Showing posts sorted by date for query recipe. Sort by relevance Show all posts
Showing posts sorted by date for query recipe. Sort by relevance Show all posts

Sunday, November 1, 2026

Finn's Noms: Super Meal With Chicken from the Stardew Valley cookbook

  

Finn's Noms is a weekly feature where Finn picks recipes out of the (many) cookbooks we have, and then cooks them for us!

Finn made a super meal from the Stardew Valley cookbook! We added chicken.


What book: Stardew Valley Cookbook

What recipe: Super Meal

Did we change anything: We added chicken! And the sauce called for anchovies which we did NOT add.

Why we chose that recipe: It looked tasty and healthy, and very fall coded.

Thoughts:
I didn't like it. I liked the pomegranate seeds and the farro and that's it. I didn't like the texture or the taste of any of the rest.

Would we change anything
Ironically I would take out the pomegranate seeds. Finn just wouldn't cook it at all or eat it at all again.

Would we cook it again.
I would, Finn wouldn't.

1 Yums (Finn)
3 Yums (Ash)


It was definitely something. It was A LOT of different flavors and textures. I loved the farro, it's my first time trying it. I did NOT like the pomegranate seeds, they were so hard to chew. I loved the taste, that's it. 
Other than that it was good, just.. different. And I think that the bok choy should've been cooked differently.

Sunday, October 4, 2026

Finn's Noms: Broccoli and Cheese Stromboli

 

Finn's Noms is a weekly feature where Finn picks recipes out of the (many) cookbooks we have, and then cooks them for us!

Finn made a broccoli and cheese stromboli! He also made garlic roasted green beans, but that wasn't from the cookbook.


What book: Cookbook for Kids 

What recipe: Broccoli and Cheese Stromboli

Did we change anything: We just doubled it 

Why we chose that recipe: It looked tasty

Thoughts:
It was really good, it needed more protein though. 
There wasn't many steps but the steps themselves were lengthy, it was really easy to cook however. 

Would we change anything
Definitely needs protein. Maybe chicken?- Ash
Adding protein, probably chicken- Finn

Would we cook it again.
Yeah!

3.5/5 Yums


I really liked this one, I almost always love what Finn makes, but this one was so simple. It was easy and quick to make and it was yummy.
My only complaint is it didn't have any protein really, so adding chicken and maybe like a cheddar cheese would really add to the flavor plus adding in the protein. It would have helped to stretch it further too so we had leftovers.

The green beans were also simple but so good.

Next week we will be making Hasperat!

Sunday, September 27, 2026

Finn's Noms: Molly's Meatballs with Onion sauce, Glazed Carrots, and Fluffy Potatoes


Finn's Noms is a weekly feature where Finn picks recipes out of the (many) cookbooks we have, and then cooks them for us!





What book: The Unofficial Harry Potter Cookbook 



What recipe: Molly's Meatballs with onion sauce, glazed carrots, and fluffy potatoes

Did we change anything: Nope! 

Why we chose that recipe: It looked fun to make

Thoughts:
I liked it, I think it would go really well in a pasta. 

Would we change anything
More onion sauce I think- Ash
Adding it to a pasta- Finn

Would we cook it again.
Yeah!

4/5 Yums


I don't like meatballs, ever. So I was really nervous about this recipe, when Finn cooks I always worry I won't like it, even though Finn says that he knows not everyone will like everything, I don't want to hurt his feelings.
Anyway! I loved these. Finally found meatballs I will eat, the onion sauce was so good, the boys thought it wasn't thick enough, and I think we definitely should've added more.
The glazed carrots were.. Oh my god, so good. John didn't like them, but I loved how sweet they were. Only thing I didn't like is that it was a little too candied on parts and it made it a bit hard to eat.
But damn it was good!

Next week we will be making broccoli and cheese stromboli with roasted garlic green beans.

