Jack and the Beanstalk

We are moving right along through the letter. Today was "J". The girls just loved this story! I thought they may be bored, as they have heard it a few time before, but no. I see them really hearing the sounds from this and other letters. As they speak, they say "That begins with J" I think it is working! *wink*

Here we painted a beanstalk shaped like a "j"

This other chalk drawing was from last week. It is "Mother Holle". H.

How is everyone else doing on their Fairy Tales and First Grade letters?
I would love to hear from you.

Indian Summer

Spent a few amazingly relaxing hours at the beach... wide open sand, very few people and calm waters. I actually gave myself the "day off" from anything productive *wink* It was hard! But oh so rewarding. Remember to take a few minutes for yourself mamas!!!

Michaelmas

We attended our first official Waldorf Festival with the homeschooling group in Asheville, NC.

Though it was raining, they set up inside a school used for waldorf-inspired preschool/kindy classes. There was a wonderful puppet-show, fairy wand making, corn-husk doll making and a cider press! We brought organic apples from the farmers market and a glass jar to fill.

The girls loved plopping in the apples and then pushing the wooden press round and round while watching the luscious juice pour out. It tasted amazing!

Apple Crisp

We picked some apples at the Long Branch Education Center, but they were a bit gnarly looking, though tasty! I was worried the family may not pick one up and eat due to its looks, so what does any baker do in a case like this? Make apple crisp!

Here is a very simple recipe.

4-6 cups chopped apples (skin off or on)

1 cup flour

1/2-1 cup brown sugar (dependng on apple tartness)

1 tsp baking powder

1 egg

1/3 cup melted butter

cinnamon

Put apples in a 8" square baking dish (buttered)

In a bowl mix flour, sugar, baking soda and egg. Sprinkle over apples evenly.

Drizzle with melted butter and sprinkle cinnamon. Bake at 350 for 30-40 min.

Hiking at Long Branch, Appalacia NC

We spent a wonderful day hiking, picking apples and heirloom raspberries and just breathing in the fresh air. Can't wait to move up here!

Festival File Folder

Here is a great tip now that the season of Waldorf Festivals is beginning. A few years ago, I went online and printed out songs, verses, recipes, etc. for each festival. I started a Festivals folder. So, now I just start at the beginning for Michaelmas and put it at the back when finished, then my next one is ready to go. I already have most of what I need, no need to re-print and it is all organized in one place!

Anyone else have Festival organizing tips? I would love to hear

Baking- Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

I love baking projects! *wink*

Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies(from The Frog Commissary Cookbook)

1 cup butter, room temperature
1 cup sugar
1 cup brown sugar
2 large eggs
2 tbsp milk
2 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
2 1/2 cups oats (rolled or "quick," but not "instant")
2 cups chocolate chips (about 12-oz.)
Preheat the oven to 350F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.In a large bowl, cream together the butter and the sugars until mixture is light in color. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the milk and the vanilla extract.In a medium bowl, stir together the flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt. Either by hand or with the mixer on low speed, gradually beat the flour in to the sugar mixture until just incorporated.Stir in the oats and chocolate chips by hand.Drop 1-inch balls of dough onto the cookie sheet, placing about 1 1/2 inches apart so they have room to spread.Bake at 350F for 10-13 minutes, until golden brown at the edges and light golden at the center.Cool on baking sheet for at least 1-2 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.Makes 4 dozen.re is the recipe: