For more ideas visit page 2.

 

WREATH COOKIES
Ingredients:
Round Butter cookies with hole in the middle
White frosting
Green food coloring
Cinnamon candies, M&M's or pieces of gum drops

Directions: Mix food coloring with frosting spread on cookie
Place decorations on cookies (Image by KidActivities.net)

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BAGEL WREATHS
Ingredients:

Bagels
Cream cheese -tinted green
Dried cranberries or dried cherries

Spread half a bagel with green cream cheese to look like the base of a wreath. Decorate the wreath with dried fruit.
(Nice for your program but also nice at home for Christmas brunch!)

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CHEERIOS CHRISTMAS TREE

Ingredients:
6 cups Honey Nut Cheerios cereal
6 tablespoons butter or margarine
4 1/2cups miniature marshmallows
Green food color
Red cinnamon candies or sliced gumdrops

1. Line a cookie sheet with waxed paper
 
2. Pour the cereal into a 4-quart bowl. Set the bowl aside.
 
3. Place the butter and marshmallows in a 3-quart saucepan. Heat over low heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture is smooth. Remove the saucepan from the heat.
 
4. Stir in the food color until the mixture is evenly colored.
 
5. Pour the marshmallow mixture over the cereal and stir until the cereal is evenly coated.
 
6. Lightly spray your hands with cooking spray. For each tree, shape about 1/4 cup of the cereal mixture into a Christmas tree shape on the cookie sheet.
 
7. Press the candies into the trees to look like ornaments.

8. Refrigerate until firm, about 1 hour. Store the trees in a loosely covered container. (Photo courtesty of mommyblogspot)

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HOT APPLE DIP   (Great for Winter Holidays!) From Apple Snacking Category
2 cups or 16 servings
Ingredients:
1 tub (8 oz.)Philadelphia cream cheese
2 Tbsp.  brown sugar
1/2 tsp. cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice
1  apple, chopped and divided in half
1/4 cup KRAFT Shredded Cheddar Cheese
1 Tbsp.  finely chopped Pecan Pieces
Wheat Thin Original Crackers or Cinnamon snack crackers

1. Heat oven to 375°F.
2. Mix cream cheese, sugar and cinnamon or spice in medium bowl until well blended. Stir in half of the apples.
3. Spread into pie plate or small casserole dish. Top with remaining apples, cheddar cheese and nuts.
4. Bake 10 to 12 min. or until heated through.
    Serve with crackers.

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'SANTA FACE' NUTTER BUTTER COOKIES (See 'Reindeer Nutter Butter' at page bottom)

Ingredients for one cookie: 
Nutter Butter Cookies, White Frosting/Icing, Red Sprinkles,  Coconut, 2 Chocolate Chips, 1 Red Hot
 
1. Put frosting on each end of the cookie. 
2. On one end dip the iced cookie into coconut to make Santa's beard. 
3.On the other end of the iced cookie, sprinkle the red sprinkles on for the hat.
4. Place the chips on with icing for the eyes and the red hot for the nose

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REINDEER CHOW
FOR SANTA TO GIVE TO THE REINDEER ON CHRISTMAS EVE... (But of course 'Santa' eats it himself!)
Recipe calls for handfuls-which would be the handful size of a child--be sure to give children plastic gloves if this is the method you will use--or measure what an actual child's handful is and use that amount in a measuring cup. (This activity is for a child care center-but it can be made at home minus the note.)

1 handful Frosted Shredded Wheat (It's hay frosted with the snow of the North Pole)
1 handful pretzel sticks (Tender twigs)
1 handful of raisins (Dried berries)
1 handful of red candy such as M&M's (Fresh berries)
The original recipe call for 1 baby carrot (It's up to you. I don't know if I'd want to mix it in the baggies with the above...)  Be sure to have extra ingredients for kids to munch on while making!

Place ingredients in a zip lock baggie. Shake up and enclose a note that says...

Even Santa's Reindeer need a snack now and then, especially on Christmas Eve, please leave me out with the cookies and milk for Santa!