Sunday, January 4, 2026

Recipes From the Cosmos: Galaxy Popcorn, Cosmic Cocoa, and Starfruit Spritzers

Recipes From the Cosmos: Galaxy Popcorn, Cosmic Cocoa, and Starfruit Spritzers

Alright, tiny humans, chaos wranglers, and snack enthusiasts—strap in, because we’re about to turn your kitchen into a full-on cosmic snack lab. Glitter, color, bubbles, and explosions (safe ones) are totally encouraged. Let’s go.

Galaxy Popcorn: Snack Like a Star 
Photo is AI generated as I have not made this yet

Ingredients:
8 cups popped popcorn
1/4 cup butter or coconut oil, melted
1/2 cup white chocolate chips
Food coloring (purple, blue, pink, black—glitter optional)
Edible glitter or star sprinkles

How to make it:
Pop your popcorn and set aside in a giant bowl (bonus: let the kids toss it with their hands).
Melt the white chocolate and divide it into separate bowls. Add different food coloring to each.
Drizzle the colorful chocolate over the popcorn like a cosmic nebula.
Toss gently (or wildly) so the colors swirl but don’t completely mix.
Sprinkle edible glitter or star-shaped sprinkles on top.
Let it set for a few minutes before digging in.

Why it’s fun: Kids get a hands-on way to “paint” with chocolate, and your snack suddenly looks like a galaxy explosion. Bonus chaos: some chocolate will end up everywhere—embrace it.

Cosmic Cocoa: Sip the Stars 
Photo is AI generated as I have not made this yet

Ingredients:
2 cups milk (or dairy-free alternative)
2 tbsp cocoa powder
1-2 tbsp sugar or sweetener
1/4 tsp vanilla extract
Whipped cream
Food coloring (optional for a galaxy effect)
Star sprinkles or edible glitter

How to make it:
Heat the milk gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Whisk in cocoa, sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Optional: add a drop of purple or blue food coloring for a cosmic twist.
Pour into mugs and top with a fluffy cloud of whipped cream.
Sprinkle stars, edible glitter, or even a tiny swirl of color on top.

Why it’s fun: It’s warm, magical, and perfect for narrating a space adventure while sipping. (“Watch out! A meteor made of marshmallows is approaching!”)

 Starfruit Spritzers: Fizzy Cosmic Drinks 
Photo is AI generated as I have not made this yet

Ingredients:
1 cup starfruit slices (or substitute with kiwi for fun green stars)
2 cups sparkling water or club soda
1/2 cup fruit juice (grape, cranberry, or mixed berry works)
Ice cubes
Optional: a splash of lemonade for extra tang

How to make it:
Slice the starfruit into little star shapes. If using kiwi, cut into thin stars with a small cookie cutter.
Fill glasses halfway with ice and add fruit slices.
Pour sparkling water and juice over the top.
Optional: drizzle a little lemonade for a fizz explosion.
Stir gently and watch the bubbles dance around your cosmic stars.

Why it’s fun: It’s bubbly, colorful, and hands-on. Kids can watch the stars float in the fizzy water and pretend they’re tiny planets orbiting a galaxy. Bonus: it’s healthy-ish chaos that feels indulgent.

Final Thoughts:

Galaxy popcorn, cosmic cocoa, and starfruit spritzers aren’t just snacks—they’re tiny adventures you can eat, drink, and marvel at. The best part? Kids get to help, mess up the kitchen a little, and learn that cooking can be creative, colorful, and chaotic—just like space itself.

So grab glitter, chocolate, fizz, and stars. Embrace the chaos. And snack like the cosmos is watching. 🌌💫

Friday, January 24, 2025

Yawns or Yums: Trail Mix Fun

 

Yawns or Yums is a recipe feature, where I try new recipes and tell you if they were yawn (Not so great) or yum.

We LOVE trail mixes here! They are so simple and yummy and there's a thousand different things you can do to make different types of trail mixes. Here are some that I really want to try. Some are fairly close to the OG trail mix, but still a little different.

