We are working our way around the United States one state at a time. We are studying each state by reading The Discover America State by State Alphabet Series from Sleeping Bear Press. Lauren makes a scrapbook page for each state, and Lyndsey is completing a mini lapbook for each state. Then, the girls pick a recipe from Eat Your Way Through the USA or The United States Cookbook or a family favorite. While we study the state, the girls are learning the capitals and postal abbreviations along with state birds, flowers, and trees.
State-by-State::Delaware
F is for First State --
first to confirm our Constitution."
first to confirm our Constitution."
"The Spanish brought the peach to the New World,
a very bountiful fruit tree.
The blooms became our state flower,
so Peach blossom is our P."
Delaware Peach Crumble
Ingredients:
½ cup flour
½ cup brown sugar
½ teaspoon nutmeg
1 teaspoon cinnamon
Pinch of salt
4 tablespoons butter
5 peaches, or 2 16-oz. cans of peach halves, drained and sliced
State-by-State::Massachusetts
"B's the sound that can be found in
Boston town and Bunker Hill,
and bouncy, bouncy Basketball,
played first in Springfield --
What a thrill!"
We had so much fun cooking for Massachusetts the FIRST time! Inspired by The United States Cookbook: Fabulous Foods and Fascinating Facts From All 50 States
the girls decided to make Boston Baked Beans for our dinner.
the girls decided to make Boston Baked Beans for our dinner."Early colonists learned to make baked beans from their Native American neighbors. Native Americans flavored the beans with bear meat and maple syrup. The colonists substituted salt pork for the bear meat and molasses for the maple syrup. Baked beans on Saturday night became a Massachusetts food tradition in colonial times. The tradition started because Puritans were not allowed to work on Sunday, so beans were cooked on Saturday and served for Sunday's dinner as well. Some women who were not so crazy about beans served them only on Sunday."
We also made Bouncy Basketball treats and a Boston Creme Pie. We decorated the family dining table and had a big feast. It was AWESOME, and the computer enjoyed eating the yummy pictures!
The second time around, we took the easy route with Lauren's favorite breakfast treat...Boston Creme Pie Toaster Strudel!!!
State-by-State::Pennsylvania
"K is for Keystone State,
Pennsylvania is said to be.
Like the center stone in an arch,
it was the central colony."
~ K Is For Keystone: A Pennsylvania Alphabet
Pennsylvania is one of my favorite states. We read a number of books about the Amish, watched a video of Crayons being made in Easton, read about chocolate, and much more!
The girls decided to make Hershey Bar Pie. Ok, actually, I suggested it! I knew they would LOVE it, and it actually brings back some memories for a Hershey Bar Pie that JM made for me years ago!
Yes, it was absolutely yummy!!!!
State-by-State::Virginia
"O is for "The Old Dominion,"
a name given us by Royalty
for during England's civil war,
Virginia showed her loyalty."
~ O is for Old Dominion: A Virginia Alphabet
a name given us by Royalty
for during England's civil war,
Virginia showed her loyalty."
~ O is for Old Dominion: A Virginia Alphabet
The girls help me cook a Virginia Ham for our family Thanksgiving Dinner.
State-by-State::Georgia
J is for Jimmy Carter,
born inPlains, a small Georgia town.
He became the 39th president of the United States.
His good deeds are of great renown.
What has shells and is sold by the pounds?
One grows in a tree, the other underground.
What makes peanut butter, the other pecan pie?
N is for Georgia Nuts, the good makes make us sigh!
-P is for Peach: A Georgia Alphabet
We chose to make a pecan pie because Jimmy Carter would love that! We used a recipe from my friend in Baltimore!
We also made Pecan Clusters with melted chocolate and chopped pecans. The kids love to use the food chopper!
