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Celebrate the States Series – #43: Texas

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!

RECIPE:

Did you know that Texas is the top state in the US for raising beef cattle? The Texas state food is chili – a spicy stew with beef and tomatoes!

This recipe is for an easy Texas-style chili that isn’t too spicy for kids. You can change it to make it more spicy, if you’d like.

TEXAS Chili

What You Will Need:

2-1/2 pounds lean Chuck Beef, ground or cubed

1 pound lean Pork, ground

4 cloves Garlic, finely chopped

1 cup Onion, finely chopped

8 ounces Tomato Sauce

1 cup Water

1 can Dark Beer

3 tablespoons Chili Powder

2 tablespoons Instant Beef Bouillon (6 cubes)

2 tablespoons Ground Cumin

2 teaspoons Paprika

2 teaspoons Oregano Leaves

2 teaspoons Sugar

1/2 teaspoon Ground Coriander

1 teaspoon Unsweetened Cocoa

1/2 teaspoon Hot Sauce

1 teaspoon Cornmeal

1 teaspoon Flour

1 teaspoon Warm Water

Large Saucepan

What You Do:

In a large saucepan, brown half of the beef and pork, then drain the fat.

Remove meat from saucepan and set aside.

Brown the remaining half of meat, then drain all but about 2 tablespoons of the fat.

Add garlic and onion to the saucepan, and cook until tender.

Add the first half of the meat back to the saucepan, then add tomato sauce, water, beer, chili powder, bouillon, cumin, paprika, oregano, sugar, coriander, cocoa, and hot sauce. Stir well.

Bring the chili mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer covered for 2 hours.

In a small bowl, stir together the cornmeal and flour, then add the warm water and mix well.

Stir the cornmeal mixture into the chili and cook for an additional 20 minutes, covered.

Sprinkle chili with shredded cheese, if desired, and serve!

STATE INFORMATION LINK:

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

FREE STATE PRINTABLES:

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

Texas 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.

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE:

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!

Celebrate the States Series – #42: Tennessee

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

RECIPE:

Did you know that Tennessee is well known for raising hogs and cattle? Tennessee hams, called “country hams”, are quite different from Virginia’s hams. This is because Tennessee hogs are fed corn and other grains instead of peanuts. Ham with red-eye gravy is a traditional Tennessee dish. The gravy is called red-eye gravy because it includes pieces of fried ham that look like red eyes!

This recipe makes a fun dish that kids are sure to enjoy!

TENNESSEE Ham and Red-Eye Gravy

What You Will Need:

1-pound Ham Steak (1/4″ thick)

Butter or Margarine

1/2 cup Strong Black Coffee

Black Pepper (to taste)

Worcestershire Sauce

1/2 cup firmly packed Brown Sugar

Large Skillet

What You Do:

Melt margarine or butter in a large skillet, then fry the ham steak in the skillet. Cook on one side for about 8 minutes over medium-high heat. Turn ham over and fry for another 8 minutes. Remove ham from skillet and set aside while preparing gravy.

Stir sugar into pan drippings and heat until sugar dissolves. Stir constantly. NOTE: If your ham is too dry to have any pan juices after frying, add 1/2 cup of hot water to the pan before adding sugar.

Add coffee and scrape the bottom of the pan to loosen any bits of ham. Simmer for about 5 minutes.

Season gravy with pepper and Worcestershire sauce to taste.

Pour gravy over ham and serve with biscuits.

STATE INFORMATION LINK:

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

FREE STATE PRINTABLES:

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

Tennessee 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.

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE:

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!

Celebrate the States Series – #41: South Dakota

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

RECIPE:

Did you know that South Dakota is nicknamed the Land of Infinite Variety? This is because of the many different landforms found in South Dakota – prairies, plains, mountains, and valleys are all found there. South Dakota is also home to the famous Mount Rushmore – the sculpture of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln.

South Dakota is also a major producer of beef cattle. This recipe is delicious and fun for kids to make.