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SANTA CUPCAKES

Start with 2 cups (or one 16-ounce can) vanilla frosting. Place 2/3 cup in a bowl; tint with red food coloring. Frost part of the cupcake top with white frosting for the face and the other part with red frosting for the hat. If desired, pipe white frosting to create the fur band of the hat. Press a miniature marshmallow on one side of the hat for pom-pom.

Add chocolate chips for the eyes and a red-hot candy for the nose. Gently press flaked coconut below the nose for the bear

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SUGAR CONE CHRISTMAS TREES

Ingredients: Sugar cones, Green frosting, small candies, plastic knives

Give each child a sugar cone and plastic knife. Have the children frost their 'tree base'. You can get green frosting by mixing food coloring with white frosting.
After the tree is frosted, decorate with small candies. Keep, make a scene with the trees, or eat!

Note: Raven and Laney (both age 12) decided to mix it up a bit-by adding spice drops and shredded coconut. 

Also made by 'R and L' is the  above tray of 'mixed winter goodies'.  Directions for each treat are found on this page... as well as 'Winter Snack pages' of  Snowmen and Reindeer. (Images by KidActivities.net)

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GIFT WRAPPED SNACKS (For a festive holiday touch)

1. In a large bowl, mix together such foods as dry cereal pieces, sunflower seeds, M & M's, raisins, nuts, and mini marshmallows.
2. For each child put a serving of the snack mix in the center of a holiday napkin.
3. Bring the sides of the napkin together and tie with ribbon.

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SANDWICH YULE LOG... Looking for a fun but substantial snack? Try this...good for all ages!

1. Remove the crust from a slice of bread--any kind your kids like...
2. Flatten the bread with a rolling pin and spread the bread slice with your children's favorite filling
3. Roll into a log--eat!

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APPLE CHRISTMAS ORNAMENTS

Ingredients:
Apples, Marshmallows, Pretzels

Cut and apple in half---into as many slices as you want for your ornament. 
Use halved marshmallows and anything else you'd like) in between the slices.
Break a piece off of a pretzel for the hanger. (Stretch a marshmallow to cover the base of the pretzel piece and 'glue' it to the top of the apple.) Image source littlenummies

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JOLLY S'MORES

Ingredients for one: 2 graham crackers, 1 Tablespoon peanut butter, 1 Tablespoon marshmallow creme, 1/2 chocolate bar

Spread peanut butter with knife on 1 graham cracker square. Top the peanut butter with the chocolate bar. Spread the marshmallow creme on the remaining graham cracker square; place the other cracker--marshmallow side down-- on the chocolate bar.

To make with your children...you may also be interested in the many no-bake cookie and bar recipes in the NO-BAKE CATEGORY...

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TOFFEE CRUNCH GRAHAMS 

Ingredients: 12 whole graham crackers (about 5" x 2.5 "), 1.5 cups butter  (3 sticks) use only butter-no substitutes, 1 cup packaged brown sugar, 2 cups sliced almonds

Line a 13" x 1" baking pan with heavy-duty tin foil. Place graham crackers in the pan. (They fit perfectly!

 In a saucepan, combine butter and brown sugar. Bring to a boil--stirring constantly. Carefully pour mixture over the graham crackers.  Sprinkle on the sliced almonds.  Bake at 400 for 6 to 8 minutes. Cool in pan for 4 minutes. Cut each cracker into four sections; transfer to wire racks to cool completely. (Image of candy-cooling on the rack-by KidActivities.net)

This recipe seemed so easy that I had to try it! IT IS EASY...and now sitting all wrapped in my freezer and waiting for the Holidays! Don't let the brown sugar and butter mixture scare you as you stir it in the pot. It comes together wonderfully as it begins to boil. Really nice for the Holidays! Barb

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PEANUTBUTTER AND COCONUT SNOWFLAKES
Ingredients:
Peanut butter, hexagon shaped crackers,  coconut

Spread peanut butter on the crackers.
Sprinkle coconut over them...

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HOLIDAY FRUIT CANDLE

Place a pineapple ring on each child's plate. Cut bananas in half and let each child peel his banana and place standing up in pineapple ring. Give each child a maraschino cherry and a toothpick to put on top of banana. You can put a raisin on top too. Now everyone has a Christmas candle.

