International Kid-Friendly Food: Top 5 Jamaican Recipes for Marcus Garvey Day

International Kid-Friendly Food: Top 5 Jamaican Recipes for Marcus Garvey Day

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Six years ago, the Government of Jamaica declared August 17th “Marcus Garvey Day” in honor of the nation’s first National Hero. Marcus Garvey (1887-1940), a Jamaican-born nationalist, civil rights activist, and Pan-Africanism movement leader, sought to unify and connect people of African descent worldwide.

“Garvey has influenced the world through so many different people, I don’t think the world and even some Jamaicans recognize the worth and impact of his influence – and, just through his sayings, how many freedom fighters and world leaders have brought their messages of confidence to masses of people,” said Jamaica’s Minister of Youth and Culture, Hon. Lisa Hanna.

His vision was one of prosperity for African people at home and abroad, and his legacy has caused others to view Jamaicans as equals “in every sphere of life… on the great human stage of activity,” she explained, adding: “As Jamaicans, we ought to be proud of our ancestry; we ought to be proud of our heroes…He was clearly ahead of his time.”  

Close to 600 Jamaicans live here — in New York City neighborhoods like Queens Village, Jamaica, Crown Heights, East Flatbush, Flatbush, Wakefield, and Tremont. Perhaps that is why we have a Marcus Garvey Park (which is hosting Black Woodstock on Marcus Garvey Day this year).

What a great opportunity we have, now, to teach our children about Jamaica’s contributions on the world stage, including their many culinary delights. We love cooking with our children as a way of teaching life skills, while sharing valuable time and bonding closely with our kin. Here are five Jamaican recipes in honor of Marcus Garvey Day you’ll love making together.

Jamaican Rice & Peas

Recipe by Schnelle “Nellie” Acevedo, a.k.a. “Brooklyn Active Mama”

Nellie quit her cushy job in the high tech financial industry to bring this recipe to you. “My cousins and I (all 5,200 of us) got together and realized that we will NEED to continue this amazing authentic Jamaican cooking for our own children, or the culture will die with us,” she said in her blog. Flavored with creamy coconut milk, thyme, all-spice, and scotch bonnet pepper, this side tastes distinctively Caribbean. If you need help finding the pepper, try Trade Fair on Ditmars Blvd in Astoria, or Stop & Shop in Queens. In a pinch, you could substitute with a habanero, but you might want to portion out the kids’ servings before adding that spice!

Get the recipe here.

Miss Lily’s Jerk Chicken

Recipe by Chef Adam Schop (NYC) and Chef Andre Fowles (Jamaica) of Miss Lily’s in SoHo

According to Sam Slaughter, writer for The Manual, this is “the best Jerk Chicken recipe you’ll ever try.” It requires its fair share of work – brining, marinating, and grilling. Yet, the end result has just the right amount of spice and sweet. You’ll need to locate a few exotic ingredients – whole allspice berries, scotch bonnet chilies, tamarind puree, and liquid smoke – but most kids enjoy a trip to the food bazaar supermarket. If you’re more into the idea of tasting than cooking, you can always head to the cozy retro diner, Miss Lily’s at 132 Houston Street (at Thompson).

Get the recipe here.

Jamaican Beef Patty

Recipe by Imma at Immaculate Bites

The Jamaican Beef Patty has made its way out of family kitchens and into retail establishments like Walmart and Costco, as well as the New York City school system (which serves over three million a year!) With its flaky, delicate, golden crust and beef seasoned with Scotch bonnet, onion, garlic, and black pepper, the Jamaican Beef Patty is on its way to achieving a fanbase the way pizza and tacos have – at least in New York City. While NY Times offers a similar recipe, people who have made Imma’s particular recipe have been called “goddesses” at the school bake sale, were so excited they wanted to buy the author’s cookbook if she had one, and said they’ll never make another recipe again.  

Get the recipe here.

Vegan Jerk Tacos

Recipe by Chef Troy

Chef Troy grew up in the countryside of Glengoffe St. Catherine, Jamaica before serving as chef at BB King’s in Times Square and the Highline Ballroom in Chelsea. You’ll need some of Chef Troy’s special jerk seasoning wet rub for these kid-friendly tacos, but you can make a similar concoction from scratch if you prefer. The vegan protein is portabello mushroom, with tomatoes and peppers helping to fill out your tortilla. The magic is in the combination of flavorful sauces!

Get the recipe here.

