5 Options To Celebrate “Make Music New York” With Kids

5 Options To Celebrate “Make Music New York” With Kids

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“Children are inherently musical beings. They love to sing, dance, shake, rattle, and roll!” says Shine Music Specialist Taylor Feygin. “Adults who provide developmentally appropriate learning environments for children incorporate music as a major component of a healthy and natural daily experience.”

Now in its 18th year, summer’s Make Music New York festival provides the opportunity to introduce your child to different styles of music around the city. Billed as “inclusive, adventurous, and fun,” you’ll find the energizing spirit of celebration is something your family can look forward to each year.

What Is Make Music New York?

Make Music New York (MMNY) claims to be “New York City’s only music festival for the people and by the people.” Run twice a year by Make Music New York Inc., a nonprofit organization that celebrations the musician in everyone, music makers of all ages are invited to share their skills and passions with the community in public parks, plazas, and sidewalks in all five boroughs. This year, there are more than 1,000 to choose from!

The next MMNY takes place on Friday, June 21st — the first day of summer — from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Where To Celebrate Make Music New York With Kids

  1. Who: Dr. Alex and Friends

What: Silly songs, dance, puppets, books, sing-a-longs; after the free concert, $5 buys you art project materials.

Where: Private Picassos’ Art Studio (237 5th Avenue – Brooklyn)

When: 1-2 p.m. with activities until 6 p.m.

What: Original children’s rock songs and puppetry

Where: Smiling Hogshead Urban Farm (25-30 Skillman Ave. – Long Island City industrial business district)

When: 3:45 – 4:30 p.m.

What: Tenor saxophone and flute; reggae / world / jazz

Where: Children’s Magical Garden (129 Stanton Street – Lower East Side)

When: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

What: Free bands and block party, with craft and fitness activities for children and adults.

Where: Cobble Hill (car-free Court Street, between Atlantic and Bergen St. – Brooklyn)

When: 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.

What: A five-member, four-part harmony outfit, with lead guitar, bass, flute, keys, and drums playing originals, Beatles tunes, folk, blues, and tin pan alley. Afterward, a narrated guided shoreline walking tour takes you along NYC Parks and Conference House Conservancy.

Where: Conference House Park’s Great Lawn (Hylan Boulevard and Satterlee Street – Staten Island)

When: 6:30 – 9 p.m.

Do Your Kids Love Music?

Nearly all the classes Shine offers includes some type of music. From “Sing & Shine” (ages 0-2), to the mixed ages “Music Stars” class, to Group Music Theory (5+) and private instrument instruction (5+), we deliver a fun mix of education and imagination to a place of your choosing. Each class includes a trained Shine instructor, materials, setup, and cleanup. We also offer summer camps that foster a greater appreciation of the arts. Contact us for details.

Cultural Kid-Friendly Food: Top 5 Puerto Rican Recipes for National Puerto Rican Day

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June 9th marks New York City’s 62nd annual National Puerto Rican Day Parade. An estimated 2 million are expected to attend this enormous celebration, complete with marchers in colorful costumes and decorative floats. This year’s theme is “Un Pueblo, Muchas Voces” – One Nation, Many Voices – and will feature prominent Puerto Ricans like baseball legend Edgar Martinez, musician Jose Feliciano, and pop star (and this year’s grand marshal) Ricky Martin.

The parade kicks off at 11:00 am at the southern end of Fifth Avenue, traveling north between 42nd and 79th streets, to the Upper East Side. The official city festivities go until 5:00 pm, but you may also enjoy cooking an ethnic dish at home with your children as part of the celebration. Cooking can help preschoolers with mathematical concepts and language development, and leads to better nutrition a decade later, so what better gift to give your children?   

Arroz con Gandules

Recipe by The Freakin’ Rican

Anyone who has tasted Puerto Rican cuisine knows that rice is most assuredly NOT a “side dish.” Puerto Rican rice is one of those things you dream about at night, weeks after you’ve been to The Freakin’ Rican Restaurant in Astoria. You might have to visit the Lower East Side’s Essex Street Market to find some of the unique ingredients – like banana leaves; frozen gandules, which are also sometimes called pigeon peas; Sofrito, a powerful base sauce made of garlic, onions, different color bell peppers, tomatoes, annatto (achiote) seeds, cilantro, and Mexican oregano or parsley; and Sazon, a distinctly Spanish seasoning made of salt, black pepper, garlic powder, ground coriander, cumin, oregano, and annatto seed. There are enough ingredients in this recipe to keep the kids busy tossing items into the pot as it simmers.

Get the recipe here.

Shrimp Mofongo

Recipe by Manolo Lopez, proprietor of the MofonGO Smorgasburg stall, courtesy of NY Times Cooking

“Mofongo is the unofficial dish of the islands,” according to Old San Juan native Chef Manolo Lopez, who has earned a passionate following since offering his interpretation of the comfort food made from mashed plantains, pork rinds, and garlic. Manolo makes his own pork rinds, but you can buy yours. The plantain leaves and adobo seasoning (made from garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, pepper, and dried citrus) add a distinctly Puerto Rican touch to this seafood dish. You’ll notice there is white wine in this recipe, but the alcohol cooks off, leaving behind a slight taste, without the intoxicating quality.

Get the recipe here.

Tembleque with Mango-Kumquat Relish

Recipe by Carmen Gonzalez, Courtesy of Martha Stewart

Carmen Gonzalez is a New York Restaurant School graduate who is celebrated for combining contemporary cuisine with mouth-watering flavors of her Puerto Rican homeland. This simple-yet-sumptuous creamy custard is made from coconut milk, sugar, salt, mint leaves, cornstarch, and orange blossom water. The base is good enough to eat on its own, but most people love adding a tropical relish topping featuring kumquats, mangoes, anise, cinnamon, and cloves. If you’re worried about the one cup of orange rum, you may substitute orange juice to make it a more kid-friendly topper. 

Get the recipe here.

