Houts & Home Publications LLC
  • Welcome!
    • About Us >
      • Creating Houts & Home
      • H&H Partnerships
      • Press Kit
  • Books and Games
    • Horses Wear Shoes, Too
    • Country Colors, City Colors
    • Maye's March for Women's Votes
    • Hope Sees Her Condor
    • What Do Moms Do? >
      • Look inside What Do Moms Do?
    • Fun with Games!
    • Mealtime Magic >
      • About Mealtime Magic
      • Look Inside Mealtime Magic
  • View Recipes
    • Breads >
      • Quick Breads >
        • Blueberry Muffins
        • Boston Brown Bread
        • Buttermilk Biscuits
        • Basic Cornbread
        • Green Chili Cornbread
        • Hush Puppies
        • Irish Soda Bread
        • Italian Garlic Bread
      • Yeast Breads >
        • Dilly Bread
        • Favorite Dinner Rolls
        • Oatmeal Bread
        • Onion-Rye Bread
        • Pumpernickel Bread
    • Dips >
      • Chili Bean Dip
      • Crab Rangoon Dip
      • Creamy Ranch Dip
      • Guacamole Dip
      • Spicy Bean Dip
    • Fruit >
      • Apple Rings
      • Cinnamon Applesauce
      • Sliced Melon
    • Pasta and Rice >
      • Basic Brown or White Rice
      • Couscous
      • Spanish Rice
      • Wild Rice Pilaf
    • Salads >
      • Black Bean and Corn Salad
      • Broccoli Salad
      • Carrot-Raisin Salad
      • Citrus Salad
      • Cole Slaw
      • Cucumber Salad
      • Favorite Potato Salad
      • Fresh Fruit Salad
      • German Potato Salad
      • Mixed Green Salad
      • Orzo Salad
      • Pear and Walnut Salad
      • Tabouli Salad
      • Three-Bean Salad
      • Wilted Spinach Salad
    • Vegetables >
      • Roasted Asparagus >
        • Asparagus with Cheese Sauce
      • Boston Baked Beans >
        • Green Beans with Bacon
        • Green Beans with Almonds
        • Refried Beans
      • Broccoli with Cheese Sauce >
        • Steamed Broccoli
        • Stir-Fried Broccoli
      • Steamed Brussels Sprouts
      • Braised Cabbage >
        • Sweet and Sour Red Cabbage
      • Honeyed Carrots
      • Mashed Cauliflower >
        • Roasted Cauliflower
      • Corn on the Cob >
        • Grilled Corn on the Cob
        • Succotash
      • Crispy Breaded Eggplant
      • Fresh Veggies and Dip >
        • Grilled Vegetables
        • Roasted Vegetable Medley
      • Peas with Pearl Onions
      • Potatoes >
        • Au Gratin Potatoes
        • Baked Potatoes
        • Baked French Fries
        • Boiled New Potatoes
        • Garlic Mashed Potatoes
        • Hash Brown Potatoes
        • Mashed Potatoes
        • Potato Pancakes
        • Roasted Potatoes
        • Scalloped Potatoes
        • Twice-Baked Potatoes
        • Baked Sweet Potatoes
        • Baked Sweet Potato Fries
        • Candied Sweet Potatoes
      • Creamed Spinach >
        • Sautéed Spinach
      • Roasted Butternut Squash >
        • Stir-Fried Zucchini
  • Checkout
  • H&H Blog
    • Events
    • Links
  • Contact Us
    • Gift Shop Discounts
    • Submissions
    • Customer Care--Consumers
    • Customer Care--Retail
    • Shipping and Returns

Spooky Halloween Dirt Cups Treats

9/24/2014

0 Comments

 
PictureAvery Jane crushes cookies to sprinkle on the pudding.
Nine year old Avery Jane, my friend's niece, enjoys helping in the kitchen. She measures ingredients, pours them into a bowl, stirs, and much more. When children help to cook and bake, keep their age and ability in mind. Begin with a quick and easy recipe like this Halloween dessert. 

Use Jello™ pudding cups, instant or cooked pudding from a box, or homemade pudding. Two types of cookies are needed, one for the "dirt" and one for the headstone. Finally, add the candy bones to this spooky treat! 

Halloween Dirt Cups Treats Recipe

Picture
Jell-O™ Chocolate Pudding Cups
Oreo
™ Cookies (crushed)
Peppridge Farm Milano Cookies (or other oval shaped cookie)
Black frosting pen
Candy Bones embellishments

To prepare:
Open the Jell-O Pudding cup and cover with crushed Oreo cookies to create the “dirt” on top of the pudding. Then, take a Milano cookie and trace an outline with the frosting pen around the outside of the cookie. Then write the letters R.I.P (or anything you like) on the cookie tombstone. Push the cookie in to the pudding, just far enough to ensure it stands up straight. Sprinkle on some candy bone embellishments. I found mine at Joann Fabrics in the cake section, but we’ll start seeing more Halloween themed candy in stores soon.
A big THANK YOU to Kristy Smith for giving permission to use her photo and recipe from Pinterest!

