Zoo Boo

The Detroit Zoo’s Zoo Boo, a “merry-not-scary” family event, returns for 2006 with an exciting treat trail full of treats and a Haunted Reptile House to explore! Zoo Boo will held October 19-22 and October 26-31.

Portobello Ragú

Portobello Ragú

Ingredients:

1 lb. RP’s Fresh Tri-color Fusilli
4 T olive oil
2 cloves garlic crushed
1 lb. portobello mushrooms cleaned and cut into 1/2 in. pieces
1 medium onion chopped fine
1 t fresh rosemary chopped fine
1 28oz can good quality crushed tomatoes
1/4 T black pepper
salt to taste
fresh grated Parmigiano-Reggiano

Preparation

Heat the olive oil over medium high heat and add the garlic. Cook garlic for about 30 seconds, do not brown. Add portobello mushrooms and onion and sauté till slightly softened. Add all of the remaining ingredients and simmer for 15 min. partially covered. Boil fresh pasta until tender. Drain the pasta and top with portobello ragú.

Free Lesson Plans

I found this while doing some research a bit ago. You can choose your lesson plans by Arts subject (dance, music, etc), Subject or Grade Band (3 different grade ranges). Lots of neat ideas. Example, one of the newer lesson plans is Freedom Quilts. Included with this lesson plan is quilt shapes (in pdf), quiz, rubric, related lessons, standards and sources. This is something I’ll definitely be adding to the main website.

Here’s the description from their website:

ARTSEDGE is the Kennedy Center’s interactive education program for K-12 teachers, parents and students. Founded in 1991, ARTSEDGE supports the creative use of technology to enhance teaching and learning in, through and about the arts. Through its Web site, as well as innovative print and integrated media materials, ARTSEDGE offers free, standards-based teaching materials for use in and out of the classroom, media-rich interactive experiences, professional development resources, and guidelines for arts-based instruction and assessment.

http://artsedge.kennedy-center.org/teach/les.cfm

Banned Books Week

Banned Books Week celebrates the Freedom to Read during the last week of September each year. 2006 is the 25th anniversary of this annual ALA event which reminds Americans not to take this precious democratic freedom for granted.

Who topped the chart as the Most Challenged Book of the 21st Century (2000-2005)? The Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling.

We’re Going to the World Series!

Awesome Detroit Tigers!

We’re Going to the World Series!

What a great game!

Hallowe’en at Greenfield Village

Step back in time to a turn-of-the-century Hallowe’en. Meet colorful characters on eerily lit paths. Feel the whoosh as the headless horseman rides by and collect a delicious trove of treats and treasures along the way. Hallowe’en at Greenfield Village will be held October 13-15, 20-22 & 27-29, 2006.

Pumpkin Roll

A co-worker let me use her recipe on my website, Homeschooling on a Shoestring. I’ve reprinted it here for the holiday season. I like it, however it is quick thick tasting, you definitely need a glass of milk and I’m sure it’s not health-friendly at all. If you know a good Vegan version, let me know.

Pumpkin Roll

Cake:
3 eggs
1 cup sugar
2/3 cup solid pack pumpkin
Mix and set aside.

3/4 cup flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ginger
1 teaspoon baking powder
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
Blend in with top mixture.

Filling:
8 ounces cream cheese
1/2 teaspoon clear vanilla
4 Tablespoons butter
1 cup powdered sugar
Mix until creamy.

Spread on cookie sheet, sprinkle with nuts. Bake at 325ºF for about 15 minutes or until done. Dust towel with powdered sugar. Turn cake over on towel and roll up. Allow to cool completely. Mix filling. Unroll towel and spread filling over cake. Roll up, wrap and freeze.

Vegan Twinkies

Having a snacking moment but cannot find anything good in the fridge. These Vegan Twinkies look like a good thing to make.