1. Sweet and Salty - Mix pretzels, chocolate-covered raisins, dried cranberries, and salted almonds.

2. Tropical - Combine dried mango, coconut flakes, macadamia nuts, and banana chips.

3. Nutty Delight - Use a variety of nuts like cashews, almonds, pistachios, and add some dark chocolate chunks.

4. Berry Mix - Mix dried blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, and yogurt-covered raisins.

5. Spicy Kick - Combine spicy peanuts, corn nuts, sesame sticks, and dried pineapple.

6. Breakfast Mix - Use granola, dried apples, cinnamon sugar almonds, and cereal pieces.

7. Savory Herb - Mix roasted chickpeas, rosemary almonds, parmesan crisps, and sunflower seeds.

8. Chocolate Lovers - Combine mini chocolate chips, cocoa-dusted almonds, chocolate-covered pretzels, and dried cherries.

9. Mediterranean - Mix dried apricots, pistachios, dried figs, and roasted chickpeas.

10. Peanut Butter Crunch - Use peanut butter chips, mini pretzels, peanuts, and dried banana slices.

11. Energy Boost - Combine dried goji berries, pumpkin seeds, dark chocolate chunks, and dried apricots.

12. Holiday Mix - Mix dried cranberries, white chocolate chips, pecans, and cinnamon sugar almonds.

13. S'mores - Combine mini marshmallows, chocolate chunks, and graham cracker pieces.

14. Fruit and Nut - Use a mix of dried apples, walnuts, raisins, and sunflower seeds.

Have you tried any of these? What's your favorite kind of trail mix?

Friday, January 10, 2025

Yawns Or Yums: Homemade Soups to Try

Yawns or Yums is a recipe feature, where I try new recipes and tell you if they were yawn (Not so great) or yum.

This is a different type of Yawns or Yums! All I'm doing in this post is talking about soups (And giving recipes) that I want to eat this winter!
Some of these I've already had, some of them are new recipes!

Taco soup
I've made this so many times, it's a staple in our household and we love it. 


Ingredients: 
1 lb ground beef 
1 large onion, chopped 
1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed 
1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed 
1 can (15 oz) corn, drained 
1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes 
1 can (15 oz) Rotel tomatoes (with green chilies) 
1 packet taco seasoning 
1 packet ranch dressing mix 
2 cups beef broth
Optional toppings: 
shredded cheese, sour cream, sliced jalapeños, chopped cilantro, tortilla chips 

Instructions: 
1. Brown the Beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium heat until it’s browned. Drain any excess fat. 
2. Cook the Onion: Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook until it’s soft and translucent. 
3. Add Ingredients: Stir in the black beans, kidney beans, corn, diced tomatoes, Rotel tomatoes, taco seasoning, and ranch dressing mix. 
4. Pour in Broth: Add the beef broth and stir everything together. 
5. Simmer: Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 30 minutes to let all the flavors meld together. 
6. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, sliced jalapeños, chopped cilantro, and tortilla chips.

Chicken and dumplings
The last time we made chicken and dumplings we didn't use this recipe, but it was close to it!

Ingredients: 
For the Soup: 
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs) 
1 large onion, diced 
3 carrots, peeled and sliced 
3 celery stalks, sliced 
4 cups chicken broth 
2 cups water 
1 tsp dried thyme 
1 tsp dried parsley 
Salt and pepper to taste 

For the Dumplings: 
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 
1 tbsp baking powder 
1 tsp salt 
1/2 cup milk 
2 tbsp melted butter 

Instructions: 
1. Cook the Chicken: In a large pot, add the chicken, onion, carrots, celery, chicken broth, water, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. 
2. Shred the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the pot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot. 
3. Make the Dumplings: In a bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir in the milk and melted butter until just combined. 
4. Add the Dumplings: Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough into the simmering soup. Cover the pot and let the dumplings cook for about 15 minutes, or until they are cooked through and fluffy. 
5. Check Seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. 
6. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy your warm, comforting chicken and dumpling soup!