Garlicky Roasted Pernil

Recipe by Chef Jose Enrique, Courtesy of Food & Wine Magazine

Chef Jose Enrique was born in Santurce, Puerto Rico and graduated from New York’s Culinary Institute of America before opening a restaurant back home, where he gained a following for his “pared down cooking style” and “dedication to fresh, local ingredients.” After marinating a pork shoulder in orange and lime juices and seasonings, you’ll simply roast the meat in the oven four hours for a feast little foodies will love. Pair with black beans and rice for a full meal.

Get the recipe here.

Sorullitos de Maiz

Recipe Courtesy of AllRecipes

Sorullitos win kids over with their exterior crisp and interior buttery goodness. In the homeland, these Puerto Rican cornmeal fingers (similar to polenta or hushpuppies) are traditionally served as breakfast, but they can easily be converted into party appetizers or a side dish. This dish is fun to form and easy to fry up. Traditionally, they’re dipped in a mayo / ketchup / garlic salt sauce. 

Get the recipe here.

Whether your family simply enjoys learning about different cultures, or your kids are chefs-in-the-making, Shine has a program for you! Contact us  to inquire about our monthly workshops (which may include cooking) and about our partnerships with local youth culinary schools. 

Mother’s Day Keepsake Crafts Kids Can Make

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By mid-May our “spring cleaning” kick is in full swing – just in time for the kids to create toilet paper flower bouquets, construction paper tulip cards, and paper plate purses we simply can’t throw away. Instead, consider one of these more durable keepsake crafts you can do together or have a partner orchestrate.

Tile Coasters for the Coffee or Tea Loving Mom

For this craft, you’ll need 4.25 x 4.25 white ceramic tiles from the hardware store, ultra-fine black Sharpie markers, colored pencils, felt pads, acrylic sealer, and Modge Podge. A whole classroom can complete this craft for under $10.

  • Have the kids use this template or free-style their drawings on paper with the Sharpie and colored pencils.
  • Coat the tile with Modge Podge and stick the drawing on, aligning the top corners and smoothing downward.
  • After the paper dries, add a thin layer of Modge Podge over top.
  • Once the Modge Podge dries, spray with a sealant.
  • Glue circular felt pads onto the back corners to prevent scratching your tables.

Lady Bug Garden Rocks for the Green Thumb Mom

With the last frost having passed us on April 26th, our gardens are ready for plants and decorations. If you don’t live near a natural creek, you can easily pick up rounded “river rocks” at home improvement stores, craft stores, garden centers, dollar stores, or online. You’ll also need colorful acrylic Patio Paint and Patio Paint Clear Coat to withstand the elements, paintbrushes, and a toothpick.

  • Wash and dry your rocks.
  • Add the colorful Patio Paint on the tops of the rocks. Don’t paint the bottoms if you want these with your plants.
  • Paint on a black head and allow time to dry.
  • Use the handle of the paintbrush to dot black spots onto the lady bug. Let it dry completely.
  • Use the handle of the paintbrush to make two white dots for the eyes. Let it dry completely.
  • Use the toothpick dipped in black paint to add black pupils to the eyes. Let it dry completely.
  • Paint the tops of the ladybugs with Patio Paint Clear Coat to seal. You can also use outdoor Modge Podge.

Older kids like the lady bugs. If your family’s unconventional, you could also make “glowing monster rocks,” which are fantastically spooky Halloween decorations. We also love this butterfly footprint flower pot as an easier alternative when working with babies and toddlers.

Marbled Clay Jewelry Dish for the Fashionable Mom

It’s hard to believe these clay jewelry dishes didn’t come from a store. All you’ll need is Sculpey Premo! Polymer Clay (which you can find at Michaels, Joanns, or online), a rolling pin, plastic knife, muffin pan, and a Krylon Gold Leafing Pen.

  • Break off pieces of different colors you’d like in your dish.
  • Roll a long thin piece of each color and twist them together.
  • Smoosh the clay in a ball, mixing it with your hands until you notice a marbling effect.
  • Roll the clay to ¼” thickness. If you don’t have a jar or craft rolling pin, try Sculpey’s Essential Tool Kit.
  • Cut the clay into a circle with a cookie cutter or glass bottle top – something that won’t touch food.
  • Turn a muffin pan upside-down and center the clay circle over a muffin spot.
  • Drape the clay down the sides and create a few tucks for rippled edges.
  • Bake the pan upside-down in the oven, according to the clay package directions (about 15 minutes at 275.)
  • Once your dish cools, remove it from the muffin pan and use the gold leafing pen to decorate the edges.
  • If you want a glossier finish, you can also paint the bowl with clear glaze.

Rock or Seashell Picture Frame for the Sentimental Mom

Do you have bags and bags of shells from your last trip to Florida, or “special rocks” found on your nature walks? What can you do with all of these treasures? One practical idea is to super-glue them onto a picture frame for a rustic look. You can also supplement with polished rocks from the Dollar Tree if you prefer a more uniform aesthetic. Otherwise, you’ll just need a cheap frame from the Dollar Store, paint, and super glue or hot glue.

  • Wash and dry your rocks or shells.
  • Remove the glass and backing to paint the frame. Dark gray, dark brown, or black work well.
  • Super glue or hot glue your rocks onto the frame, starting at the outside edges and working your way in.
  • After the glue has dried, add the backing and glass, along with your favorite photo or hand-drawn picture.

Thumbprint Serving Platter for the Culinary Goddess Mom

It seems one can never have enough serving platters for a special event. All you need for this craft is a rectangular white porcelain serving tray, non-toxic glass paint or dishwasher-safe multi-surface paint, a fine-tipped Sharpie, and a wet rag handy to correct wiggly finger mishaps.

