Crepes by Suzette

In Crepes by Suzette by Monica Wellington, Suzette, is a Crepe vendor in Paris.  She moves her cart around the city and whips up crepes filled with assorted jams, fruits and other delicacies. Flipping through the pages of this book you will find illustrations based on famous French paintings, learn some French words, and even find Suzette's famous recipe for Crepes.  Getting hungry yet?
I know I am!

Suzette's Crepe Recipe
Makes about 8 crepes

2 eggs
1 cup milk
1 cup flour
1 tblsp melted butter
1 tblsp sugar
1/4 tsp salt

Utensils: a big bowl, whisk, ladle, spatula, and a large frying pan (or Crepe pan)

In a bowl, beat the eggs with a whisk.  Beat in the milk. Then add the flour and mix well until very smooth.  Add the melted butter, sugar, and salt to the batter and blend well.  It should be the consistency of very heavy cream.  Add slightly more milk if necessary,  (Alternatively, the mixing can be done in a blender or food processor.)  The batter can be used immediately, but even better, cover and chill 1 hr or overnight.

Heat the pan and brush lightly with melted butter,. Pour in a ladelful of batter (about 3 tblsp). Quickly swirl the pan around so the batter spreads out thin.  Cook over med-high* heat until the crepe is set and the edges are lightly browned and lift up easily, about 2 minutes.  Flip it, spread it with your favorite filling and cook for about another minute.  Fold it in half, and then in half again, creating a triangle, then serve! Bon appetit!

Hiromi's Hands

In Hiromi's Hands by Lynne Barasch, a young Japanese-American girl wishes to follow in her father's footsteps and become a Sushi Chef. The story, which is based on true events, compares Hiromi's father's training in Japan with her training in the United States. This book offers lots of opportunities to discuss cultural differences. After reading this book enjoy some Deli inspired Sushi Rolls. Enjoy!

Deli Sushi Rolls

2 slices Honey Ham

2 strips Swiss Cheese, thinly sliced, cut 2” x ¼”

2 slices Whole Grain White Bread

1 teaspoon ranch dressing

1 tablespoon thinly shredded carrots

2 sweet baby pickles

Place two slices of white bread with the crusts cut off on a flat surface side-by-side. Using a rolling pin, or glass, gently flatten and fuse the bread slices together. Spread the ranch dressing over the inside middle of the flat bread slices. Place two slices of the ham on top of the ranch dressing. Place the shredded carrots and Swiss cheese on top of the ham. Place the two pickles horizontally and end-to-end at the bread edge closest to you. Starting at the bottom, roll the bread upwards to make a tight cigar-shaped roll. Using a bread knife, cut the roll into sushi-sized pieces approx one inch in length. (Source: Mommy Goggles)

Gregory's Shadow

In honor of Groundhog's Day I recommend reading Don Freeman's book, Gregory's Shadow. In this book, Gregory, a loveable little groundhog befriends his own shadow. After reading this book have fun making some Groundhog Cupcakes (see Alan Richardson and Karen Tack's tutorial video below). Let's hope for an early spring!

Farmer Smart's Fat Cat

In the hilarious book, Farmer Smart's Fat Cat by James Sage, three neighbor farmers come up with inventive ways to deal with mice who are eating their corn crops. Your child will laugh at these farmers antics! After reading this book enjoy some yummy popcorn! Have fun!

The Very Hungry Caterpillar

In The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle, a caterpillar goes through the metamorphosis process and emerges as a beautiful butterfly. Your child will love Carle's amazing artwork and counting all the foods that the caterpillar eats. After reading this book make a Cherry Hungry Caterpillar as featured on Family Fun Magazine's website.

How I Become A Pirate

In How I Become A Pirate by Melinda Long & David Shannon, Jeremy Jacobs, a little boy building a sandcastle at the beach, gets recruited aboard the pirate, Braid Beard's ship. Jeremy soon discovers that the pirate life is not all it's cracked up to be. Have fun pretending to be pirates with your child, go on a treasure hunt and then make an edible Pirate sandwich! Arggh!

Pirate Sandwich

(from ZiggityZoom.com)

2 slices white bread (or wheat)Red pepper

Olive slices
Cucumber
Radish slice
Chives
Orange nose (carrot, orange pepper or cheese)
Sandwich filling of choice (turkey, cheese, ham etc.)

Cut slices of bread into circles with a sharp knife. Fill sandwich with a combination of your favorite ingredients, such as ham and cheese, turkey and cheese, turkey and avocado slices.

Now, cut a large red pepper slice to make the bandana of the pirate. Cut two little pieces to make the "ties". Add eyes, nose, mouth and ears, as shown. Use olive slices without pimentos for earrings.

If You Give A Moose A Muffin

If You Give A Moose A Muffin by Laura Joffe Numeroff, explains why it is a bad idea to give a moose a muffin. See if you give a moose a muffin he is just going to want more and more from you and cause you a lot of havoc and stress! Seriously though, this book is very funny and will be one you will want to keep in your personal library. After reading this book you will be famished and will want to eat some muffins. Be sure to make these Banana Chocolate Chip Moose Muffins...delish! Just be sure not to share with any moose on the loose!

Banana Chocolate Chip Moose Muffins

1 Egg

1/4 cup Vegetable oil

1 teaspoon Vanilla extract

1/2 cup Nonfat plain yogurt

4 each Medium ripe bananas, mashed

1/2 cup mini c

hocolate chips

2 cup All purpose flour

1/4 cup Wheat, germ

1/2 cup Sugar

2 teaspoon Baking Powder

1 teaspoon Baking Soda

1/4 teaspoon Salt

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Using 2 muffin tins, line a total of 16 cups with paper liners and spray each liner with cooking spray.

2. In a medium bowl, combine egg, oil, vanilla, yogurt, and mashed banana. Mix well. Stir in chocolate chips and set aside.

3. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, wheat germ, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

4. Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients. Mix until just combined, being sure to get up any flour from bottom of bowl. Try hard not to overmix, which can make tougher muffins.

5. Place about 1/3 cup of batter into each muffin cup. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until lightly golden. A cake tester or toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean.

6. Let muffins cool in pan for 10 minutes and then transfer them to a rack.

7. Serve warm or at room temperature. Muffins may be placed in freezer bags and frozen for up to four weeks.

What Kids Can Do:

* Prepare the muffin tins.

* Mash the bananas with a fork.

* Break the egg into a small bowl.

* Mix the wet ingredients.

* Whisk the dry ingredients.

* Older children can add the batter to the muffin tins.

Source: Hannaford fresh Magazine, January - February 2008