Thanksgiving Thoughts: Passing Along Some Positive Perspective with the Pumpkin Pie

To me, author Sara Ambarian, is Sarah Snow, Rachel Ray and Martha Stewart - all rolled into one. I have known Sara for almost a decade now. Initially, I marveled at her multitasking abilities. She is a wonderful mom, a marvelous cook, seamstress, designer, wedding planner, webmaster, and writer. I'm sure that this is just a sampling of her talents and abilities. What's truly appealing; however, is the fact that she is very humble and is always willing to help other moms.

So, when she told me that she had written the article Thanksgiving Thoughts: Passing Along Some Positive Perspective with the Pumpkin Pie, I couldn't wait to read it. Whether you are a novice or a seasoned Thanksgiving planner, this article will shed some new light on this holiday. You will learn how to involve your children in new, innovative ways.

Have you postponed your Thanksgiving planning? Would you like to put some spark into your Thanksgiving celebration? Do you want to create a truly meaningful gathering, rather than some big show that is meaningless and stressful? Perhaps, you will gain some new insight to help you through the rough spots. Maybe, this is the year to create a Thanksgiving that is less stressful and more memorable.

Sarah's perspective helped me to see our Thanksgiving in a whole new light. I know that you will glean some positive reinforcement and helpful tips on how to make this holiday meaningful for you and your family as well.

BTW, Sara is not advertising anything here. I included a link to her book website where you can learn more about Sara. At one point in time she had a website, and my hope is that she will someday create a new one. It was full of wonderful information.

Visit http://www.amonco.org/sara_ambarian08.pdf to read the article Thanksgiving Thoughts: Passing Along Some Positive Perspective with the Pumpkin Pie.

Enjoy the read!!

Heidi Anne Spietz
http://www.amonco.org/

Make Homemade Bread for the Holidays

November 17th is National Homemade Bread Day. It's probably no accident that this special day precedes the holiday season. What better way to celebrate your upcoming holiday meal preparation than by including children in this bread making practical life activity. Imagine the joy your child will experience when he places a basket of freshly baked bread on your dinner table or gift wraps a loaf to share with friends. Below, you will find some links to help you with the planning and preparation.

http://denverlibrary.org/content/happy-national-homemade-bread-day

Happy National Homemade Bread Day!

http://www.annarbor.com/entertainment/food-drink/you-should-only-be-happy-celebrating-homemade-bread-day/

Celebrating Homemade Bread Day

http://www.cooks.com/rec/search/0,1-0,homemade_bread,FF.html

Homemade Bread

http://blog.superhealthykids.com/2010/05/the-easiest-homemade-bread-youll-ever-make/

The Easiest Homemade Bread You'll Ever Make

Now that you have mastered bread making, you will want to try some additional recipes this holiday season.

Look below to find some scintillating salads, magnificent main courses, and delightful desserts. Click on the links

to access the free information.

AMC Montessori Spring Hands-On Newsletter Part III

Yummy Peanut Butter Fudge

AMC Montessori Spring Hands-On Newsletter Part V

Sour Cream Fudge

AMC Montessori Spring Hands-On Newsletter Part VII

Hot Fudge Topping From Farm Country General Store

AMC Montessori Summer Hands-On Newsletter Part 3

Recipe for Onion Pie

AMC Montessori Summer Hands-On Newsletter Part 6

Gingerbread Muffins by Montessori Teacher Cathie Perolman

AMC Montessori Summer Hands-On Newsletter Part 7

Cinnamon Rolls Recipe and

Farm Country's Cornbread Recipe

AMC Montessori Fall Hands-On Newsletter Part 3

Making Applesauce

AMC Montessori Fall Hands-On Newsletter Part 4

Hot Fudge Pudding Cake

Hot Baked Chicken Salad

AMC Montessori Fall Hands-On Newsletter Part 5

Making Apple Cinnamon Muffins

AMC Montessori Fall Hands-On Newsletter Part 6

Lithuanian Cranberry Cake

Cherry Mae's Holiday Turkey Meatballs

Cherry Mae's Holiday Stuffing

AMC Montessori Fall Hands-On Newsletter Part 7

Apple Angel Food Cake

Oma's Cookies ~ A German Recipe

Farm Country's Favorite Zucchini Bread

AMC Montessori Fall Hands-On Newsletter Part 8

Filipino Fruit Salad

Filipino Mango Float

Filipino Leche Flan

AMC Montessori Fall Hands-On Newsletter Part 9

Homemade Fresh Tomato Ketchup

Pumpkins, Pumpkins, Pumpkins

AMC Montessori Fall/Winter Hands-On Newsletter Part 2

Pistachio Poppy Seed Cake ~ A Miami Favorite

Old Fashioned Sugar Cookie Cutouts ~ Recipe from Montessorian

AMC Montessori Fall/Winter Hands-On Newsletter Part 3

Ginger-Coconut Baked Apples

AMC Montessori Fall/Winter Hands-On Newsletter Part 4

Nutty Chocolate Pudding Squares

Chocolate Dusted Almonds

AMC Montessori Fall/Winter Hands-On Newsletter Part 5

Holiday Cheesecake

AMC Montessori Fall/Winter Hands-On Newsletter Part 6

Farmer's Favorite Fudge

Spinach Dip Recipe

AMC Montessori Fall/Winter Hands-On Newsletter Part 7

Crepes Recipe For Children

AMC Montessori Fall/Winter Hands-On Newsletter Part 8

Re-thinking Holiday Priorities through Tough Times

Enjoy!

Heidi Anne Spietz

http://www.amonco.org

American Montessori Consulting

Summer Cooking Links for Kids

Just in time for the 4th of July and the summer months ahead....

Please see Company's Cooking Kids Cooking = Summer Fun

and

AMC Montessori Summer Hands On Newsletter

June is National Candy Month

June is National Candy Month, so why not celebrate with a fun and educational sweet indulgence with your students/children. Certainly as teachers and parents/grandparents, we want to provide a good example to the children in our lives; but special occasion treats like candy provide a good opportunity to reinforce the principle that “moderation is key”. Unless you or they have specific health issues which preclude candy, most people can enjoy an occasional “goodie” as part of a healthy diet. Older children might enjoy the table at the following link, which lists the calories and other nutritional information for a variety of popular candies. http://housing.k-state.edu/dining/FitCourse/justforfun/06-candymonth.html

If you use the recipes or buy nostalgic candies from the businesses below, consider sharing with family, friends and neighbors. Just a few pieces of candy, wrapped in pretty cellophane, and decorated with a bow and/or artificial flowers (or delivered with a little bouquet of flowers from your own garden, if you have one) makes a lovely gift. Think of people in the children’s lives who might especially appreciate a little “just because” offering. When you share, no one has “too much of a good thing”, and children get the joy of brightening someone else’s day.

For a tasty lesson in math and science and a practical life exercise, consider making your own candy from one of the following fudge recipes. Fudge is a popular candy to make, especially with children, because it is more forgiving of mistakes and heat/time variations than some candy recipes.

Larry from Farm Country General Store has shared instructions for Farmer’s Favorite Fudge, based on evaporated milk and chocolate chips. http://www.amonco.org/winter6/montessori_winter6.pdf

As part of a handwriting project of compiling family recipes, Nan of Barchowsky Fluent Handwriting has submitted a recipe for Peanut Fudge using Karo syrup and marshmallow cream. http://www.amonco.org/spring3/montessori_spring_3.pdf

Angela from Wildridge Education tells about the origins of her family favorite, Grampa Bailey’s Sour Cream Fudge. This is an unusual, old-fashioned fudge recipe, which uses simple ingredients and ought to be a hit with folks who don’t enjoy chocolate fudge recipes. http://www.amonco.org/spring5/montessori_spring.5.pdf

If you don’t have the time or inclination to make your own, enjoy nostalgic candy while supporting small business and a good cause. Victory Seed’s old-time candy store sales help to fund their research and preservation of rare and heirloom seeds. Read their story and check out their products at: http://www.victoryseeds.com/candystore.html

Another family business which sells a wide variety of old-fashioned and unusual candies, including international and sugar-free varieties, is The Vermont Country Store. Find your favorites and share a taste of your childhood at: http://www.vermontcountrystore.com/products/Food-Candy/Candy-Chocolate.html