Fan Favorites from Mr. John

Mr. John is the Chef for both the Howell and Herman center. He brings an unending amount of joy to everyone by bringing us all together with the delicious, nutritious, and innovative food he makes. This list is a few favorite that the kids (and staff) talk about regularly”

Sloppy Mr. Johns

This plant-based take on sloppy joes uses lentils simmered in a rich, slightly sweet tomato sauce with molasses and spices. The lentils give it heartiness, and the sauce brings deep, comforting flavor without relying on processed meat.

Unstuffed cabbage rolls

This cozy, one-pot version of a classic cabbage roll feels like a hug on a plate. Instead of rolling tiny parcels, you simmer ground meat (or a plant-based substitute) with chopped cabbage, tomatoes, and onion, so all the flavor of traditional stuffed cabbage rolls, without the fuss.

Pea Pesto Pasta

This vibrant pasta is a gentle twist on traditional pesto: instead of pine nuts alone, it uses green peas to make a creamy, protein-rich base. Tossed with pasta, bright basil-parsley pesto, sun-dried tomatoes, and peppery arugula, it’s a 30-minute meal that’s both comforting and lively.

Zucchini and Corn Fritters

These fritters are delightful little handheld bites — crisp on the outside, tender in the middle. Grated zucchini is squeezed to remove moisture, then mixed with corn, cheese, flour, and a few simple seasonings to make a flavorful batter.

Homemade, Natural Playdough

At Nestling House, we believe in play that’s simple, meaningful, and deeply connected to the natural world. Playdough is a huge part of childhood, here is a recipe from the Happy Toddler Club about how to make a taste-safe version of a classic!

What you’ll need

• 1/2 cup of boiling water

• 1/2 cup of flour

• 1 teaspoon cream of tartar

• 1/4 cup of salt

• 1.5 teaspoon of canola oil

• food coloring, kool-aid, or natural dyeing medium

Instructions

1. In a pot, mix the water and the coloring agent, then bring it to a gentle boil

2. While the water heats, combine the dry ingredients in a separate bowl

3. Once the colored water is removed from the heat, stir in the oil

4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the pot, stirring continuously until the mixture comes together into a doughy ball

5. Let the dough cool enough to handle, then knead it until it’s smooth and no longer sticky. Lightly flouring your hands can help prevent it from sticking.

6. Enjoy a fun-filled activity!

Natural Material Winter Crafts

As the weather gets colder, we love finding creative, child-led ways to bring warmth, play, and exploration into our days. Here are a few ideas to try at home!

Pinecone Snowmen

Pinecones are a true winter staple here in Wisconsin, and they make the perfect base for seasonal creativity. Start with a simple nature walk, local parks and trails are great places for children to gather pinecones of all shapes and sizes. Once you’ve collected your favorites, bring them inside and transform them into little pinecone snowmen using materials like googly eyes, pipe cleaners, buttons, glitter, or anything you have on hand. This activity invites imagination, fine-motor work, and lots of cozy winter fun.

Twig Snowflakes

Bundle up for another nature walk, this time on the lookout for a variety of small sticks and twigs. After collecting an assortment, bring them together by gluing the ends or centers to form a star shape. Children can attach smaller twigs to build a more intricate snowflake design or keep it simple and decorate the star as it is. Natural materials offer so many possibilities, and each snowflake will turn out beautifully unique.

Ice Painting

This project requires a little prep, but the results are always worth it. Start by filling an ice tray (or silicone molds, egg cartons, or any container with small wells) with water mixed with food coloring, acrylic paint, or natural dyes like pomegranate juice or turmeric. Insert a popsicle stick into each section and freeze overnight. Once solid, children can use the colorful ice blocks as paint brushes to create swirling, melting winter art while exploring temperature, color mixing, and sensory play.

Guiding Principles Check-In

As the winter season settles in, we take a moment to reflect on how this season connects to Nestling House’s guiding principles. Winter invites us to slow down, find warmth in familiar routines, and stay grounded in the values that shape our days.

Home-Like Setting

During the colder months, our home-like classrooms become especially important. Soft lighting, cozy spaces, and familiar materials helps children settle in and feel truly at home. We want Nestling House to feel like an extension of the comfort and security children experience with their families.

Predictable Caregiving routines

Winter can bring changes and excitement outside of school, but at Nestling House we still lean into the power we have discovered in dependable routines. Unhurried transitions, shared mealtimes, and consistent caregiving moments give children the stability they need to navigate new experiences with confidence.

Mixed age groups

Our mixed-age classrooms shine in winder, as older and younger children support one another during season shifts. Whether its getting boots on or taking off snow pants, our older friends are always willing to step in to offer a helping hand. These relationships build empathy, cooperation, and a sense of family that keeps everyone connected.

Continuity of care

Our children enter every season with caregivers who know their cues, preferences, and rhythms. This continuity helps children feel understood, allows them to express their needs, explore when they’re ready, and form secure attachments that they carry with them throughout their time in our centers.

Natural outdoor play space

Our outdoor space shifts as snow covers our environment, but it never stops offering wonder. We bundle up and head outside whenever possible, encouraging children to notice frosty grass, quiet air, and changing textures. With the right gear, children discover that nature has something to offer in every season.

Food and commitment to sustainability

Warm, nourishing meals, and mindful food practices continue to support our community. We talk with the children about where food comes from, how we care for our environment, and the importance of reducing waste. Sustainability isn’t a one time event, its woven into our everyday choices.

Feeling Thankful

At Nestling House, we know that caring for children is a shared effort. With Thanksgiving right around the corner, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude for our team, families, and community.

To our team: thank you for your calm presence, consistency, and commitment to creating a safe space for everyone who steps into our buildings.

To our families: Thank you for your trust, partnership, and the strong relationships we build together.

To our community: Thank you for supporting our mission and helping us create a space where children and caregivers can thrive.

We are grateful for each one of you!