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!
Duck Soup By: Jackie Urbanovic
Ages: Preschool through Second Grade
Duck Soup, a New York Times bestseller, is a must read! It is a sequel to Duck at the Door , which we will highlight very soon. In our story, Max the Duck is making soup for his family and leaves the house to get herbs. His animal family become convinced that he is lost in the large kettle of soup and want to save him. Chaos ensues! The family ended up having pizza for dinner. This is such a fun book and should not be missed.
Tips for Reading:
- Before reading the story, ask the child to look at the cover and predict what the story might be about. After reading, ask the child if his/her prediction was correct.
- After reading the story, ask the child to tell you what Max was inventing.
- After reading, ask the child to tell you what the problem was in the story.
- After reading, ask the child to explain how the animals tried to solve the problem.
- After reading, ask the child to tell you what Irene said that made Max laugh.
Additional Books:
- Duck at the Door By: Jackie Urbanovic
- Ducks Don’t Wear Socks By: John Nedwidek Illustrated by: Lee White
- Pumpkin Soup By: Helen Cooper
- Truck Full of Ducks By: Ross Burach
- There’s a Giraffe in my Soup By: Ross Burach
Cooking Time:
Baked Potato Soup
In our story, Max was inventing his own recipe. We have decided to use a traditional recipe. As Fall approaches, a good bowl of soup always sounds good and you will love this Baked Potato Soup. Children can help by cutting the cooked potatoes, adding the ingredients and putting the toppings on the soup before serving.
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
4 large baking potatoes
2/3 cup butter
2/3 cup flour
2 teaspoons salt, additional to taste
1/2 teaspoon pepper
6 cups milk
1 cup sour cream
1/4 cup thinly sliced green onions
10 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled (could also use packaged real bacon bits)
1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- Place the potatoes on a baking sheet. Pierce each with a fork numerous times. Spray with non-stick cooking spray. Cover with foil and bake for 65 to 75 minutes or until tender.
- Allow the potatoes to cool completely. Peel the potatoes.
- Cut the potatoes in bite-sized cubes. Set aside.
- In a large saucepan, over medium to medium high heat, melt the butter.
- Stir in the flour, salt and pepper and whisk until smooth.
- Gradually add milk, whisking continuously.
- Allow the mixture to come to a low boil. Boil for 2 minutes or until the mixture has thickened.
- Remove from the heat, whisk in the sour cream
- Add the potatoes and green onions.
- Garnish with the cheese and chopped bacon.
Makes 10 to 12 servings.
Snickerdoodles
If you like cinnamon and sugar, Snickerdoodles are meant for you. This is such an easy recipe that will be loved by everyone. Children can help by adding the ingredients, cracking the eggs, rolling the dough and kitchen cleanup.
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup shortening
1 1/2 cups sugar
2 eggs
2 3/4 cups flour
2 teaspoons cream of tartar
1 teaspoon soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons sugar
2 teaspoons cinnamon
- Using a mixer, cream together the butter, shortening and sugar (3 to 5 minutes).
- Add the eggs and blend.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, cream of tartar, soda and salt.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture and blend until incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, mix the 2 tablespoons of sugar and cinnamon.
- Using a 1 1/2 inch scoop or a teaspoon, form the dough into balls.
- Roll each dough ball in the sugar mixture.
- Place 2 inches apart on the lined baking sheets.
- Bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until set.
- Place on a cooling rack for 10 minutes.
- Remove cookies from the trays and return to the racks to cool completely.
Makes 2 1/2 to 3 dozen cookies.