Jamaican Sweet Potato Pudding

Recipe Courtesy of The Food Network

Sweet potato pudding used to be a real labor of love with all that hand-grating, but thanks to food processors, it’s easy enough for a child to do. Filled with raisins, coconut, and vanilla milk, it’s a sweet the kids are sure to love for a Sunday treat or a holiday staple.

Get the recipe here.

Enjoy this little taste of international culture and cooking? Try one of Shine’s classes for more! Contact us to inquire about our cultural classes, monthly workshops (which may include cooking), and about our partnerships with local youth culinary schools. 

Fun Summer Science Experiments For Ages 4-10

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Now that summer is in full swing, we don’t have to tell you twice: this season is a hot mess! From water puddles out of the pool and dripping Popsicles, to digging in the garden and gooey marshmallows around the campfire, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy life to its filthy fullest. The kids are home from school and the days are longer, so it’s the perfect time to get outside with science projects that are both educational and fun.

Learn About Chemical Reactions with…

Ice Volcanoes

What You’ll Need: Baking soda, water, vinegar, food coloring, small bowls, golf balls, and plastic wrap.

Step by Step:

  1. Place a golf ball into the bottom of a small bowl.
  2. Place plastic wrap over the top of the ball and over the edge of the bowl.
  3. Fill the bowls with a third baking soda, two thirds water, covering the ball completely.
  4. Add food coloring.
  5. Place in the freezer to solidify.
  6. Once they’re frozen, thaw them until you can pull the plastic wrap off and pry out the golf ball with a butter knife.
  7. Add a squirt of vinegar, with a medicine dropper if you have one, to watch them explode.

Why: The volcano is a classic science experiment, but with this version, kids not only love watching the eruption, but also playing with the melting creation. It’s as fun for a 4-year-old as it is for a 10-year old.

Tips: Use skin-safe bath bomb soap dye to avoid staining little hands. You can do this activity along with reading the National Geographic book on volcanoes to make it more educational for older kids.

Learn About Super Saturation with…

DIY Rock Candy

What You’ll Need: A wood skewer, glass jar, large saucepan, clothespins, 3 cups of sugar, 1 cup of water, food coloring, and candy flavoring. (To scale up and make a variety of colors, you can use 30 cups of sugar and 10 cups of water, keeping a 3:1 ratio per jar.)

Step by Step:

  1. Combine equal parts sugar and water into a saucepan over low, heating until all sugar dissolves.
  2. Slowly add more sugar, stirring until the water looks cloudy and no more sugar will dissolve.
  3. Add candy flavoring if desired, heating to a low simmer.
  4. Remove the sugar-water from the heat and cool completely.
  5. Dip skewers into water and roll them in sugar. You may need to cut long skewers to fit the jar.
  6. Pour the cooled sugar-water into the jars, using one jar for each color of rock candy.
  7. Place a dried stick into each jar, using a horizontal clothespin to hold the stick in the middle.
  8. You should note growth after one day. Wait about a week for a sizable candy worthy of eating.
  9. Let the candies dry on a clean, cool surface before devouring.

Why: We’d be lying if we didn’t confess the best part of this experiment is eating the candy! Edible science is pretty exciting for empowered kids big and small. In this case, you’ll see how an overabundance of solute (a.k.a. the sugar) is unable to dissolve into liquid. Over time, the liquid water evaporates, leaving behind a super-saturated solution, with seed crystals forming and molecules expanding. A finished piece of rock candy has about a quadrillion molecules in it, which is pretty mind-boggling!

Tips: It is imperative that the sugar skewers have completely dried in order for the crystals to grow off it and not dissolve in the water. It is also important to make sure the sticks do not touch the bottom or sides of the jar, hence the clothespin. You can grow your rock candy longer than a week if desired.

Learn About Density and Polarity with…

A Homemade Lava Lamp

What You’ll Need: A bottle, vegetable oil, water, food coloring, and Alka-Seltzer.

Step by Step:

  1. Fill three-quarters of the bottle with vegetable oil.
  2. Fill the rest with water, which will sink to the bottom.
  3. Add a few drops of food coloring, which will also sink to the bottom.
  4. Break an Alka-seltzer tablet into a few small pieces and add them to the bottle one at a time.
  5. As the reaction slows, add more Alka-seltzer.

Why: Kids love the mesmerizing activity of lava lamps, and it’s even cooler to make one. The lava lamp works using two scientific principles – density and polarity. Density, the measure of mass over volume, is evident once you add the tightly-packed water molecules to the mix. Polarity prevents the oil and water from mixing together. two hydrogen atoms side of a water molecule is positively charged, while the oxygen end is negatively charged. Like a magnet, the positive end of a water molecule will connect with the negative end of other molecules – except that oil molecules are non-polar, lacking a positive OR negative charge. For this reason, oil and water do not mix.

