The Best Holiday Foods Kids Can Make
Celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa With Fun Treats
Nov 1, 2009
No matter which holiday is celebrated at home this December, there is a treat for everyone. Children love to get involved in cooking activities, so gather up the ingredients and get ready to do a little feasting. Read on for recipes that are fun and easy to create.
Holiday Crunchy Clusters
Ingredients:
- 6-ounce package of chocolate chips
- 6-ounce package of butterscotch chips
- 1/2-ounce unsweetened chocolate
- 3-ounce can of crispy Chinese noodles
- 1/2-cup chopped walnuts
Directions:
- Melt the chips and chocolate square in the microwave or on the stove top.
- Once melted, add the nuts and noodles. Mix well.
- Using two teaspoons, drop by the teaspoon full on waxed paper.
- Let cool and dry.
These treats can be layered in clear plastic containers (like the ones you get at the deli) and decorated by the children with holiday stickers and ribbons.
Quick Holiday Pretzels
Ingredients:
- Small bowknot pretzels
- Hershey's kisses
- M&M candies
Directions:
- One child can spread the pretzels on a baking sheet, while another child can be taking the wrappers off the kisses.
- Place a kiss on top of each pretzel.
- Bake for only two minutes in a preheated 350-degree oven, or until the chocolate is soft.
- Top each 'treat' with an M&M candy. Supervise the kids as the baking sheet is hot.
- Let harden. Placing the tray in the freezer speeds up the process.
These treats satisfy the senses with both the sweet and salty tastes. Use the M&M candies that match the holiday colors which is celebrated.
Winter Chow
This is a fun treat to make and store in individual zipper-lock bags. Decorate with holiday stickers and pass out to family and friends. Note what each ingredient represents.
Ingredients:
- 1 handful mini frosted shredded wheat cereal (hay frosted with snow from the North Pole)
- 1 handful pretzel sticks (tinder twigs)
- 1 handful raisins (dried berries)
- 1 handful red candies, like M&M's or red hot cinnamon candies (fresh berries)
Directions:
- Mix all the ingredients together and divide into servings.
Edible Menorah and Rhyme
Ingredients:
- Cream cheese, softened
- White or whole wheat bread
- Pretzel sticks
- Carrot stick
- Raisins
Directions:
- Invite the kids to spread softened cream cheese onto a slice of bread.
- Arrange eight pretzel sticks in a row for candles.
- In the middle, place a carrot stick to represent the Shamash.
- Place a raisin on top of each pretzel and carrot stick for each candle flame.
- Together, recite this rhyme:
One light, two lights, three lights and four,
Five lights, six lights, and three more.
Twinkle, twinkle, nine pretty lights,
In a menorah shining bright!
(Author Unknown)
Kwanzaa Flag Cookies
Children can make flag cookies using the colors of Kwanzaa (red, black, green) during this celebration.
Ingredients:
- Graham crackers
- Vanilla frosting, homemade or store bought in a can
- Food coloring
Directions:
- Divide the vanilla frosting into three bowls.
- Add food coloring to each bowl to make red frosting, green frosting and black frosting. To make black, combine a mixture of red, green, blue, and yellow food coloring.
- Instruct the children to place a stripe of red frosting on the top of the graham cracker, followed by a black stripe and a green stripe at the bottom.
What better way to enjoy the holidays than with kids in the kitchen making fun and delicious treats for a party or just to munch on at home.
HOL101
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