The Story of Rosa Parks and The Story of Martin Luther King Jr.

The Story of Rosa Parks

This little book of only about 200 words introduces Rosa Parks, called the “mother of the civil rights movement.” Here is the story of her courageous decision to remain on a bus in Montgomery, Alabama, an action that resulted in arrest and, ultimately, a victory for civil rights. The rich oil paintings by artist Steven Walker contribute to the tension of the moment and the understanding of Rosa Parks. A perfect way for the family to honor Black History Month.

The Story of Martin Luther King Jr.

This little book tells the story of Martin Luther King Jr. in a way that even very young children will understand. This simple but accurate account of his life begins with King’s childhood, making it easy for little ones to relate to his story. Children will learn that he excelled in school, became a minister, and worked to end segregation in America. This book, with only about 200 words accompanied by delicate watercolors, is a great way for parents to begin to teach their children about this inspirational historical figure.

My thoughts: With MLK day being observed across the Nation, I think that this board book is a great way to show kids why we observe it. I enjoy reading both of these board books to my children and talking about how important it is to respond to adversity like they did. They didn't lash out, but they also didn't just roll over. These books are both an excellent introduction to important people in American history.
I received this set of books from First Look in exchange for my honest review.

Ham and Cheese Scones

I made these with some of the leftover ham from Christmas (which, was in the freezer. lol) and they were incredible! I may need to cook up another ham to make more, since they were the perfect blend of meat, cheese, and buttery goodness.

Ham and Cheese Scones
3 cups all purpose flour
1 Tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
8 Tablespoons butter, cubed and cold
1 cup milk
1 cup cubed, cooked ham
1 small onion
1 cup cheeder cheese

In a food processor, mix your flour, baking powder, and salt. Add your butter and pulse until your batter resembles sand. Add your milk and mix just until incorporated. Turn onto a flour surface and gently kneed your ham, cheese, and onion in, just until mixed in. You don't want to over do the kneeding.;)
Bake at 375 F for 35-45 minutes. They will be golden colored.
Enjoy with a bit of butter! Be sure to refrigerate leftovers.

Greek Yogurt pancakes

My husband loves these pancakes, since they don't sit quite so heavy as most pancakes do. I love that they have some extra protein.;)

Greek Yogurt Pancakes
2 cups Greek yogurt
4 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup all purpose flour (it works well to do half all purpose and half wheat, if you like the taste of wheat flour)
2 Tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons baking soda

Mix the yogurt, eggs, and vanilla. Slowly add the rest of the ingredients, mixing once they are all added. Make sure the baking soda is thoroughly mixed in.;)
I like to make these on my electric skillet, since it makes about 15 good sized pancakes, which I can do in 2-3 rounds. Heat your skillet (on medium on the oven, at about 300 F on an electric skillet) before adding the pancakes. The batter will look like it's quite thick, but the pancakes spread as they cook, so be sure to allow space for them to expand. Wait until the batter begins to bubble before turning. Enjoy with your favorite toppings!
These freeze well or can keep in the fridge for 5 days.

Take Ten

We have been reading a ton of books from the library, so I figured that this week, I will do top ten books for young children.
1. LMNO Peas

I love this one! I am a huge fan of text that rhymes when reading books to my daughter. This one is just fun to read!

2. Barnyard Dance

This is another one that is fun to read! (and, another one that I may have memorized...;))

3. Blue Hat, Green Hat

This one is a fun book to teach kids colors.

4. 1-2-3 Peas

This one is a bit different, since the counting starts to skip, and goes up to 100! Not to mention, I just have fun with all the little green peas.;)

5. I Had a Favorite Dress

I love how ingenious the mom is in this story!

6. The Monster at the end of this book

This one is just fun to read.;)

7. Happy Hippo, Angry Duck

I like this one for teaching children about different moods.;)

8. Little Green Peas

I promise that is the last Keith Baker I will post! Mostly because it is the last one by him about the little green peas.;)

9. Flippy Floppy Jungle Animals

I love how you lift each flap to reveal an animal, and then the set turns into an animal as well!

10. Lift the Flap Picture Atlas

Pickled okra recipe

My mom makes the best pickled okra. When we first started going to farmer's markets in the area, there were a couple of farmers who figured out just how good her's is, so they were more than happy to give her okra at the end of the day in exchange for a few jars of it pickled in return. It was a good trade for all of us (even if I was one of the ones who had to peel all that garlic!).
Now that I am married and have a home of my own, I want to be sure to always know where to find mom's recipe for pickled okra. So, I am putting it on here.;) And this way, others can enjoy this treat! (seriously, it is the only way to eat okra!)

Pickled Okra
3 1/2 pounds small okra pods

1 pint white vinegar

1/3 cup canning salt (non iodized)

3 small Thai peppers per jar (even if you don't usually care for hot food, be sure to include these. I didn't the first year I canned these on my own and the okra was almost bland in comparison. The peppers don't really add heat so much as flavor)

1 quart water

6 cloves of garlic per jar (pickled garlic is every bit as tasty as the okra! And, it is so good for you)

3 Tablespoons pickling spices

Wash okra and pack firmly in hot, sterilized jars. In each jar, be sure to place your garlic and peppers in! Make a brine with the vinegar, water, salt and spices. Boil the brine for a minute, then reduce heat. Pour the boiling brine over the okra, leaving a half inch headspace at the top. Seal.
Process for 10 minutes in boiling water bath. (be sure to make sure it doesn't need to be longer, depending where you live and where you are in regards to altitude) Pull them out of the hot water. After 20-30 minutes, be sure to check that all of your lids have sealed down. If you filled them to full, then they may not. Either put the unsealed jars in a water bath again (after removing some of the okra) or place it in your fridge. The only bad thing about placing it in your fridge is that you have to leave it alone for several weeks, so the okra can soak up the pickle taste.;)
This recipe also works well if you want to just do refrigerator pickled okra. Just omit the water bath and place the unsealed jar or jars in the back of your fridge. A gallon jar works well for refrigerator pickles.
Another side note: I seem to always have more brine than okra, so I just get more okra out of the garden and pack more jars.
Anyway, I hope you enjoy this family favorite!