0 Comments

How Children Learn Good Manners

9/18/2014

4 Comments

 
Picture Manners are learned through play.
"Would you like some tea?” 
“May I have a turn on the swing?” 
 “Thank you!”    
        
Hearing these polite phrases is an unexpected delight, rather than a rule. What is desperately needed today is the idea of treating others with care and consideration. At the very least, we need to teach children “civility,” which is the bare minimum of good manners. Being polite takes civility a step further, implying polished manners and thoughtfulness.             



 In today’s society, there is a lack of good manners. Often people don’t seem to care about how they treat others in what they say or do. But is politeness important when there are deeper problems: war, abuse, disease, hunger? 

Why Teach Children Civility?    

Civility is not a list of outdated rules for people to follow. Civility is a way of treating people. Children need to learn rules that will help them in their everyday life. There are rules in each household, in school, and in society that people need to live by. Learning how to be civil will help children in typical social situations, such as meeting new people, eating in a restaurant, going to a birthday party. Learning social manners and rules can help children feel more comfortable in these situations -- just as adults feel more comfortable in a situation where they know what to say, what to do, and how to act. 

When a child asks, “May I have a turn on the swing?” not only will he very likely get a turn, he might also make a new friend. When a child asks, “Could I please have one of your cookies?” she is taking a risk. The answer could be, “Yes!” or “No!” Good manners involves risks that are worth taking. When a child gets a cookie or a turn on the swing and responds with a “Thank you,” other children will appreciate her attitude -- and learn that politeness has its own rewards.

Hopefully, teaching you child good manners will go beyond the superficial act of saying and doing the right thing, and also teach the caring attitude that makes manners come naturally. In many cultures all over the world, there is a saying similar to the “Golden Rule:” Do unto others as you would have others do unto you. It simply means, treat other people as you would want to be treated. This is the basis for civility. Good manners makes life more pleasant for everyone involved. 

Different Setting, Different Rules

Being civil relates to so many aspects of everyday life: home and family, meals, parties, introductions, invitations, guests. Your child’s world consists of home and community. 
Your child learns that different behaviors may apply in different situations. At home your child can help pick up his toys after he plays. At the grocery store, he might help pick up a box of cereal that has fallen off the shelf. At home your child might have a special teddy bear she doesn’t want to share with anyone. At daycare, all the toys are for sharing. When at home, your child might talk about the TV show you are watching, but at the movie theater, she will have to wait until the movie is over, or whisper quietly so she does not disturb the other people in the theater. When riding in the car, your child should stay seat belted in his car seat, but on a train, all the seats might be taken so she might have to stand or give his seat to an elderly person. 


Different settings call for different rules. It’s a lot to learn. Before you go to a restaurant with your child, you might tell him what to expect. “We all have to sit quietly while we are waiting for our food.” “We all have to wait until we are finished eating before getting up from the table.” These expectations are very different from what is expected at home where the food maybe on the table when he sits down for supper and where he can get up and play when he is finished eating. 

How Children Learn Good Manners

Children learn good manners in much the same way they learn to do everything: by listening, watching, playing, and modeling their behavior after their parents and caregivers. Children need to be treated with respect and good manners by the adults who take care of them. 

Children very much want to please the adults they love. But manners do not come naturally. Manners need to be taught. Children are egocentric, meaning that they have trouble seeing a situation from another person’s viewpoint. Sometimes it might not feel good to share or say, “I’m sorry.” It’s best not to force your child into being polite because then while the outward actions will show correct behavior, the heart will be in the wrong place. Instead, if there is a special toy belonging to your child and she is not ready to share it, ask her to help her friend find one of her other toys to play with. If your child is not ready to say, “I’m sorry,” don’t force her. It will embarrass all the people involved. You can say, “I’m sorry,” for her. 

Children are naturally curious. They might ask a question in front of someone that is not polite. For example, pointing to a pregnant woman, a child might say loudly, “Why does she have a big tummy?” The situation can be uncomfortable for you. You can apologize on behalf of your child. Children don’t always know when they are being rude. “Our job as parents is to teach children acceptable ways of expressing themselves,” points out Nancy Samalin, best-selling author of parenting books. 
If you treat your child politely, it is more likely he will treat you and other people politely. If you knock on his bedroom door before entering, if you don’t scold him in front of his friends, if you show others you care about him, mostly like he will reflect your good attitude and good manners. 

Amy Houts is the author of over 60 books for children and four cookbooks including, Mealtime Magic: Delicious Dinners in Half the Time, Cooking Around The Country With Kids: USA Regional Recipes And Fun Activities, and the companion cookbook, Cooking Around The Calendar With Kids: Holiday And Seasonal Food & Fun. See more about Amy and her books at her website. 

4 Comments

Quick & Easy Double-Chocolate Cookie Bars

9/11/2014

0 Comments

 
PictureTake out of the oven when the marshmallows are puffed and the chips are melted.
I like baking homemade desserts for special occasions, but favor quick & easy for everyday treats. This six-ingredient, decadent, chocolate cookie bar uses a devil's food cake mix for the base, plus three toppings to create a rocky-road sensation. Perfect for the cooler weather predicted this weekend (in the 30s tomorrow night!). A chocolate lovers delight!


