The Chef Is In

Kids Read, Write, & Cook

The Grey Lady and the Strawberry Snatcher

A Caldecott Honor Book, The Grey Lady and the Strawberry Snatcher is wonderful picture book that tells the story of an old woman who loves strawberries. The odd looking blue skinned Strawberry Snatcher also loves strawberries and follows the old woman as she heads home in pursuit of her strawberries. Past the flower shop, the pastry shop, onto the bus and through the woods, he makes every effort to snatch her strawberries, but as soon as he gets close the Grey Lady somehow escapes in surprising and funny ways. This book is full of humor and every time you read it you find something you have missed previously. The clever details Molly Bang has placed in her illustrations can not be absorbed in one reading. The trees point the way, the door knocker scowls, the many different birds quietly observe, and the unusual vegetation makes you wonder where you are and what season of the year it might be. The Strawberry Snatcher finally gives up and settles for black raspberries he finds along the way. The Grey Lady finally arrives home, where she and her family feast on strawberries. (Even the pet parrot enjoys one!)

This book is not only for children. Adults will enjoy Molly Bang’s cleverness as well and find it challenging and intellectually appealing. It is said that crossword puzzles are good for the mind, this book will help you and your child accomplish similar cognitive objectives. You must think and find. I would recommend you read this book first, take notes and make a list of questions to ask your child. Help them find the humor(the sixth sense in life) in this book. An example: What color is the Strawberry Snatcher’s hair? Strawberry blonde...of course! Thank you for this "visual" feast , Molly Bang!

Suggested Baking Activity: Strawberry Short Cake

Strawberry Short Cake
makes 6 servings

1 quart strawberries
1 cup sugar
1 cup water

2 cups flour
1 Tbsp. Baking powder
2 Tbsp. Sugar
½ tsp. Cream of tartar
1/4 tsp. Salt
½ cup shortening
2/3 cup milk

8 ounces heavy whipping cream
3 Tbsp. Confectioners sugar
½ tsp. Vanilla extract
Wash and remove stems from the strawberries. Set 6 perfect berries with stems attached aside for garnish. If the remaining berries are too large cut them in half. Combine the strawberries, sugar and water in a bowl. Using your hands gently squeeze the berries to extract some of the juice. Set aside.

Preheat oven to 450 degrees. In a medium bowl stir together flour, baking powder, sugar cream of tartar and salt. Using a pastry cutter, cut in shortening until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add the milk and stir until just mixed and dough holds together. On a lightly floured surface, roll out dough until ½ inch thick. Using a 2 ½ inch biscuit cutter or a strawberry shaped cookie cutter, cut 12 biscuits and transfer them to a lightly greased baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden. Cool on wire rack. Whip heavy cream until peaks start to form. Add confectioners sugar and vanilla.

Presentation: Use two biscuits per serving, arranging them in an attractive way and drizzling the sauce over and around them. Top with whipped cream and garnish with whole strawberries.