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 NO COOK PUMPKIN PIE (Individual Servings)

Give each child a cup.
Into their cup put a big scoop of canned pumpkin, marshmallow creme, cool whip, and pumpkin pie spices.
Have children mix and then spread on graham crackers and eat.

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NO BAKE PUMPKIN PIE

Individual recipe:
Small custard-sized ready to eat--pie crusts
2 tablespoons canned pumpkin
1 tablespoon marshmallow creme
1 tablespoon prepared whipped topping
Sprinkle of cinnamon

Mix all ingredients together and pour into the crust. The recipe is then ready to eat; it may be refrigerated or frozen.

Get other ideas in the PUMPKIN SNACKS CATEGORY!

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MICROWAVE FUDGE #1

1 pound powdered sugar
1/2 cup cocoa
1/4 cup milk
1/4 pound margarine (or butter)
1 Tbsp. vanilla
1/2 cup chopped nuts

Blend powdered sugar and cocoa in mixing bowl then add milk and butter, cook in Microwave Oven for 2 minutes. ( do not mix these ingredients, merely place in the bowl)
Remove bowl from microwave and stir  to mix ingredients.
Add vanilla and nuts and stir until blended.
Pour in greased container and place in freezer for 20 minutes or refrigerator for 1 hour.
Cut and serve. Yield: 60 pieces.

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MINUTE MICROWAVE FUDGE #2
From the kitchen of Erica Wilson on Mrs. Clauses' website

 Ingredients:
1 pound of powdered sugar
1/2 cup cocoa
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup milk
1 Tablespoon vanilla extract
1/4 pound butter/margarine
1 cup chopped nuts

• Mix all dry ingredients together.
• Put in a 8"x8" inch microwave safe pan (important to use this size pan).
• Add milk and vanilla extract.
• Place chunk of butter/margarine in center ( leave butter as whole do not chop up).
• Microwave on high for 2 minutes until bottom of dish feels warm.
• Stir vigorously and blend in chopped nuts.
• Put in mold or whatever and chill for 1 hour.
*Use real butter for best results.

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NO BAKE PEANUTTY CLUSTERS

A super-easy sweet treat!
Makes: About 3 dozen goodies

1 bag (about 12 oz) semisweet chocolate, milk chocolate or butterscotch chips (2 cups)
2 cups chow mein noodles or any ready-to-eat cereal
1 cup peanuts
 
1. In large microwavable bowl, microwave chocolate chips uncovered on High 1 minute.
Stir after 30 seconds- until softened. Keep stirring until smooth. If not completely softened, continue microwaving 15 seconds at a time, stirring after each microwave time, until smooth.
 
2. Stir noodles and peanuts into chocolate until well coated.

3.Drop by teaspoonfuls onto waxed paper. Refrigerate about 1 hour or until firm. Store covered in refrigerator.

For other EASY CANDY RECIPES...click here!  Many are wonderful for the Holidays!

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FOR HOLIDAY SNACKS...Don't forget  fun and easy...

• Cookie-cutter sandwiches of Holiday shapes 

• Star shaped cheese and Holiday crackers

• Red and Green Christmas Chips and Salsa

• Red and Green Apples

• "Little Debbie" Tree shaped individual snack cakes 

• Red and Green Grapes

• Tomato Soup with Green Goldfish Crackers

• Ice Cream with Strawberry Syrup and Green Sprinkles

• Decorated cupcakes

• Pepperoni and Green Olive Pizza (Christmas Colors)

• Rice Crispy Treat Present: Take a treat and tie with Licorice String

• Purchased or Homemade Christmas cookies

• Hot Cocoa/Chocolate (Check out all the fun recipes!)

• Peppermint ice cream

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If your looking for GOODIES THAT MAKE GREAT GIFTS click here!  You'll find such things as Tea mix, Cocoa Mixes, Gourmet Apples, Colored Sugar, Tea Stirrers and Chocolate Covered Spoons!