Tips: If you don’t have Alka-seltzer, you can also try filling a jar with water and adding 1/3 cup vegetable oil, food coloring, and kosher salt.

If you want your children to develop a healthy interest in science early-on, but don’t necessarily want the mess at your house, you can sign up for one of Shine’s classes, workshops, summer camps, or parties. We incorporate science, art, education, and fun into an unforgettable, interactive experience your kids won’t soon forget. Contact us for details on programs we’re running in NYC and the Hamptons.

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. 

How Gardening Grows Your Child’s Mind, Body, and Soul

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“If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need.”

– Cicero, Roman statesman

“Why try to explain miracles to your kids when you can just have them plant a garden?”

– Robert Brault, American author

“Let them once get in touch with nature, and a habit is formed, which will be a source of delight through life.”

– Charlotte Mason, English educator

A garden is one of the greatest gifts you can give your child. Your time is another. This summer, dig down into the dirt with your children to find countless benefits for the mind, body, and soul. Whether you have a backyard filled with raised beds, a sunny patch out front, a few patio containers, or a community garden, the advantages are all the same.

How Gardening Benefits the BRAIN

  • Garden food ensures your kids get brain-boosting vitamins and minerals. According to Harvard researchers, the best foods for the brain include easy-to-grow leafy greens (kale, spinach, collards, broccoli), as well as berries (strawberries and blueberries).
  • Being out in the sunshine boosts the body’s vitamin D. One study found 67% of children had insufficient levels of Vitamin D. Deficiency in this area has been linked with mood disorders, behavioral problems, and psychological difficulties that persist into adulthood. Just 10-30 minutes of sunlight a day is all your kids need!
  • Soil mycobacterium reduces depression. Multiple studies found that harmless mycobacterium found in soil can double as an antidepressant by triggering the body’s natural release of serotonin. Beyond that, the feeling of self-satisfaction and accomplishment that follows harvest time is priceless for a little one’s emotional health.
  • The act of gardening reduces stress. Kids stress about changing schedules, inability to complete tasks independently, limitations to their freedom, demands placed on them by school, fitting in with social peers, parental fighting, and a glut of other issues. Dutch researchers found that just 30 minutes of digging reduces the level of the body’s notorious stress hormone, cortisol. They compared the results of the gardening group to a group of readers and found that “positive mood was fully restored after gardening” — but not with reading.
  • Gardening is science in action. There’s so much science happening before our eyes in the garden. Ask your kids questions like, “What three things do plants need to grow? How does the plant drink water? Why are worms good for the plants? Do you know what photosynthesis is?” Examine the parts of plants with a microscope or magnifying glass, and talk about identifying which plants are beneficial, and which can be dangerous to people.
  • Math and gardening go hand-in-hand. Incorporate math concepts by measuring depth, distance between plants, and how much they’re growing each week. Add in art by taking pictures of the plants from week to week and turning it into a “plant journal” or garden scrapbook. Supplement your experience with trips to the botanical gardens. Shapes, symmetry, problem-solving – these are all concepts to be explored in your garden.

How Gardening Benefits the BODY

  • Kids who garden snack healthier. One study found young gardeners exhibited a preference for choosing fruits and vegetables at snack time.
  • Gardeners eat healthier as adults. Another study found that households participating in gardening ate 40 percent more fresh produce per day, and were 3.5 times more likely to achieve the recommended five servings.
  • The garden builds immunity. Professor, Author, and Germ Expert Jack Gilbert says the exposure to garden microbes stimulates and strengthens young immune systems. In his 2016 study, he found Amish children who grew up on farms had asthma at half the rate of the national average.
  • Gardening improves physical activity levels, as well as nutrition. After the Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service added an after-school gardening program for grades K-8, they found the percentage of kids who ate fruit and vegetables every day increased from 21 to 56%, and the number of kids who were physically active every day increased from 51 to 79%. Gardening is one way to curb childhood obesity, as kids can burn over 300 calories an hour stooping, standing, kneeling, watering, and weeding.
  • Heavy work improves motor skills. Lifting heavy watering cans or digging with a shovel gives kids the chance to demonstrate their strength, while pushing a child-sized wheelbarrow or crouching down low to plant improves balance. These activities that use the big muscles of the arms, legs, and torso hone gross motor skills –which, in turn, improves posture, strength, endurance, and coordination. Grasping a trowel or rake, as well as pinching seeds or weeds, improves fine motor skills used in writing and cutting with scissors.

