Celebrating Kids

As I began filtering through information about Child Abuse Prevention Month, which is now, I also began to think about how precious children really are and how sad it is that they are often neglected and abused. The state and national statistics are alarming, though I am sure there are many more cases than are actually reported. A child is the greatest blessing a parent will have ever receive . . . I just wish every mom and dad could realize what an awesome gift they have been given. To celebrate our kids, let’s have some fun with them in the kitchen. Let them try their hand at preparing one of these recipes, or just turn them loose to come up with their own creation. I love it when my son decides to fix dinner at our house – he’s a great cook!

Fun Wraps
1 package tortillas
Cold cuts (ham and turkey) thinly sliced
Cheese of choice
Chopped veggies (lettuce, cucumbers, pickles, olives)
Mustard, mayonnaise or creamy, thick dressing or choice

Lay a tortilla out flat and spread with mayonnaise, mustard or lightly with dressing. Then layer with a slice of ham, turkey and cheese. Add lettuce, olives, cucumbers, and pickles. Roll up your wrap and cut into round bite-sized pieces, if desired. Simple to make and great for school lunches.

 

Banana Chocolate Crunch Popsicles
1 banana
Chocolate syrup
Chopped nuts or granola

Peel banana, place popsicle stick in one end. Dip banana in chocolate syrup and roll in nuts or granola. Freeze for 2-3 hours.

 

Ants In the Rocks
Graham crackers
Chocolate chips or raisins

Place graham crackers in a plastic sandwich bag and break into coarse pieces. Add a few chocolate chips or raisins to make ants; seal the bag. Let the kids take outside for a treat or let them pour it into a small bowl at the table.

 

Strawberry Delight Smoothie
1 cup milk
1 cup vanilla yogurt
4 large strawberries (or 1 cup frozen strawberries)
1 small banana, sliced

Place in blender and blend for one minute.
Makes enough for one large serving or two small; double as needed.

 

To obtain your copy of “Lovin’ Spoonful . . . Cooking With Family and Friends,” visit one of the stores in the Boone Drug chain, Black Bear Books, Trailway Laundry, The Offices of High Country Media (Boone and Banner Elk) and The Avery Journal in Newland. See or call Gail Polson in Crossnore at (828) 733-0373; or call Sherrie at (828) 264-6761. For mail orders, send check or money order for $15 per book, plus $3 for S/H, to The Norris Co., PO Box 3285, Boone NC 28607.