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!
Peef: The Christmas Bear By: Tom Hegg Illustrated by: Warren Hanson
Ages: First Grade through Adult
There are some children’s books that also become adult favorites. Peef is one of those books due to its heartfelt story. Santa created his Christmas bear from pieces of cloth collected by the elves. He placed a little button in the bears tummy that made him go “peef” when pushed. Peef became Santa’s best friend and traveled with him every Christmas eve. This beautiful story tells how Santa gave the ultimate gift. It is a must read at Christmas time, but you may need a box of tissue close by.
Tips for Reading:
This book needs to be read for pure enjoyment by the child and the reader. This is a story of giving, and the best way to celebrate this book is to make something that can be shared with others.
Additional Books by Tom Hegg:
- A Silent Night for Peef
- Peef and his Best Friend
- Peef and the Baby Sister
- A Cup of Christmas Tea (for adults)
- A Memory of Christmas Tea (for adults)
Cooking Time:
All of our recipes for this book are great for sharing with others.
Amy’s Crock Pot Candy
This wonderful recipe was given to us by our dear friend Amy. Crock pot candy is perfect for sharing because it is so easy to make and makes a lot of delicious candy. Children can add all of the ingredients to the crockpot, help put the warm candy on the baking sheets and bag the candy to give to family and friends.
Will need a crockpot.
24 ounces almond bark, chopped
4 ounces German chocolate, chopped
1 bag semi-sweet chocolate chips, 12 ounces
1 bag Peanut butter chips, 12 ounces
2 jars (16 ounces each) dry roasted peanuts
Holiday sprinkles, optional
- Place the almond bark in the bottom of the crock pot.
- Place the German chocolate over the almond bark.
- Add both bags of chips.
- Pour both jars of peanuts over the top.
- Put the crock pot on low.
- Cook the mixture for approximately 2 hours, stirring every 30 minutes.
- Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- When all of chocolate is melted and incorporated, use a spoon to dip serving sized portions of candy on the lined baking sheets.
- Add holiday sprinkles. (optional)
- Place in the refrigerator for 15 minutes or until the candy is solid.
- Place the candy bites into bags or containers to deliver to family and friends.
Makes 100 to 120 pieces of candy.
Sweet Popcorn Balls
These sweet popcorn balls are so easy to make and fun for children. They are especially easy if you buy the popcorn premade. Children can help by mixing the ingredients, forming the balls and packing them to give away.
Place a sheet of parchment paper or waxed paper on counter or baking sheet.
6 cups popped popcorn (If popping your own, make sure that there are no hard kernels left.)
10 ounce bag of large marshmallows
3 tablespoons butter
Extra butter or non-stick cooking spray for hands
- In a large pan on low heat, melt the butter.
- Add the marshmallows and stir until they are melted.
- Remove from the heat and add the popcorn.
- Stir until all of the popcorn is coated with the marshmallow mixture.
- Allow to cool for 3 minutes.
- Spray or butter hands.
- Measure about 1 cup of the mixture and roll into balls.
- Place on the parchment paper or waxed paper until completely cool.
- Share with family and friends.
Makes 6 to 8 popcorn balls.
Fantasy Fudge
This is a classic fudge recipe which can actually be found on the Kraft Marshmallow Creme jar. It is a wonderful fudge and great to give away to friends and family. An adult will need to do the cooking portion, but children can help adding ingredients and packing the goodies.
Use a non-stick medium saucepan. Grease a 9 x 13 baking dish or pan with butter.
3 cups sugar
2/3 cup evaporated milk
1 1/2 sticks butter
1 package (12 ounces) semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 (7 ounce) jar of Kraft marshmallow creme
1 cup pecans or walnuts (optional)
- Combine in the saucepan the sugar, evaporated milk and butter.
- On medium to medium high heat, bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly.
- Boil, while stirring, for 5 minutes.
- Remove from the stove and add the chocolate chips, vanilla and marshmallow creme.
- Stir until the chocolate and marshmallow creme are completely incorporated.
- Stir in nuts (optional).
- Pour the fudge into the prepared pan.
- Allow to cool.
- Cut into serving sized pieces.
Makes 40 to 50 pieces.
Peanut Butter Fudge
This is a slightly different version of the Fantasy fudge using peanut butter.
Use a non-stick medium saucepan. Grease an 8 x 8 inch baking pan or dish with butter.
2 cups sugar
1/2 cup milk
1 1/3 cups peanut butter
1 jar (7 ounces) Kraft marshmallow creme
1 teaspoon vanilla
- In the saucepan combine the sugar and milk.
- On medium to medium high heat, bring the sugar mixture to a boil, stirring constantly.
- Boil for 4 minutes and continue stirring.
- Remove from the heat and add the peanut butter, marshmallow creme and vanilla. Stir quickly until completely combined.
- Pour fudge in the buttered pan.
- Allow to cool and cut into squares.
Makes approximately 36 pieces.
