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!
How the Forest Feels By: Wendi Silvano Illustrated by: Mirka Hokkanen
Ages: Pre-school through First Grade
This delightful book is perfect as we enter the autumn season. A boy and his grandfather take a sensory walk through the forest, enjoying all of the things to see and feel. The author includes a number of sensory activities at the end of the book, which are a perfect follow-up after reading.
Tips for Reading:
- Before reading the story, ask the child to think of words that they might use when they touch items. (Examples: soft, sticky, rough, etc.)
- After reading the story, ask the child to recall some of the things that the little boy touched and what words did the boy use to describe them.
- After reading, try some of the activities highlighted at the end of the book.
Additional Books:
- Leaf Man By: Lois Ehlert
- We’re Going on a Leaf Hunt By: Steve Metzger Illustrated by: Miki Sakamoto
- The Leaf Theif By: Alice Hemming Illustrated by: Nicola Slater
- Fletcher and the Falling Leaves By: Julia Rawlinson Illustrated by: Tiphanie Beeke
Cooking Time:
Apple Butter Brie Bites
Just three ingredients and a perfect combination. Children can help by pressing the rolls in the tins and adding the ingredients.
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Lightly grease a mini muffin pan.
1 tube crescent rolls, sheet (8 ounces)
4 ounces brie cheese
1/3 cup apple butter
- Unroll the crescent rolls. Cut the dough into 18 rectangles. Place each rectangle into a cup of the mini tin. Dough may not go up all sides of the cup.
- Cut the cheese into 18 small pieces.
- Place each piece into the muffin cups.
- Top with a teaspoon of apple butter.
- Bake in a 375 degree oven for 11 to 13 minutes, or until golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
- Allow to cool for a couple of minutes before serving.
Makes 18 bites.
Chicken Tortilla Soup
As the days get cooler, soup is the perfect dinner option. Children can help by chopping the chicken, measuring and adding ingredients.
Will need a large saucepan.
3 cups rotisserie chicken, chopped in bite-sized pieces
1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies
1 cup corn, fresh or frozen
1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
2 cup chicken stock
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup shredded cheese, cheddar or Monterey Jack
- Add all of the ingredients, except the cheese, to a saucepan.
- Bring to a low boil.
- Turn down to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes.
- Ladle into bowls and add cheese to the top.
- Serve with chips.
Makes 6 servings.
Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes
Everyone will love this seasonal treat. Children can help by measuring, adding ingredients, cracking the egg and adding the icing.
Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Line muffin tins with paper liners.
1 cup flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1/4 teaspoon salt
4 tablespoon butter, softened
2/3 cup sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 teaspoon maple extract
1/4 cup pumpkin puree
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1/3 cup whole milk
Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting:
6 ounces cream cheese, softened
6 tablespoons butter, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon cinnamon
3 cups powdered sugar
Fall candies, optional
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice and salt. Set aside.
- Using a mixer, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, 3 to 5 minutes.
- Add the egg and mix until incorporated.
- Mix in the vanilla, maple extract, pumpkin and oil.
- Add the flour and milk alternately.
- Divide the batter among 10 cupcake tins, filling 3/4 full.
- Bake in a 300 degree oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Place on a wire rack to cool.
Frosting:
- Using a mixer, cream together the butter and cream cheese.
- Add the vanilla and cinnamon.
- Add the powdered sugar and beat on high until frosting is smooth.
- Spread or pipe onto the cooled cupcakes.
- Add candies, optional
Makes 10 cupcakes.
