Hotchkiss Library of Sharon with Mrs. Sam, Cocoa Club Reading: "Master Willie"

A New Spin on an Old Tradition.  Cocoa Club comes to the Radio:

Stories for the Family read by children’s librarian 

broadcast on WHDD Robin Hood Radio

Every Sunday morning in December at 9:45, fix the family some delicious mugs of hot cocoa and tune in to WHDD 91.9 to listen to a short story read by Mrs. Sam of The Hotchkiss Library of Sharon. Our local children’s librarian is teaming up with Robin Hood Radio to bring us all a cozy winter tradition with two components- making food and listening to stories. Mrs. Sam says, the library wants to reach out to our community by any means possible during COVID-19 and I think revisiting the novel experience of making food together and collectively listening to the radio is a great way to inspire young minds, bring families closer and provide the entertainment we all are looking for.

The library will post a recipe challenge on social media every Monday for the families of Sharon and surrounding towns. Then, we can all make a scrumptious snack to go with our Sunday morning cocoa and story. Mrs. Sam will read a family-friendly short story and a poem, plus discussion starter questions. Everyone will have the opportunity to join the conversation online by posting pictures of the recipe they tried or writing about their thoughts on the story. Engage with your children and community with Cocoa Club. 

Please contact Mrs. Sam at [email protected] or (860) 364-5041 if you have any questions. 

This week’s recipe is Apple Blossoms!

Apple Blossoms (Apple tarts)What you will need:For apple filling:4 apples, peeled, cored, and cubed small (northern spy or Granny Smith)1 teaspoon lemon juice1⁄2 teaspoon cornstarch1⁄4 teaspoon cinnamon For caramel:4 tablespoons butter1 cup brown sugar For the dough:1 1⁄2 cups self-rising flour4 tablespoons vegetable oil water, to mix For the crumble topping:1 egg, mixed with1 tablespoon water (to make an egg wash)8 teaspoons rolled oats8 teaspoons coarse sugar (or sugar in the raw)Steps to yummy goodness:1) Preheat oven to 400° and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silpat.2) APPLE FILLING: mix all filling ingredients together in a small bowl. Set aside.3) CARAMEL: Heat caramel ingredients over medium heat; Bring to boil, stirring constantly; Let boil for about 2 minutes. Remove from heat and cool to room temperature, stirring occasionally.4) DOUGH: Mix the flour and oil together in a bowl, and mix in just sufficient cold water to make a firm (but not sticky) dough. Divide dough into 8 equal pieces. Then roll out each into a 5-6″ disc.5) ASSEMBLY: Place 1/8th of apple filling onto center of each dough round. Fold up edges of dough up towards the center, making a cup around the filling (you could use a jumbo muffin tin for this too). Brush with eggwash.6) To each blossom, sprinkle 1 tsp of rolled oats followed by a drizzle of caramel topping into tops of apple filling. Follow with a light sprinkle all over with sugar in the raw.7) Bake at 400F for 25-30 minutes or until heated through. Cool on wire rack.