Fish Swivel Bracelet
July 25, 2009 by Dan
Filed under Arts and Crafts
By Family Fun
July 21, 2009
This jingly bracelet is literally a snap for kids to put together.
| CRAFT MATERIALS:
|
|
| # 10 brass fishing swivels | |
| Seed beads | |
| Small (6 mm) jingle bells | |
| Time needed: Under 1 Hour | |
1. Unclasp a swivel and bend the prong to straighten it. Slide on a few seed beads, then slip the circular end of a second swivel over the end of the straightened prong.
2. Now bend the prong back to its curved shape, slide on a bell and close the clasp.
3. Unclasp the second swivel and repeat the previous steps until the bracelet is the desired length.
4. Leave the last swivel clasp free of beads and bells, and use this link to put on and take off the bracelet.
Source: Family Fun
Editor’s Note: We would like to know what you think? This is for kids 9-12. dan@youngchronicle.com
Classic Camp Craft: “Leather” Pouch
July 11, 2009 by Dan
Filed under Arts and Crafts
By Family Fun
July 11, 2009
Gear up for future wilderness explorations with this versatile belt pouch based on a classic camp project.
| CRAFT MATERIALS: | |
 |
Template |
|
Scissors |
|
Stiff brown felt |
|
1/16-inch hole punch |
|
Embroidery needle and embroidery thread |
|
Glue |
|
Button |
|
Adhesive Velcro dots |
| Time needed: About 2 to 3 Hours | |
1. Print our template and use it to cut the three pouch pieces from stiff brown felt.
2. For the belt loop, use a 1/16-inch hole punch to make guide holes for the thread along the short ends of the rectangle. With an embroidery needle and embroidery thread, sew two ends of the rectangle to the full oval, lining it up to match the height of the partial oval as shown.
3. Place the partial oval on the other side of the full oval. Punch guide holes along the curved edge of the two pieces, then whipstitch the pieces together.
4. Whipstitch around the edge of the flap.
5. Glue or sew a button on the flap. Keep the pouch closed with adhesive Velcro dots.
Source: Family Fun
Editor’s Note: We would like to know what you think? dan@youngchronicle.com
How to Make Friendship Bracelet
July 11, 2009 by Dan
Filed under Arts and Crafts
By Family Fun
July 11, 2009
To prove to each other that their bond will last, your child and her pal can fill up their arms with a batch of best friend bracelets.
| CRAFT MATERIALS: | |
| Colored embroidery thread | |
|
Tape |
| Time needed: Under 1 Hour | |
1. To make each bracelet, gather six 24-inch strands of embroidery thread. Hold the strands together with the ends matched up, then tie an overhand knot one inch from an end.
2. Tape the knot to a tabletop (or anchor it in a closed drawer). Holding the free end, twist the bunch repeatedly in the same direction until it is tightly wound.
3. Pinch the twisted band in the center and fold it in half so that the free end matches up with the knotted end. Release the center, and the band will automatically twist back on itself.
4. Slip the ends through the loop (the pinch point) at the opposite end of the band, tie a knot to secure the bracelet, knot again and trim the ends.
Source: Jas Family Fun
Editor’s Note: We would like to know what you think? dan@youngchronicle.com
Easy to Make Chicken Nuggets
July 11, 2009 by Dan
Filed under Kids in the Kitchen
By Parents
July 9, 2009
Ingredients
- 1 cup bread crumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/3 cup light mayonnaise
- 1-1/2 pounds chicken tenders, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 3/4 pound green beans, washed, trimmed and steamed
Directions
1. Heat oven to broil. Coat baking rack with nonstick cooking spray. Place rack over baking sheet; set aside.
2. Stir together bread crumbs, garlic powder and thyme in a pie plate; set aside. Stir together mustard and mayonnaise.
3. Reserve about 1/2 cup of mustard mixture for dipping sauce. Brush chicken pieces with remaining mustard mix; place chicken in pie plate with bread crumb mixture, spooning crumbs on top of pieces and pressing to adhere. Transfer to prepared baking rack. Broil for 10 minutes or until cooked through. Serve with reserved dipping sauce and green beans on the side.
Makes: 4 servings Prep: 15 minutes
Broil: 10 minutes
4 Stars
Source: Parents
Editor’s Note: We would like to know what you think? dan@youngchronicle.com
Berry Shortcake
July 4, 2009 by Dan
Filed under Kids in the Kitchen
By Alicia Cantrell
July 4, 2009
Description
Festive, fruity and delicious cake for all of your patriotic holidays.
Ingredients
Dough:
2 3/4 Cups Cake Flour
1/4 Cup Sugar
1 Tbsp plus 1 Tsp Baking Powder
Tsp Salt
10 tbsp chilled unsalted butter
1 cup heavy cream
Berry Mixture
1 pint blueberries
1 pint raspberries
1 pint strawberries
2 Tbsp sugar
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp orange zest
1 can of whipped cream
Directions
In a food processor, combine cake flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Mix until just combined by turning the processor on and off quickly a few times. Add butter then pulse until just combined. With the motor running, pour heavy cream through the feed tube, just before the dough forms a ball.
