Kids Cooking and Cookbook Blog Site

Need chocolate? Here is a delightful combination of chocolate and strawberries for Valentine’s Day from Amy Houts new book, Cooking Around the Country With Kids: USA Regional Recipes and Fun Activities. Her new book encourages children re-engage with the history of the United States by preparing foods typical of different regions of the country.

The following recipe, Chocolate Dipped Strawberries, comes from the Pacific coast region. This region’s climate is influenced by the surrounding mountains. Because of its fertile area and rainfall, the Pacific Coast States produce more vegetables and fruits than any other region of the United States.

It’s a little early yet for strawberries, but this recipe just made my mouth water and I had to share it. It’s a very good recipe to make with children.

Chocolate Dipped Strawberries

1 (6 oz.) package semisweet chocolate chips
1 pint fresh strawberries

Place chocolate chips in a microwave safe dish or in a double boiler on the stove. Melt on low power or over low heat to prevent burning. Meanwhile, children can help rinse strawberries. Dry completely. Leave strawberries whole with the stem intact.
Pour melted chocolate into a bowl. Children can help dip strawberries by grasping stem and dipping half of strawberry in melted chocolate, so that part of the pretty red color of the fruit is still showing. Place on a cookie sheet lines with wax paper. Refrigerate to help chocolate set and to keep strawberries fresh. Store covered in refrigerator. Eat within two days. Enjoy!

Image via Wikipedia

How are these tied in with St. Valentine’s Day? Was there really someone named “Valentine”? What did he do to have a holiday named after him?

There are many stories about the origin of St. Valentine’s day. We do know there was a man by the name of Valentine, that he was killed for being a Christian during the time of the persecutions, and that he died around the year 270 A.D. Other than that, stories about his life are pure speculation.

The version of the story I like has to do with a bitter, mean Emperor named Claudius. He was the leader of a large army, but his soldiers were getting tired of fighting. They wanted to go home to their wives, sweethearts, and families. So Claudius devised a plan that he thought would keep the soldiers focused on fighting battles. He sent out a decree over all his lands that the soldiers were not to get married or become engaged to be married. He thought, “Heh, heh, this will really keep them focused on wiping out the enemy and we will be winners!”

But his plan didn’t work well at all. He failed to realize that love is stronger than any decree.

The soldiers were able to go behind the back of the Emperor and find a priest who would marry them in secret, still very legally. His name was Valentine. Couples came from all over to be married by him. However, the Emperor discovered this little scheme and had him thrown in prison and sentenced to die. While in prison, Valentine become friends with the jailer’s daughter. It is said that she was healed through his prayers. On the day he was to be put to death, on February 14, he left a message for the jailer’s daughter, signed “From your Valentine.”

So St. Valentine’s legacy lives on. It is a special day of showing even more love and affection than usual to those around us. This may include sending cards and flowers and candy to those we love.

Today should be more than a day off from school, or perhaps work. It is a day to remember the life of Martin Luther King, Jr. and what he did for mankind. His “I have a dream” speech should be etched in the minds of everyone. It should remind us there are many wrongs to right and needs to be met in this country and beyond.

An article I read yesterday in the Parade magazine reminds me of this. It was about a family who were challenged by their 14 year old daughter to make a difference in the world. They discussed, debated, and researched ways to do this, finally settling on giving away their home. They sold their large, beautiful home for a house half it’s cost and donated the profit to a charity. They found this action enriched their lives beyond measure. You can read about it here.

Not everyone is called to make this huge a contribution to what they believe helps humanity. We can do much less and still make a difference. Any amount given to the Red Cross or Catholic Relief Services for the people of Haiti could be one small way.

You say, “What will children do again today since we have another snow-day?” This has been a recurring question and theme these last winter days – at least here in the Midwest, as I am sure in many parts of our country. The children, and you, are probably tired of looking out the window at the snow coming down, or watching the birds at the bird feeder. Some may have even ventured outside, but I wouldn’t recommend it if your area is as cold as it here in Missouri.

Having something to do can be a problem, or a fun challenge, especially if the “vacation” has been extended. I always found it helpful to pack away some toys, especially around Christmas time, and then when the novelty of holiday toys had worn thin, it was time to bring out the long forgotten ones.

Hopefully, video games or TV are not the prime activity during these days. We hear so much about the sedentary life style of all age groups, including children. It’s important to plan some active games – to get out and move. This is also one way to stay warm! Maybe you and your child or children can take turns using the exercise equipment you have acquired. Get out the jump rope and see how many turns can be made before the timer goes off. Or jump on one foot. Turn on some music. Kids love to dance to music.

There are quieter activities, too, such as reading, drawing, coloring, and playing board games. Kids like to be creative. This can be seen in their dress-up play and their manipulative play. Cooking is always a good activity to engage in. They love to pour and measure and taste.

For an activity that uses food products, but is not to be eaten, is to make play dough. Here is the recipe from Amy Houts’ new cookbook, Cooking Around the Country With Kids: USA Regional Recipes and Fun Activities.

Play Dough

1 cup flour
1/2 cup salt
2 teaspoons cream of tartar
1 tablespoon oil
1 cup water
Food coloring

Children can help measure and pour ingredients into a medium-sized saucepan. use a few drops of any food coloring you desire.