SOUTH DAKOTA Meatballs and Pasta

What You Will Need:

1-1/2 pounds Ground Beef

2 Eggs, slightly beaten

1/2 cup seasoned Bread Crumbs (we like to use seasoned stuffing mix)

3 cloves Garlic, minced

1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh Oregano

1 teaspoon Salt

1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper

12 ounces shredded Mozzarella Cheese

1 25-ounce jar Pasta Sauce (your favorite)

Hot cooked Linguine Noodles

Large Mixing Bowl

What You Do:

Heat oven to 400 degrees F.

Combine ground beef, eggs, bread crumbs (or stuffing mix), garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Mix thoroughly. Kids absolutely love this step – it’s kind of like playing with play-dough!

Divide meat mixture into equal portions and shape into small patties.

Sprinkle each pattie with cheese, then completely enclose the cheese into a meatball form.

Place meatballs on an aluminum-foil lined baking pan and bake in a 400 degree F oven for 15 to 20 minutes or until juices run clear. If you prefer, you can also cook the meatballs on a grill.

While the meatballs are cooking, heat pasta sauce in a large saucepan until hot, stirring occasionally.

Add cooked meatlballs to the pasta sauce and heat through.

Spoon meatballs and sauce onto cooked pasta, and serve!

STATE INFORMATION LINK:

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

FREE STATE PRINTABLES:

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

South 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.

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE:

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!

Celebrate the States Series – #40: South Carolina

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

RECIPE:

Did you know that South Carolina is the country’s leading producer of peaches for the fresh market?

This recipe is for a peachy snack you can eat anytime. Mmmm good!

SOUTH CAROLINA Peach Fruit Leather

What You Will Need:

Vegetable Oil Cooking Spray

1-1/2 cups chopped Fresh Peaches

1 tablespoon Lemon Juice

1 tablespoon Sugar (optional)

1/4 teaspoon Nutmeg (optional)

Cookie Sheet

Blender

Resealable Plastic Storage Bags

What You Do:

Preheat oven to 175 degrees F.

Spray vegetable oil cooking spray on a cookie sheet and set aside.

Rinse the peaches well and remove the pit.

Chop peaches into chucks.

Place peaches, lemon juice, and nutmeg into a blender and blend until smooth. Add sugar, if necessary, to taste.

Pour the peach mixture onto a cookie sheet and spread thin so the mixture covers the cookie sheet.

Bake mixture in the oven with the door slightly open for 3 hours. Make sure to check the mixture every 30 minutes to see if the peach layer is dry enough to peel off the cookie sheet. If it is still wet after 3 hours, use a spatula to flip it over and return it to the oven for about 10 more minutes.

When fruit leather is dry, remove cookie sheet from oven and peel the peach layer from the cookie sheet. Place peach leather on a cutting board, then cut into strips.

Roll fruit leather in plastic bags for storage.

Variations:

This recipe works very well with a variety of fruit. Experiment and have fun!

With close adult supervision, let your kids cut their own shapes into the fruit leather. A small paring knife will work, when used with caution. Metal cookie cutters work well, too.

STATE INFORMATION LINK:

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

FREE STATE PRINTABLES:

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

South Carolina 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.

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE:

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!

Celebrate the States Series – #39: Rhode Island

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

RECIPE:

Did you know that coffee milk is the official drink of Rhode Island? Coffee milk is a drink that is somewhat like chocolate milk, but is flavored with coffee syrup instead of chocolate syrup.

This recipe whips up a batch of this delicious drink. It’s an easy recipe that is fun to make, and one that kids really enjoy!

RHODE ISLAND Coffee Milk

What You Will Need:

1 cup brewed or instant Coffee, cooled

1 cup 2% Milk

1 tablespoon light Vanilla Syrup

3 scoops Coffee Flavored Ice Cream

4 Ice Cubes

Blender

What You Do:

Pour coffee, milk, vanilla syrup, and ice cream into a blender and mix well.

Add ice cubes to the blender, and then blend until the mixture is smooth.

Pour into 4 tall glasses and serve!

STATE INFORMATION LINK:

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

FREE STATE PRINTABLES:

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

Rhode Island 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.

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE:

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 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!