How Gardening Benefits the SOUL

  • Gardening breeds empathy and improves relationships. A 2017 research paper suggests that being close to nature evokes positive emotions. Outdoor activities like hiking, bird-watching, and gardening act as a tangible catalyst to happiness. Attachment to plants and animals in early childhood stimulates feelings of empathy, compassion, and connection with others. Kids (and adults) who are physically connected to their natural landscape have an increased sense of belonging, the authors indicate. Gardening as a household is a “relationship connector,” says Bonnie Lehman of Michigan State University. You’re solidifying relationships among family members with time spent together and creating loving, fond, stress-free memories.
  • Planting improves self-esteem. “Gardening helps make children feel more capable,” according to Dr. Wendy Matthews, a Mindprint Learning consultant. “It is wonderful for building a child’s sense of competence, as they engage in a real life activity that they might have previously seen as only for adults.” In fact, the U.S. Department of Agriculture is spending a quarter of a million dollars to improve the self-esteem and environmental stewardship of teenagers by teaching them sustainable gardening.
  • Gardening is a mindfulness activity. Our children are not immune to the anxieties and stresses of life – a life that has become more digitized than ever before. Unplugging and focusing on the gentle tasks of gardening is a wonderful exercise in mindfulness. “When you are planting, watering, weeding and harvesting your senses are fully engaged in the sights, sounds, smells, tastes and tactile sensations of your garden,” explains psychic medium James Van Praagh, adding: “Gardening gives us time to connect with something tangible and real.”
  • Planting is cathartic, especially for kids with disabilities or health issues. “For patients who find themselves restricted by a disability, even the simplest gardening experience – such as growing a potted plant from a cutting – gives them a feeling of control,” Horticultural Therapist Teresia Hazen explains. She adds: “Gardening, more than most rehab activities, has the ability to be very distracting. Simply by taking people’s minds off their problems can alleviate pain and depression.”
  • Teach patience, sharing, responsibility, and communication. The family time spent together in the garden gives us the ideal time to teach the crucial life lessons that make our children better people. They need to be patient to wait for their seeds to go. They need to be responsible to water and weed their plants every day. They need to share garden tools with siblings, share the workload with others in the family, and put in their own effort for the benefit of the greater good. They learn to express their frustrations, their hopes, and their feelings in the moment. When it’s all said and done, they can literally taste the fruits of their persistence and hard work.

Ready, Set, Grow!

If you’re just getting started, try these easy plants that are suitable for the most impatient toddlers or try one of our Garden Project classes that combine art, science, and nature in compelling ways. If you’ve been a green thumb for years, you may find the following research added comfort that you’re digging down the right path.

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.

Dark Chocolate Raspberry Popsicles

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Inviting kids into the kitchen can be a fun, family-friendly experience where kids explore new foods and learn about nutrition and healthy food choices. 

Start with simple recipes like these Dark Chocolate Raspberry Popsicles made with fresh fruit, coconut palm sugar, and dairy-free chocolate chips. A simple and delicious recipe the entire family can enjoy.  

Dark Chocolate Raspberry Popsicles 

Ingredients 

  • ½ can full fat coconut milk
  • 1 cup frozen raspberries 
  • ½ banana 
  • 3 tablespoons coconut palm sugar 
  • Dairy-free chocolate chips 

Instructions 

  1. Add coconut milk, raspberries, banana, and coconut palm sugar into a blender and blend on high until smooth
  2. Evenly distribute chocolate chips into the bottom of each popsicle mold 
  3. Pour raspberry mixture into each mold filling it to the top
  4. Insert popsicle sticks and freeze, 4 hours or until solid 
  5. Gently remove frozen popsicles from mold, serve and enjoy. 

By Karla Salinari for Shine

Join us on Saturday, May 11 from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm for our next “Second Saturday” workshop at the Children’s Museum of the East End where we’ll be celebrating moms with our special guest Karla Salinari of FlipBox. We will be baking healthy treats for mom and creating some food-inspired art. To register or for more info, contact info@shinenyc.net or call 212.414.5427.

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.

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).  

Why Soccer is a Good Choice for Early Sports Development

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More than 2.3 million children ages 6-12 play youth soccer in America. This does not include the growing number of 2-5 year-olds joining programs like Soccer Shots, Pee Wee Sports, Lil Kickers, and Tiny Tykes.

