Lots of Dots

Lots of Dots by Craig Frazier is a celebration of dots (or circles) all around us.  Ladybugs, scoops of ice cream, gumballs, and more are showcased in bright colors with simple, rhyming text.  I read this book to my girls (5 years old and 4 months old) and they both enjoyed it.  It's perfect for toddlers and preschoolers - there are many learning opportunities including color recognition, counting, and of course, finding all of the circles.  I plan to revisit this book when the baby is older.

I searched for an m&m cookie recipe to go along with this book, and we were very happy with the one I found.  I think they are the best m&m cookies I have ever had - yum!  Here is the recipe:

Ingredients

• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 1 cup shortening (I used 2 sticks of unsalted butter instead of shortening)
• 2 eggs
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups candy-coated milk chocolate pieces

Directions

1. In a large bowl, mix sugar, eggs, shortening, and vanilla thoroughly. Add flour, salt, and baking soda to creamed mixture. Blend well. Add 3/4 cup of M&M candies.
2. Drop dough by teaspoonful onto cookie sheet. Slightly push a few candies on top of each dough ball with remaining candies.
3. Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 9 to 11 minutes, to your liking.