Celebrate the States Series – #38: Pennsylvania

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

RECIPE:

Did you know that during the 1700s and early 1800s, many German immigrants, especially farmers, settled in Pennsylvania. They contributed a wide variety of distinctive foods, such as sauerkraut, rye bread, apple butter, and pretzels.

This recipe shows you how to make those big, warm, soft pretzels that are sold on the streets in Philadelphia. Sure to be a favorite snack for your kids!

PENNSYLVANIA Soft Pretzels

What You Will Need:

2 packages Active Dry Yeast

1-1/2 cups Warm Water

2 tablespoons Sugar

1 tablespoon Salt

2 cups Whole Wheat Flour

1-3/4 cups All-Purpose Flour

1 teaspoon Olive Oil

1 large Egg, beaten

Sesame Seeds (optional)

Large Mixing Bowl

Medium Mixing Bowl

What You Do:

In a large bowl, combine yeast and warm water.

Add sugar and salt to the yeast mixture, and stir well.

Add the flours to the bowl 1 cup at a time, mixing by hand until the mixture forms into a dough.

Place the dough onto a lightly floured pastry board or clean countertop and knead the dough until smooth. Kids love this step! Knead the dough for about 5 minutes until it has a slight sheen.

Brush the inside of the medium sized bowl with olive oil, then transfer the dough to the bowl. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towl and let it stand and rise for about 40 minutes. Wait until your kids see this in action! They’ll love it!

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.

Divide the dough into pieces and roll it into ropes that are about 12 inches long. Another favorite step for kids!

Form the rolled out dough into pretzel-shapes, then place on an ungreased cookie sheet.

Brush each pretzel with egg and then sprinkle with sesame seeds or salt.

Bake the pretzels for 12 to 15 minutes or until golden brown.

Remove from oven, serve and enjoy!

Variations:

If you prefer crispy pretzels, roll the dough into thinner strips before forming into pretzel shapes.

Before baking the pretzels, you may wish to boil them in water for 2 minutes on each side. Once the pretzels are boiled, place them on a rack to drain for about a minute. After draining, place the pretzels on a cookie sheet and bake.

Add cinnamon or other flavors in place of sesame seeds. Don’t be afraid to experiment!

Be creative with your pretzel shapes! Form letters, funny faces, or any other shape you like!

STATE INFORMATION LINK:

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

FREE STATE PRINTABLES:

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

Pennsylvania 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.

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE:

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!

Celebrate the States Series – #37: Oregon

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

RECIPE:

Did you know that the climate in Oregon allows for a wide variety of crops to be grown? Oregon leads the nation in winter pears, blackberries, boysenberries, and hazelnuts. Other products include potatoes, carrots, watermelons, cranberries, cheeses, and fish (especially salmon, halibut, ling cod, and shellfish).

This recipe uses cranberries that are grown in bogs or marshes in the coastal regions of Oregon. Cranberries blossom in late June or early July, and the berry harvest begins right after Labor Day.

OREGON Cranberry Cookie Bars

What You Will Need:

Vegetable Oil Cooking Spray

2 large Eggs, beaten

1/2 cup Butter, softened

1-1/2 cups Sugar

1 teaspoon Vanilla

1-1/2 cups All-Purpose Flour

1 teaspoon Baking Powder

1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)

2 cups Cranberries, fresh or frozen

Large Mixing Bowl

9″ x 12″ Baking Pan (a glass pan works best)

What You Do:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Spray vegetable oil cooking spray in a 9″ x 12″ baking pan, then set aside.

In a large mixing bowl, beat together eggs, butter, sugar, and vanilla. (Kids love to stir these ingredients together)!

Add flour and baking powder to the above mixture, and stir together well.

Add cranberries and nuts to the mixture, mixing well.

Spoon the batter into the prepared baking pan and bake for 40 to 45 minutes or until golden brown. (We recommend you check the bars after 30 minutes, depending on your oven).

Remove from oven and allow to cool before cutting into bars.

Serve and enjoy!

Variation:

For a slightly different taste, use brown sugar in place of the white sugar.

Frost the bars with a cream cheese frosting for extra flavor.

This recipe works with raspberries, boysenberries, or blackberries, too!

