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 North Dakota is first in the United States in growing sunflower seeds? They are also second in the country in growing wheat.

This recipe uses sunflower seeds to create a delicious treat kids love to make… and eat!

NORTH DAKOTA Sunflower Seed Cookies

What You Will Need:

• 1-1/2 cups All-Purpose Flour


• 1 teaspoon Baking Soda


• 2 very ripe Bananas, peeled and mashed


• 1/2 cup Butter, at room temperature


• 1/2 cup Granulated White Sugar


• 1/2 cup Shelled Sunflower Seeds (if you buy sunflower seeds in the shells, kids really have fun cracking them open!)


• 1/2 cup miniature Chocolate Chips or Dried Fruit Pieces


• Small Mixing Bowl


• Large Mixing Bowl


• Hand Mixer

What You Do:

• In a small mixing bowl, whisk together flour and baking soda, then set aside.


• In a large bowl, beat bananas, butter, and sugar on medium speed until thoroughly combined.


• Add half of the flour mixture to the banana mixture, and mix well. Add the other half of the flour mixture, and continue mixing until well blended.


• Fold the sunflower seeds and chocolate chips into the mixture.


• Refrigerate the cookie dough for 45 minutes. This process helps keep the cookies from spreading while baking.


• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.


• Line baking sheets with parchment paper.


• Scoop about 1 teaspoonful of cookie dough for each cookie and place the scoops about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.


• Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.


• Remove from oven, cool, and serve!


• Makes about 36 cookies.

North Dakota State Information – Click this link to learn more about North Dakota 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.

North Dakota Outline Map – Use this state map to label capitals, major rivers and lakes, and other areas of interest. Draw a star on the place you would most like to visit in this state!

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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