  • Divide the plate based on how many family members you have – into fourths for a family of four. Place a tiny dot of paint where you want each fingerprint so the spacing is equal.
  • Place a small amount of paint on foil, wax paper, or a paint tray. Dip your child’s finger into the paint and press two prints to form a heart shape.
  • Use the damp rag to wipe off the print and start over if the shape doesn’t look quite right.
  • Write names under each fingerprint heart with the Sharpie. You can add a date and any other text you like, too.
  • To cure, let the project dry for an hour and place it in a cool oven. Once the temperature reaches 350 degrees, bake for 30 minutes. Wait 72 hours before using.

If your children love crafting, consider all that Shine has to offer families in the East End. Our enrichment programs are geared toward ages six months to 12 years. You can see some of our little ones making gifts and sharing what they love most about their moms in this video or contact us to learn more.

Cultural Kid-Friendly Food: Top 5 Eastern Orthodox Recipes For Easter

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Eastern Orthodox churches base their Easter on the Julian calendar, which differs by the Gregorian calendar used in Western countries. Therefore, Christians who attend mass at Orthodox churches will end up celebrating “the miracle of Jesus Christ’s resurrection” on April 28thinstead of April 21stin 2019. Countries that observe Orthodox Easter include: Bulgaria, Cyprus, Greece, Lebanon, Macedonia, Romania, Russia, and Ukraine. Whether you are part of New York City’s orthodox community or you like to educate your children about different religious and cultural observations, cooking authentic holiday feasts is a meaningful way to share all that life has to offer with your children. 

Russian Kulich with Paskha

Recipe Courtesy of the NY Times

Russian Easter coffee cake is a lightly sweetened, egg-glazed mix between challah and brioche, baked in a coffee cylinder for height. Though it’s time-consuming to make, the kulich sits prominently in the center of the family Easter basket, amid meats, cheeses, butter, and eggs. Any time after 4:00 am, the family matriarch may slice up the kulich, spreading the slices generously with unsalted butter or with creamy paskha made of vanilla bean, cream, butter, sugar, egg yolks, and large-curd pot cheese. Candied cherries and ground almonds are optional, but most kids love it. The kulich may also be served as a dessert.     

Get the recipe here.

Romanian Easter Lamb Soup

Recipe Courtesy of Patty Inglish at Delishibly.com 

Since lamb is the main course of choice, it makes practical sense to use the leftover bits into soup. The Greeks have their own version called magiritsa, but this particular Romanian version is a bit more kid-friendly because you can use leg of lamb if you don’t want to throw the whole head in. Soups are always a labor of love, taking up to two hours in the kitchen, so this recipe may work best with your little big kids who are in prime helping mode. With amaranth, kale, and dock greens, combined with garlic, scallions, parsley, and lovage, the recipe author likens this dish to “gyro meat in a soup.”    

Get the recipe here.

Greek Arni Sto Fourno

Recipe by Michael Psilakis, Courtesy of Delish 

Michael Psilakis is the Greek-American NYC restaurateur behind Ecco, Onera, Anthos, Kefi, Mia Donna, MP Taverna, and Allora Italian Kitchen and Bar. You may have seen him on “Iron Chef,” “Ultimate Recipe Showdown,” or “The Best Thing I Ever Ate.” You don’t need an “animal roasting temple” in your backyard to roast a good lamb like Psilakis’ family did. You can bake a tasty leg of lamb in your oven in just a few hours with vegetables like carrots, fennel, and potatoes, along with oregano, rosemary, thyme, and sage. 

Get the recipe here.

Lebanese Maamoul Cookies

Recipe Courtesy of “Julie Taboulie”

Making maamoul is a multi-generational Easter tradition amongst Lebanese mothers, grandmothers, and granddaughters. The unique aroma of orange blossom water conjures memories of this springtime holiday like no other. After months of giving up dairy, sugar, and meat, this decadent dessert is a must for the post-Lenten feast. Maamoul is also served with chocolate and Arabic coffee during Eid. You’ll need a special mold for this melt-in-your-mouth butter cookie recipe (which you can buy online). Every family has their own secret recipe, but we liked this one from Julie Ann Sageer, a cookbook chef hailing from Marietta, New York because she gives you three different fillings – pistachio, date, and walnut.  

Get the recipe here.

Romanian Cheesecake

Recipe Courtesy of Simply Romanesco

Tired of American cheesecakes with too much cream cheese and not enough crust? “Grandma Vicki’s” Romanian version couldn’t be more perfect with the perfect balance of smooth ricotta cheese custard layered between two rows of sweet doughy crust. Cream of wheat adds a slightly dense texture to the filling. Lemon juice provides a punch of tartness, while the shower of confectioner’s sugar delivers the sweets. 

Get the recipe here.

Don’t forget to dye your Easter eggs red to symbolize the blood and sacrifice of Christ. You might enjoy a traditional Greek Easter game known as tsougrisma, which involves tapping the dyed eggs to see which ones crack.

If you like these recipes and your child enjoys cooking, CONTACT US  to inquire about our monthly workshops (which can include cooking).  

The Best Ways to Celebrate Spring in NYC

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The sun is crossing the celestial equator on Wednesday, ushering in the spring season with 12 hours of daylight and 12 hours of darkness. The first day of spring has been celebrated by cultures for some 8,000 years. Your celebration doesn’t have to be filled with wine, like the tribute to Dionysus held in Ancient Greece, or be spent cleaning your family’s grave sites like on Shunbun no Hi in Japan. We’ve got plenty of fun ways to celebrate the Spring Equinox with your children this Wednesday.

Celebrate new life by getting outdoors.

The weather is forecast to reach 53, with some sun, so it’s not a bad day to enjoy a little fresh air. If you’re short on time, at least try to revel in the sunrise (7:00 am) or sunset (7:08 pm). Look for the signs of spring in NYC parks, including: the blooming of delicate, pink magnolia trees; the arrival of timberdoodles; the emergence of daffodils, snowdrops, Lenten roses, and crocus from the hardened earth; the budding of red maple trees; and the springtime playlist ringing out from Central Park Zoo’s Delacorte clock, which includes “Easter Parade” and “Younger Than Springtime.”

