Christmas Story Time

Tonight my six-year-old sat in my lap with a soft blanket tucked under his arms. We read one of our favorite Christmas stories before he went to bed. It's been a long day of checking off items on my very long to-do list for the holidays, but that moment, my friends, is what the best memories are all about. A few moments of cuddling up with a child and a good book go a long way for a happy life.

So if your collection of Christmas stories is looking a little slim this year check out a few of these fun books. And don't forget to take time for reading them with the little ones in your life.

As you might guess from the title, Mooseltoe is a cleverly worded story about a Moose who wants to make Christmas perfect. He almost does it but forgets one very important thing. You will smile when you see what lengths Moose goes to to make Christmas almost perfect for his family. 

This story is appropriate for any age, but considering some of the large words used I think starting in 2nd-3rd grade children will really understand more of the story and why it's so funny.

By Margie Palatini

Illustrated by Henry Cole

New this year is Olaf's Night Before Christmas. I recently read this book to a group of five-year-olds. They were captivated by the story. It's a mix of the poem we all know with the new characters we now love. 

By Jessica Julius

Illustrated by Olga T. Mosqueda

Russell's Christmas Magic begins with a nod to the favorite poem, T'was the Night Before Christmas, but then sends Russell on his own adventure with Santa that is different from the poem. The story is fun but I think it's the illustrations that keep me coming back year after year. 

By Rob Scotton

These snowmen have such great adventures! We love the story, the illustrations, looking for the hidden objects...we love it all!

By Caralyn Buehner

Illustrated by Mark Buehner

We love Duck and all the funny things he does on the farm. This Christmas, Duck runs into trouble when he tries to be like Santa. The farm animals want to help but it's Santa that saves the day. I think this book will appeal to children 2-8 years old.

By Doreen Cronin and Betsy Lewin

Potato and Zucchini Side Dish

I wasn't sure how this recipe would turn out. Potatoes, zucchinis and a pepper? It had never crossed my mind to put those things together! It's good to try new things! This is an easy tasty recipe.

adapted from allrecipes.com, submitted by Jana

Ingredients

2 medium zucchini, quartered and cut into large pieces
2-3 medium potatoes, cut into small chunks
1 medium red, orange or yellow bell pepper, seeded and chopped
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1-2 tbsp olive oil
paprika to taste
salt to taste
ground black pepper to taste

Directions for baking

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
In a baking pan toss together the zucchini, potatoes, bell pepper, garlic, olive oil. Season with paprika, salt, and pepper.
Bake 45 minutes to 1 hour in the preheated oven, stirring occasionally, until potatoes are tender and lightly brown.

Directions for cooking in a skillet

Drizzle olive oil in pan and heat for a minute over medium-high heat. Add potatoes and cook, stirring often, for 10 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the zucchini, bell pepper, garlic, salt, pepper and paprika. Stir often for 10-15 minutes or until potatoes and zucchini reach desired tenderness.

My rating: 4 stars

Boys say: thumbs up

Gingerbread Pancakes

Considering the season I thought gingerbread pancakes sounded like a great idea. We decorated a gingerbread house but didn't actually eat any gingerbread! This was the perfect treat for our Sunday brunch.

adapted from allrecipes.com, submitted by CKINCAID1

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground dried ginger
2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 egg
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup molasses
• 1 cup water

Directions

1. Whisk the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ginger, and cinnamon in a bowl; set aside. Beat the egg in a separate mixing bowl with the vanilla and molasses until smooth. Whisk in the water until completely incorporated. Stir the flour mixture into the molasses mixture until just combined -- a few lumps are okay.
2. 
   
3. Heat a lightly oiled griddle over medium-high heat. Drop batter by large spoonfuls onto the griddle, and cook until bubbles form and the edges are dry. Flip, and cook until browned on the other side. Repeat with remaining batter.

Husband rating: 4.5 stars

Boys say: thumbs up