Recipe for Creamy Rice Pudding

Creamy Rice Pudding (from Carnation)

Ingredients:

1 1/3 cups of water
2/3 cup long grain white rice (or use long grain brown and add extra ¼ cup of water)
1 can (12 fl oz) evaporated milk
1/2 cup of raisins (alternatives: dried cranberries or cherries or diced bananas)
1/2 cup of sugar
1 ½ tsp. vanilla
Dash of nutmeg and cinnamon
2 large eggs, lightly beaten

Directions:

Add water and rice to a large pot and bring to a boil then reduce to simmer. Simmer until water is absorbed, about 25 minutes.

Stir in milk, fruit, sugar, spices, vanilla and bring back to a boil. Remove a little portion of the rice mix and add to the eggs. Slowly add the egg mix back to the pan and whisk. Bring to another boil and cook (whisk whisk!) for abaout 2-5 minutes. Serve warm or cool. Yum!

Recipe courtesy of wholesometoddlerfood.com

Take Advantage of Free Admission Days at Popular Chicago Attractions

The Museum of Science and Industry is offering free general admission on Thursday, April 19. This museum is so much fun for younger children. They have a train, airplane, coal mine ride, fairy castle, farm exhibit and an idea factory where little ones (under 10) can explore (and touch!).

The Lincoln Park Zoo is free everyday. The only catch is that it costs $20 to park. However, it is much smaller (read: easier to explore with a little one) than Brookfield Zoo. Currently, the price of admission at Brookfield Zoo is $15 for adults and $10.50 for children age 3-11. If you car pool or bring the whole family, you're definitely saving money by visiting Lincoln Park Zoo.

Color Song for Toddlers

“What are you Wearing?”

(Sung to the tune of “Mary Had a Little Lamb.”)

(Name) has a (color) shirt on.

(Color) shirt on, (color) shirt on.

(Name) has a (color) shirt on.

I see (him/her) today.

You can substitute shirt for different pieces of clothing (pants, socks, etc.). 

Fun Finger Play

"Where is the Beehive?"

Here is the beehive. (Put your hand in a fist.)

Where are the bees?

They’re hiding inside, where nobody sees. (Point to your fist.)

Watch them come out of the hive.

1,2,3,4,5! (Open your fist one finger at a time.)

Buzz, Buzz, Buzz (Tickle your child as you say “buzz”.)