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!
Five Fuzzy Chicks By: Diana Murray Illustrated by: Sydney Hanson
Ages: Toddlers through First Grade
These adorable little chicks, one by one, fall asleep as they travel through the farmyard. Mama Hen gathers them all up and returns them to the coop. This sweet story helps children recognize farm animals, their sounds and reinforces counting.
Tips for Reading:
- Before reading the story, discuss with the child words like coop, troop, plow, etc.
- After reading, ask the child to tell you what time of day it is in the story.
- After reading, ask the child to tell you what the chicks wanted to do when everyone else was tired.
- Ask the child to name the animals that the chicks met on their travels and what happened as the chicks met the animals.
- Ask the child to tell you how the chicks got back to their coop.
- After reading, practice rhyming words with the child such as cow/plow, way/day, pigs/jigs, etc.
Additional Books:
- Goodnight Numbers By: Danica McKellar Illustrated by: Alicia Padron
- Ten Little Ladybugs By: Melanie Gerth Illustrated by: Laura Huliska-Beith
- 100 Bugs!: A Counting Book By: Kate Narita Illustrated by: Suzanne Kaufman
- Ten Magic Butterflies By: Danica McKellar Illustrated by: Jennifer Bricking
Cooking Time:
Chicks on the Move
These treats are so much fun and children will love assembling them as well as eating them.
Twinkies
Peeps, different colors
White chocolate covered mini pretzels
Mini Oreos, chocolate or vanilla
Canned vanilla frosting
- Cut a slice out of the top of the Twinkie, forming the seat for the chick.
- Trim the peep to fit into the seat of the Twinkie and place it into the car.
- Place a pretzel in front of the chick to form the steering wheel.
- Open the mini Oreos, scrape out the filling.
- Place a dab of the frosting onto each and place them on both sides of the Twinkie to form the tires.
- Eat all of the extra pieces that you have removed.
Make as many as you would like.
Avocado Deviled Eggs
This is a healthy twist to deviled eggs. The avocados give these treats a taste of guacamole that everyone will love. Children can help peel the eggs, add the ingredients, put the filling into the egg whites and sprinkle on the paprika.
6 large eggs, hard boiled
1 Avocado, pitted
1 1/2 tablespoons lime juice
1 clove garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon pepper (can use cayenne pepper for extra spice)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoons cilantro, finely chopped
Paprika to sprinkle on top of the eggs.
- Place the eggs in a saucepan. Cover with cold water and bring to a boil.
- Remove from the heat and cover with a lid.
- Allow the eggs to continue cooking in the water for 18 minutes.
- Remove the eggs from the pan and put them into ice water, using a slotted spoon.
- Once the eggs are cool enough to handle, peel them.
- Cut each egg in half lengthwise. Carefully remove the yolks and place in a food processor.
- Add the avocado, lime juice, garlic, pepper and salt.
- Process until creamy smooth. If you do not have a food processor, mash together very well.
- Add the cilantro and process a few times to incorporate.
- Using a spoon or piping bag, fill each egg white with filling.
- Sprinkle the top of each egg with paprika.
- Serve immediately.
Makes 12 deviled eggs.
Ham and Cheese Quiche
We have made a few egg recipes, but quiche is a favorite and this one is delicious. This filling is full of delicious ham and cheese and is a great dish for anytime of the day. Children can help by cracking the eggs, dicing the ham, adding the ingredients and whisking everything together.
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
1 tablespoon butter
1/2 cup onion, chopped
4 eggs, lightly beaten
1 cup half and half
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 1/2 cups diced ham
1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
1 cup cheddar cheese
1 deep dish pie crust, can make your own, or use a frozen or refrigerated one
- Place the butter into a small skillet. Add the onions and cook until soft. Allow to slightly cool.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, half and half, salt and pepper.
- Stir in the ham and the Swiss and cheddar cheese.
- Add the onions to the egg mixture.
- Pour the filling into the prepared pie crust.
- Bake for 40 to 45 minutes or until filling is set.
- Serve warm.
Makes 8 servings.
