After dancing and jumping in a rousing game of Oats, Peas, Beans on the stage adjacent to the garden, Tonia's kids had a fabulous time running amok in the outdoor space. Who wouldn't love being chased, tickled and spun in circles by the Giant Mo Monster? While we didn't get our indoor bean garden planted, we certainly took advantage of the beautiful late autumn day....you never know how many we have left before Mother Nature turns toward frosty winter! Returning to the classroom, we turned our thoughts toward the upcoming holiday. Thanksgiving conjures up images of tradition - turkey, cranberries, stuffing and green bean casserole (can you guess today's vegetable theme?). Trying a tasty, and quite simple, twist on tradition, we whipped up steamed green beans with bread crumbs...delish! Today's tasks included: snapping the ends off beans, using the mortar and pestle to crush croutons into bread crumbs, cranking the salt and pepper shakers and crushing garlic in the garlic press. I must say, I'm so impressed at how far Tonia's class has come since our very first cooking lesson: there's a willingness to try new foods, a willingness to test out new equipment, a level of engagement, increased communication and a sense of enjoyment. On a philosophical note, as Thanksgiving approaches, I'll say that I'm quite thankful for this opportunity that I've been given to develop a fledgling program and to have such a warm and wonderful reception in Room 108! Thanks Tonia, Bo, Cynthia, Jeremy and my little guys and gal!
