The youngest explorer in our group
We discussed different ways to identify sugar maples - the leaves (on the ground at this time of year), bark and branches
Anticipating our pancake dinner!
Kevin's Homemade Wheat Bread
This is Kevin's standard bread recipe and it is perfect for just about everything. We use it for sandwiches, as a side for dinner and it also makes great dinner rolls if divided. The measurements given will make two small loaves so he typically doubles it to make 3 larger loaves (sandwich-size) at once. We store the loaves in the refrigerator and have never had any problem with freshness, but I would assume you would want to consume the bread within 8-10 days due to no preservatives.
In a large bowl, dissolve the sugar and honey in warm water; stir in yeast. Allow to proof until yeast resembles a creamy foam.
Mix salt, egg and oil into yeast. Mix in flour one cup at a time. Knead dough on a lightly floured surface until smooth. Place in a well oiled bowl, turn dough to coat on all sides. Cover with a damp cloth. Allow to rise until doubled in bulk, about 1 hour.
Punch dough down. Knead for a few minutes and divide in half. Shape into loaves; place into 2 oiled 9x5 inch loaf pans. Allow to rise for about 30 minutes.
Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 30 minutes or until internal temperature is 185-195 degrees F.
Optional Step:
For a beautiful glossy finish, pull bread loaves out 10 minutes before done and brush with egg white. Return to oven and bake until done.
Three Cheese Chicken Penne Pasta Bake
This is an easy, delicious and beautiful dinner - the entire family loves it! I like to serve it with a quick salad and homemade garlic bread.
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Cook pasta according to package directions (under cooking slightly), adding spinach to boiling water for the last 1 minute.
Cook and stir chicken, basil and garlic in oil in large skillet on medium-high heat for 3 minutes. Add sauce and tomatoes; bring to a boil. Simmer 3 minutes or until chicken is done. Stir in cream cheese.
Drain pasta mixture; return to pan. Stir in chicken mixture and 1/2 cup mozzarella. Spoon into 9x13 pan. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil, sprinkle with remaining cheeses. Bake, uncovered, for an additional 5 minutes, or until cheese is melted.
Serves 5-6
Braised Balsamic Chicken
This is one of my all-time favorite "company's coming" meals. It is quick and easy but the flavor is rich and sophisticated. It tastes like you've spent all afternoon toiling over the stove! I love to serve this dinner with green beans and pine nut couscous. Yum!
Season chicken breasts with pepper. Heat olive oil in a medium skillet; brown garlic, onion and chicken breasts.
Pour tomatoes, chicken broth and balsamic vinegar over chicken. Season with basil, oregano and thyme. Simmer until chicken is no longer pink, about 15 minutes.
Serves 5-6
If there are any of the above dinners that you would like the recipe for, please comment via my blog or facebook and I will try to post it right away.
Cut chicken into 1-inch cubes and place in medium bowl. Sprinkle with lemon juice, seasoned salt and garlic; toss lightly.
Heat oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and onions; saute' for 2 minutes. Add mushrooms. Cook 3 to 4 minutes longer or until vegetables are tender and chicken is cooked through, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat to low. Stir in dressing and cover.
Spoon chicken mixture equally into center of tortilla. Top with lettuce, cheese, sour cream and salsa, if desired. Fold edges in to cover filling and roll up tightly.
Serves 4-5.
Place chicken carcass and bay leaves in a large soup kettle and cover with water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat ; cover and simmer for 1-2 hours. Remove carcass; cool. Set aside 3 quarts broth. Remove chicken from bones and cut into bit-size pieces; set aside.
In a soup kettle or Dutch oven, saute onions, carrots and celery in butter until tender. Reduce heat; stir in flour until blended. Gradually add 1 quart of reserved broth. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened.
Add milk/cream, rice, bouillon, salt, pepper, remaining broth and reserved chicken. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 25-30 minutes or until rice is tender.
Serves 10-12.
Ethan, Thomas, Kaden and James take a break from our chilly hike
All photos courtesy of my handy-dandy camera phone!
The highlight of our time out was having the opportunity to hand feed the chickadees and the small woodpeckers on the nature trail outside of the Nature Center. The boys loved the experience, although Kaden was a little unsure once one of the chickadees actually landed in his hand. Elijah had the best luck since he stood the most still and exhibited the most patience. The chickadees were so hungry that they even followed us out of the woods and into the parking lot looking for more sunflower seeds!
Eli was so excited and the birds were very brave!
How many birds can you count? (There were at least 7 around Eli at this moment!)
After the Nature Center we took a break for a picnic lunch and then went to the Farm Center and petting area. We really enjoyed looking at all of the new baby animals that had been recently born at the farm. There were about a dozen piglets, 7 new lambs and a baby goat that the boys had the opportunity to observe and pet. The pigs were the most fascinating because when we arrived they were all snoring in a corner, but soon the mama sow called them to eat. It was a very noisy piggy frenzy as all the little pink porkers rushed over to mommy and pushed, shoved, squeezed and trampled each other for the best milk spout. It certainly made me glad that God decided to create me as a human mother and not a fine swine!
From the baby animals we traveled to the second story of the barn to where they had various farming displays set up and there was a hands-on children's activity center. The boys had a fun time playing with all of the equipment and tools, and my friend Alyssa and I had a good time talking and enjoying a little "mom time." It was nice to have a bit of a respite while the boys entertained themselves with educational toys. Not to mention it gave us the opportunity to warm ourselves back up!
After a quick tour of the remaining petting farm animals, we headed back up to our cars to head home. The day was a lot of fun and it was so nice to be outside enjoying the sunshine. Can I say again how glad I am that we have the opportunity to homeschool! There was a school group at the park the entire time we were there and I had to count my blessings that we are able to pack up and "do" school at the park anytime we want. The traditionally-schooled children only have the opportunity to get out of the classroom every once in a while. This real-life, day-to-day education is so much fun and a wonderful, relationship-building, memory-making experience.
Decked out in my party hat! 
One of my best buds! 
Self portrait 
Me and My Best Friend 
These scarves were my gift from Kevin's grandparents. His grandma hand made them both. Aren't they beautiful?
So excited about the Aqua Globes!
Another of my best buds!
Preparing the candles on the cake
Bring on the inferno!
They think I need a little help putting out all of the flames!
Kevin's on cake cutting duty - it was still pretty frozen solid
A slice of perfection!
Papa and Cole enjoying the chocolate rush!
Sugar buzz!
Trenton loved the ice cream and frosting - yum!
There's no denying it now - i'm old! :)