Special events taking place in Central Park include:

Start your seeds indoors.

The  last spring frost for the New York City zone is forecast for April 5th, so it’s still risky to plant anything outdoors. Yet, it’s the perfect time to start your seeds indoors. Sunflowers in a Styrofoam cup are a fun project for kids who’ll love to see how large their plants grow over the summer. Place the seeds an inch down in a Styrofoam cup filled with loose commercial potting compost. Be sure to punch a hole in the bottom of the cup for drainage. Don’t over water, but see that the seedlings remain moist to the touch. Set the cup in a warm, ventilated place. You can place them near a window that receives a lot of sunlight, but a fluorescent light will work just as well. Hedge your bets by planting more than one cup, just in case. You can also take the kids to your local florist to hand-pick your favorite flowers for a fresh spring bouquet to brighten up your home while you wait.

Make a fingerprint tree.

Teach your child about the changing seasons, enjoy the “mess” of finger-paint, and create a great keepsake for the home or gift for loved ones with this craft project. Paint a mini canvas light green for spring with dots of light pink, dark pink, light green, and dark green fingerprint leaves for the spring. If you’re feeling ambitious, you can do the other seasons now as well. If your kids are as young as 2 or 3, it’s best to work on this project for no more than 20 minutes at a time, over a five-day period. 

Best Places To Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in NYC

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Every March 17th, various locations around the world commemorate the life and death of St. Patrick (385-461 AD) with feasts, parades, parties, and festivities. The Irish have observed this date for more than 1,000 years, but the holiday is also revered in America, Japan, Singapore, Russia, and other countries where Catholics, Protestants, Anglicans, Eastern Orthodox, and Lutherans are found.

For New York City’s Irish, St. Patrick’s Day is about more than celebrating the man who once explained the Holy Trinity using a shamrock or “expelled the snakes” from Ireland. It’s about recognizing the struggle of Potato Famine immigrants in America and how they overcame stereotypes and racial prejudice to gain acceptance in the New World.

But, as the saying goes, “Everyone’s Irish on St. Patrick’s Day!” The food, music, dancing, and culture have much to offer revelers. Here are some of the more family-friendly events taking place around New York City this weekend.

NYC St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Midtown, Manhattan

When: Saturday, March 16 from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm

Where: Fifth Avenue, from 44th Street to 79th Street (ideally the calmer North End, with kids)

Cost: Free

While it’s not technically on St. Patrick’s Day itself, we’d be remiss if we didn’t mention one of the “10 Best St. Patrick’s Day Events in the Country,” as Country Living calls it. The St. Patrick’s Day parade in Manhattan is not just the oldest St. Patrick’s Day celebration in the United States (dating back to 1762); it’s also the first St. Patrick’s Day parade anywhere in the world. Today the NYC procession is still the biggest, with roughly 150,000 marchers and 2 million spectators. If you can’t make it, you can also stream the parade live on nbcnewyork.com.

Brooklyn St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Park Slope, Brooklyn

When: Sunday, March 17th at 1:00 pm

Where: Prospect Park West and 15th Street to Seventh Avenue and Garfield Place

Cost: Free

The first Brooklyn St. Patrick’s Day Parade was founded by Irish American Parade Committee members whose forefathers fought in the Battle of Brooklyn. Following a Re-dedication Ceremony for the victims of 9/11, the beloved local parade has enough bag-piping, step-dancing, decked-out dogs, and leprechauns for the whole family. Also of note: for the first time in the parade’s 44-year history, LGBTQ marchers will be included in the procession. If you can’t make it to this parade, you can also try Brooklyn’s Bay Ridge St. Patrick’s Day Parade on March 24th.

Family Workshop at the Queens Museum

Flushing, Queens

When: Sunday, March 17th from 1:30 – 4:30 pm

Where: Queens Museum, New York City Building, Flushing Meadows Corona Park, 11368

Cost: Free activity with admission ($8 adults, kids under 18 free)

Chase the rainbow and welcome spring with a gentle, holiday-appropriate activity. Families are invited to create rainbow suncatcher crafts together, while listening to fun stories about the natural spectrum of colors every hour starting at 1:30. All drop-in workshops are free and open to the public, with no need to register in advance.

Children’s Museum of Manhattan

Upper West Side, Manhattan

When: Sunday, March 17th from 10:00 am – 4:45 pm

Where: The Children’s Museum of Manhattan, 212 W 83rd St, New York, NY 10024

Cost: Included with admission ($14 for adults and children over 1 year of age)

CMOM is hosting a variety of fun events for St. Patrick’s Day, including:

  • “Green Takeover” (All day) – Kids ages 6+ make art using the color green.
  • “Clover Green Mural Wall” (12:00 – 12:45 pm) – Kids under 6 finger-paint a clover green mural.
  •  “Lucky Leprechaun Hats” (1:00 – 1:45 pm) – Kids under 6 make hats and learn about traditions.
  • “Jewelry Design Workshop” (2:00 – 2:45 pm & 3:00 – 3:45 pm) – Kids 6+ make felt and bead jewelry.

Due to limited space, sign-up is required for the jewelry-making class hosted by guest artist Kendra Pariseault. As always, CMOM provides five floors of fun and discovery for kids of all ages.

Sober St. Patrick’s Day

Lower Manhattan

When: Saturday, March 16th from 4:00 – 7:00 pm

Where: St. Patrick’s Youth Center, 268 Mulberry Street

Cost: $10-$25

It’s no secret rowdy drinkers love St. Patrick’s Day. If you want to be sure your children aren’t exposed to bad behavior, you can head down to this family-friendly “sober” celebration. Here you’ll enjoy all the same classic Irish entertainment. This year’s attendance includes seven-time All-Ireland champion button accordion player John Whelan, five-time All-Ireland champion fiddler Brian Conway, the Donny Golden School of Irish Dancers, and a number of accomplished singers. Tickets to this popular event always sell-out in advance, so get yours today!

