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!
Turkey Claus By: Wendi Silvano Illustrated by: Lee Harper
Ages: Preschool through Second Grade
Our friend Turkey is back again! This time he is trying NOT to be on the Christmas dinner table. To save himself, he goes straight to the North Pole to get help, but he had to try a number of disguises before he made it in to see Santa. Of course, Santa comes to the rescue and Turkey is saved again. These books are so much fun and children will love following Turkey’s many disguises and adventures.
Tips for Reading:
- If you have read any of the other “Turkey” books, ask the child to tell you what he/she remembers about the stories.
- After reading the story, ask the child to tell you why Turkey went to the North Pole.
- After reading, ask the child to tell you what disguises Turkey used to get to see Santa.
- After reading, ask the child to tell you how Santa helped Turkey.
Additional “Turkey” Books:
- Turkey Trouble
- Turkey Goes to School
- Turkey’s Trick or Treat
- Turkey’s Eggcellent Easter
Cooking Time:
Strawberry Santas
Kids will love making these fun Santas. They can help with the filling and adding the eyes.
Fresh strawberries
Vanilla frosting (in a can or homemade)
Small candy eyes
- Clean the strawberries, remove stems and allow them to dry.
- Cut off the pointed end to form the hat and make sure the large end is flat. Lay on a paper towel to absorb the juice.
- Put the vanilla frosting into a piping bag or a zip lock bag. If using a zip lock bag, cut off the corner.
- Carefully swirl some frosting on the top of the body.
- Place the strawberry tip on top.
- Put a dab of frosting on the top of the strawberry.
- Place two small candy eyes on the icing.
Make as many as you like.
Hash Brown Potato Casserole
These delicious potatoes are a perfect side dish for any special occasion. Children can help by adding all the ingredients, stirring and adding the cheese to the top.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter or spray with non-stick cooking spray, a 9 by 13 inch baking dish.
2 cans potato soup
1 cup sour cream
1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
2 pounds refrigerated hash browns
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
1/2 cup real bacon bits (optional)
- Using a large bowl, combine the soup, sour cream, garlic salt, salt and pepper.
- Add the onion, hash browns, cheddar cheese and mix completely.
- Place in the baking dish.
- Sprinkle the parmesan cheese and the bacon bits (optional) on top of the casserole.
- Bake at 350 degrees for 50 to 55 minutes.
Makes 10 to 12 servings.
Chocolate Crescent Rolls
There is nothing better than a chocolate crescent and these are so easy to make. Children can help by rolling out the crescent dough, adding the chocolate pieces and rolling them up.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.
1 can Pillsbury Grand refrigerated crescent rolls (original or flaky)
12 pieces Hershey chocolate nuggets (cut 4 in half)
Sugar to sprinkle on top of each roll
- Unroll the crescent rolls and separate them into triangles.
- Place 1 1/2chocolate nuggets on the wide end of each crescent triangle.
- Roll dough over the chocolate and towards the pointed end.
- Press lightly to seal the ends.
- Place on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until golden brown.
- Remove from the sheet and allow to cool on a rack.
Makes 8 rolls.
