Successful Teacher Day

Friday, July 31, 2009   

OUR RECENT SUCCESSFUL FREE TEACHERS’ DAY SPECIAL

Our Teachers’ Free Morning was received by those who attended with such excitement and appreciation that we plan to make it an annual event. In fact, we had such a positive response in signing up for Fall Field Trips that we are planning to invite all the Elementary Principals and Superintendents for a Principal’s Free Morning Friday, August 7 from 8:30 am-1 pm.

We start off the day at 8:30 with registration, donuts and orange juice and finish it with a wonderful free lunch and sampling of the many flavors of the best Homemade Fudge you ever tasted! The immediate families are also invited. So if you know of a Principal or Superintendent-we may not get word to them all-let them know and have them email or call us for reservations.

Here is the schedule: 

8:30 am:  Registration, donuts and orange juice

9:00 am:  Welcome by Dr. Glenn Orr, Founder, and outline of the morning

Then the following:  Lesson on the Life of a Pumpkin which is what we teach this fall.  Then a hayride around the farm where we see horses-we’re the largest horse training farm in Oklahoma with 240 stalls for horses-the pumpkin patch-a free pumpking this fall-and the start of the Corn Maze, dedicated to the military. Next is a train ride.  It holds about 100 people and is the only train in the U.S. that looks, sounds and puffs like a steam engine, yet has the safety of a diesel.  Then they go to the Animal Barn and pet the animals, washing their hands before and after.

Next they go to the Exercise Area where they can jump on the only two Giant Jumping Pillows in Oklahoma that are the rage in Australia and Europe.  They can ride the pedal cars for ages 2 to 92!  There are Hand Cars, Regulation Sand Volleyball and Horseshoes as well.  Oh, and panning for rubies, sapphires and emeralds.  Then there is the maze! What a fun time! 

Here are just three of the many positive comments we received:

From Christe, Kindergarten of Covington-Douglas: “The whole experience was wonderful-I had no idea what to expect and I had a great time. My Kindergarteners will love it!”

From Katherine, 5th Grade of Jackson Elementary: “There were learning and teaching opportunities everywhere. I loved the information boards with questions and answers. The staff members are so nice and helpful.”

From Kari of Indian Meridian Elementary: “Well organized and very fun for all ages!! Thanks!”

Pumpkin Bread Pudding

Tuesday, July 28, 2009   

1 c. sugar
2 tbsp. butter, melted
1 1/2 c. milk
3/4 c. raisins
6 slices bread, crumbled
1/2 tsp. vanilla
3 eggs
1 3/4 c. mashed, cooked or canned pumpkin
1 1/4 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. ginger
1/4 tsp. cloves
1/8 tsp. nutmeg
1 can evaporated milk
1/2 c. chopped nuts (optional)
Whipped topping (optional)

Stir together sugar and butter. Add milk, bread and vanilla. Beat in eggs. Stir in pumpkin, raisins and spices. Gradually stir in evaporated milk until well blended. Pour into greased 8x12x2 inch pan. Sprinkle with pecans. Place in pan on oven rack, fill pan with hot water and bake in 350 degree oven for 50 minutes.
Increase temperature to 425 degrees and bake 10 minutes longer or until pudding is rich golden color and knife inserted in center comes out clean. Cut in squares and serve warm or cold with topping. 12 servings.

Source:  Cooks.com

Pumpkin Raisin Muffins

Tuesday, July 28, 2009   

Ingredients:

1 cup Fresh or Canned Pumpkin
3 1/2 cups Flour
1 cup Sugar
2 Eggs
1 1/4 cup 2% Milk
1/4 cup Soft Butter or margarine
1 cup Raisins
4 teaspoons Baking Powder
1/2 teaspoon Cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon Nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon Salt


Preparation Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
  2. Put muffin cups into muffin tins or grease the tins.
  3. Cream butter(or margarine) and sugar until fluffy.
  4. Beat in pumpkin and eggs.
  5. Dredge raisins in 1/2 cup of flour.
  6. Sift remaining flour and spices together.
  7. Pour milk into a mixing bowl.
  8. Mix in dry ingredients by hand until just mixed.
  9. Stir in raisins.
  10. Spoon mix into paper cups in muffin tin.
  11. Bake at 400 degrees for 20 – 25  minutes.

Serve pumpkin raisin muffins warm or cool. Spread on butter or margarine, if desired.

Source:  The Pumpkin Nook (www.PumpkinNook.com)