An adult can place pan over medium heat, cooking and stirring until the mixture pulls away from the side of the pan and forms a ball. Remove from pan and let COOL. (This is important, as children will want to dig right in – it is so appealing, but so hot!) Keep in an airtight container in a cool place. This play dough stays soft and pliable.

Keep those creative juices flowing and help your kids have some fun, safely, while you are all snow-bound. They may not remember how cold it was, but they remember how you played with them and how much fun they had when the snow came down.

Lee Jackson
Books for home and family

We in the Midwest have had a lot of snow days recently. This is the time you want to huddle up by the fireplace with a cup of hot cider and a cookie. I know it’s the New Years and we want to cut down on sugar intake and think very seriously about healthy living. However, done in moderation, most foods are good for us. Moderation and portion size are the key words.

Here is a cookie recipe I’d like to share with you from Amy Houts new cookbook, Cooking Around the Country With Kids: USA Regional Recipes and Fun Activities. This is from the section of her cookbook highlighting Midwest ingredients and food products. Her comment about this recipe says: “Minnesota is the leading oat-growing state in the United States. Besides eating oats as a breakfast cereal, oats give baked goods a wonderful texture and taste.”

Can you identify the ingredients that come from this grain in the following recipe?

Whole-Grain Goodie Bars

1 cup packed brown sugar
1 cup oil
2 eggs
2 cups quick-cooking oatmeal
3/4 cup white flour
3/4 cup whole wheat flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 1/2 teaspoons cloves
1 cup raisins
1 cup coconut

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Children can grease a jelly roll pan, 15-by-10-by 1-inch or use a 9-by-13-by-2-inch pan.
Children can help measure sugar, oil, and eggs into a large bowl; stir with a wooden spoon until smooth. Add oatmeal, white flour, wheat flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, cloves, raisins, and coconut. Mix well. Pour and spread into prepared pan.

Bake about 15 minutes for jelly roll pan, 15-20 minutes for 9-by-13-inch pan, just until center is set. Cool; cut into bars.

Again, portion amount is very important. They are nice and chewy and it may be difficult to eat only one, but they stay so moist they will still be very good tomorrow and the next day and the next…

Enjoy those snow days!

Lee Jackson
Books for home and family living

I had a note from a reader of Amy Houts’ new book, Cooking Around the Country with Kids: USA Regional Recipes and Fun Activities that said: “This book is an excellent way to introduce children to new tastes and new cultures.” It’s always good to hear from satisfied customers!

Amy is doing a book signing at Maryville Public Library on Saturday, December 19 from 1 -3 p.m. Refreshments from her book will be served.

There is still time to order her new book at www.ImagesUnlimitedPub.com

Lee Jackson, publisher
Books for children, families, and parenting professionals

We think cats rule, in the dog-cat showdown. That does not mean we don’t like dogs, quite the contrary – I have a family member with 5 cocker spaniels that I think are most loving and adorable, and certainly rule their house!

But I have liked cats from an early age. Is that why I wrote the book, The Littlest Christmas Kitten? One reason, yes, another: I wanted to remember the joy and majesty of the Holy Night.

There is still time to order this book for Christmas at kitten book.  I would be happy to autograph upon request.

Best to you,

Lee Jackson

Cats have traditionally been featured on Christmas cards, decorations, and ornaments. This children’s story book, The Littlest Christmas Kitten, reveals the legend of the Christmas Cats and why they have been part of this holiday for centuries. It will inspire everyone to take another look at the story of the First Christmas and the rich history of the cat family.

In this story Mother Cat searches frantically for her kitten. Scampering to hide from two travelers entering the stable, she jumps into a manger. There she discovers her sleeping kitten. This same manger will later become the bed for Baby Jesus.

The night’s events leave a lasting effect on all the animals, especially the cats.

To order this heartwarming story that children will want read over and over again, go to ChristmasKittenBook.

Do you know that food is at the heart of every culture?       

Amy Houts’ new book, Cooking Around the Country with Kids: USA Regional Recipes and Fun Activities helps parents introduce children to new tastes and different cultures through food so that they can appreciate, understand and enjoy the cultural differences that make up our country.

This is a brand new book that is ready for gift giving to children ages 5 to 15 and older.

To order this book for Christmas giving, go to CookingWithKids.

Children on your list will be glad you did.

Image via Wikipedia

Ask your children whether they have heard the legend of the five kernels. This legend is about the Pilgrims. The first winter the Pilgrims almost starved. It was very cold and they did not have enough food. Some days they had little to eat and had to share what they had with many people. Some days they ate only five kernels of corn. But then spring came, and the Pilgrims planted, hunted, and fished. The next winter there was more food. But they always put five kernels of corn on the table to remind them of their early struggles and their thankfulness for the more plentiful year.

In her book, Cooking Around the Calendar with Kids: Holiday and Seasonal Food and Fun, author Amy Houts says a friend gave her a gift of this legend. Her present was five kernels of candy corn in a zip-lock bag. Tucked inside the bag was this message:

The first kernel reminds us of the beauty of autumn.
The second kernel reminds us of the love in our family.
The third kernel reminds us of God’s love.
The fourth kernel reminds us of our friendship.
The fifth kernel reminds us of freedom.

You can ask your child, “What are you thankful for?” Together, try to think of five things for which you are thankful?

Hopefully, you and your child can think of many, many things for which you are thankful.

May you have a joy-filled Happy Thanksgiving!

Lee Jackson