Our Book Party - Lentil

This week we have been rowing Lentil. Something about this book really struck a chord in all of us, and it has been an enjoyable week reading the book each day and doing fun activities. Last night we invited my father-in-law and sister-in-law for dinner and the dessert was our made from scratch Lemonade Layer Cake, and it was GOOD! It didn't take too long to make, and the kids helped me every step of the way. We discovered the grated lemon rind in the cake and the frosting really made the taste.

As we were at the grocery store getting the final preparations yesterday (fresh flowers per my daughter's request, and napkins with lemons on them) I found the kids talking to the cashier and man bagging our groceries about our party and about lemons. The cashier remarked what wonderful children they were and where did they go to school. Homeschool - score 10!

Before we ate dinner the kids and dad acted out Lentil. My son played the part of Lentil (the boy, complete with harmonica playing) and my daughter read the book. My husband was the town curmudgeon, Old Sneep. I wish I had gotten a video of him wearing a silly hat and sucking on a lemon - it was priceless! It got a lot of laughs, and the kids had fun time performing for their family. Here's a brief synopsis of the story from good reads:

Lentil cannot sing or even whistle; longing to make music in some fashion, he provides himself with a harmonica and practices constantly wherever he i ...more Lentil cannot sing or even whistle; longing to make music in some fashion, he provides himself with a harmonica and practices constantly wherever he is, especially in the bathtub, because there his tone is improved 100 percent. A book that, along with its fun, truly illustrates the American scene.

I could kick myself for not taking more pictures last night, but I did get a few before our guests arrived. Once everyone was there I was busy getting dinner on the table, organizing the actors, etc.... You know how it goes.

My daughter loves setting a pretty table, and I think it's getting to be a lost art, so here's our table:

GMan sampling a lemon - he's been going around puckering his lips this week (just like it said in the book).

If you can't tell, I'm SOLD on Five in a Row. Not only have we learned a lot of things about geography, science, literature, and social studies, we have forever put the memory of this book in our minds. That is a gift.

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Wednesday - What's for Dinner?

We're having a bit of a "party" tonight at our house.... nothing big, just my father-in-law and sister-in-law coming to dinner. Our Five In A Row book this week is Lentil, by Robert McCloskey. We have been learning a lot about the sense of taste (since a lemon plays an important role in the book) and plan to make a Lemonade Layer Cake (from Cooking Light) for our guests. I have read the reviews about the cake and I have to admit I'm a little scared. It is "labor intensive" and "too dense". Uh oh. I'll let you know how it turns out!

For dinner I just wanted something simple that everyone will eat and also something I can get started in the morning. My childhood friend, Melissa, made this one time when we were visiting her family and I've been making it ever since.

Crockpot Spaghetti

1 lb. lean ground beef
minced garlic
chopped onions
sugar
1 jar Traditional Ragu pasta sauce
spaghetti noodles

Brown the ground beef with garlic and onions. Pour into a slow cooker. Add a tablespoon of sugar and the jar of pasta sauce. Cook on low all day. Serve over cooked spaghetti noodles.

There you have it - gourmet dinner tonight. Crockpot Spaghetti, Caesar Salad, Lemonade Layer Cake. Oh - and a nice bottle of Alice White wine (affordable and so good!) to go with it.

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Wednesday - What's for Breakfast?

Normally I'll post what's for dinner on Wednesday nights, but I'm going to change today and give you breakfast for tomorrow, because I had the BEST breakfast treat while we were on vacation (and also because tomorrow's dinner is not exciting) . My sister is very good in the kitchen, and she served us this tasty little treat one morning. Everyone loved it - and Miss B and I even convinced GMan to try it this morning and he loved it, too. So, pay attention:

First you start with a piece of cinnamon raisin bread (I like it toasted, but it doesn't have to be):

Then, spread a thin layer of Marscapone Cheese on the bread:
(oooooh, and I found out all the great things you can make with Marscapone when I googled it today - fun fun!)

Finally, drizzle with honey.

It is so yummy - I felt like I had to serve it with the obligatory banana or strawberries, but in actuality I could eat about 5 slices of this and be happy! This morning I restrained myself to one piece - so good, aren't I?

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