Amy Houts Blog

Dog Days

9/26/2021

Our dog Gina, a shepherd mix, is 11 years old. We got her as a puppy after seeing an ad in the newspaper for free puppies. Her mama was a stray and had 8 puppies. She was the only one with longer fur. Adorable!

We live on a gravel road, so Gina's paws are often muddy. We keep a large, flowered basket by the front door with her leash, a few towels, natural wipes, and more--everything we need to try to keep the house clean. When it comes to the sofa, I have found that a quilt works best. I can wash it weekly (or more often, if needed).

We had changed our 1990s farm scene to a watercolor blue, green, beige stripe. [Did you do this during COVID, too? Have the urge to redecorate?] Ever since then, with our Tiffany lamp reproduction (another garage sale find), the pieced quilt/early-American look didn't work for me. I searched online for something to take its place.

Over past 10 or more years we have tried different kinds of covers/quilts. Some were pieced quilts and more expensive ($80) and some were cheap (around $25). Some had stitching to keep the batting in place and some were like coverlets without stitching. Believe it or not the cheaper ones with stitching worked best. They lay down, they don't get torn, and they are thinner/easier to wash. The thicker ones with no stitching tended to get worn and torn. A beige or darker background is better than white, which gets dirty fast. We found this one at Dollar General for $20. What a find!

What do you do to keep your house clean with a dog?

Small Changes, Big Blessings

9/10/2021

My husband, Steve, painted our glider swing. I'm embarrassed to confess that I have wanted to do this for a few years. Yes, years. The last time I painted it, from a pale yellow to a dark brown to match the foundation, it took hours and hours. I used a brush. The slats, movable parts, and bars made it tedious. So, I kept putting it off. But every time I walked past the glider swing, which was at least twice day walking our dog, Gina, took a little tiny piece of my energy. I had definitely chosen the wrong color brown. Our gravel road showed the dust. Spiders nested there. The whole area was an eyesore. So instead of the peaceful repose I intended, the glider swing was exactly the opposite. How happy, actually joyful I was when Steve rinsed off the dust, dirt, and spiderwebs. He found a beige outdoor paint in the basement cupboard and a used a spray paint contraption he had purchased years ago at a garage sale. It took him one hour and a lot less hassle and frustration. Every day, when I walk by, I breathe, smile to myself, and thank God for small blessings, this newly painted swing, and big blessings, my husband of 30 years. What small changes have you made?

Big Project?

4/5/2021

I'm hopeful about this year. Are you? I hope so! The spring flowers are in bloom. Things are getting back to normal--or at least I can see they will be. We are actually planning a weekend to visit our grandchildren! We haven't done that in over a year. I'd love to hear from you. Did you complete a project? Read a book you have been wanting to read but never had time? Connect with an old friend? I've done all those things.

Our big project was taking down the wallpaper border in both the living room and kitchen. BIG job! But really, is it? To us it was, but thinking about it, it's all relative. We didn't knock down any walls, and it didn't upset our routine--it was just time consuming, frustrating, and messy! We have lived in this house for 30 years, so I felt it was time to remove the sunflowers, which had taken hours to stamp on the wall. I love our new look! It's so bright and cheery! Tag me on social media with your project pictures--big or small or in-between @AmyHouts on Instagram and Twitter and "Author Amy Houts" on Facebook. Here are the "before" pictures. Under the white paper we exposed unfinished cedar, then tried to cover it up with paper, but look closely. You can see a shadow of the sunflowers.

First, we tried to remove the paper where I had stamped the sunflowers in the 1990s, but it wasn't working.

Next, we tried to cover the sunflowers with white paper, but ended up painting the paper with two coats of white paint.

Amy Houts is an award-winning author of over 100 children’s picture books, cookbooks, and board games that feature early learning concepts, family themes of love and friendship, and holiday celebrations. Amy’s numerous short stories, articles, and poems have appeared in Ladybug Magazine, Highlights Hello, and Mysterious Ways. Her books include: God's Protection Covers Me (Beaming Books); Think Like a Scientist (Pearson Learning Group); and Dora the Explorer Safety (Learning Horizons). She began Houts & Home Publications LLC in 2011. Celebrating 10 years!

