Fall Fest & Cranberry Bread

     Today my sons school celebrated Fall Fest. Unlike most other school they do not have the children wear there costumes and have a parade and party. Instead they create a Fall fest for the children during the day and hold a Masquerade Ball in the evening. At school the main hallway is transformed into a Fall pumpkin patch where the classrooms hang their decorated pumpkins. Each class creates a large pumpkin and the school votes on the best one. During Fall Fest the children go through a “haunted” maze set up in the library and a “treasure hunt” outside. Then they make there way to the cafeteria where stations are set up. Kindergarten & 1^st grade make goody bags for the local shelter daycare and the 2^nd & 3^rd graders make a bagged lunch for the children at the daycare. Then there are two crafts, making a mask and making a backpack pull(kinda like a keychain). During the crafts the children are visited by the school mascot, Al E Gator…if you didn’t figure it out he’s an alligator. Then in the evening the school holds a family masquerade ball where the children can show off their costumes and enjoy music and Halloween treats! The children enjoy a fun filled day, they help out the community, and families get to spend the evening together. Then Saturday is recovery day for the PTA volunteers!

     When we returned home today Conner gave Anjali a small toy he had found on the treasure hunt. He told her that he had brought it home for her. She jumped up grabbed him by the neck and hugged him. Then he pulled out his uneaten snack from school and said she could have that also, but quickly added “You aren’t going to freak out and do something like hug me again are you?” It was so cute! 

     To welcome the cold weather I’m making Cranberry Bread as a treat this weekend. With a yummy vanilla glaze on top…it is so good!

Cranberry Bread
2 cups all-purpose flour 
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder 
1/2 teaspoon baking soda 
1/2 teaspoon salt 
1 tablespoon grated orange zest 
1 1/2 cups fresh cranberries 
1/4 cup margarine, softened 
1 cup white sugar 
1 egg 
3/4 cup orange juice

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan. Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir in orange zest. Set aside.

In a large bowl, cream together margarine, sugar, and egg until smooth. Stir in orange juice. Beat in flour mixture until just moistened. Add in cranberries. Pour into prepared pan. 

Bake for 1 hour in the preheated oven, or until the bread springs back when lightly touched. Let stand 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool. Wrap in plastic when completely cool.

School Lunch Menu

     Right now School lunch programs are be scrutinized by the media and health care professionals for being unhealthy and damaging to children. I have to say that my son eats the school lunches in our public school district and I couldn’t be happier with the menu. Sometimes I think he may eat a better lunch than I do! This is his upcoming weeks lunch menu:

Monday:  Whole Wheat Tyson Chicken Nuggets, Roasted Potatoes, Fresh Corn, Fresh Fruit, Choice of Milk: skim, 1%, chocolate or 4oz Fruit Juice

Tuesday:  Baked Scoops, Homemade Cheese Sauce, Turkey Taco Meat, Salsa, Brown Rice & Beans, Cucumber Chips with Lite Dip, Fresh Fruit, Choice of Milk: skim, 1%, chocolate or 4oz Fruit Juice

Wednesday: Pasta w/Fresh Marinara Side of Meatballs, Whole Wheat Italian Bread, Lettuce & Carrot, Salad w/Italian Dressing, Fresh Fruit, Choice of Milk: skim, 1%, chocolate or 4oz Fruit Juice

Thursday:  Grilled Cheddar Cheese On wheat/white, Chicken Noodle Soup, Orange Smiles, Chocolate Pudding, Choice of Milk: skim, 1%, chocolate or 4oz Fruit Juice

Friday:  Whole Grain Pizza, Orzo w/Shredded Carrots, Parmesan Broccoli, Fruit Cup, Choice of Milk: skim, 1%, chocolate or 4oz Fruit Juice

Everyday offers alternatives if the children do not like the main meal provided. The daily alternatives include:

Chicken Caesar Salad lunch:  served with Fresh Fruit, Whole Wheat Bread, Choice of Milk: skim, 1%, chocolate or 4oz Fruit Juice

Bagel lunch: Bagel & Cream Cheese, Yogurt, Cheese & Whole Wheat Crackers, Fresh Fruit, Choice of Milk: skim, 1%, chocolate or 4oz Fruit Juice: 

Reduced Sugar Cereal Lunch: with Milk, Yogurt, Fresh Fruit, Cheese & Whole Wheat Crackers, Choice of Milk: skim, 1%, chocolate or 4oz Fruit Juice:

I also love that our schools use fresh vegetables from our local Jersey farms! I have to give credit to the person who creates and enforces the school lunch menu in our district, it gives me one less thing to worry about during the day. If I see something I think isn't so healthy then I pack my son a lunch for that day. What are your children eating in your school district?