Where The Wild Things Are

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!

Where The Wild Things Are            Story and Pictures by:  Maurice Sendak           Caldecott Award Winner

Ages:  Preschool through Second Grade

 

 

Where The Wild Things Are is another classic which appears on every book list.  In our story, Max  works through his feelings by engaging in a fantasy about amazing monsters.  In the end, he returns back to the reality and safety of his room and a warm supper waiting for him.  This is a great book to allow children to express their feelings and expand their imaginations.

 

 

 

Tips for Reading:

• Before reading, ask the child to look at the cover and predict what the story might be about.
• After reading the story, ask the child to tell you how he/she thinks Max felt when he got sent to his room.
• After reading the story, ask the child to tell you what he/she thinks Max told his Mother about his imaginary trip.
• After reading the story, ask the child to relate a time when he/she had been in trouble and how he/she felt about their discipline.

Additional Books:

• Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day            By:  Judith Viorst            Illustrated by:  Ray Cruz
• Grumpy Monkey            By:  Suzanne Lang            Illustrated by:  Max Lang
• I’m Not Just a Scribble            By:  Diane Alber
• Annie and the Wild Animals            By:  Jan Brett
• The Empty Pot            Demi

 

Cooking Time:

When Max returned from his imaginary trip, he found a warm supper waiting for him.  We’re sure that he would have loved these Spaghetti Meatballs and Blondies with Chocolate Chips.

Spaghetti Meatballs

We aren’t kidding!  The spaghetti is actually in the meatballs.   These delicious meatballs are great on their own or can be served over pasta.  Children can help by measuring and adding the ingredients, cracking the eggs, and forming and rolling the meatballs.  Don’t forget to include children in kitchen cleanup.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.  Use non-stick cooking spray to grease a 9 by 13 inch baking pan.

1 1/2 cups dry bread crumbs, divided   (Could also use Italian bread crumbs.)

3 large eggs, lightly beaten

1 1/2 cups cooked spaghetti, chopped

3 garlic cloves, minced

2 teaspoons dried basil

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 1/2 teaspoons salt

1 teaspoon pepper

2 pounds ground chuck

Sauce:

2 jars (24 ounces each) marinara sauce

1 cup onion, finely chopped

2 garlic cloves, minced

2 teaspoons dried basil

1 teaspoon dried oregano

3 tablespoons sugar

2 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese

• Place 1 cup of the bread crumbs in a shallow bowl for rolling the meatballs.  Set aside.
• In a large bowl, combine the beaten eggs, chopped spaghetti, garlic, basil, oregano, salt and pepper and 1/2 cup bread crumbs.
• Add the beef and mix lightly.  Best way is to use your hands to mix.
• Using a 1 1/2 or 2 inch scoop, form into balls.
• Roll each ball in the reserved bread crumbs and place in the baking dish.  Dish will be full.
• Bake the meatballs for 20 minutes in a 375 degree oven.
• While the meatballs are baking, prepare the sauce.
• Using a large saucepan, combine the pasta sauce, onion, garlic, basil, oregano and sugar.
• Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
• Pour the sauce over the meatballs.
• Sprinkle with the mozzarella cheese.
• Return to the oven and bake for another 20 minutes.
• Serve alone or put over your favorite pasta.

Makes 10 servings.

 

Blondies with Chocolate Chips

These fun bars are easy to make and really good.  They are a good alternative to regular brownies.  Children can help by measuring and adding the ingredients, cracking the egg and mixing in the chocolate chips.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Use a non-stick cooking spray to grease a 9 by 9 inch baking pan.

6 tablespoons butter, softened

3/4 cup packed brown sugar

1 large egg

1 tablespoon milk

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 cup flour

1/2 cup soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup pecans or walnuts, optional

1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

• Using a mixer, cream the butter and brown sugar, 3 to 5 minutes.
• Add the egg, milk and vanilla.  Mix until smooth.
• In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda and salt.
• Add the flour mixture to the butter mixture and blend until combined.
• By hand, stir in the nuts (optional) and chocolate chips.
• Pour the mixture into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.
• Bake in a 350 degree oven for 20 to 25 minutes.

Makes 16 Blondies.