When I was a high school teacher, I would look always forward to Teacher Appreciation Week. I would receive thoughtful, handwritten notes inside xerox copied apples on white paper. Some apples were colored in detailed shades of red or green. Other apples with just black and white with a scribbled note in the middle. Each year, I would always receive a note that would catch me off guard. A note from a student I'd never expect. My students recalled the little things I did that were big things in their heart. These notes were always a reminder that I made a difference, even in those students who seemed distant, apathetic, or passive about school.
Now that my kids are in school, I make it a priority for my kids to a little something nice for their teachers during Teacher Appreciation Week to thank them for all the little acts of kindness they do everyday.
For my first grader, the class mom organized:
Monday: Teacher Appreciation Banner
Tuesday: Gift Card Bouquet
Wednesday: Note from Student
Thursday: Teacher Supplies
Friday: Yummy Treats
For my Pre-K son who is only at school two days a week:
Tuesday: Sweet Treats
Thursday: Surprise Gifts
Jelo and I had a fun time using our Cricket to make this fun poster for his first grade teacher, Mrs. Knight.
We are also starting a tradition to write a note for each one of his former teachers too! I scored a pack of these cute blank greeting cards at the Dollar Tree. Thank goodness he's only in 1st grade! I hope we can do this up until high school!
DJ asked me to bake cupcakes for his pre-kindergarten teachers! Here are the coconut dulce de leche cupcakes we made for the staff at his preschool Childtime!
These cupcakes were a favorite when I was baking with Boozie Cakes! I know you'll love them too!
Dulce De Leche Coconut Cupcakes
18 TBSP ( 2 ¼ sticks) unsalted butter at room temp
3 cups sugar
6 large eggs at room temp
1 cup sourcream
1 tsp vanilla extract
Heat oven to 350. Cream butter and sugar on high until light and fluffy. On med speed, add 2 eggs at a time. Then add sourcream, buttermilk and vanilla. Scrape down sides of bowl. Sift dry ingredients and add slowly to wet mixture. Bake in oven 20-25 minutes until the top is golden brown. COOL COMPLETELY. In a bowl, add together dulce de leche, coconut milk, evaporated milk, and rum. Glaze over the cupcakes and set soak into the cake, about a tablespoon each cupcake.
Now that my kids are in school, I make it a priority for my kids to a little something nice for their teachers during Teacher Appreciation Week to thank them for all the little acts of kindness they do everyday.
For my first grader, the class mom organized:
Monday: Teacher Appreciation Banner
Tuesday: Gift Card Bouquet
Wednesday: Note from Student
Thursday: Teacher Supplies
Friday: Yummy Treats
For my Pre-K son who is only at school two days a week:
Tuesday: Sweet Treats
Thursday: Surprise Gifts
Jelo and I had a fun time using our Cricket to make this fun poster for his first grade teacher, Mrs. Knight.
Jelo's class donated gift cards and we put together this gift card bouquet. This was a hit with his kindergarten teacher last year. I bought these silk flowers at Michaels and used florist wire with hot glue to put the gift cards in place.
Dulce De Leche Coconut Cupcakes
18 TBSP ( 2 ¼ sticks) unsalted butter at room temp
3 cups sugar
6 large eggs at room temp
1 cup sourcream
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp coconut extract
1/3 cup buttermilk
3 cups all purpose flour
1/3 cup cornstarch
1 tsp salt
1 tsp baking soda
1/3 cup buttermilk
3 cups all purpose flour
1/3 cup cornstarch
1 tsp salt
1 tsp baking soda
Glaze topping:
½ cup dulce de leche
½ cup coconut milk
½ cup evaporated milk
¼ cup coconut rum
Heat oven to 350. Cream butter and sugar on high until light and fluffy. On med speed, add 2 eggs at a time. Then add sourcream, buttermilk and vanilla. Scrape down sides of bowl. Sift dry ingredients and add slowly to wet mixture. Bake in oven 20-25 minutes until the top is golden brown. COOL COMPLETELY. In a bowl, add together dulce de leche, coconut milk, evaporated milk, and rum. Glaze over the cupcakes and set soak into the cake, about a tablespoon each cupcake.
Top with Dulce De Leche Frosting:
3/4 pound (3 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 pound cream cheese, at room temperature
3/4 pound confectioners' sugar, sifted
1 ¼ tsp pure vanilla extract
2 tsp of coconut extract
1-13 oz. can of dulce de leche
Mix butter and cream cheese until creamy. Add vanilla and coconut extracts. Add dulce de leche and mix until fluffy. Add confectioner’s sugar and beat until fluffy.
Happy Teacher Appreciation Week to my teachers, past and present, my educational colleagues and friends!