Double-Chocolate Cookie Bars

1 (16.5-oz.) package Devil’s Food Cake Mix
½ cup (1 stick) butter or margarine, melted
1 egg
3 cups miniature marshmallows
1 cup mini-chocolate chips
1 cup pecan pieces

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Lightly grease a 9x13-2-inch pan. In a large bowl, mix cake mix, melted butter or margarine, and egg until well blended. (It won’t hold together like a dough, but will bake into a cookie crust.) Spread in prepared pan. Bake for 16 to 20 minutes, or until toothpick comes out clean. Sprinkle with marshmallows, chocolate chips, and pecans. Bake 2 – 4 minutes more or until marshmallows start to expand. Cool and cut into bars--if you can wait--at least a few minutes! For easier cutting once cool, set the pan in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes or until chocolate chips are set. Yield: 16 squares or 32 bars.   
  
Picture
The bars cut better when cooled, but who can wait?!
0 Comments

You-Can-Do-It Pie Crust with Step-by-Step Photos

9/3/2014

1 Comment

 
Picture
For flavor, I like butter or margarine better than shortening. For a two-crust pie, use 2 cups flour, 2/3 cup cold butter or margarine, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
Picture
Use a pastry blender to combine butter, flour, and salt.
Picture
Blend until butter coats flour and starts clumping.
Picture
Pie dough pulls away from sides of bowl.
Picture
Use a fork to gradually mix in about 1/3 cup cold water.
Picture
Gather dough into a ball and wrap in waxed paper. Place in freezer for 15 minutes or refrigerator for at least an hour or overnight.
Picture
Cut dough in half and place on a floured pastry mat or cloth.
Picture
Roll and shape dough in a circle. I use a French rolling pin, which is one long piece of wood without separate handles.
Picture
Use the side of your hand to score the dough.
Picture
Roll to 9 inches or the size you need for your pie plate. I turn the dough over to distribute the flour evenly and make sure the dough doesn't stick. Keep a light touch.
Picture
Fold in half and then in half again.
Picture
Pick up folded dough, place in pie plate and unfold.
Picture
Fit dough into pie plate. Do not stretch.
Picture
Add desired filling. I used 2 cups fresh tart cherries and 2 cups (defrosted and drained) frozen, sliced peaches, 2/3 cup sugar, 3 tablespoons cornstarch, 1 teaspoon lemon juice, and 1/2 teaspoon almond extract.
Picture
Roll out remaining dough for top crust, fold, and score.
Picture
Dot with 2 tablespoons butter. Then place folded dough on top, lining up the edge.
Picture
Unfold dough. Slits in crust allow steam to vent. Fold edge of top crust under bottom crust.
Picture
For a pretty edge, pinch with thumb and pointer finger.
Picture
To prevent burning, use a pie shield or strips of tin foil on the edge. Remove the last 15 minutes of baking.
Picture
Bake at 400 degrees F for about 40 minutes or until lightly browned and juice bubbles.
Picture
Enjoy a piece while it's still warm. Great with vanilla ice cream.
1 Comment

    Archives

    February 2022
    September 2021
    April 2021
    February 2021
    December 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2017
    November 2017
    September 2017
    July 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    March 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013

    RSS Feed

    Picture

    Categories

    All
    Activity
    Apple Crisp
    Aprons
    Babies
    Baking Bread
    Birthday
    Bookcase
    Books
    Bread Machine
    Bread Recipe
    Bread Without A Bread Machine
    Breakfast
    Butternut Squash
    Cake
    Cherry-peach Pie
    Cleaning
    Clothing
    Clutter
    Cozy Kitchen
    De Clutter
    De-clutter
    Dirt Cups
    Freezing
    Freezing Apples
    Freezing Green Beans
    Friends
    Give Away
    Gluten-free
    Granola
    Guests
    Halloween
    Hero Sandwiches
    Home Cooked
    Home-cooked
    Homemade Bread
    Hot Dogs
    Internet
    Jacket
    Kitchen
    Lasagna
    Lists
    Manners
    Mealtime Magic
    Meatballs
    Memory
    Menu Planning
    Muffins
    Nancy Browning
    No Preservatives
    Oatmeal
    Oatmeal Bread
    Parenting
    Photos
    Pie
    Pie Crust
    Pudding
    Pumpkin
    Pumpkin Seeds
    Quick Breads
    Salsa
    Save Money
    Save Time
    Shared Cleaning
    Sponges
    Spring Cleaning
    Steel Cut Oats
    Stew
    Sunflowers
    Thank You Cards
    Three-Day Plans
    Throw Away
    Tickler Cards
    Tomatoes
    Twins

Customer Care                                                                                                                       Policies
Consumers
Retailers
Contact Us

Copyright 2011 Houts & Home Publications LLC
Privacy
Terms of Use 
Shipping and Returns