Choosing the right sports for your child is about more than a popularity contest, though. You likely have many questions, including: Is it physically safe? Is it good for my child’s physical, mental, and emotional state? Science tells us it’s best not to specialize in any one sport at a young age, but continue reading to see if soccer may provide the right mix of developmental skills your child needs at this time.

What Science Says About The Benefits of Soccer for Kids

  • “Green time” reduces ADHD symptoms. A study of more than 400 children diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder identified a link between children who played in a “green and open” outdoor environment like a soccer field. Researchers at the University Illinois Urbana-Champaign called green time a “low-cost and side-effect-free” way of managing symptoms of hyperactivity, poor impulse control, and difficulty concentrating.
  • Aerobic activity boosts brainpower. Concordia University found that certain activities can increase brainpower in children. For toddlers, preschoolers, and elementary-aged kids, breathing exercises and guided meditation had noticeable beneficial effects. In older kids, “vigorous aerobic activity, such as soccer, basketball, and jumping rope” have had a positive impact on concentration, recall, and memory.
  • Soccer provides broad-spectrum health and fitness benefits. A three-year study involving seven countries and over 50 researchers at the University of Copenhagen concluded that soccer is an excellent way to maintain a physically active and healthy lifestyle from age seven through adulthood. They compared the physiological health effects to running, but found soccer to be superior; men “worried less” playing soccer, while women benefited from the social aspect of the team sport. Participating in soccer for two or three hours per week caused “significant cardiovascular, metabolic, and musculoskeletal adaptations,” no matter the player’s gender, age, or experience level. Some go so far as to say, “Soccer is medicine,” particularly in the treatment of hypertension.

Soccer Offers Unique Physical Benefits and Skills For Developing Young Athletes

Physiologically, soccer players develop a high aerobic-anaerobic threshold and endurance, as their bodies must adapt to run for long periods of time without the ball. The average soccer player runs five to seven miles over the course of a game. Soccer promotes what the Germans call “Schnellkraft” – the sort of speed elasticity and strength that enables sprinters to achieve a high level of performance.

Generally speaking, active kids build stronger bones and muscles, and they are less likely to become obese or develop Type II diabetes. Children develop strength to kick the ball hard enough to pass and score. Soccer is a fine sport for agility and motor skill development, as it involves running, kicking, jumping, twisting, turning, changing directions and manipulating objects. Through repetitive motion and activities, the feet acquire greater balance and coordination they may not otherwise achieve through daily walking.

Soccer is unique as a team sport in that its activities are largely self-directed, and not dependent on a player’s position. By comparison, football players take direction from the coach for each play. Soccer players decide for themselves and learn to trust their own intuitions — for up to 90 minutes on the field. Individuals continuously flex their visual-spatial awareness, innate problem-solving skills, and cognitive flexibility.

Unlike baseball or football, where teams take turn playing offense and defense, soccer is a dynamic game that switches between the two rapidly, more like basketball. Yet, basketball players’ activities are limited to position, with guards doing more passing, picking, and three-point shots, and forwards concentrating on rebounds, dunks, and lay-ups. Soccer requires a broad range of skills, no matter what position is played, with the exception of the goalie. As a general rule, soccer players tend to be some of the most adaptable and quick-thinking on their feet than any other team sport player. 

Soccer Provides Essential Life and Social Skills

Parents know mental and emotional health are just as important as physical health. Soccer lends itself to:

  • Endless fun, from fancy foot dribbling to knee ball-juggling tricks that improve over time.
  • Better evaluation of time and space, as the ball arrives to them or speeds toward the net.
  • The cultivation of life skills like teamwork, coordination, and playing by the rules.
  • The development of work ethic, as individuals learn to function as part of the team.
  • Management of disappointment and the building of perseverance, as teams win some, and lose some.
  • Confidence building, honing physical abilities, and cultivating self-esteem.
  • Finding social support and forming lasting, quality relationships with peers.
  • Mentorship opportunities to find adults they respect and want to emulate.

Interested in Soccer in NYC’s East End?

We’re pleased to offer soccer as part of our Hamptons summer camp geared toward ages 4-10. Shine’s summer camp features outdoor science and exploration, art and nature projects, gardening, music and movement, sports, yoga, chess, and soccer through a partnership with Super Soccer Stars. We meet Monday through Friday from 9:15 to 2:30, but we’re flexible. You can come daily or weekly. Locations include the Children’s Museum of the East End (Monday and Wednesday), the LongHouse Reserve (Tuesdays), Bridge Gardens (Thursdays), and a rotation of other iconic East End locations like the South Fork Natural History Museum on Fridays. Email info@shinenyc.net for details.

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. 

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