Mexican Street Corn
Ingredients: 
4 cups corn kernels (fresh or frozen) 
1 tbsp olive oil 
1 onion, diced 
3 cloves garlic, minced 
1 jalapeño, seeded and minced 
4 cups chicken or vegetable broth 
1 cup heavy cream 
1 tsp chili powder 
1 tsp smoked paprika 
1/2 tsp cumin 
Salt and pepper to taste 
1/4 cup cotija cheese, crumbled 
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped  
Lime wedges for serving 

Instructions: 
1. Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and jalapeño, and sauté until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute. 
2. Add Corn and Spices: Stir in the corn kernels, chili powder, smoked paprika, and cumin. Cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the corn to get a bit of a char. 
3. Simmer the Soup: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. 
4. Blend the Soup: Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth. If you don't have an immersion blender, you can carefully transfer the soup to a regular blender in batches and blend until smooth. 
5. Add Cream: Stir in the heavy cream and let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. 
6. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with crumbled cotija cheese, chopped cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice.

Tomato
I've never made homemade tomato soup before! It's always the can, but I'm super excited to try this recipe.

Ingredients: 
2 tbsp olive oil 
1 large onion, chopped 
2 cloves garlic, minced  
2 cans (28 oz each) whole peeled tomatoes 
2 cups chicken or vegetable broth 
1 tsp sugar 
1/2 tsp salt 
1/4 tsp black pepper 
1/4 cup heavy cream (optional) 
Fresh basil leaves for garnish 

Instructions: 
1. Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until it's soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute. 
2. Add Tomatoes and Broth: Pour in the canned tomatoes (with their juice) and the chicken or vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes. 
3. Blend the Soup: Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth. If you don't have an immersion blender, you can carefully transfer the soup to a regular blender in batches and blend until smooth. 
4. Season and Add Cream: Stir in the sugar, salt, and black pepper. If you want a creamier soup, add the heavy cream and stir until well combined. Let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes. 
5. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh basil leaves.

Broccoli and cheese
I don't have pictures, but we've made this several times.

Ingredients: 
4 tbsp butter 
1 small onion, chopped 
2 cloves garlic, minced 
1/4 cup all-purpose flour 
2 cups chicken or vegetable broth 
2 cups half-and-half 
4 cups broccoli florets, chopped 
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese 
1/2 tsp salt 
1/4 tsp black pepper 
Pinch of nutmeg (optional) 

Instructions: 
1. Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until it's soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute. 
2. Make the Roux: Sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic, stirring constantly for about 2-3 minutes, until the flour is lightly browned. 
3. Add Broth and Half-and-Half: Slowly whisk in the chicken or vegetable broth and the half-and-half. Continue to whisk until the mixture is smooth and starts to thicken, about 5 minutes. 
4. Cook Broccoli: Add the chopped broccoli florets to the pot. Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer until the broccoli is tender, about 15-20 minutes. 
5. Blend the Soup: Use an immersion blender to blend the soup to your desired consistency. If you prefer a chunkier soup, you can blend just a portion of it. Alternatively, you can transfer some of the soup to a regular blender, blend, and then return it to the pot. 
6. Add Cheese and Seasonings: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it's melted and well combined. Season with salt, black pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg if using. Let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes. 
7. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy!

Loaded baked potato
Another staple!


Ingredients: 
6 slices bacon, diced 
1/4 cup butter 
1/4 cup all-purpose flour 
6 cups milk 
5 large russet potatoes, baked, peeled, and diced 
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese 
1/2 cup sour cream 
1/2 tsp salt 
1/4 tsp black pepper 
1/4 cup chopped green onions 

Instructions: 
1. Cook Bacon: In a large pot, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the bacon fat in the pot. 
2. Make the Roux: Add the butter to the pot with the bacon fat and melt it over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for about 2-3 minutes, until the mixture is lightly browned. 
3. Add Milk: Gradually whisk in the milk, making sure there are no lumps. Continue to whisk until the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes. 
4. Add Potatoes: Stir in the diced baked potatoes. Use a potato masher to mash some of the potatoes in the pot, leaving some chunks for texture. 
5. Add Cheese and Sour Cream: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, salt, and black pepper. Continue to cook until the cheese is melted and the soup is heated through. 
6. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with the crispy bacon, chopped green onions, and additional shredded cheese if desired.

