Reading and Baking Activity for the Holiday Season

Hi everyone,

In the Ponds of Wonder story, Tom and Ben love eating Gingerbread cookies, especially those baked by the kind-hearted widow, Mrs. Slater.

This holiday season why not find some time to bake some gingerbread cookies of your own with your children. As you begin the baking process have them read through the ingredients needed in addition to the steps of the recipe. They can then help collect, mix and bake the ingredients into wonderful gingerbread cookies!

Reading and baking, a yummy activity leading to a delicious reward, especially with paired up with a nice cup of hot chocolate.

Mmmmm..... Now that’s comfort food!

Here’s a great recipe to follow:

Serves approx. 20 biscuits Prep time 15-20 minutes Cook time 15 minutes Total time 35-40 minutes

• 350g plain flour

• 1-2 teaspoon ground ginger

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• 100g margarine or butter

• 175g soft light brown sugar

• 1 egg

• 4 tablespoons syrup

Instructions

1. Put the flour, baking soda and ginger into

a bowl and rub in the butter/margarine

2. Add the sugar and stir in the syrup and egg to make a firm dough

3. Roll out to about 5mm thick and cut out your gingerbread shapes.

4. Bake at 190'C/Gas 5 on greased baking trays (spaced out, as they will spread) for 10-15 minutes until golden brown

5. Leave the dough to firm up for a couple of minutes before placing on a wire rack to cook

6. Once cooled, let your children decorate each cookie with icing and other edible decorations.

So what do gingerbread cookies and reading have in common? When put together they provide happy moments of yummy family fun, especially during the busy holiday season.

Happy baking and happy reading!

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