Sparkle Stories Blog
A home for Sparkle audio stories, crafts, recipes, and kind words!
Sparkle Kitchen: Asparagus
If your family needs a little more persuasion to asparagus, my fool-proof method for introducing controversial vegetables is to add a little bacon, as I do in this super simple recipe.
Sparkle Kitchen: Deviled Eggs
One of our favorite ways to enjoy the spring bounty of our hens increased egg production is by making a batch of deviled eggs. This is a classic, nothing fancy recipe, but it’s our family’s favorite.
Telling Stories to Sensitive Children
Do you find yourself describing your child as "sensitive"?
Sparkle Kitchen: April Fool's Day Food Pranks
If you and yours would like to engage in some April Fool’s Day hijinks, here are a few funny food jokes to get you started.
Sparkle Kitchen: Dirt Dessert
Whether you’re celebrating the beginning of gardening season or just trying to keep the floor clean, “Dirt Dessert” is a whimsical nod to the March mud.
Sparkle Kitchen: Cashew Chicken
Created by David Leong, a Chinese immigrant to Springfield, Missouri in the 1950’s, Springfield cashew chicken is a fusion of Leong’s native Chinese food and the fried chicken and mashed potatoes that he discovered Southerners loved.
Friday's Kind Words: A Blessing and A Gift For Our Family
"We have been listeners for years!" We love hearing kind words from our fellow Sparklers. Has Sparkle Stories impacted your life? Drop us a line and let us know (you can find us on Facebook & Instagram).
Sparkle Kitchen: Ladybugs
If the ladybugs are starting to arrive in your part of the world, here’s a fun snack to celebrate. This recipe will make very minimalist “ladybugs”, but if you want more literal ones feel free to use your imagination.
How to use our Grief and Loss Stories
Children connect deeply with life and open their full hearts to every moment. When it is time to go, time to let go, time to say goodbye – they grieve. As parents and educators, it is our job to recognize this, to note it and acknowledge it.
Friday's Kind Words: Lovely Overlap
"Your stories have been such a blessing to our family!" We love hearing kind words from our fellow Sparklers. Has Sparkle Stories impacted your life? Drop us a line and let us know (you can find us on Facebook & Instagram).
Sparkle Kitchen: Stovetop Hot Chocolate
While you can buy all sorts of mixes and powders, of course, I’ve found that the simplest way of making hot chocolate is to melt dark chocolate chips with warm milk.
Friday's Kind Words: Thanks for Amazing Stories!
Thanks for the amazing stories! Our house would not have such magic without them! We love them so much and would be so happy to keep listening to new ones. They are just so lovable!
~ Jessamyn, Portland, Oregon, USA
Sparkle Kitchen: Road Trip Granola
Packed with nuts, dried fruit, and crispy rolled oats, one of our favorite go-to snacks is homemade granola. Here's an easy, kid-friendly recipe that you can make at home!
Friday's Kind Words: Perfectly Lighthearted
I can't wait for one of my granddaughters to come and listen tomorrow....
Sparkle Craft: Valentine Garlands, Two Ways
It’s time for a Valentines gift exchange in The Junkyard this week, and we’re feeling more than a little festive!
Sparkle Kitchen: Popcorn
No need to resort to the microwave stuff — stovetop popcorn takes about the same amount of time and tastes much better. And by popping popcorn on the stove you can also control exactly how much salt, butter, and other toppings you add.
Sparkle Crafts: Plushies for Baby
This week, in At Home with Martin and Sylvia, Momma’s assistant has just had a baby and the family gets ready to meet her with zeal. There seems to be a lot of babies due soon in our neck of the woods, and our favorite sweet gift to make is a simple plushie. If you can do a blanket stitch, you’re most of the way there with this project.
Sparkle Kitchen: Swedish Meatballs
One of my favorite potluck recipes is my grandmother’s Swedish meatballs. Best served out of a warm crock-pot, they’ll continue to soak-in their own gravy as they sit on a buffet table. They only get more delicious as the night goes on!
Sparkle Kitchen: Arctic Cookout
Depending on where you live in the world, it may feel like you’ve been transplanted to the Arctic right now, so why not follow Martin and Sylvia’s lead and host an Arctic cookout?
Sparkle Kitchen: Broa
Broa is the Portuguese version of cornbread. Unlike American cornbread, flour and cornmeal are mixed together to give the bread a dense texture. Broa is also leavened with yeast instead of baking soda.
