Dear Reader,
This Blog is designed for the parents, grandparents and caregivers of young children. Each pot 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’s Birthday Bash By: Wendi Silvano Illustrated by: Lee Harper
Ages: Pre-school through Second Grade
Well, Turkey is back and still coming up with some great disguises. It is Turkey’s birthday and he wants to know if there will be a party with pizza. All of his friends help him with disguises to find out if there will be a party with his most favorite food. Of course, it has a happy ending! Lots of good word play in this fun book. Kids never get tired of hearing about Turkey’s adventures.
Tips for Reading:
- Before reading, discuss with the child any other “Turkey” books they may have heard or read.
- After reading the story, ask the child to tell you how Turkey was feeling at the beginning of the story and why.
- After reading, ask the child to describe some of the disguises that Turkey used to find out about the party.
- After reading, ask the child to tell you how the other farm animals tried to help Turkey.
- After reading, ask the child to tell you what the farmer and his family had planned for Turkey.
Additional Turkey Books:
- Turkey Trouble
- Turkey Goes to School
- Turkey Trick or Treat
- Turkey Claus
- Turkey’s Eggcellent Easter
Cooking Time:
Biscuit Pizza
This is such an easy snack or meal that kids will love to eat and to help put together. Children can spread out the dough and add their favorite toppings.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Will need a non-greased cookie sheet.
Canned biscuits
Sliced pepperoni and/or any other desired toppings
Mozzarella cheese
Pizza or marinara sauce
- Place biscuits on the cookie sheet and press with fingers to flatten each biscuit.
- Spread 1 to 2 tablespoons of sauce over each biscuit.
- Top with 2 to 3 tablespoons of mozzarella cheese.
- Top with pepperoni slices and/or other toppings.
- Bake at 350 degrees according to the directions on the biscuit package.
Make as many as you would like.
Pumpkin Cupcakes with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting
It’s time for a little pumpkin flavor and Turkey would love to have these cupcakes at his birthday bash. Children can help by measuring, adding the ingredients and cracking the eggs.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line muffin pans with paper liners.
Pumpkin Cupcakes:
1 1/2 cups flour
1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ginger powder
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup vegetable oil
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla
3/4 cup pure pumpkin
1/3 cup milk
Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting
2/3 cup butter, softened
6 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla
3 to 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1 to 2 tablespoons cream, if needed
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, baking powder, baking soda and salt.
- Using a mixer, beat together the oil, sugars, eggs and vanilla, until no lumps remain (1 to 2 minutes).
- Add the pumpkin and mix.
- Add the dry mixture a little at a time, alternating with the milk. Mix until combined.
- Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tins, filling each about 2/3rds full.
- Bake in a 350 degree oven for 15 to 18 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Remove to a rack and cool for 10 minutes.
- Remove the cupcakes from the pans and return to the rack to cool completely.
Cream Cheese Frosting:
- Using a mixer, beat the butter until fluffy, about 2 minutes.
- Add the cream cheese and beat until smooth.
- Add the cinnamon and vanilla and mix.
- Add the powdered sugar 1 cup at a time. Beat until smooth. If the frosting is too thick, add the cream 1 tablespoon at a time.
- Frost the cupcakes with a knife or a piping bag.
Makes 18 cupcakes.