Jalapeno popper
Ingredients: 
6 slices bacon, diced 
1/2 cup diced onion 
3 cloves garlic, minced 
4 jalapeños, seeded and diced 
4 cups chicken broth 
4 cups heavy cream 
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese 
1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened 
1 tsp salt 
1/2 tsp black pepper 
1/2 tsp paprika 
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat) 
2 tbsp all-purpose flour 
2 tbsp butter 

Instructions: 
1. Cook Bacon: In a large pot, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the bacon fat in the pot. 
2. Sauté Veggies: Add the diced onion, garlic, and jalapeños to the pot and cook until the onions are translucent and the jalapeños are softened, about 5 minutes. 
3. Make the Roux: Add the butter to the pot and melt it. Stir in the flour and cook for about 2-3 minutes, until the mixture is lightly browned. 
4. Add Broth: Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, making sure there are no lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer. 
5. Add Cream and Cheese: Stir in the heavy cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and softened cream cheese. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the cheeses are fully melted and the soup is smooth. 
6. Season: Stir in the salt, black pepper, paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Adjust the seasoning to taste.
7. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with the crispy bacon. You can also add extra shredded cheese or a dollop of sour cream if you like.

Spicy Sweet Corn Soup
Ingredients: 
2 tbsp olive oil 
1 medium onion, diced 
3 cloves garlic, minced 
1 jalapeño, seeded and minced 
4 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels 
4 cups vegetable broth 
1 cup heavy cream
1 tsp ground cumin  
1/2 tsp smoked paprika 
1/2 tsp chili powder 
Salt and pepper to taste 
1 lime, juiced 
Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish) 
Tortilla strips or chips (for garnish)
 
Instructions: 
1. Sauté Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until it's translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and jalapeño, cooking for another 2 minutes until fragrant. 
2. Add Corn and Spices: Stir in the corn kernels, ground cumin, smoked paprika, and chili powder. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, to let the flavors meld together. 
3. Simmer: Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, until the corn is tender. 
4. Blend: Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth. If you don't have an immersion blender, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender and blend until smooth. Return the soup to the pot. 
5. Add Cream: Stir in the heavy cream and lime juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Allow the soup to heat through, but do not let it boil. 
6. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro and tortilla strips or chips for a bit of crunch.

Garlic Soup
Ingredients: 
2 tbsp olive oil 
2 heads of garlic, peeled and minced 
1 medium onion, diced 
4 cups chicken or vegetable broth 
1 cup heavy cream 
1 tsp dried thyme 
1 tsp dried rosemary 
1/2 tsp smoked paprika 
Salt and pepper to taste 
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) 
Crusty bread (optional, for serving) 

Instructions: 
1. Sauté Garlic and Onion: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until it's translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 2-3 minutes, being careful not to let it burn. 
2. Add Broth and Spices: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, then add the dried thyme, dried rosemary, and smoked paprika. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes. 
3. Blend: Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth. If you don't have an immersion blender, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender and blend until smooth. Return the soup to the pot. 
4. Add Cream: Stir in the heavy cream and season with salt and pepper to taste. Allow the soup to heat through, but do not let it boil. 
5. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve with crusty bread if you like.

