How Does Your Garden Grow?

Mary, Mary, quite contrary,
how does your garden grow?
With silver bells and cockle shells,
and pretty maids all in a row.

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     Right about now your garden should be growing with gusto but if you didn’t plant one this year, now is the time to take advantage of those who did; namely your local farm stands and farmers markets. A farmers market is a great place to engage the senses and for children to learn about all the fruits and vegetables that grow in the area as well as other homemade goods. When you support local farmers, you also stimulate the local economy and build community pride. Check out local newspapers and magazines for special farm events where your child can visit a farm for a firsthand experience and perhaps even pick their own fruits or vegetables. It has been found that when children participate in the growing and/or harvesting of fruits and vegetables, they are more apt to eat those fresh fruits and vegetables and even try new ones. Remember, all of these firsthand experiences will also build background knowledge. For more tips for a successful visit check out the MSU Extension article Take Your Kids to Farmers Markets.

To find a farmers market near you, visit the National Farmers Market Directory.

     And to amp up the market experience, consider reading and discussing Food From Farms (World of Farming) by Nancy Dickmann, Before We Eat: From Farm to Table by Pat Brisson, A Farmer‘s Life for Me by Jan Dobbins or On the Farm, At the Market by G. Brian Karas.

Bookworm Bakers - Getting Kids in the Kitchen

     To make use of all those fresh ingredients from your garden or local farm stand, consider making some salsa with your children and pairing it with homemade tortilla chips made by cutting tortillas into wedges, baking and salting them.

Fresh Garden Salsa

Use a food processor or blender to mix together all ingredients, chill and enjoy!
 
3 cups chopped tomatoes
½ cup chopped onion
¼ cup chopped cilantro
2 cloves minced garlic
½ or whole jalapeno pepper diced
2 Tbsp. lime juice
Salt and pepper to taste

A Farm is More than Just Produce

     Also, perhaps consider taking a trip to a local dairy farm. My daughter always enjoys visiting Calder Dairy near us, especially when it means an ice cream cone or a shake. On our most recent visit we were able to see the actual milking process! Such an experience teaches children where some of their most familiar food products (milk, cheese, ice cream, etc) come from and what it takes to produce them.

     Take it one step further and make your own ice cream or butter from fresh ingredients obtained from a local dairy farm. To make butter: fill a small or medium size glass jar half-way with heavy cream. If you want salted butter, add a pinch of salt. Place the lid on and start shaking for about 5 to 7 minutes. The solid that forms is your churned butter and the liquid is buttermilk, which you can use in your baked goods. For a unique butter, add some herbs or honey.

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     Of course, after visiting the dairy it was time to break out some of our favorite stories featuring cows. A few  are informative and others are just silly and fun!

     Time spent cooking with your children strengthens bonds and builds lasting memories.  Remember that recipes include reading, measuring ingredients is math and cooking is a science. So, allow your children to learn naturally through the joy of creating in the kitchen.

“Cooking with kids is not about ingredients, recipes and cooking. It’s about harnessing imagination, empowerment and creativity.”
Guy Fieri

Happy cooking and reading!

-Kate @ BTBL

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Author

We are three generations that seek a way to get back to basics. It’s not that we eschew technology, but sometimes simpler is better, especially in raising our children. Mom was a reading teacher, Amanda is an early childhood educator and Kate a children’s literature specialist and former school librarian along with the latest additions, a daughter (now 3) for Kate, a son (now 1) and another little boy expected this year for Amanda. We advocate reading aloud, the simple toys that use imagination and encourage creativity and learning in the kitchen, which can be a fun mess but also teaches life skills. Join us in raising healthy, happy, inquisitive and intelligent children.