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A Closer Look at Cows

During our time using “The Playful Pioneers” curriculum by The Peaceful Press, we spent a lovely week studying cows and I thought I would share our adventure with you!

First up, we examined the beautiful and humble cow itself.  We used our cow figures from Schleich to have a closer look.

Hereford Calf by Schleichblank

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Holstein Cow by Schleich blank

The girls loved studying the different cow breeds listed in “Farm Anatomy” by Julia Rothman.  They each picked a favourite and drew their choice.  Next up, they labelled their creations and learned the different names for each part of the animal.  Of course…they loved “rump” the best!

 

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Miss 5 loved sounding out and spelling “cow” with the help of our beautiful phonics cards from The Peaceful Press.  These cards have been such a hit this year!  

 

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She practiced her spelling and letter formation while we read a few books.  These books really helped us to see how cows are designed to be ultimate milk makers!  Their digestive systems are simply a work of art!

 

The Milk Makers by Gail Gibbons blank

 

Milk: From Cow to Carton by Alikiblankblank

It quickly became obvious to the girls that the reason cows are so important to farmers…because of all the resources one can glean from these creatures.

 

Cow Supplies by Schleich 

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We used “Food Anatomy” by Julia Rothman to study all of the various dairy products used by many across the globe.

 

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 The main ingredient in each of these being, of course…milk!  We didn’t have a cow on hand to try milking so we did the next best thing.

All you need is a glove and a liquid!  Fill up and tie your rubber glove and prick a tiny hole at the end of one of the fingers to recreate an udder.  Milk away, my little farmers! 

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Well, now we knew what cows eat,  how that becomes milk and how it then comes out of the cow…so next we tried a few dairy based recipes!  First up, CHEESE!

We followed the ricotta cheese recipe provided by The Peaceful Press.  Here is an easy one if you want to give it a try!

RICOTTA CHEESE RECIPE

Ingredients:

2 quarts whole milk

1 cup heavy cream

1/2 teaspoon salt

3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Prepare:

Line a large sieve with a layer of heavy-duty (fine-mesh) cheesecloth (we used a coffee filter!) and place it over a large bowl.

Slowly bring milk, cream, and salt to a rolling boil in a 6-quart heavy pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Add lemon juice, then lower heat to low and simmer, stirring constantly, until the mixture curdles, it will take about 2 minutes.

Pour the mixture into the lined sieve and let it drain for an hour. Discard the liquid, cover and chill the ricotta. Feel free to flavor as desired! It will keep in the refrigerator 2 days.  Enjoy! 

 

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Our results!

 

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The girls weren’t crazy about the flavor alone

but on top of a cracker and drizzled with honey was certainly a hit!

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Next up!  BUTTER!  This was soooo fun to make!  

 

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BUTTER RECIPE

Ingredients:
1 pint sized (16 oz) mason jar
1 cup heavy cream (38% fat content)
cold water
2 Marbles
Prepare:
Pour heavy cream into the mason jar, filling it half-way full and add clean marbles. Screw on the lid!  Important! 
Shake the mason jar for approximately 5-7 minutes…take breaks as this is quite the workout! After the first 2 minutes or so, you’ll have whipped cream! Keep shaking until you hear that a lump has formed inside, and shake an additional 30-60 seconds after that.  (I recommend adding dance music to help keep the little shakers motivated!)
Remove the solids from the jar. The remaining liquid is buttermilk which you can save for other recipes or simply discard. 
Place the solids into a small bowl. Pour cold water over the mass and use your hands to squish it into a ball. Discard water and repeat rinsing.
At this point you have butter! You can add in things like salt or herbs at this point to flavor your butter.  Enjoy! 
(See our adventure making No-Churn Ice Cream in THIS post.)
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We decided to end our day with a fun, cow-themed sensory bin…
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…and few puzzles.
Cow Puzzle by Sunsoutblank
Cow Puzzle by Melissa and Doug
blankblankWhat are your favorite COW themed books and activities?
Sue
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