Lightly flour a work surface and gently knead the dough until it forms a smooth ball. Roll out dough to a round 3/4 inch thick. Cut the dough into 7 circles with a 3-inch cookie or biscuit cutter. Knead the leftover scraps together, roll and cut out 3 more circles.
Line one baking tray with parchment paper and arrange the dough circle on tray. Brush the tops with heavy cream and sprinkle lightly with sugar. Bake for 5 minutes in a 375 degree oven and then reduce the heat to 350 degree oven. Bake for another 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cakes are golden and firm to the touch.
While the dough cools, mix the berries. Combine 1 pint blueberries, 1 pint raspberries, and 1 pint strawberries with 2 tbsp sugar in a large mixing bowl. Then add 1 tbsp lemon juice, and 1 tsp orange zest. Gently mix and set aside.
When ready to serve, split each shortcake in half and warm slightly. Place the bottom half of the shortcake on a dessert plate. Squirt whipped cream on the cake and arrange a cup of the berry mixture over and around the ice cream. Top with the additional whipped cream. Serve immediately while the shortcake is still warm.
Prep Time: 15 Min
Cook Time: 30 Min
Total Time: 45 Min
Servings: 6
Source: Eversave
Editor’s Note: We would like to know what you think? dan@youngchronicle.com
4 of July Patriotic Punch Cups
July 4, 2009 by Dan
Filed under Arts and Crafts
by Family Fun
July 4, 2009
Look-alike plastic cups have a way of losing themselves in a crowd. Reduce mix-ups (and waste) with guest-decorated designs.
CRAFT MATERIALS:
|
Plastic cups |
|
Large and small star stickers (red, white, and blue) |
|
Placard |
|
Marker |
| Time needed: 30 Minutes or Less | |
1. Add a large red, white, or blue star sticker to each cup, along with a few smaller stars for decoration.
2. Next to an assortment of markers, set up a placard directing guests to choose a cup for the event and write their name on it.
Source: Family Fun
Editor’s Note: We would like to know what you think? dan@youngchronicle.com
Kids Craft – Making of the American Flag
July 4, 2009 by Dan
Filed under Arts and Crafts
By Family Fun
July 4, 2009
Celebrate the country’s birthday with the fanfare it’s due — waving a handmade fan that looks like the American flag.
| CRAFT MATERIALS: | |
|
17- by 5 1/2-inch piece of white paper |
|
Ruler |
|
Pencil |
|
Red and blue markers |
|
Pushpin |
|
Plastic drinking straws |
|
Paper fastener |
|
Tape |
| Time needed: Under 1 Hour | |
- In the upper left-hand corner of the paper, measure and mark a rectangle that’s 8 1/2 inches wide and 3 inches high. Draw rows of stars within the rectangle and then color around them with blue marker.
- Divide the rest of the paper into stripes and color every other one red. Now fold the paper accordion style.
- Create a frame for the fan by using the pushpin to poke a hole through each straw, 1 inch from the bottom. Then, join the three straws with the paper fastener.
- Spread apart the top of the straw frame, fit the flag onto the frame, and tape it in place.
Source: Family Fun
Editor’s Note: We would like to know what you think? dan@youngchronicle.com
Cool Canopy Build with Kids
June 28, 2009 by Dan
Filed under Arts and Crafts
By Family Fun
June 26, 2009
When it comes to portable private spaces, tents may be fun and practical, but canopies are magical. Hooked on a branch in the yard or suspended in a corner of a child’s room, these airy shelters provide a sweet spot for relaxing with a good book or sharing secrets with a pal.
You can order a pricey version from a catalog — or make your own for less than $25, customized with your little dreamer’s favorite colors and creative touches. All it takes is a hula hoop, fabric, ribbon … and a bit of imagination. Here’s how!
CRAFT MATERIALS
|
Scissors |
|
2 (10-yard) spools of 1/8-inch-wide ribbon |
|
Hula hoop (33 inches wide; not water-filled) |
|
2 lengths of muslin (45 inches wide) or tulle (54 inches wide), each 4 1/4 yards long |
|
Duct tape |
|
Pinking shears (optional) |
|
1 1/2 yards of felt (70 inches wide) |
|
Chalk |
| Time needed: Afternoon or Evening | |
The Frame: Cut six 66-inch lengths of ribbon
- Fold each length of ribbon in half, wrap the central fold around the hoop, and loop the ribbon’s ends through it as shown.3. Arrange the ribbons so that they are evenly spread around the hoop. Gather the ends in the middle of the hoop, fold them over, then knot them, leaving a loop for hanging the canopy. Trim the excess ribbon.4. The Covering: Mark a dot at the center point of one length of muslin or tulle. Affix a 2-inch square of duct tape over the dot, turn the fabric over, and affix a second 2-inch square aligned with the first.5. Cut a 3/4-inch hole through the taped spot. Repeat on the second length of fabric
6. Lay the two lengths of fabric so they form an X, with the holes aligned as shown. Place the hoop under the fabric and thread the ribbon loop through the holes. Once the canopy is hung, trim the fabric’s bottom edge with pinking shears if desired.
