Marsupials, a Llama Farm, and a Cookie Swap

As we continued our study of mammals this week, we learned about marsupials.

QUESTION OF THE WEEK:  What is a marsupial?

ANSWER: Its an animal (a mammal) that gives birth to very tiny underdeveloped young which spend several months developing while inside the mother's pouch. Several examples include: koala bears, opossums, Tasmanian devils, and kangaroos.

You can watch this amazing video of a baby kangaroo (a joey) being born and making its way instinctively to the mother's pouch.

 

Another mammal we learned about this week (although its not a marsupial) is the llama. On Thursday afternoon, we went on a field trip to a nearby llama farm. The kids had a great time interacting with the llamas and walking them around on an obstacle course.

And, before the field trip, we attended a "hangout" with other homeschool families, and some of us exchanged cookies. JJ helped me make gingersnap cookies for the swap. Mmmm!

Although gingersnaps are usually made to be crispy, the recipe I have is for a soft/chewy kind of cookie, which we all love. See the recipe below.

CHEWY GINGERSNAP COOKIES
1 cup packed brown sugar
3/4 cup butter, melted
1 egg
1/4 cup molasses
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (I used half whole wheat and half unbleached white)
1 ½ tsp. ground ginger
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
½ tsp. allspice

In a large bowl, beat brown sugar and butter until blended. Beat in egg and molasses. Combine dry ingredients and gradually add to mixture. Mix well. (Dough will be stiff.) Cover and refrigerate overnight (or at least for 2 hours).

Shape dough into 1-inch balls. Roll in sugar. Place 2 inches apart on greased baking sheets (I used parchment paper).

Bake at 350 for 10 minutes or until set. Cool for 1 minute before removing from pan.

Makes about 4 dozen.


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