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!
Santa’s Stuck By: Rhonda Gowler Greene Illustrated by: Henry Cole
Ages: Pre-school through First Grade
In our story, Santa is about finished with his route on Christmas eve. but can’t resist eating a few more cookies on his last stop. However, getting back up the chimney became a problem. With the help of a number of friends, Santa makes it up the chimney and on his way back to the North Pole. Children will love this rhyming tale.
Tips for Reading:
- In our story, Santa has a problem. Ask the child to tell you what it is.
- After reading, ask the child to tell you how Santa’s problem was solved.
Additional Books:
- 5 More Sleeps ’til Christmas By: Jimmy Fallon Illustrated by: Rich Deas
- Bear Stays Up for Christmas By: Karma Wilson Illustrated by: Jane Chapman
- Turkey Clause By: Wendi Sivano Illustrated by: Lee Harper
- Peef By: Tom Heff Illustrated by: Warren Hanson
Cooking Time:
Reindeer Apple Slices
This is a healthy treat that kids will love to make and eat. Children can assemble the reindeer.
1 large apple, sliced into four slice
1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
8 pretzels
4 mini cookies
4 blueberries and or raspberries
Candy eyes
- Remove seeds from the apple slices.
- Spread on a thin layer of peanut butter onto each slice.
- Add the mini cookie for part of the nose.
- Add the pretzels for antlers.
- Add the candy eyes and a fruit nose.
Makes reindeer.
Snowball Cookies
This is the perfect Christmas cookie! Children can help by measuring, adding ingredients and rolling the cookies.
Line cookie sheets with parchment paper. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
1 1/2 cups butter, softened
3/4 cup powdered sugar
1 tablespoon vanilla
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 cups flour
1 cup white chocolate chips
1/2 to 1 cup Christmas sprinkles, optional
1 cup mini chocolate chips, optional
Powdered sugar for coating
- Using a mixer, cream the butter and sugar until smooth and fluffy, 3 to 5 minutes.
- Add the vanilla and mix well.
- Add the flour and salt and mix until combined.
- Stir in the white chocolate chips, mini chocolate chips (optional) and sprinkles (optional). Dough will be thick.
- Using a cookie scoop, drop the dough onto the prepared cookie sheets, 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until they are just starting to brown.
- Remove from the oven to cooling racks. Allow to cool on the racks for 10 minutes.
- Roll each cookie in additional powdered sugar.
Makes 36 cookies.
Christmas Pretzels
These decorative Christmas trees are perfect toppers for cupcakes. Children can help by forming the trees on the pretzels and adding the decorations.
Place parchment paper on a cookie sheet.
Dark green candy melts
Pretzel sticks
Christmas sprinkles
Candy stars
- Place pretzels 3 inches apart on the baking sheet.
- Place the candy melts in a microwave safe bowl. Melt in 30 second intervals until smooth.
- Place the melted candy in a piping bag or a zip lock bag. Cut a small hole in the end.
- Pipe a zigzag pattern across each pretzel stick.
- Start with a small zigzag at the tip and continue to graduate until you reach the bottom.
- Leave 1/4 inch of the pretzel uncovered for the trunk.
- Add Christmas sprinkles and a star at the top of the tree.
- Allow to harden for 60 minutes.
- Carefully remove from the parchment paper.
- Can use to decorate the top of cupcakes.
Make as many as you would like.