Family Baking

2/10/2021

Makes me so happy to see my daughter and granddaughter baking together! So sweet. From my daughter:

"She helped make cranberry-blueberry muffins this morning! As she folded in the berries, she said it was like putting them to bed, and so of course she sang to them. We had just enough batter left for 3 extra muffins.

Instead of trying to fit 2 muffin pans in the oven, I just used silicone cupcake cups inside a cake pan. I even used the parchment liners inside the silicone because they are such great liners - they don't stick at all and make cleanup super easy.

Our silicone cups had been just sitting in the cabinet. Do you use these? What tips and ideas do you have for using them?"

Maye's March for Women's Votes: Based on Maye's 1913 Diary

12/22/2020

This book was supposed to be released before the 100th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th amendment giving women in the U.S. the right to vote. But in this crazy year of COVID-19, it was delayed. My hope was to release it on March 3, the day of the parade in 1913. When that didn't happen, my next goal was August, but the graphic designer I wanted to use was not available until later in the year. Now it's December, and we have a cover!

I have a special interest in women's voting rights--suffrage--because of a local story related to Maryville, Missouri, the town where we have lived since 1990. But I wasn't always interested in suffrage. I didn't even know the meaning of the word.

Years ago, I found out that my friend, Mary Scarbrough, was interested in women's voting rights. So, when I saw a headline in the newspaper related to it, I cut out the article and mailed it to her. Even though we live hundreds of miles apart, Mary is my closest friend. We often email several times each week.

In 2013, it occurred to me that I should start reading the articles I was sending Mary before mailing them. One in particular caught my interest. It described a trip that a local ladies marching band had taken a hundred years earlier to a suffrage parade in Washington, D.C. I was hooked. I spent the next 7 years writing, revising, and submitting a manuscript featuring this fascinating event.

While there was interest in the subject from both agents and editors, and I was nearly awarded a contract (twice!) I ultimately decided to publish it myself.

It took many years, hard work, and dedication by both women and men to gain the vote. And while this was a huge victory for women, it didn’t include women of all races. It took many more years for Black, Native Peoples, and Asian Americans to gain suffrage. In fact, people are still being disenfranchised. Voting is a precious right I'm proud the women of Maryville fought for. Soon you can read all about their experience in a parade that stirred the course of history!

Amy Houts is an author of over 100 children’s picture books, cookbooks, and board games that feature early learning concepts, family themes of love and friendship, and holiday celebrations. Amy’s numerous short stories, articles, and poems have appeared in Ladybug Magazine, Highlights Hello, and Pockets Magazine. Her books include: God's Protection Covers Me (Beaming Books); Think Like a Scientist (Pearson Learning Group); and Dora the Explorer Safety (Learning Horizons).

Hope Sees Her Condor by author/illustrator Lester Feldman

6/16/2020

Do you enjoy watching birds in your backyard or at a park? Want to get kids excited about birdwatching? This picture book is the perfect way to begin! Here's the description. This charming picture book featuring intergenerational birdwatchers will capture your heart. Based on a true story, Lester and his granddaughter, Hope, take a trip up the mountain to see the largest bird in North America, a condor. On the way down the mountain, they are surprised by another exciting sighting! A book to inspire the birder in all of us.

Amy Houts of Houts & Home Publications LLC is thrilled to announce she is releasing artist Lester Feldman's first picture book, HOPE SEES HER CONDOR. Lester is a birder--that's a new word for a birdwatcher, one who travels to see birds. He's made many trips and has seen hundreds of birds. As an artist, Lester draws the birds he has spotted. Ever since Amy was a young girl, she has admired Lester's artistic talent and is thrilled to be helping him make this dream come true.

To purchase, visit the checkout page.

Lester Feldman, both the author and illustrator, has been a Birder since he was Hope's age. He has seen 650 plus bird species in North America where he prefers to "Bird." A retired Advertising Art Director, he now birds mainly from the windows of his house.
Bernice, Lester's wife of 70 years, created the typography for this book. Lester refers to Bernice as his "Creative Director."

Please tag me with bird photos, @HoutsHome or @AmyHouts on Twitter, @AmyHouts on Instagram,

Looking forward to connecting!

