Posted on Leave a comment

Little Blue Truck and Racer Red

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 tip 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!

Little Blue Truck and Racer Red            By:  Alice Schertle            Illustrated by:  Jill McElmurry

Ages:  Toddler through Kindergarten

 

Little Blue Truck is back with a new friend.  Racer Red loves to go really fast and Little Blue Truck enjoys going slower and spending time with friends.  In this rhyming story, they both learn to appreciate the fun in going fast and going slow.  “Little Blue Truck” books never disappoint.  Children will love this fun story.

 

 

 

 

Tips for Reading:

  • Before reading, ask the child about any other “Little Blue Truck” books that they have heard or read.
  • After reading the story, ask the child to tell you why Little Blue Truck didn’t want to race.
  • After reading, ask the child to tell you why Racer Red loved to race.
  • After reading, ask the child to tell you why Little Blue Truck didn’t mind losing.
  • After reading, ask the child to tell you what Racer Red learned from Little Blue Truck.
  • After reading, go through the story and pick out rhyming words.

Additional “Little Blue Truck” Books:

  • Little Blue Truck
  • Little Blue Truck Leads the Way
  • Good Night, Little Blue Truck
  • Little Blue Truck Makes a Friend
  • Time for School, Little Blue Truck

 

Cooking Time:

Ham and Cheese Sliders

Kids will love these bite-sized sliders.  They can help assemble them and mix the sauce.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Will need a 9 by 13 inch baking dish.

1 package Hawaiian rolls

1 pound sliced deli ham

1/2 pound sliced swiss cheese

Sauce:

1/2 cup melted butter

1 tablespoon poppy seeds

1 tablespoon dijon mustard

2 teaspoons dried minced onion

1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

  • Combine all of the sauce ingredients and set aside.
  • Do not separate the rolls.  Use a serrated knife to slice them in half, long ways.
  • Place the bottom slab in the baking dish.
  • Layer 1/2 of the ham, then the cheese.
  • Add the rest of the ham over the cheese layer.
  • Place the top slab of the bread over the ham.
  • Using a pastry brush, brush the butter sauce over the tops of the rolls.
  • Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes or until the cheese is melted.
  • Slice and serve.

Makes 12 sliders.

Corn Cheese

This delicious recipe is so simple to make and the whole family will love it.  Children can help by measuring and adding ingredients

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.  Butter a  baking dish.

2 cans corn, well drained

4 ounces cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup mayonnaise

1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided

1 tablespoon sugar

2 green onions, finely chopped

Salt and pepper to taste

  • Combine all of the ingredients in a bowl, reserving 1/2 cup of the cheese for the top.
  • Pour into the prepared baking dish.
  • Bake for 12 to 15 minutes.
  • Remove from the oven and sprinkle on the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese over the top.
  • Place back into the oven and broil for 2 to 3 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Makes 10 servings.

Chocolate Melting Cake

If you like chocolate, this fantastic dessert is for you.  Children can help by measuring, adding ingredients and cracking the eggs.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.  Will need 4 (7 ounce) ramekins.

3/4 cup dark chocolate chips

3/4 cup butter

4 large eggs, room temperature

3/4 cup sugar

1/8 teaspoon vanilla

1/4 cup flour

Powdered sugar for dusting

Ice cream/whipping cream for serving, optional

  • Place the chocolate chips and butter into a microwave safe dish.  Microwave in 30 second intervals, stirring after each, until melted.  Set aside to cool for 10 minutes.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and sugar.
  • Add the vanilla and flour.  Whisk until well combined.
  • Once the chocolate has cooled, combine with the egg mixture.
  • Fill 4 (7 ounce) ramekins about 3/4 full with the chocolate batter.
  • Bake for 14 minutes.
  • Make sure that the edges of the ramekins are cooked and the top of the cakes appear to be cooked as well.
  • The cake should be spongy and cakey on top, but gooey and melty in the middle.
  • Once cooled, sprinkle with powdered sugar.
  • Can serve with ice cream or whipped cream.

Makes 4 servings.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.