Tuesday, December, 19, 2017
EASTERN OREGON MARKETPLACE
East Oregonian
Page 5A
5 Tips to Have Fun and
Enhance Learning
(Family Features)
A
ccording to the United States Department
of Commerce, 65 percent of jobs for kids
today don’t exist yet, which is why it’s
important for them to explore the fields of science,
technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM),
as those occupations are growing at a rate of 17
percent. This type of education increases science
literacy, creates critical thinkers and can prepare
the next generation for a bright future.
STEM is educational, but it can also be enjoyable
for the whole family. Consider taking your child’s
learning further with these five tips that can help
create playful experiences and spark educational
fun.
Start Early. According to the Joan Ganz Cooney
Center at Sesame Workshop, brain and skill-build-
ing experiences are critical for child development
early in life, and high-quality, early STEM expe-
riences can support children’s growth. Critical
thinking and problem-solving skills can even be
developed with programming and coding toys that
light up and make sounds.
to turn this time into learning time. Make tech
time count with options that teach kids how to
code, build apps and make digital projects come
to life. Or have them build their own video game
from scratch. Kids can build their own levels, he-
roes and art to make their stories come to life.
Play Your Way. Additionally, STEM toys can be
helpful learning tools for everything from se-
quencing to building and planning. Integrating
an activity that your child is already interested in
is one way to introduce more education into their
play time. With KamiGami, you can inspire future
scientists with interactive STEM features where
they can build six-legged animal robots and learn
programming to create dances with lights, move-
ments and sounds.
Find Resources in Your Community. Interacting
with STEM toys and experiences offers nearly
endless possibilities for young children to develop
their skills in fun and engaging ways. Try looking
for community events centered around science or
engineering. Many local community centers offer
classes and may host special STEM-focused events,
organizations and science fairs.
Find more information and ways to creatively
inspire your children’s learning opportunities at
mattel.com.
#14104
Source: Mattel
Encourage Creative Construction. STEM toys
can be fundamental learning tools that can help
children build and construct creatively at any age.
The world is a canvas for creative construction,
as children can draw with tools around the house
to build their first masterpieces. If your little one
enjoys 3-D building and matching, a toy like the
Mega Bloks Big Building Bag is perfect for little
builders to explore the concept of construction
with big blocks, allowing for endless creativity to
build anything they can imagine.
Use Technology to Your Advantage. With some
reports estimating children spend an average of
seven hours a day on smart devices, look for ways
Make Memories with Holiday Meals
(Family Features)
H
oliday meals are all about creating memories with loved ones at the family
table. One way to make those special moments truly stand out is to fill your
table with delicious recipes and the perfect wine pairings to help make the
meal unforgettable.
Begin the dining experience with a perfect light bite like scallops to tease the taste
buds. Try pairing this starter with a versatile option from an established producer
like Louis Jadot M‚con-Villages (SRP: $14.99) - which shows floral, apple and citrus
aromas and flavors - to help bring out the distinct flavor profile. Choosing wines
from an established producer is one way to help ensure you will select crowd-pleas-
ing wines. For example, Jadot - one of the most trusted names in Burgundy - offers
consistency and quality at an affordable price point.
“The scallops and truffles complement the wine’s crisp, bright and refreshing fruit
finish beautifully,” said Allison Fasano, resident chef at Urbani Truffles. “The light
citrus notes awaken the flavors of the scallops. The beurre blanc is buttery, and the
earthiness of the truffles throughout makes for a perfect match with the wine.”
A hearty main course like Beef Tenderloin with Truffles alongside Louis Jadot Beau-
jolais-Villages (SRP: $13.99) - a crisp, fruit-forward, juicy wine with expressive aro-
mas and flavors of ripe red berries - can help fulfill guests’ desires for a savory meal.
Find more affordable, versatile wines to pair with holiday recipes at Facebook.com/
LoveJadot.
Beef Tenderloin with Truffles (Filetto Di Manzo con Tartufo)
Recipe courtesy of Allison Fasano, Urbani Truffles resident chef
1
center-cut beef tenderloin, about 3 pounds
salt
freshly ground black pepper
4
tablespoons olive oil
1
teaspoon cornstarch (optional)
1/2 ounce Urbani Black Truffles
2
cloves garlic, minced
1
carrot, diced
1
stalk celery, diced
1
white onion, diced
2
sprigs rosemary
2
bay leaves
3
sage leaves
2
tablespoons Urbani Truffle Butter
2
cups dry wine, divided
2
shallots
1
cup beef stock
Heat oven to 350 F. Season beef on all sides with salt and pepper.
Heat skillet or pan to high with olive oil; add beef and sear all sides, about 3-4 min-
utes on each side, until brown and crust forms.
Remove beef from pan and let rest. Add cornstarch, truffles, garlic, carrot, celery,
onion, rosemary, bay leaves and sage leaves to skillet and lower heat to medium-low.
Allow to cook 10-15 minutes, or until vegetables are soft. Add beef back to skillet.
Deglaze skillet with 1 cup wine, scraping up brown bits from bottom of pan.
Place skillet in oven to allow beef to finish cooking at desired temperature.
While tenderloin is roasting, in saucepan over medium heat, melt truffle butter. Add
shallots and saute until softened and lightly golden, 8-10 minutes. Add remaining
wine and simmer until almost completely reduced. Add stock and simmer until it
reduces and thickens slightly, about 10 minutes. Remove sauce from heat and season
with salt and pepper.
#14045
Source: Kobrand Importers