7. The Leafy Topper: Lay the frame atop the felt. With chalk, draw a circle 6 inches outside the hoop. Cut along the line, then trim the edge into a leafy fringe. Cut a center hole, place the topper over the frame, and thread the loop through the hole.
8. Clip On Some Critters! To adorn our tulle canopy and hold back the fabric for an entranceway, we made floaty butterflies. For each, fold two 9-inch squares of tulle accordion-style, stack them, and twist a pipe cleaner around the center point. Use strong adhesive (such as Crafter’s Pick The Ultimate glue) to affix each butterfly — or each plastic bug for your safari canopy — to a wooden clothespin.
Source: Family Fun
Editor’s Note: We would like what you think? dan@youngchronicle.com
Chicken Kebabs With Oregano Garlic Marinade
June 28, 2009 by Dan
Filed under Kids in the Kitchen
By Ramin Ganeshram
June 26. 2009
Marinades bring out a wonderful flavor in chicken, and they’re easy to prepare.
Although most recipes for chicken kebabs specify boneless and skinless cubed chicken breasts, breasts are easily overcooked and can toughen on the grill. Joyce Goldstein prefers to use boned chicken thighs with the skin on, which remain moist and juicy throughout the broiling or grilling process. The skin retains the wonderful flavor of the marinade, which can be mixed up by the grandchildren. This recipe is adapted from Mediterranean Fresh: A Compendium of One-Plate Salad Meals and Mix-and-Match Dressings by Joyce Goldstein (W.W. Norton, 2008).
18 small chicken thighs, boned
1 large onion, cut in chunks, about 1 1/2 cups
2 cups oregano garlic vinaigrette
1 tablespoon sweet paprika or Pimentón dulce
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1. Put the onion in a blender along with the dressing and paprika. Puree. Pour the marinade over the chicken and refrigerate overnight.
2. Bring the chicken to room temperature. Preheat the broiler or make a charcoal fire. Remove the chicken from the marinade. Thread on skewers, three thighs per person. Sprinkle the chicken with salt and pepper. Broil or grill for about four minutes on each side, or until the juices run clear and the chicken tests is done.
Yield: Serves 6.
Source: Grand Parents
Editor’s Note: We would like to know what you think? And we would like to know your receipts, to share with others. dan@youngchronicle.com
Turkey & Tomato Panini
June 28, 2009 by Dan
Filed under Kids in the Kitchen
By EatingWell.com
June 28, 2009
A creamy spread full of Parmesan and fresh basil cozies up to turkey and summer-ripe tomato slices for a savory hot sandwich that will quickly become a go-to mealtime solution.
| Prep Time: | 25 minutes |
| Ready in: | 25 minutes |
| Yield: | 4 servings |
| Ease of Prep: | Easy |
| Recipe Ingredients | |
| 3 tablespoons reduced-fat mayonnaise | |
| 2 tablespoons nonfat plain yogurt | |
| 2 tablespoons shredded Parmesan cheese | |
| 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil | |
| 1 teaspoon lemon juice | |
| Freshly ground pepper to taste | |
| 8 slices whole-wheat bread | |
| 8 ounces thinly sliced reduced-sodium deli turkey | |
| 8 tomato slices | |
| 2 teaspoons canola oil | |
Recipe Directions
- 1. Have four 15-ounce cans and a medium skillet (not nonstick) ready by the stove.
- 2. Combine mayonnaise, yogurt, Parmesan, basil, lemon juice and pepper in a small bowl. Spread about 2 teaspoons of the mixture on each slice of bread. Divide turkey and tomato slices among 4 slices of bread; top with the remaining bread.
- 3. Heat 1 teaspoon canola oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Place 2 panini in the pan. Place the medium skillet on top of the panini, then weigh it down with the cans. Cook the panini until golden on one side, about 2 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium-low, flip the panini, replace the top skillet and cans, and cook until the second side is golden, 1 to 3 minutes more. Repeat with another 1 teaspoon oil and the remaining panini.
Health Advantages: low calorie, high fiber, low sat fat, low cholesterol, heart healthy, healthy weight.
| Nutrition Information | ||||||||
| Servings Per Recipe: 4 | ||||||||
| Amount Per serving | ||||||||
| Calories: | 272 cal | Carbohydrate Servings: | 2 | |||||
| Carbohydrates: | 36 g | Dietary Fiber: | 5 g | Cholesterol: | 27 mg | |||
| Fat: | 4 g | Sodium: | 680 mg | Saturated Fat: | 1 g | |||
| Protein: | 10 g | Potassium: | 118 mg | Monounsaturated Fat: | 1 g | |||
| Nutrition Bonus: | Fiber (20% daily value), Calcium & Iron (15% dv). | |||||||
| Exchanges: | 2 starch, 1 lean meat | |||||||
Source: Family.go
Editor’s Note: We would like to know what you think? dan@youngchronicle.com