Dear Parents,
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!
It’s Fall! By: Renee Kurilla
Ages: Pre-school through Second Grade
This colorful book just looks like fall from beginning to end. It highlights fall events, like the beginning of school, cooler weather, Halloween, and ends with the celebration of Thanksgiving. The story is perfect for this time of year and the illustrations are wonderful.
Tips for Reading:
- Before reading the story, ask the child to tell you about fall and how it is different than summer.
- After reading the story, ask the child to tell you what holidays occur during the fall.
- After reading, ask the child to tell you some of the activities that you do during the fall.
- After reading, ask the child to tell you their favorite thing about the fall and why.
Additional Books:
- Tree Full of Wonder By: Anna Smithers
- The Leaf Thief By: Alice Hemming Illustrated by: Nicola Slater
- Fletcher and the Falling Leaves By: Julia Rawlinson Illustrated by: Tiphanie Beeke
- Goodbye Summer, Hello Autumn By: Kenard Pak
- Pete the Cat, Falling for Autumn Kimberly and James Dean
Cooking Time:
Apple Slice Cookies
This sweet treat is perfect for breakfast or a mid-day snack and children can add their favorite toppings. Children can help by spreading on the peanut butter and adding the toppings.
1 apple
1/4 cup peanut butter (can substitute with other nut butters or Nutella)
1/4 cup sliced almonds
1/4 cup chopped walnuts
1/4 cup shredded coconut, optional
1/4 cup chocolate chips (can use semi-sweet, dark chocolate or white chocolate)
- Core the apple and slice.
- Pat apple slices until dry and spread on the chosen butter or Nutella.
- Add the toppings of choice.
Makes 6 slices.
Apple Cranberry Chicken Salad
This delicious chicken salad is perfect for a fall lunch. Children can help by measuring and adding ingredients.
3 cups rotisserie chicken, cubed or shredded
1 cup finely diced apple
1/2 cup pecans
1/3 cup finely diced celery
1/3 cup dried cranberries
1/3 to 1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
- In a large bowl, combine the chicken, apples, pecans, celery and cranberries.
- In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt and pepper.
- Add to the chicken mixture. Combine until coated. Add more mayo if needed.
- Serve on bread, rolls or wrap in lettuce or tortillas.
Makes 4 cups.
Apple Cider Cake
Instead of the traditional Apple Cider Doughnuts, we’re going to put these fantastic flavors in a cake. Children can help by measuring, adding ingredients and cracking the eggs.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Generously grease and flour a bundt pan.
Cake:
1 yellow cake mix (15.25 ounces)
1 cup apple cider (not apple juice)
1/2 cup apple sauce
3 large eggs at room temperature
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
Cinnamon Sugar Topping:
2 tablespoons cinnamon
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup melted butter
Dipping Glaze (optional)
1 cup powdered sugar
1/4 cup apple cider
- Using a mixer, beat together the cake mix, apple cider, apple sauce and eggs, about 2 minutes.
- Add the cinnamon, brown sugar and vanilla to the batter and combine.
- Pour the batter into the well greased and floured bundt pan.
- Place the cake in a 350 degree oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow to cool on a wire rack for 20 minutes. Remove from the pan to the serving plate and continue the cooling process.
- While the cake is cooling, combine the cinnamon and sugar for the Cinnamon Sugar Topping.
- Brush the melted butter onto the cooled cake, covering the entire surface.
- Rub the cinnamon sugar mixture over the cake until completely coated.
- Prepare the glaze by combining the powdered sugar and cider. Whisk until smooth.
- The glaze can be used as a dip for the cake or can be drizzled over the top of the cake before serving.
Makes 12 servings.
