Natural Learning at Home®

Natural Learning at Home®

November

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ACTIVITY: Acorn Throwing

Use the plethora of acorns that have fallen this fall to make a fun game. You can make your own targets or simply use buckets with assigned point values. Whoever gets the most acorns wins.

PLANT OF THE MONTH: Broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica)

Broccoli, a cool-season crop, is an easy plant to grow in the fall season. Related to cauliflower, cabbage, and kale, broccoli is known for its high nutritional value and anti-cancerous properties according to the American Cancer Society. For best results, broccoli should be grown in soils that are fertile, well-drained, and have texture ranging from sandy loam to clay loam. The variety that grows well in North Carolina is Packman Hybrid (standard variety).

RECIPE: Roasted Sweet Potatoes

Ingredients

    • 2 to 3 medium sweet potatoes, peeled
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • ½ teaspoon curry powder
    • ¼ teaspoon ground cumin
    • 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • Pepper (to taste)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
  2. Cut sweet potatoes in half lengthwise; cut each half into six wedges.
  3. Combine sweet potato wedges, olive oil, and spices in a bowl. Toss gently to coat.
  4. Place wedges in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake until very tender.
  5. Serve warm and enjoy!