STATE INFORMATION LINK:

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

FREE STATE PRINTABLES:

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

Oregon 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.

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE:

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!

Celebrate the States Series – #36: Oklahoma

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

RECIPE:

Did you know that one of Oklahoma’s main crops is wheat? They are also known for growing peanuts.

This recipe uses both the wheat and peanuts to make a delicious treat!

OKLAHOMA Peanut Blonde Bars

What You Will Need:

Vegetable Oil Cooking Spray

1/2 cup Creamy Peanut Butter

1/4 cup Margarine, softened

1 cup light Brown Sugar

2 large Eggs

1-1/2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract

2/3 cup All-Purpose Flour

1 cup Salted Peanuts, chopped

8-inch Square Baking Pan

Mixing Bowl

What You Do:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Spray the baking pan with vegetable oil cooking spray.

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, cream the peanut butter with the margarine until smooth.

Add brown sugar gradually, and beat until well blended.

Add eggs one at a time and continue to stir the mixture.

Add vanilla extract, and stir well.

Slowly add flour to the peanut butter mixture.

Fold in the chopped peanuts.

Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan. Spread the batter evenly in the pan.

Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, then remove the pan from the oven and cool for 15 minutes.

Cut into 2-inch squares, then remove the bars from the pan and cool completely on a wire rack before serving.

STATE INFORMATION LINK:

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

FREE STATE PRINTABLES:

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

Oklahoma 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.

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE:

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 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!

Celebrate the States Series – #35: Ohio

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

RECIPE:

Did you know that Ohio produces more hothouse tomatoes than any other state except California? These brightly colored red tomatoes are grown in a greenhouse year round. With their stems still attached, they’re often referred to as On the Vine tomatoes, and offer a mild-flavor and great taste all year long.

This recipe uses juicy tomatoes for a delicious pizza – perfect for serving during Family Game Night!

OHIO Hot House Tomato Pizza

What You Will Need for the Sauce:

4-5 Hot House Tomatoes, chopped

1/4 White Onion, chopped

1 clove Garlic, crushed

1/2 teaspoon fresh Thyme, picked

1 tablespoon fresh Basil, roughly torn

1-1/2 teaspoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Sea Salt, to taste

Fresh Ground Black Pepper, to taste

What You Will Need for the Pizza:

4-5 Hot House Cherry Tomatoes, sliced

1 large Pizza Dough, prepared

3/4 cup Parmesan Cheese, grated

1 cup Mozzarella Cheese, grated

1/4 cup Black Olives, pitted and chopped

1/4 cup Fresh Basil, torn

What You Do:

Place oil in medium hot saucepan and add onions and garlic. Cook until onions are transparent.

Add tomatoes (for sauce), thyme, salt and pepper and cook at medium heat until tomatoes start to break down slightly. Turn down the heat and let simmer and reduce for about 20 minutes.

Take pan off heat and puree mixture with a hand blender. Check seasoning and add basil.

Sauce can be kept in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Spread sauce on pizza dough, leaving a small portion of the edge uncovered.

Layer on the tomato slices, just a little course sea salt, pepper, olives, mozzarella cheese, and parmesan.

Place pizza on pan or directly on oven rack. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until dough has browned on the bottom and parmesan is bubbling on top.

Remove from oven and top with fresh basil.

Cut and serve!

STATE INFORMATION LINK:

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

FREE STATE PRINTABLES:

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

Ohio 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.

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE:

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!

Celebrate the States Series – #34: North Dakota

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

RECIPE:

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.

STATE INFORMATION LINK:

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!

FREE STATE PRINTABLES:

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.

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE:

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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Celebrate the States Series – #43: Texas

Celebrate the States Series – #42: Tennessee

Celebrate the States Series – #41: South Dakota

Celebrate the States Series – #40: South Carolina

Celebrate the States Series – #39: Rhode Island

Celebrate the States Series – #38: Pennsylvania

Celebrate the States Series – #37: Oregon

Celebrate the States Series – #36: Oklahoma

Celebrate the States Series – #35: Ohio

Celebrate the States Series – #34: North Dakota

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