Using a word processing program, print the outline of letters for the child. (I have a book full of letter activities which has an outline for every letter. That is what is shown in these pictures.) Here are some things that the child can do with those letters:
– color the letter
– glue pompoms, sequins, glitter, or small pieces of paper on the letter
– make play-doh in the shape of the letter using the outline as a model
– put the paper on a piece of cardboard and allow the child to poke holes in the shape of the letter
– have the child rainbow write the letter (write the letter with several different colors)
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Jan 30th, 2010 by Vanessa
I tried this recipe from The Prudent Homemaker and absolutely loved it! I have made them several times and they have always been super delicious. I hope you enjoy them!
Makes 16 large bagels
Dough:
3 Cups warm water (between 105-110 degrees F)
4 Tbsp yeast
¼ cup sugar
5 tsp salt
7 cups All-Purpose Flour
In a large mixing bowl, pour water and yeast. Stir to dissolve, and leave for 2-3 minutes until yeast has bubbled. Stir in sugar and salt. Add flour. Stir with a wooden spoon to make a thick batter. When it becomes difficult to stir, remove dough from bowl and work with your hands on the counter. Knead dough for about 8 minutes. Lightly flour bowl. Return dough to bowl. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and allow to rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
While the dough is rising, spray two baking sheets with Pam. Fill a large pot with water and add a Tbsp of sugar to help give the bagels a nice sheen.
Preheat oven to 450 F. When dough has finished rising, turn dough out onto a floured counter and push it flat (about 2 inches thick). With a dough scraper, divide the dough into 16 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a ball. Allow to rest for 3-4 minutes. With your thumb, press deep into the center of the ball, and tear open a hole with your fingers. Place formed bagels together on the work surface, cover with a damp towel and leave until dough is slightly raised—about 10 minutes.
Meanwhile, bring your water to a low boil. Gently lift bagels, one at a time, and lower into the hot water. Do not do more than 2 or 3 at a time. Cook for about a minute, then flip them over in the water using a slotted spatula, and cook for another 30 seconds. Lift out with the slotted spatula, and place on your baking sheet. Repeat with all the bagels. Bake for about 30 minutes, rotating the pans halfway through. Keep an eye on them so that the bottoms don’t burn. Remove from oven and let cool on a rack.
Posted in in the kitchen | 2 Comments »
Jan 29th, 2010 by Vanessa
It took me a while to find something that would work be a natural and cheaper replacement for our dishwasher. We have been using Finish Power Tabs since we moved into our house – and they did a great job making our dishes clean. But at the fabulous Costco price of 14.99 for 110 loads, they were not a fabulous deal and they were also not natural. If there’s a place where I want to be safe, natural, and environmentally friendly, it’s around my dishes.
I found many homemade recipes for dishwashing detergent online, but they all contained borax. Another ingredient that I do not want in my kitchen!
We purchased a powdered form of safe dishwasher detergent for $5.59 for about 100 loads. It was a great price and works very well to get our dishes clean! Yay! I am a bit concerned, however, that when I went to Costco at the beginning of the month I could not find it with their other dishwasher detergents. I am hoping it will be coming back or the search may be on again!
I read that instead of using expensive and icky for you rinse aids you can use vinegar (once again that wonderful liquid can be used!). It works like a charm! I only wish that I had known this trick earlier rather than waste our money on toxic products that were much more expensive.
Readers, do you have any recommendations for healthy and natural dishwashing detergents if Costco does not carry my new found powder anymore? Any suggestions?
This post is a part of Frugal Friday at Life as Mom.
This post is a part of Kitchen Tip Tuesday at Tammy’s Recipes.
Posted in in the kitchen, natural living | 8 Comments »
Jan 29th, 2010 by Vanessa
We used to cook meals once a month or every several months and store them in the freezer. However, I have since changed to making meals every night for better flavor and texture. However, I have several kitchen tasks to be completed this weekend during the Once a Month Cooking event with Money Saving Mom.
Here is my plan for the weekend:
- make February menu plan
- make carrot juice
- start lentils sprouting
- make yogurt
- core, chop, and dehydrate 10 lbs of apples
- make up beans for the month to freeze
- separate bulk cheese to freeze
- make cookies
- make msg crackers
- make green smoothies
I will also be doing lots of reading for class and lots of laundry!
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Jan 28th, 2010 by Vanessa
2 c. cottage cheese
1 c. sour cream
1 egg, lightly beaten
3/4 t. salt
garlic salt and pepper to taste
2 c. cheddar cheese
7 oz. pasta whole grain, cooked and drained
In a large bowl, combine cottage cheese, sour cream, egg, salt, garlic salt, and pepper. Add cheddar cheese; mix well. Add macaroni and stir until coated. Transfer to a baking dish. Bake, uncovered, at 350 for 25-30 minutes.
This recipe has quickly become a favorite at our house! It is quick to put together (great after a long day of kindergarten) and is super tasty – much better than any box mix for sure!
To see more real real meals that boxed mixes have tried to imitate (ex. Hamburger Helper, and Kraft Macaroni and Cheese) visit Kitchen Stewardship. While you’re there, check out all of the awesome information that Katie has to share!
Posted in in the kitchen | 2 Comments »