Creamy Cauliflower and Cheese Soup
Ingredients: 
1 large head of cauliflower, chopped 
1 medium onion, diced 
2 cloves garlic, minced  
4 cups chicken or vegetable broth 
1 cup heavy cream 
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese 
2 tbsp butter 
2 tbsp flour 
Salt and pepper to taste 
Fresh chives, chopped (for garnish) 
Crusty bread (optional, for serving) 

Instructions: 
1. Sauté Onion and Garlic: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until it's translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 2-3 minutes, being careful not to let it burn. 
2. Add Cauliflower and Broth: Add the chopped cauliflower to the pot and pour in the chicken or vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the cauliflower is tender. 
3. Blend: Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth. If you don't have an immersion blender, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender and blend until smooth. Return the soup to the pot. 
4. Make the Roux: In a separate small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk constantly for about 2 minutes, until the mixture is golden and bubbly. Slowly whisk in the heavy cream and cook until thickened, about 3-4 minutes. 
5. Combine and Add Cheese: Add the roux to the blended soup and stir to combine. Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring constantly until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. 
6. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh chives. Serve with crusty bread if you like.

Monday, December 30, 2024

Schoolin With My Homies: January Homeschool Theme: Winter

  
My adventures in homeschooling my kiddos.

Hi all! I've decided to do themes each month for the kids that includes foods, activities, research topics, signs, books, movies, and more. I will still do regular school with them, but this is just a little extra fun.

What I'll do is at the beginning of the month I'll post the theme and activities and such we'll be hopefully doing. 

For January the theme is winter! We don't have much of a winter here in Texas, but I figured we can live vicariously through those who actually get snow 

Foods:
Hot Chocolate with Marshmallows: Perfect for warming up on a cold day. You can make it using the powder or a homemade hot chocolate. Here is a list I found of different types of hot cocoa. 

Butternut Squash Soup: I haven't had butternut squash soup, and I'm not a huge butternut squash fan, but honestly I'm kind of excited for it. This is the recipe I will be using.

Roasted Root Vegetables: Nothing better than steamy hot yummy root vegetables. Roast up some carrots, sweet potatoes, potatoes, turnips, parsnips, beets.. Whatever you like!

Beef Stew: There is just something so special about beef stew in the winter time. I even love canned! But the best kind is the kind that has the beef sitting in the slow cooker for hours with veggies and beef stock. Yum!

Cranberry and Brie Bites: Why are cranberries so associated with winter time? Maybe because Christmas? Either way, these cranberry and brie bites sound DELICIOUS.

Ginger and Orange Zest Spice Cakes: I saw this on pinterest and I know I HAVE to make this. Good thing my mom is a baker.

Mulled Apple Cider: I've always wanted to make homemade apple cider. Imagine the smell this recipe would bring into your home and how cozy it would make everything feel.

Chicken Pot Pie: More wintery comfort food. We used to make little bite sized chicken pot pies. I don't even remember the last time I had a full chicken pot pie.

Peppermint Bark: Another treat I've always wanted to make but never have. This recipe looks easy!

Mini Pretzel Snowflakes: How super cute are these!? When I was looking at recipes I also found some pretzel Christmas trees!

Cinnamon Sugar Roasted Nuts: You can use just about any nut, almonds, pecans, cashews.. I love almonds but John isn't a fan, so we'd probably use another kind. 

Apple Slices with Caramel Dip: How fun would a caramel apple bar be!? Have different toppings with sliced apples. Kids would love that. 

Snowball Cookies: I've never made snowball cookies so I'm not sure if this is a normal recipe or not, but it sure looks yummy! And I love anything with sweetened condensed milk.

Popcorn Snowballs: John loves these during Halloween, where you can buy them in the little snack packs. I would love to homemake them for him during winter! (Also just noticed homemake isn't a word, oops!)

Crafts: 
Snow Globe Jars: Use mason jars, glitter, and small figurines to create magical snow globes.

Paper Snowflakes: Teach them how to cut out intricate paper snowflakes to decorate windows and walls.

Winter Scene Dioramas: Use shoe boxes to create winter wonderland scenes with cotton balls for snow.

Pinecone Ornaments: Collect pinecones and decorate them with paint, glitter, and ribbons.

Hot Chocolate Mugs: Decorate plain mugs with winter designs using paint pens, and then fill them with hot chocolate mix and marshmallows.

Snowman Mason Jars: Paint mason jars to look like snowmen and fill them with treats or small gifts.