Twitter: @AmyHouts @HoutsHome
Instagram: @AmyHouts
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorAmyHouts/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HoutsAndHome/
Pinterest: Houts & Home Publications LLC
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amyhouts/

DESSERT: CROISSANT S'MORES ON THE GRILL

6/5/2020

What kid doesn't love s'mores? These jazzed-up classic camping s’mores feature a flaky croissant crust and heaping portions. You'll get that hint of smoky flavor you'd get at the campsite without having to scrounge up sticks. All ages can follow along with this simple recipe, and the littlest get to show off their newly-learned counting skills. All told, this snack can be ready in less than five minutes — if all your Masterchef Juniors work together.

TASKS FOR CHILDREN
Ages 3 to 5 Count out the marshmallows Break and count chocolate squares
Ages 5 to 7 All tasks above Slice mini croissants in half
Ages 8 to 12 All tasks above Layer marshmallows, chocolate squares on hot croissant half, top with the other half
Ages 13+ All tasks above Turn on grill, set temp, monitor Toast sandwiches on grill

INGREDIENTS

6 mini croissants, sliced in half
25 large marshmallows
8 ounces thin squares good-quality chocolate

DIRECTIONS

Heat the grill to medium-high (400°F)
Place the croissant halves on the grill grate, cut-side down and toast the croissants for only one minute (they will toast quickly so keep a close eye on them).
Remove from grill and assemble the s'mores by layering marshmallows and chocolate squares and top with the other croissant half to make a toasty croissant s'mores sandwich.
Place the croissant sandwiches on the grill and toast for 30 seconds to one minute to allow the chocolate to melt and marshmallows to get golden.
Remove the s'mores from the grill and serve warm while they're still gooey. Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from our Croissant S'mores recipe.

STAY SAFE AND HAVE FUN
The past 4 weeks, the Houts & Home blog has posted 4 grilling recipes. The activities in these four recipes will give kids an age-appropriate introduction to key cooking and grilling tasks. Make sure you always supervise as they work, and pay close attention to tasks they're trying for the first time. These simple recipes should make the process foolproof and fun.

See here for the overall Kids in the Kitchen cooking guide from Traeger Grills.

BIG THANKS TO TRAEGER GRILLS for sharing their recipes!

GRILLED BEEF SLIDERS

5/29/2020

Grilled Beef Sliders from Traeger Grills

Give kids a lesson in that grilling classic — burgers, but start them with a kid-size version. Don’t let the size of these sliders fool you, they are big on flavor. High-quality 80/20 ground chuck and caramelized onions make this simple recipe a tasty intro to Burgers 101. Younger cooks can focus on the condiments while beginning grillers have a low-stress entry point to cooking with fire. The burger patties are thin so they'll cook fast, meaning you shouldn't need to worry about undercooking.
-- BIG THANKS to Traeger Grills for sharing this recipe!

TASKS FOR CHILDREN
Ages 3 to 5: Shred lettuce Split slider buns for toasting
Ages 5 to 7: All tasks above Measure salt and pepper for burgers Brush burgers with oil
Ages 8 to 12: All tasks above Shape mixed beef into burgers (supervised) Garnish burgers with cooked onions, other condiments
Ages 13+: All tasks above Mix ground beef Turn on grill, set temp, monitor Cook burgers, toast buns

INGREDIENTS

2 pounds ground chuck, preferably at least 20% fat
kosher salt to taste
freshly ground pepper to taste
slices of cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Muenster cheese
12 to 16 slider rolls
lettuce, shredded
ketchup (optional)
yellow mustard (optional)
mayonnaise (optional)
caramelized onions
3 tablespoons canola or olive oil
pinch kosher salt

DIRECTIONS

To make the burger patties: Add 2 teaspoons of kosher salt per pound of meat, and 1/2 teaspoons of ground pepper per pound (if you prefer less salty food, reduce to 1 teaspoon per pound).
Using your hands, gently mix the ground beef to incorporate the salt, making sure not to overwork it.
Shape the beef into 2- to 3-ounce, thin burgers. Brush on both sides with a small amount of the remaining oil.
When ready to cook, set your grill to high (450°F).
Place the burgers on the grill, cooking for 2 to 3 minutes, then flipping and cooking an additional 2 to 3 minutes until you reach the desired doneness. If using cheese, add the cheese when the burgers are flipped.
Take the sliders off the grill and allow them to rest for a few minutes to ensure the juices are evenly distributed.
While burgers rest, add the buns to the grill and cook with the split side down for 1 to 2 minutes to toast them.
Garnish burgers with the shredded lettuce, and other condiments.