Taste Buds Kitchen

Chelsea, Manhattan

When: Sunday, March 17th from 9:00 – 10:00 am

Where: Taste Buds Kitchen, 109 W. 27th Street

Cost: $45 per parent/child pair

Want to bake with your child, but hate the mess in your kitchen? Taste Buds Kitchen is whipping up St. Patty’s Day Rainbow Cupcakes, with a tutorial geared toward little bakers ages five to eight and their parents. Learn the secret of perfect cupcake batter, practice your frosting skills, and enjoy an outing that is as delicious as it is colorful. 

Merchant’s House Museum

NoHo, Manhattan

When: Sunday, March 17th at 12:30 pm, 2:00 pm, or 3:30 pm

Where: Merchant’s House Museum, 29 E 4th St, New York, NY 10003

Cost: Included with admission ($15 adults, $10 for students, free for children under 12)

Older kids may appreciate a back-stairs tour of the only fully-preserved 19th Century family home. Experience the Merchant’s House through the eyes of Irish immigrants who worked as domestic servants for the Tredwell family. The servant’s quarters on the fourth floor are the oldest intact site of Irish habituation in New York City. Tredwell servant Bridget Murphy leads you back through time, treating your family to beautiful singing and celtic harp.    

While you’re here, check out our 5 Favorite Irish Recipes for St. Patrick’s Day. You may also contact Shine for more information on events, parties, and festivities; sign up for one of our popular classes or workshops; take a guided field trip with us; or hire us to entertain at your next party.

Cultural Kid-Friendly Food: 5 Cajun/Creole Recipes For Mardi Gras

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For foodies, Mardi Gras (which translates to “Fat Tuesday”) is an opportunity to indulge in fatty foods like meat, cheese, milk, and lard. Festivals this time of year are nothing new, dating back to springtime Saturnalia and Lupercalia celebrations of the ancient Romans. The Mardi Gras we know today is largely based on the Christian holiday calendar, falling the Tuesday before Lenten fasting begins. This year, Mardi Gras falls on March 5th. While other parts of the world like Brazil and Venice celebrate with Carnival, the first American Mardi Gras took place on March 3, 1699 when French explorers first landed in New Orleans, Louisiana. There is no bigger modern-day celebration than the masquerades, street parties, and parades of NOLA. 

Even if your roots do not stretch back to Acadia or the Mississippi Delta, Mardi Gras represents an excellent opportunity to introduce your kids to a new culture and culinary palette. If you don’t want to battle the crowds at Great Jones Café in The East Village, The Boil in the Lower East Side, or Bourbon Street in Hell’s Kitchen, you can whip up homemade Cajun/Creole cuisine with your aspiring chefs. While it’s true many dishes happen to be spicy, there are plenty of kid-friendly Cajun and Creole recipes for the whole family to love.  

Beef Po Boys

Adapted by the NY Times from Benjamin Wicks, proprietor of Mahony’s Po-Boy Shop in New Orleans

Po Boys are scrappy sandwiches made of “leftover” meat – often seafood like crawfish, shrimp, oysters, crab, or fish – but they can also be made of hearty roast beef (which is preferable for many small palettes). A crusty French baguette is also a must for this recipe. Dressings may vary widely based on availability, but this particular version marries celery, onion, peppers, carrots, and garlic roasted in a Dutch oven and smothered in gravy with traditional toppings – mayonnaise, lettuce, tomato, and pickles. The NY Times recommends adding fries and cheese “for added pow.”

Get the recipe here.

Red Beans and Rice

From Saveur Magazine

Beans and rice are eaten in various cultures around the world, but what makes this recipe distinctly “Big Easy” are the savory smells of garlic, oregano, and thyme that are bound to get little tummies rumbling, in addition to the depth of smoky ham hocks that are intriguing enough for adult taste buds. Red beans and rice were traditionally served on Monday, “Laundry Day,” because they could be left to simmer on the stove while attending to other work. This is a simple recipe you can set and forget for two hours, but don’t forget to soak your dried beans overnight.

Get the recipe here.

Nanny’s Seafood Gumbo

By Adam Lathan, Executive Chef of The Gumbo Bros. in Brooklyn

Gumbo is the perfect example of the melting pot that is Louisiana cuisine. The French and West Africans both place claim on its origins, but either way, gumbo is a thick stew. You can make it Creole style made with a roux (flour and butter) base or Cajun-style with a tomato base. Everyone’s grandmother has their own variation, but each pot has something for everyone. There’s no wrong answer in the world of gumbo. Brooklyn Chef Adam Lathan’s nanny uses crab and shrimp with a roux base and backed by celery, bell pepper, and okra. You can use the Cajun seasoning if your kids are old enough to tolerate a pinch of cayenne and red pepper flakes. Otherwise, you may substitute your own seasoning blend of salt, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, oregano, and thyme. Or you might opt for a smaller “kid’s pot” that simply omits the Cajun seasoning. There’s also a version with chicken and andouille sausage if you prefer.

Get the recipe here.

Blackened Redfish

By the late “Superstar” Chef Paul Prudhomme, owner of K-Paul’s Louisiana Kitchen on Broadway

New Yorkers who lived here in the 80s are old enough to remember when his K-Paul’s Louisiana Kitchen outpost inspired lines around the block. Blackened Redfish was Chef Paul Prudhomme’s signature dish. “Redfish” includes four different species – the Red Snapper, Red Drum, Rose Fish, and Acadian Redfish. Some of these species can be difficult to come by, but Dorian’s Fish Market carries the Red Snapper, as well as two acceptable substitutes: Pompano and Tilefish. This recipe is best cooked in cast iron if you can.  Serve with Chef Prudhomme’s Shrimp and Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms to enjoy a feast fit for a king!

Get the recipe here.

