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!
Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening By: Robert Frost Illustrated by: Susan Jeffers
Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening By: Robert Frost Illustrated by: P. J. Lynch
Ages: Pre-school through Adult
This classic poem has been re-written many times with a number of different illustrators. We have posted two of our favorites. This beautiful poem is amazing all on its own, but the illustrations in both of these books, brings the story to life. It is a perfect read for bedtime on a snowy night.
Tips for Reading:
- Read this book just for enjoyment.
- Discuss with the child their thoughts about the poem and the illustrations.
Additional Books:
- The Magic of Friendship Snow By: Andi Cann
- Snow By: Cynthia Rylant Illustrated by: Lauren Stringer
- Snowmen at Night By: Caralyn Buehner Illustrated by: Mark Buehner
- The Mitten By: Jan Brett
- Bear’s Big Dreaming By: Michael Rosen Illustrated by: Daniel Egneus
Cooking Time:
Hot Cocoa
Hot cocoa is perfect for a cold winter’s evening. Children will love it and can help you make this special treat.
2 1/2 cups of whole milk
1/4 cup sugar
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
6 ounces bittersweet or semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
1 teaspoon vanilla
Whipped cream for serving
- Using a medium saucepan, add the milk, sugar and cocoa. Mix completely.
- Heat over medium heat, whisking occasionally, until the mixture just begins to bubble, not boil.
- Add the chocolate and vanilla. Whisk until the chocolate is melted and mixture is smooth.
- Pour into mugs and top with whipped cream.
Makes 4 servings.
Beef and Noodle Skillet
This is the perfect time of the year for comfort food and this recipe will do the trick. Children can help by dicing and adding the ingredients.
1 pound box of Cavatappi or Cellentani noodles
1 pound ground chuck
1 onion, diced
1 can (10.5 ounces) tomato condensed soup
1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
Salt and pepper to taste
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Prepare noodles according to package directions. Drain completely.
- Over medium heat, cook the ground chuck and onion until the beef is browned and the onions are clear. Drain and return to skillet.
- Add the soups, salt and pepper.
- Drain the noodles and add to the skillet mixture.
- Gently stir in the cheese.
Makes 6 servings.
Hot Cocoa Cookies
These delicious cookies really do taste like hot cocoa. They are crisp on the outside and chewy in the middle. Children can help by measuring, adding ingredients, cracking the eggs and dipping the cookies.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
1 cup butter, softened
1 cup sugar
2/3 cup brown sugar, packed
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
3 1/4 cups flour
4 ( 3/4 cup) packages hot chocolate mix
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 cup chocolate chips
1 cup marshmallow bits (on Amazon)
- Using a mixer, cream the butter until light and fluffy.
- Add the sugar and brown sugar and mix until well combined.
- Add the eggs and vanilla. Mix until just combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, chocolate mix, salt, baking soda and baking powder.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients until combined.
- Stir in by hand, the chocolate chips and the marshmallow bits.
- Using a scoop, dip 2 to 3 tablespoons of dough to form the cookies. Place on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake in a 350 degree oven for 9 to 11 minutes.
- Place on racks to cool for 10 minutes.
- Remove the cookies back to the racks to complete the cooling process.
Makes 3 dozen cookies.
