Robbie’s Inspiration – Recipes from Around the World and a Book Review: The Magic Blanket by Judy Mastrangelo

Talented artist and writer, Judy Mastrangelo, has a delightful new book out. This one includes a wonderful story for children, illustrated with Judy’s fantastic illustrations, as well as some games for children and even a recipe for Honey Shortbread.

The Magic Blanket

What Amazon says

Amy’s fantastical adventure begins when her Mother gives her a Magic Blanket that she decorated with pictures of a Wondrous Dream World. As Amy goes to bed that night, a little Elf hops out of the Blanket and asks her to go with him on an exciting voyage to this Fairy Tale Realm. She happily agrees, and upon arrival, he introduces her to the Royal King and Queen, and other whimsical little people, who invite Amy to see their incredible “Enchanted Land”. The two friends attend a Fairy Ball, go to Musical Performances of Frogs and Crickets, enjoy a delicious Mushroom Tea Party with tiny Woodland Creatures, and play tag with Pegasus as they fly through the Stars. Among other wonderful things, they also visit the Man in the Moon, slide down a Rainbow, and visit the lovely Lullaby Lady, who watches over little Children sleeping in the Clouds.

When Amy returns home from her delightful journey, she learns that, in her Mind, she can create an amazing, happy, and beautiful World of Dreams to visit at any time. Her Mother’s Magic Blanket was an entrance to this “Enchanted Land”, which is a Realm where Goodness Reigns, and all who are kindhearted are welcome to enter.

Children and Parents alike will love reading this Fairy Tale book together, with its charming illustrations and captivating adventures. And since this is part of Judy’s series of “Come Play With Me” books, along with the story, it also contains several engaging, fun filled, and Artistic things to do. Some of these Activities are: Baking Yummy Cookies, Coloring Pages, Performing a Play, Learning the Magic of Colors, and Painting Rainbows and Scenes from your Imagination.

My review

The Magic Blanket is a delightful story filled with fantasy creatures and magical events. A young human girl is given a beautiful blanket made by her mother. It is a magical blanket and if she believes in good magic, wonderful adventures await her. That evening, when the little girl goes to sleep, an elf from her blanket comes to life and offers to take her with him to Fantasy Land. The pair set off on a wonderful adventure and meet all sorts of interesting people.

My favourites were Sugar and Lollipop, a pair of imps who work as court jesters for the king and queen.

The book is filled with the most extraordinary artworks by the author. They are imaginative and brightly coloured and adults and children alike will love them. The last part of the book contains some fun and imaginative ideas for children’s play activities. There are also some design for children to colour in and even a recipe for honey shortbread.

Another beautiful creation by talented artist and children’s book author, Judy Mastrangelo.

Purchase links

Hardcover

Kindle

My recipe for Honey and Almond Shortbread

This is my recipe for Honey and Almond Shortbread. It isn’t the recipe in Judy’s book because I was compelled to Robbify it because that is what I do with recipes [I can’t help myself].

Ingredients

100 grams almond slivers

600 grams cake flour

110 grams sticky brown sugar

110 grams honey

360 grams cornflour

500 grams melted butter

Method

Heat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Mix cake flour, cornflour, sticky brown sugar, and almond slivers. Make a hole in the mixture. Melt the butter and pour into the hole in the mixture. Mix until all the dry ingredients are fully incorporated. Add the honey and mix well.

Scoop the mixture into prepare round baking tins and press flat. Prick with a fork up and down the flattened mixture. Bake for 40 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly. cut into triangular slice while still warm. Sprinkle with castor sugar. Serve.