MOV Parent: Teach your children to share and give
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As we are approaching the busiest time of the year, and before it is too late, it is time to reach out to our children and grandchildren and remind them that this is the season of giving and sharing.
If we teach our children from a young age to share and give, it will establish a habit that they will carry on through their life.
What we see taking place in our country and the world today is that many people do not have enough food to feed their families, clothe their children or even to maintain a warm home. Many of our children have an over abundance of everything and now is the time teach them to give, share and donate to the less fortunate.
It is also a very special feeling in each of us to know we are helping make other children happy and providing something they would not have otherwise. Thank goodness that the school systems are providing breakfast and lunch for our children, otherwise some of them would probably go hungry during the day. I think this is very good for all our students, plus it gives them a balanced and proper diet.
We must also teach our children that giving and sharing is not only for Thanksgiving and Christmas, but should be something we do and practice all year round.
This time of the year, you will see a lot of Salvation Army bell ringers and you might want to give your children some change or money for them to personally put in the kettle. Again this Christmas, I will be having my granddaughters ringing bells with me for the Salvation Army and they have learned to look forward to standing out in the cold and ring the bells for donations. It is hard for the little children who have everything to realize and understand that there are some children who will wake up with very little under the Christmas tree on Christmas morning.
When you go shopping, let your child buy a little toy or something to give to someone special that they like or that might need a little extra gift.
Even when you are baking cookies, you might get your children involved and make extra little plates of cookies to give to their friends and neighbors.
This is another simple and great way to give and give something from their heart.
Giving is contagious, once you get used to doing so, and your children will remember that it was you to install this wonderful tradition.
Sometimes you may think that children do not pay attention, but down deep they will remember your teachings and carry the tradition into their adulthood.
At Thanksgiving, you might ask each of your children to tell you something that they are thankful for.
You may be highly surprised at some of the answers and replies you will get from them.
Wishing you all a very happy and healthy Thanksgiving.
Till next month.
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MAYA'S COOKIES
7/8 cup almond meal flour
7/8 cup gluten-free oat flour
7/8 cup garbanzo and fava bean flour
1 1/2 cups gluten-free flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1 1/4 cups safflower oil
1/4 cup molasses
5 eggs or 3 eggs and 3 egg whites
2 teaspoons vanilla
Preheat oven to 350. Combine all dry ingredients in a bowl. In a large bowl, beat the liquid ingredients on medium speed until smooth. Add dry ingredients and mix thoroughly with a wooden spoon.
Drop by rounded teaspoons on an ungreased cookie sheet. Flatten with bottom of a glass that has been dipped in sugar. Bake 8 minutes, until edges are lightly browned. Transfer to a wire rack to cool. These cookies can be stored in a covered container for up to 3 days or in a sealed freezer bag in the freezer for up to 6 months.
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PEANUT BUTTER TRUFFLE COOKIES
1 cup gluten-free peanut butter
1 cup light brown sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 cup gluten-free semisweet chocolate chips
Preheat oven to 350. Cream together all the ingredients, except for the chocolate chips, with a wooden spoon. Add chocolate chips. Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls onto a greased cookie sheet. Bake 9 minutes. Allow to cool for 5 minutes on the sheet before removing to cool completely.
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Kiki Angelos is a food columnist for The Parkersburg News and Sentinel.