Beignets

By Jean-Paul Bourgeois, Native Louisianan and Executive Chef of Blue Smoke Restaurant in NYC 

Last, but not least, we’ve got the ultimate, mouth-watering Mardi Gras dessert. French-inspired Beignets are every bit as “New Orleans” as po’ boys and gumbo. These square dough fritters are comprised of yeast, bread flour, water, milk, eggs, butter, and salt – then deep-fried in clean vegetable oil, and topped with a mountain of powdered sugar. Chef Bourgeois describes NOLA’s favorite sweet as “deep-fried, sugary goodness,” and “the perfect vehicle for chicory coffee and breakfast in the morning.” 

Get the recipe here.

After your kids sample the new dish, teach them to say “Ca c’est bon” (SAH-say-bohn), which is the Cajun way of saying “That’s good!”

If you’re looking for more novel ways to spice up your kids’ lives with cultural enrichment, contact us to learn about our workshops, parties, and classes. If your child loves to cook, be sure to inquire about our “Kitchen Stars” cooking classes geared toward ages 3-5 or 6-8.

Additional Reading:

https://www.history.com/topics/holidays/mardi-gras

https://www.americanheritage.com/true-and-delectable-history-creole-cooking

The Difference Between Cajun And Creole Food

Special Ways To Honor Your Littlest Valentines in NYC & The East End

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Valentine’s Day has different meanings to different people. While some couples relish this excuse to secure a babysitter and indulge in fine dining or other adult pursuits, others couldn’t imagine spending the day without their littlest loves. After all, what could be a better teaching experience? When we show our children love, we show them how to love others. There is no better gift than your time, so consider these unique ways for families to celebrate Valentine’s Day in NYC and the East End.

Children’s Museum of the East End

When: Saturday, February 9th, 2019 from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm
Where: 376 Bridgehampton-Sag Harbor Turnpike, Bridgehampton, NY 11932
Ages: 4-9 for special programming; Babies to age 10 for museum

Beginning in January, Shine began hosting a monthly workshop at CMEE based on our summer camp in the Hamptons material. Our two-hour program features a theme that brings together art, culture, crafts, community, and fun. This month’s theme is the Lunar New Year. Special guests, local artists, and artisans drop for an unforgettable adventure. The cost is $75 per child, which includes all materials. Sibling discounts are available. To register, call 212-414-5427 or email info@shinenyc.net. (If you miss us this month, try our next Second Saturday workshop on March 9th!) Also happening at the museum this weekend is “Paint by Number,” where toddlers and youngsters are invited to paint a lobby window mural. As always, you can enjoy all the imaginative exhibits at CMEE, including seafaring ships, windmills, sand puppets, food trucks, mini golf, and a kid-sized Main Street.

PuppetWorks

When: Saturday, February 9th and Sunday, February 10th at 12:30 pm or 2:30 pm
Where: PuppetWorks, 338 Sixth Avenue  (at 4th Street) Park Slope, Brooklyn, NY 11215
Ages: 3+

What better way to celebrate love and the idea of finding a perfect match than with “Cinderella,” a timeless story which dates back to 1697? Director Nicolas Coppola brings this classic fairy tale to life with wooden puppets, artistic painted scenery from 18th century France, and the music of Jules Massenet. Admission is $10 for children and $11 for adults. Advance reservations are recommended by calling 718-965-3391 or emailing puppetworks@twcmetrobiz.com.

NYC Candy Shops

Hershey’s Chocolate World – Plan your own visit!

When: Any day, 9:00 am – Midnight
Where: Times Square (701 Seventh Ave. on 47th St. NYC)

Hershey’s Chocolate World just tripled their footprint in NYC. Valentine’s Day is the perfect excuse to check out their 7,800 square foot store in the heart of Times Square. Scrumptious s’mores are doled out from a vintage camper, which fits in line with their overall vibe: “Unwrap your adventure.” You can mix and match your favorite Hershey products with a floor-to-ceiling candy machine, sure to boggle the mind of children and adults alike. You can personalize a Hershey’s Milk Chocolate Bar wrapper or Hershey Kiss message for your little love, order custom s’mores, or shop the Kitchens Bakery.

Dylan’s Candy Bar – Plan your own visit!

When: Any day, 10:00 am – 11:00 pm OR 12:00 pm – 8:00 pm for special event
Where: 1011 Third Avenue, New York, NY 10065

Dylan’s Candy Bar is another iconic sweet spot in NYC. This shop is a must-stop for celebrity parents like Jessica Alba, Jessica Biel, and Julianne Moore. Inspired by Willy Wonka, you’ll find the world’s largest selection of candy and candy-related gifts here. For a special treat, they’ll be hand-dipping chocolate treats like strawberries, Rice Krispy Treats, and pretzel rods before your eyes. You’re invited to dip and decorate your own take-home confections.

Max Brenner’s – Plan your own visit!

When: 9:00 am – 1:00 am
Where: Union Square, 841 Broadway (at 13th Street), New York, NY

You simply won’t find a better cocoa than Max Brenner’s “Hug in a Mug.” Your liquid heaven comes in an ergonomic mug that’s perfect for little hands. Their breakfast crepes and sugar waffles provide a warm-and-fuzzy way to start your day. Kids love the “chocolate syringe” that injects chocolatey goodness directly into their mouths. The restaurant can be very busy at times, so be sure to make advance reservations on Open Table or by calling 646-467-8803.

Children’s Museum of Manhattan

When: 2/9 – 2/14, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm for regular museum hours, Various times for special programming
Where: The Tisch Building, 212 W 83rd St, New York, NY 10024
Ages: 5+

Drop in and choose your fancy out of the Valentine’s Day craft workshops at the Children’s Museum of Manhattan – all included in the $14 admission fee:

  • 3D Valentine’s Day Cards (2/9 & 2/10, 10:00 am – 4:30 pm)
  • Stuffed Animal Repair Workshop (2/9, 2/10 & 2/14, 10:00 am – 4:45 pm)
  • Best Bud Love Bug Making (2/9, 2/10 & 2/14, 12:00 pm)

Tastebuds Kitchen

When: Sunday, February 10th, 9:30 – 10:30 am
Where: Chelsea, 109 West 27th Street, 10FL New York, NY 10001
Ages: 2-8 (with a caregiver)

We love our partnerships with Tastebuds Kitchen! Their cooking classes are the perfect way to get children interested in baking and the culinary arts. With this seasonal favorite, you’ll create your own “Love Shack” out of gingerbread with pink frosty roofs, heart-shaped window panes, and countless other accoutrements. Enjoy a mug of pink hot cocoa and the sounds of cheerful love songs. The cost is $75 per child, with one caregiver included.

