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!
Tell Me a Story By: KH Meyers Illustrated by: Bekah Grace
Ages: Pre-school through Second Grade
This beautiful book will stir a child’s imagination and highlights the beauty of storytelling. The text is in rhyming form and just amazing. The story also provides important messages that all children should hear while illustrating diversity and the importance of extended family. This amazing book can be purchased at khmeyers.com.
Tips for Reading:
- After reading the story, ask the child to recall some of the magical stories that the children thought that grandpa would tell.
- After reading, ask the child to tell you what topic that they would use for a story.
Additional Books by K.H. Meyers:
- Theo the Mouse: A Christmas Story
- A Halloween Warning
Cooking Time:
All of our recipes are perfect for bedtime snacks.
Frozen Yogurt Bites
These healthy treats are good for any time of the day and would be a perfect bedtime snack. Children can help by measuring and adding the ingredients.
1/2 cup granola, additional for topping
1 cup vanilla yogurt
1/2 cup fresh fruit of choice, diced
Topping:
3/4 cup fresh fruit
1/4 cup granola, smaller pieces
- Line a 12 cup muffin pan with liners.
- Put 2 teaspoons of granola into the bottom of each. Set aside.
- Using a medium bowl, combine the yogurt and diced fruit. Mash the fruit into the yogurt and mix.
- Spoon 2 tablespoons of the fruit/yogurt mixture into each cup. Create an even layer.
- Press 1 tablespoon of the fresh fruit into the tops of each cup.
- Sprinkle 1 teaspoon granola over the fruit.
- Place into the freezer to chill until firm, 2 to 4 hours.
- Pop out and enjoy.
Makes 12 servings.
Peanut Butter Pretzel Bites
This is a delicious snack and perfect for bedtime. Children can help by measuring, adding the ingredients, assembling the bites and dipping into the chocolate.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
3 tablespoons butter, softened
2 tablespoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup powdered sugar
72 mini twist pretzels
3/4 cup dark melting chocolate
- Using a mixer, beat the peanut butter, sugar and salt until fully combined.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating on low speed until a soft dough is formed. Add extra powdered sugar if too sticky.
- Scoop out 1/2 tablespoons of the dough mixture and roll into balls.
- Use two pretzels to create a sandwich with a peanut butter ball and gently press to create a 1/2 inch thick sandwich.
- Repeat with the remaining dough, placing the sandwiches on the prepared baking sheet.
- Place the baking sheet in the freezer for 30 minutes.
- Place the melting chocolate in a microwave safe bowl. Melt in the microwave in 30 second increments stirring after each.
- Dip each chilled pretzel sandwich, halfway into the chocolate and then return to the baking sheet.
- Once all bites are finished, return the pan to the freezer for 15 minutes to allow them to set.
Makes 36 bites.
Oatmeal Bars
These delicious treats are good for a snack anytime of day. Children can help by measuring, adding ingredients and assembling the bars.
Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Grease a 9 by 13 inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
1 cup butter, cut into small pieces
1 cup brown sugar
2 cups flour
1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 cup oats
Filling:
1 1/2 to 2 cups applesauce
1 teaspoon cinnamon
- Using a food processor, add butter, brown sugar and flour. Pulse until mixture forms pea sized crumbs.
- Add the cinnamon and oats. Pulse to incorporate.
- Place half of the oat mixture into the prepared baking dish. Press mixture with hands.
- In a small mixing bowl, combine the applesauce and cinnamon.
- Pour filling on top of the oat mixture. Spread evenly.
- Sprinkle the remaining oat mixture over the applesauce.
- Bake in a 325 degree oven for 40 to 50 minutes.
- Allow the bars to cool completely.
Makes 12 bars.