Winter Themed Candle Holders: Decorate glass jars with winter scenes using paint or decoupage.

Penguin Crafts: Use paper plates, construction paper, and googly eyes to make adorable penguins.

Winter Wreaths: Create wreaths using evergreen branches, pinecones, and winter-themed decorations.

Snowflake Stamps: Use toilet paper rolls, cut into snowflake shapes, and dip them in paint to make snowflake prints.

Cotton Ball Snowmen: Glue cotton balls onto construction paper to make fluffy snowmen.

Pinecone Snowy Owls: Decorate pinecones with cotton balls and googly eyes to create cute snowy owls.

Paper Plate Snowflakes: Cut out snowflake shapes from paper plates and let them decorate with paint and glitter.

Mitten Matching Game: Cut out pairs of mitten shapes from colorful paper and let them match the pairs.

Winter Sensory Bottles: Fill plastic bottles with water, glitter, and small winter-themed items like snowflakes and beads.

Snowy Tree Art: Use Q-tips and white paint to create snow-covered trees on dark blue construction paper.

Penguin Footprints: Use black paint to make footprints on paper and turn them into penguins with construction paper beaks and eyes.

Snowman Faces: Cut out circles from white paper and let them decorate with markers, buttons, and fabric scraps to make snowman faces.

Winter Hats: Cut out hat shapes from construction paper and let them decorate with pom-poms and stickers.

Sensory Bin: 
Please keep in mind this is for ages 3+ and to always be used when supervised by a grown up!
I added all of these items to my cart on amazon and it came out to about $50. Now some of the stuff I could use half of and use the rest for other things and it would come out as a bigger sensory bin.
This one on amazon is cute too.

Fake Snow: You can use instant snow powder or make your own with baking soda and water. 
Cotton Balls: These can mimic snowballs and add a soft texture. 
Mini Pinecones: Perfect for a wintery forest feel. 
Small Winter Animals: Add little figurines like polar bears, penguins, or deer. 
Blue and White Pom-Poms: These can represent snow and ice. 
Glitter: Sprinkle some for a sparkly snow effect. 
Ice Cubes: If you want to add a real sensory experience, throw in some ice cubes. 
Winter-themed Toys: Little sleds, snowflakes, or even small Christmas trees can be fun.

Activities:
Winter Poetry: Encourage them to write poems inspired by winter scenes or feelings.

Hot Cocoa Bar: Set up a hot cocoa bar with different toppings and let them enjoy making their own hot drinks.

Winter Science Experiments: Try experiments like making frost in a can or creating crystal snowflakes.

Winter Scavenger Hunt: Create a list of winter-themed items for them to find around the school or neighborhood.

Snowball Fight: Use soft, indoor-safe "snowballs" for a fun and active game.

Winter-Themed Escape Room: Design a classroom escape room with winter puzzles and clues. Some ideas I came up with include decoding a snowflake message (Rearranging snowflakes with letters on them), finding hidden snowmen, winter animal riddles, mini snowflake maze, snowball toss, frozen key search, hot cocoa mix up (Have funny ingredients and they have to pick the correct mug with the correct ingredients)

Winter Story Writing: Have them write short stories set in a winter wonderland.

Ice Painting: Freeze water with a bit of food coloring in ice cube trays and let them paint with the colorful ice cubes.

Winter Story Time: Read books about winter.

Winter Dance Party: Play some winter-themed songs and have a fun dance party.
Here are some winter but not Christmas-y songs:
Let it snow
Winter Wonderland 
A Hazy Shade of Winter
Sweater Weather
Cold by Maroon 5
Snow by Red Hot Chili Peppers
January Hymn
Winter Song by Sarah Bareilles
Colder Weather by Zac Brown Band
Ice Ice Baby

Hot Cocoa Playdough: Make homemade playdough with cocoa powder for a fun, winter-scented activity.

Winter Animal Puppets: Create simple puppets of winter animals using paper bags and markers.

