Bright Winter Night by Alli Brydon
This glittery, lyrical story emphasizes the spirit of the season, highlighting togetherness, unconditional care for one another and a unified journey of awe and purpose. A diverse collective of forest animals prepares to set aside all differences to join with wonder to welcome and observe the briefly visiting northern lights. Consider comparing the story to the preparation, love and charity of the holiday faith tradition of sojourners who looked to the star in the sky to find the Savior of all creation. Enchanting illustrations will leave young readers in awe. Similar to the shape of the sleigh in the story, cute rectangular containers offer a fun way to display this yummy magical snack. The variety of flavors and textures reminds little ones of the diversity of animals in the story.
Magical Holiday Snack Mix
Instructions: Adult can assist with boiling the butter and brown sugar and following oven directions. Children can easily participate with drizzling, stirring, mixing and pouring various ingredients.
Ingredients
- 6 c. Crispix or Chex
- 1/2 c. butter
- 1/2 c. brown sugar
- 6 c. popped popcorn
- 1/2 c. white chocolate chips
- 1 t. coconut oil
- 2 candy canes, crushed
- 1 c. cashews (or other favorite nuts)
- 1 c. yogurt-covered pretzels
- 1/2 c. M&M’S candies
- 1 c. dried cranberries
- 9 oz. candy cane Hershey’s Kisses
- Holiday sprinkles (optional)
You can substitute your favorite nuts, seeds, cereal or dried fruit for any of these ingredients.
Preheat the oven to 325 degrees. Line a large baking sheet with foil and lightly coat it with nonstick cooking spray. Put the cereal into a large mixing bowl.
- Put butter and brown sugar in a saucepan and place over medium high heat. Bring to a boil. Once it starts to boil, continue cooking for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Immediately pour the mixture over the cereal and toss to coat. Spread onto the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 8 minutes. Remove and stir, then bake for an additional 8 minutes. Set aside and allow to cool.
- Meanwhile, spread the popcorn evenly onto a large sheet of parchment paper or aluminum foil.
- Place white chocolate chips and coconut oil in a small microwaveable safe bowl. Heat for 30 seconds, then stir well. Continue cooking in 15-second intervals until chocolate chips are melted and smooth.
- Drizzle the melted white chocolate over the popcorn, then immediately sprinkle with the crushed candy canes. Allow the chocolate to harden.
- Add the cereal, popcorn, cashews, pretzels, M&M’S, cranberries and Hershey’s Kisses to a very large mixing bowl and toss together. Add holiday sprinkles to be reminiscent of the beautiful illustrations of the winter sky and sparkle of the northern lights portrayed in the story.
Recipe courtesy SuperHealthyKids.com
Alicia Mock operates Adventure Arts Academy for 3- to 5-year-olds from her home in Overland Park. Alicia offers one-on-one parent coaching and is a musical theater enthusiast, singer, writer and promoter of all things positive. She was recently widowed from her husband, Cary, with whom she shares four amazing, nearly flown children.