This week as part of our Exploring through Food series, we are learning the letter ‘P’. The summer is a great time for the kids to party! Family is in and out of town, and no one has to wake up early for school. Learning can and should still continue even though school is out. So party with the letter “P” this summer!
P is for…peppers!
And
• Pasta
• Pumpkin
• Plum
• Pecan
My purple parrot loves pineapple pizza. 
Here’s a great recipe I made for Buckaroo’s first Father’s Day. It’s simple enough for the kids to do with you and really delicious! 
Loaded Pepper and Mushroom Potato Skins
(Makes 10 Skins)
Ingredients
5 Small Russet Potatoes
1/2 Red Bell Pepper, Diced
1/2 Green Bell Pepper, Diced
1tsp. Minced Garlic
1c. Sliced Baby Bella Mushrooms
1/4c. Sour Cream
2c. Gouda Cheese, rind removed, shredded or white cheddar
1Tbsp. Unsalted Butter
Bacon, cooked and crumbled (for garnish)
Green onions, sliced thinly (for garnish)
1. Preheat oven to 400. Bake potatoes for one hour.
2. While the potatoes are baking, in a saucepan heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil to medium heat. Saute garlic, peppers, and mushrooms until soft. Set aside.
3. Remove potatoes, let cool slightly. Halve each potato. Using a spoon scoop out the flesh out the potato and set aside in a bowl. (Be sure to leave a small amount in the potato to maintain the shape of the skin for filling.
4. Turn the potatoes bowl side down. Sprinkle lightly with oil and season the skins with salt and pepper. Return to the oven for 15 minutes or until crispy.
5. In the bowl with the potatoes add the pepper mixture, cheese, and sour cream and mix well.
6. Scoop mixture into each potato and return to the oven for 15 minutes, until cheese completely melts.
7. Garnish with bacon and or green onions. Enjoy!
Here are a few activities to try this summer as you explore the letter ‘P’:
P is for PRESENTS – Teach your children the joy of giving. Homemade cookies, brownies, even jams and jellies make great gifts and can be exchanged or sent to loved ones who are far away. Packaging dry goods and non perishable items to deliver to shelters or organizations that feed the less fortunate is also a great idea. You would be amazed at the sense of pride children receive when they help others. (This activity teaches:Teamwork, Ingredient Identification, Creativity, Charitable Giving)
P is for PAJAMA PARTY – Make PIZZA with the kids and watch a movie. Challenge them to pick a movie beginning with the letter P. (Examples:Princess and the Frog, Pirates of the Caribbean, Phineas and Ferb: The Movie) Don’t forget POPCORN! If you have girls do PEDICURES. You all can make a PEPPERMINT foot scrub and let the girls choose colors that look or smell fruity. Wake up in the morning and enjoy PANCAKES n’ PATTIES! (This activity teaches: Social Skills, Teamwork, Ingredient Identification, Letter Identification, Sensory Development)
P is for POTTING – Planting herbs indoors are easy and can be done anytime of year. Growing fresh herbs are a great way to add flavor to your dishes and are much cheaper than buying them from the store. Basil, chives, rosemary, thyme, and mint are all good herbs to grow. Be sure to let the kids taste and smell the herbs when they are ready to pick. Let them compare and contrast their sprouts. (This activity teaches: Science, Math, Responsibility, Ingredient Identification, Sensory Development)
for more of our exploring through food series, exclusive recipes and more!
M.W.A.H.,
Mandi
