Join us on an educational adventure through each state in the USA! Each post in this series focuses on one state, and includes a regional recipe from that state. This is a fun way to get your kids involved in cooking, as well as learn a bit about United States geography! The post also includes a link to the featured state’s website, where you can learn more about the state. We also include free forms that you can download and print to use along the journey. Geography has never been so delicious!

Make sure to check back each week for the next post!

Did you know that Michigan is the top producer of tart cherries in the United States? Michigan’s cherry orchards are located along Lake Michigan, where the lake tempers the weather and the soil and elevation are just right for ideal growing.

This recipe takes advantage of the delicious Michigan cherries – and it’s one your kids are going to love!

MICHIGAN Cherry Tartlets

What You Will Need:

• 1 can (8 ounces) Refrigerated Crescent Dinner Rolls


• 1/4 cup Cherry Preserves


• 1/3 cup coarsely chopped Almonds, toasted (optional)


• 1 round (8 ounces) Brie Cheese, rind removed and cut into 24 chunks


• Fresh or Frozen Cherries


• Mini Muffin Tin

What You Do:

• Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.


• Grease or spray 24 mini muffin cups.


• Unroll dough and separate into 4 rectangles.


• Firmly press the dough together at the perforations to seal, then cut each dough rectangle into 6 squares.


• Gently press dough squares into mini muffin cups. The dough will not completely cover the inside of the cup. Make sure not to press too much on the dough.


• Spoon 1/2 teaspoon cherry preserves into each cup.


• Top the preserves with a rounded 1/2 teaspoon of nuts and a cheese chunk.


• Bake 16 to 19 minutes or until the edges are a deep golden brown.


• Cool in pan for 5 minutes, then remove from muffin cups.


• Garnish each tartlet with fresh cherries.

Michigan State Information – Click this link to learn more about Michigan attractions, activities, and to request free brochures, maps, and so much more!

US Geography Journal Pages – Use these journal pages to create a geography journal as you collect information about each state.

Michigan Outline Map – Use this state map to label capitals, major rivers and lakes, and other areas of interest.

United States Outline Map – Use this USA map to track your journey as you “eat your way across the USA”! Color in each state that you’ve tried one of recipes for.

• The United States Cook Book – Take a Tasty Tour of America’s 50 States, and learn a lot of United States geography along the way! (PLEASE NOTE: The recipe featured above is not included in this book.)


• US History Cook Book – Serve up a heaping lesson of history with delicious recipes from our nation’s past… from the pilgrims’ first feast to today’s high-tech, low-fat fare.


• Maps of the United States – This reproducible book contains geopolitical maps of each of the fifty states; political maps of the six regions; and political, physical, and thematic maps of the United States. You’ll also find fun facts, geography bee-type questions, and review pages.


• DK State-by-State Atlas – More than an atlas, this book shows and tells young geographers who, what, when, where, and why.


• The Geography Book – From finding directions by the stars, to mapping your neighborhood, to making an earthquake in a box, you’ll have a great time learning about the world with The Geography Book.


• Professor Noggins USA Geography Game – From rural farming communities to urban cities, from snow-capped mountains to tropical islands, this game covers both the natural and political geography of the United States. Learn about the states, cities, and natural geographical wonders that make this country such an interesting place to visit.


• State by State Card Game – Learning about United States geography is made fun and memorable with this unique deck of cards!


• GeoPuzzle USA Puzzle – GeoPuzzles provide a hands-on approach to learning geography.

Make sure to check back next week for the next state in this series!

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