See here for the overall Kids in the Kitchen cooking guide from Traeger Grills.

Recipe adapted from our Beef Sliders recipe.

GRILLED RATATOUILLE VEGETABLES: Cook with Kids

5/22/2020

This brightly-colored grilled vegetable salad is loaded with flavor—and you can add your own with extra herbs and seasonings if you'd like. For your youngest, this recipe is an opportunity to give them their first knife skills lesson — the zucchini and summer squash can be sliced with a kid-safe plastic knife. The oldest can get an intro to grilling with this lower-temperature recipe, where there's less chance of burning the food.

BIG THANKS to Traeger Grills for the recipe!

TASKS FOR CHILDREN
Ages 3 to 5 Wash vegetables Brush sliced vegetables with oil Sprinkle with pre-measured amounts of salt and pepper
Ages 5 to 7 All tasks above Slice zucchini/squash with kid-safe knife Layer cooked vegetables per instructions
Ages 8 to 12 All tasks above Place vegetables on grill grate with long tongs
Ages 13+ All tasks above Turn on grill, set temp, monitor Slice tomato, red onion with sharp knife Monitor and flip vegetables while cooking

INGREDIENTS

1 sweet potato
1 red onion
1 zucchini
1 summer squash (or additional zucchini if unavailable)
1 large tomato
canola oil
salt and pepper to taste

DIRECTIONS

Preheat grill to medium-high (400°F) with the lid closed for 10 to 15 minutes.
Slice all vegetables to a ¼-inch thickness.
Lightly brush each vegetable with oil and season with Traeger's Veggie Shake or salt and pepper.
Place sweet potato, onion, zucchini, and squash on grill grate and grill for 20 minutes or until tender, turn halfway through.
Add tomato slices to the grill during the last five minutes of cooking time.
For presentation, alternate vegetables while layering them vertically. Enjoy!

See here for the overall Kids in the Kitchen cooking guide from Traeger Grills.

Recipe adapted from our Grilled Ratatouille Salad recipe.

Grilled Avocado Toast--Summer Cooking with Kids

5/15/2020

BIG THANKS to Traeger Grills for sharing their recipes!
A tasty and healthy snack the whole family can enjoy making together. This simple appetizer is a good intro to grilling, because you don't have to worry about the potential contamination that comes with grilling meat. Future grillers can help season and measure while any child mature enough to attempt cooking (with supervision) has a very simple starter task. With only cut avocado and sliced bread to worry about, this recipe is close to foolproof.
INGREDIENTS

1 loaf French bread, cut in 1 1/2-inch slices
2 avocados, split in half, pit removed, skin on
1 orange (zest and juice)
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon honey
1/2 shallot, diced
1/2 Anaheim pepper, minced
1 garlic clove, minced
smoked sea salt and pepper

DIRECTIONS

Set your grill to medium heat (350°F).
Lightly drizzle olive oil over bread slices. Lightly drizzle lime juice and olive oil over avocado halves.
Place sliced bread and avocado halves on grate. Grill for approximately 5 to 10 minutes, or until the avocados have grill marks. Remove from grill.
Make cross-hatching slices through grilled avocado halves; scoop out avocado flesh, cut flesh into thin slices.
In a large bowl, zest orange and add juice from orange, olive oil, vinegar, and honey, whisk together. Add avocado pieces, Anaheim pepper, shallots, and garlic clove. Gently toss.
Season to taste with sea salt and pepper. Top each slice of bread with a generous serving of avocado mixture. Enjoy!

TASKS FOR CHILDREN

Ages 3 to 5 Sprinkle pre-measured amounts of salt and pepper on avocado mixture Spoon mixture onto toast
Ages 5 to 7 All tasks above Juice orange Measure olive oil, vinegar, honey Whisk wet ingredients
Ages 8 to 12 All tasks above Zest orange Slice bread Chop avocado, add pepper, shallots, and garlic, and toss mixture
Ages 13+ All tasks above Chop shallot, pepper, and garlic Turn on grill, set temp, monitor Place bread and avocado on grill, monitor, remove and peel/slice when cool.

See here for the overall Kids in the Kitchen cooking guide from Traeger Grills.

Recipe adapted from our Avocado Toast recipe.