Gurney’s Montauk Igloos

When: Fridays and Saturdays in February
Where: 290 Old Montauk Highway, Montauk NY

Gurney’s Montauk resorts has opened a new winter installation, perfect for the whole family! Even if you’re not staying the night, you can book time in their outdoor heated igloos made from PVC and twinkle lights. Inside, you’ll find a curated selection of games and puzzles. “Order in” from the Gurney’s Little Bites menu of chicken tenders, hot dogs, and other kid favorites for $9. Book complimentary storytelling from 7:00 to 8:00 pm on Friday and Saturday nights. When you’re done chilling, head outside and warm up around the toasty fire pit. Call 631-668-2345 to book.

Long Island Children’s Museum

When: Thursday, February 14th 2019, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Where: 11 Davis Ave. Garden City, NY 11530
Ages: 3-5

Listen to a reading of Mark Sperring’s “The Shape of My Heart” and take home a book-inspired craft. Make a “Love Monster” puppet. Valentine’s Day crafts are included with $14 admission. Your kids will enjoy all the usual exhibits – song-making, giant bubbles, percussion instruments, climbing sculptures, a a toddler-sized town, tools, the animal diner, building blocks, and the Sandy Island beach station.

Whether it’s reading, crafting, baking, sweets, science, the arts, or roughing it in the great outdoors – open a window into your life, inviting your little love(s) to share your passions with you to make this Valentine’s Day truly special.

Better For You Thumbprint Cookies

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Dear Shine Community –

We all start the new year off with the best laid plans: diet, exercise, more time on self-care.  Now that February has arrived, many of our goals and resolutions are distant memories.  That’s why I am so excited to introduce Karla Salinari from FlipBox as a new food and nutrition blog contributor. Karla strikes the perfect balance between healthy baking and delicious taste!

This month, she shares a simple recipe for healthier thumbprint cookies… a perfect gift for Valentine’s Day.

Stay tuned for pop-up events and workshops with Karla and our friends from FlipBox!

Keep shining –

Aaron Goldschmidt, founder & director

Inspired by traditional thumbprint cookies, these tiny bites are gluten-free and made with better for you ingredients like honey and coconut oil and are free of refined sugar and processed flour.

Enjoy this simple, delicious treat anytime of the day! 

Ingredients:

Cookies:

  • 1/2 cup coconut oil
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 1 Tbsp vanilla extract
  • 2 1/2 cups gluten-free oat flour
  • 1/4 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 salt
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

Filling:

  • Jam or filling of your choice such as blackberry, strawberry, or dairy-free chocolate chips.

Directions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350° F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
  2. Place a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the coconut oil and honey and heat until liquefied. Careful not to boil.
  3. In a mixing bowl, add the egg and vanilla. Then carefully pour the coconut oil and honey mixture and whisk to combine.  
  4. In another mixing bowl, combine the gluten-free oat flour, baking soda, cinnamon and salt.
  5. Add the wet mixture to the dry mixture and combine. Set aside and let settle, 5-10min or until the dough thickens.  
  6. Scoop the dough into 1-inch balls with a cookie or ice cream scoop and place on the prepared baking sheets 2 inches apart.
  7. Press a thumbprint into the center of each ball, about 1/2-inch deep.
  8. Place cookies in the oven to bake 6-8 minutes, until lightly browned at the edges.
  9. Remove from the oven and immediately add a dollop of jam, enough to fill the well. Put back in the oven and let cook for an additional 3-5 minutes.
  10. Cool cookies on the baking sheet. Serve and Enjoy!

By Karla Salinari for Shine

After the birth of her daughter, Carolina, Karla learned the importance of good nutrition. From a family of Miami-based and Puerto Rican food lovers, Karla began to “flip” recipes, replacing unhealthy ingredients with gluten-free, organic, and higher-quality ones.
Now based in Brooklyn, her weekly blog helps others do the same. One blog was so successful that Karla launched Flipbox, an organic, gluten-free, dye-free and healthier version of a cake-in-a-box. Each kit comes with an apron, mini spatula, and the dry ingredients needed to create a cake and frosting, but more importantly to spend quality time with your kids, enjoying healthy food.
Karla also runs baking parties and participates in Pop-Up events. When she’s not flipping recipes, Karla helps lead an Annual Woman’s Summit that promotes woman empowerment and networking. Karla also enjoys running, traveling with her daughter and husband, Joe, and exploring neighborhood restaurants.

Celebrate Groundhog Day at the Staten Island Zoo!

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“To be interested in the changing seasons is a happier state of mind than to be hopelessly in love with spring,” once said essayist and philosopher George Santayana. There’s no better opportunity to celebrate the changing of winter to spring than with Staten Island’s annual Groundhog Day ceremony at the zoo. February 2nd conveniently falls on a Saturday in 2019, making it a good year to get out with your early risers. If that’s not your cup of tea, there are plenty of other ways to celebrate in and around New York City.

Staten Island Hosts THEE Groundhog Day Party of the Year

The Staten Island Zoo in West Brighton will open its gates at 6:00 am on February 2nd. The groundhog is slated to make his grand entrance around 7:30 am. Admission to the ceremony is FREE. Human weather forecasters are calling for it to be partly cloudy, with sunrise at 7:05 am. Bundle up: it’ll be 25 degrees, with 11 mph winds and a 10% chance of rain.