Research Topics:
How Animals Survive Winter: Investigate hibernation, migration, and other survival strategies.
The Science of Snowflakes: Explore how snowflakes form and why each one is unique.
The Impact of Winter on Ecosystems: Study how winter affects various ecosystems and the plants and animals within them.
Winter Sports and Their Origins: Research the history and development of winter sports like skiing, ice skating, and snowboarding.
Famous Winter Expeditions: Look into historical winter expeditions, such as those to the North and South Poles.
Winter Festivals Around the World: Learn about different winter festivals and traditions from various cultures.

Life Skills: 
Fire Building: Learning how to safely build and maintain a fire is a great skill. 
Gardening: Winter gardening tasks like mulching and preparing beds for spring. 
Hiking: Learning about trail safety and navigation. 
Outdoor Cooking: Using a camp stove or fire to cook simple meals. 
Weather Observation: Understanding weather patterns and how to predict changes.
Cooking and Baking: Winter is a great time to learn how to make warm, comforting foods like soups, stews, and baked goods. 
Crocheting: These are great skills to make cozy scarves, hats, or blankets. 
Indoor Gardening: Start a small indoor herb garden or learn about taking care of houseplants. 
First Aid Skills: Learn basic first aid, which is useful year-round. 

Books: 
Some of these we have already read, but I wanted to keep them on the list for those who haven't.

Fiction:

Non-Fiction:

Picture and Board books

Movies:

Youtube videos:
Here is my winter themed youtube playlist. It has everything from songs, learning about winter, to brain breaks (Yay exercise!), experiments, and more. 

ASL:
Snow
Hold both hands up with your palms facing down and fingers spread apart. Move your hands downwards while wiggling your fingers to mimic the falling motion of snowflakes.

Winter/cold
Form both hands into fists with your thumbs on the outside of your fingers. Hold your fists in front of your chest, with your palms facing each other. Shake your fists slightly back and forth, as if you are shivering from the cold.

Ice Skating
Start with both hands in the "X" handshape (index fingers bent to form hooks). Position your hands in front of you, palms facing down. Move your hands forward and backward alternately, as if you are gliding on ice.

Hot Chocolate
Combine "hot" and "chocolate"
Start with your dominant hand in a "C" shape near your mouth, palm facing you. Move your hand away from your mouth and twist it so your palm faces down, as if you are taking something hot out of your mouth.
Form your non-dominant hand into a fist and hold it steady in front of you, palm down. With your dominant hand, make a "C" shape and place it on top of your non-dominant hand. Move your dominant hand in a small circular motion on top of your non-dominant hand, as if stirring a cup of hot chocolate.

Snowman
Hold both hands up with your palms facing down and fingers spread apart. Move your hands downwards while wiggling your fingers to mimic the falling motion of snowflakes.
Place your dominant hand in an open "5" shape. Touch your thumb to your forehead (like the sign for "father"). Then move your hand down to touch your chest.

Snowball
Hold both hands up with your palms facing down and fingers spread apart. Move your hands downwards while wiggling your fingers to mimic the falling motion of snowflakes.
Form both hands into open "C" shapes. Bring your hands together so that the fingertips of each hand touch, forming the shape of a ball.

Sledding
Start with both hands in "S" handshapes (fists). Position your hands in front of you, palms facing down, as if holding the sides of a sled. Move your hands forward and downward in a smooth, sliding motion to mimic the movement of a sled going down a hill.

Fireplace
Hold both hands up with fingers spread apart, palms facing you. Wiggle your fingers while moving your hands upward to mimic the motion of flames.
Form both hands into "P" handshapes (thumb and middle finger extended, index finger pointing up). Position your hands in front of you with palms facing down. Move your hands in small circles outward, then bring them back together to indicate a specific location.

Field Trips:
Botanical garden
Snow tea: This is a local tea place that is winter themed.
Ice skating

Coloring pages:




I Scream, You Scream Horror Movie Challenge Intro

I Scream, You Scream Horror Movie Challenge is a feature where every month I am challenging myself to watch every movie on one bingo card. T...