in a 400 degree oven for 12 to 15 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Remove to a wire rack to cool.
Makes 16 scones.
Strawberry Cream Cheese Muffins
Kids will love these sweet muffins with fresh strawberries and a creamy filling. Children can help by measuring, adding ingredients and cracking the eggs.
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Line muffin tin with 12 paper liners.
2 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup sugar
2 large eggs
1 cup milk
1/3 cup oil
1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt and sugar.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk and oil.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined.
- Carefully, fold in the chopped strawberries.
- In a separate bowl, mix the cream cheese with one tablespoon of sugar. Mix until smooth.
- Spoon half of the batter into each muffin cup, add a tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture on top, then cover with the remaining batter.
- Place in a 375 degree oven and bake for 12 to 18 minutes or until golden brown.
- Remove to a cooling rack for 5 minutes.
- Remove the muffins back to the rack to continue the cooling process.
Makes 12 muffins.
