The Year of the Fire Horse

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Infant

Mom and Dad because you provided our educators with information about celebrations and different traditions, we learned that Ronan celebrates Lunar New Year. We were eager to join in the celebrations. As we talked more with Roan’s family we learned that red is a traditional colour worn on Lunar New Year, every year represents a different animal, and red envelopes are given, usually with money in them. We also learned that decorations of red lanterns are put in the streets in China and in homes. We created our own red envelopes in the classroom, by colouring pictures of different amounts of money and attempted a traditional recipe that Ronan family makes for this celebration. “A good fortune rice cake.” So much learning happens during a joint project…social; turn taking, cognitive; simple math skills like measuring, literacy; learning new words, motor skills; coordination and control as we explore new tools. The hands on experiences our educators provide for us is our best way to learn. We can’t wait to try what we have made. Happy Lunar New Year!  In case you want to try Ronan’s family recipe we have included it below for you.

Looking at a recipe page and pointing to the pictures

A child using a spatula to stir

Infants and educators sitting at a table making a cake

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ingredients:

2/3 cup water or milk

½ cup brown sugar

2 Tbsp melted butter or avocado oil

1 Egg

1 1/2 cups glutinous rice flour

4 dried dates (or other dried fruit like apricot or raisins)

¼ cup walnuts

2 Tbsp pine nuts

1 Tbsp baking powder

The nuts can be eliminated if you don’t like nuts or have an allergy. 

Steps:

  1. Preheat oven to 355F or 180C
  2. Prepare dates by cutting into small pieces, remove pits if you do not have pitted dates.
  3. Mix all wet ingredients and sugar together in a bowl until combined.
  4. Sift all dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until smooth.
  5. Add the dried fruit and nuts and mix until even.
  6. Pour into a 8x8 baking pan. If you want to add more dried fruit or nuts on top feel free.
  7. Bake for 40 minutes until fully glazed and inside is fully cooked. Texture should be soft and fluffy.
  8. If leftovers have hardened, heat up in a frying pan or air fryer for a crispy texture.