Gluten free baking.

Having previously had unsuccessful experiments of using gluten free flour to bake with, I was very interested this week when a Mum arrived with all the ingredients to make gluten free scones.And as always soon a group of children gathered all very keen to have a turn to mix , stir and pour .Gluten free flour feels a little like corn flour in texture so it is quite different to work with and so I was relieved to have an expert in our midst.As i took photos I listened to children comment on the texture and saying things like " it feels so soft"
Very soon the children had completed the task and a tray of scones were ready to go into the oven. We are lucky indeed to have family and whanau who are prepared to come and share time and skills with us, our tamariki always benefit.Please if you have something you think the children would enjoy or a new skill they might like to try come and talk to one of us.

caring for our worm farm.

Here at kindergarten we want children to have first hand practical experiences while learning to care for the environment. The worm farm sits right out by the garden , in a obvious spot where children can interact with it whenever they choose and this is exactly what happened this week. One child came and asked me if we could look at the worms, So off I went to get some gloves. When I came back he had competently dismantled the farm and was busy exploring.Another child came to join us and soon we discovered that a generous amount of liquid had been collected in the bottom of the farm. This is also known as "worm wees" and is a perfect fertiliser for the garden.We poured it into a bucket, diluted it with water and used it on the garden. Ka pai tou mahi korua(Great work you two)

Let's Make Lunch!

Wednesday 21st July

I had a keen group of willing helpers when it was suggested that we could make something for the teachers for lunch. "Can I help too?" was the much asked question. I had brought along the recipe for 'Poor Man's Souffle', a quick and easy savoury dish to make with young children. It involves buttering and cutting bread, grating cheese, cracking eggs (always a challenge for little hands!), and using the electric beater as well as mathematical concepts as they measure and pour ingredients. And the end result was a great looking and tasty dish that the teachers did devour for lunch. Next time I have promised that we will make it for the children to eat. Meanwhile, here is the recipe. Some of you might like to make it at home with your children. I doubled the recipe which made heaps.





Poor Man's Cheese Souffle

6 slices buttered bread cut into fingers
3 eggs
1 bowl grated cheese
2 1/2 cups (500 mls) milk
salt & pepper

Put half the bread fingers on bottom of souffle or casserole dish. Cover with half the cheese then another layer of bread and then remainder of cheese. Beat milk, eggs and seasonings together and pour over the bread and cheese. Cook at 180 degrees for approx. 45 mins and it is golden brown and well risen. Enjoy!