Guests will be treated to a zoo keeper-led “birds of prey” feeding demonstration with a Kubo, American Kestrel, and Snowy Owl (a delight for your little Harry Potter fans!) in the aviary and fox areas of the zoo from 7:40 to 8:00 am. The “Chuck and Friends Children’s Program,” geared toward Pre-K through sixth grade students, will run from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. Musical entertainment will be provided by The Patrick Raftery Rock-A-Silly Band and the PS 29 Chorus.

If you’ve never taken the kids to the Staten Island Zoo before, there’s also an African savannah, tropical rain forest, reptile room, aquarium, Conservation Carousel, and barnyard. The Staten Island Zoo is home to one of the largest rattlesnake collections in the United States – 1,500 serpents, among 350 different species. Keep your eyes peeled for “Grandpa,” one of the oldest black-handed spider monkeys in captivity at age 46, who successfully predicted the outcome of the U.S. Open and Super Bowl XLV.

Alternate Events

  • Stay in your PJs & web cast: Can’t make it to the ceremony? You can still watch Chuck’s prediction on Silive.com. Similarly, Punxsutawney Phil will be live-broadcasting his prediction at VisitPA.com. 
  • Go to the movies: The Nitehawk Dine-In Cinema in Prospect Park will be showing the 1993 film “Groundhog Day,” starring Bill Murray and Andie MacDowell, at 10:30 am. on February 2nd. The film is rated PG.
  • Enjoy a pancake breakfast: Wave Hill is hosting a Groundhog Day breakfast with pancakes, waffles, “other scrumptious breakfast fare,” and a hot chocolate bar ($35 adults; $20 kids 2-12; Free for kids under 2).
  • Play in your own den: Staten Island’s Greenbelt Nature Center will be hosting a Groundhog Day Hibernation Pajama Party, where kids make and play in a den, search for groundhogs outside, and listen to a story.

Who IS The Staten Island Groundhog?

There is some mystery surrounding the true identity of “Staten Island Chuck,” our resident meteorologist and “the pride and joy” of the Staten Island Zoo. We’ve celebrated Groundhog Day with a formal celebration since 1981, but since groundhogs live about 14 years in captivity, the exact animal you’ll be seeing will inevitably change.

  • Not every groundhog is well-suited to the fanfare. One of the male Chucks was described as “reclusive,” “focused on his food,” and “not the jolliest fellow,” according to the NY Times. After the feisty 3-year-old animal bit former mayor Michael Bloomberg through his black leather gloves in 2009, the mayor no longer attended the event and this particular “Chuck” was retired from meteorology.
  • Mayor de Blasio was equally unlucky. In 2014, the zoo trotted out Chuck’s friendlier granddaughter, Charlotte. Somewhat skittish, she leapt six feet out of the mayor’s arms and passed away a week later.
  • The following year, Charlotte Jr. came out of her designer log cabin hutch, complete with elevator and plexiglass. Mayor de Blasio attended the ceremony from a safe distance away, but hasn’t attended since. Despite the precautions, her handlers knew her as “a very friendly groundhog” who “enjoyed interacting with her keepers, particularly sitting on the keeper’s lap to gobble up some yummy peanuts or yam.” The NY Times referred to her as “a curvy lady” and a “social butterfly” who knew how to high-five. Zoo visitors recalled how she used to sit atop her lodge “like Snoopy” and appeared not only “adorable,” but “smart,” too. Charlotte Jr. passed away from kidney disease last year at the age of six.

There has been no word which “Chuck” will be paraded out this year or whether the mayor plans to attend, but you can expect a decent-sized crowd and fun activities all day long at the very least. The groundhogs are slated to receive a revitalized zoo entrance and new home makeover worth $330,000 in 2021.

How Accurate Is Staten Island Chuck?

While that “spotlight hog” Punxsutawney Phil over in Pennsylvania only has a 30% accuracy rate, our Staten Island groundhog has a whopping 80% accuracy, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Past predictions include:

  • 2008 – Early spring
  • 2009 – Early spring
  • 2010 – Early spring
  • 2013 – Early spring
  • 2014 – Six more weeks of winter
  • 2015 – Early spring
  • 2016 – Early spring
  • 2017 – Early spring
  • 2018 – Early spring

Why Celebrate Groundhog Day?

February 2nd falls halfway between the winter solstice and the spring equinox. The Celts celebrated this celebration of spring as “Imbolc.” Later, the Christians celebrated “Candlemas,” believing that a sunny Candlemas day meant another 40 days of cold and snow. Germans were the first to link the date to badgers and small burrowing creatures seeing their shadow as a harbinger of a long winter. In 1887, newspaper editor Clymer Freas organized the first Groundhog Day celebration in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. Today, tens of thousands of spectators flood the small town of 6,000 to see the famous “Punxsutawney Phil” predict the weather.

There are many reasons to consider celebrating with your children:

First, it’s an easy annual tradition to create. It could involve crafts, baking, or a trip to the zoo, but you’re not locked into organizing an enormous feast or wrapping presents. Groundhog Day is whatever you want it to be.

Kids naturally love animals. Groundhogs are hopelessly cute, furry creatures we don’t see too often – unless we know where to look. Promoting nature, exploration, and discovery helps your child be more observant and take an interest in science.

For some, it fosters a sense of identity. If you have Celtic, Christian, or German roots, you can express pride in your heritage by celebrating Old World holidays in modern fashion.

For all of us, Groundhog Day provides a sense of hopefulness and anticipation. Groundhog Day is a good way to talk to your kids about weather, changing seasons, hibernation, internal clocks, and the mysteries of Mother Nature. Ultimately, we pin our hopes on the groundhog because we yearn for warmer, sunnier days ahead.

More Groundhog Day Resources:

https://sunshinehouse.com/blog/7-ways-celebrate-groundhog-day-your-family

https://kids.lovetoknow.com/groundhog-day-activities-kids

https://www.jerseyfamilyfun.com/groundhog-day-activities-for-kids/

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