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REINDEER CHOCOLATE COVERED PRETZEL RODS (Pretzel rods with antlers)

Ingredients:
4 ounces chocolate vanilla or butterscotch-flavored almond bark--chopped
12 large pretzel twists
12 pretzel rods
24 miniature semisweet chocolate chips
12 red candy-coated chocolate candies
1 roll Betty Crocker Fruit by the Foot
Cherry or other flavor chewy fruit snack rolls
12 miniature green M & M's

 1. Place candy coating (Almond Bark) in 1-cup microwavable measuring cup. Microwave uncovered on High 30 to 60 seconds, stirring every 15 seconds, until melted.
 
2. Dip pretzel twists into melted candy coating. Place on waxed paper. Let stand until coating is set.
 
3. If necessary, re-warm coating. Dip top 2 inches of pretzel rod into melted candy coating; attach pretzel rod to bottom of pretzel twist. Place on waxed paper.
 
4. To make reindeer...
Press on chocolate chips for eyes and red M & M for nose-- using melted candy coating.

• Cut scarf from fruit roll; attach to reindeer using candy coating.
• Press on green M & M for button using candy coating. Place on waxed paper. Let stand until coating is set.
• Store coated pretzel rods loosely covered at room temperature no longer than 2 weeks. Really cute!

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HUGS AND KISSES HOLIDAY PRETZELS

Ingredients: checkerboard, windowpane, square, or round shaped pretzels
M&Ms plain chocolate candies (Use red and green for the Christmas Holiday Season)
Hershey's Hugs chocolates 
Hershey's chocolate kisses (The amoubt of each depends on how many you are making) 

M& M PURCHASE TIP...

When the Christmas Holidays are over--buy all the red and green  M&M candies you can. Often they are on sale at 50-75% off and you can use the red for Valentine's Day and save the green for St. Patrick's Day!

#2 PURCHASE TIP: Be sure to buy lots of RITZ SNOWFLAKE CRACKERS during the winter Holidays...You'll then have them to pull out for dips and spreads for other Winter Food Fun! (They're only in stores for the Holidays)

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FROM OUR REINDEER THEME COME THESE GOODIES!

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REINDEER FACE SANDWICH (1 slice bread)
Peanut butter
4 mini pretzels
4 raisins or m&m's
2 mini marshmallows
Maraschino cherries or red-hot cinnamon candies
Plates and knife

 

1. Cut bread in half from corner to corner, making two equal triangles.
2. Spread peanut butter over bread.
3. Decorate as follows:

Place it in front of you, with the point facing you and the long side of triangle facing away from you. Place one mini pretzel on each upper corner for the antlers; two raisins in the center of each slice (the eyes) and one mini marshmallow for the nose...if you are making Rudolf, use a maraschino cherry or cinnamon candy -- on the tip of each short point nearest you for the nose). You now have two reindeer faces...

REINDEER SANDWICHES in general...
Just put  variety of bread slices, cheese, meat or peanut butter. Add and a good selection of veggies and fruit...Raisins, carrot strips, celery, olives, slices of red pepper,etc. This sample idea  from hamptonroads

 

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REINDEER NUTTER BUTTER COOKIE

Ingredients: Nutter Butter Cookies, Peanut Butter, Raisins, Small Pretzel Twists, Red M & M Candies

Directions:
1. Place a small amount of peanut butter on the top of a Nutter Butter cookie.
2. Put a small pretzel twist on the peanut butter, letting it stick beyond the cookie for antlers.
3. Put two more dots of peanut butter and add raisins for eyes.
4. Finally put a dot of peanut butter on the bottom part of the cookie and add a red M&M for a nose

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REINDEER POOP (These are NO-BAKE COOKIES)...Enjoy with the kids... or  give out for gifts!  Put some in a zip-lock baggie and attach one of the  "Reindeer Poop" poems from the "Reindeer Theme" page.

Ingredients: 1/2 cup butter
2 cups granulated sugar
1/2 cup milk
2 teaspoons cocoa
1/2 cup peanut butter
3 cups oatmeal -- not instant
1/2 cup chopped nuts -- optional

1. In a large saucepan, mix butter, sugar, milk and cocoa together.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil while stirring constantly. Boil for 1 minute.
3. Remove from heat and stir in the remaining ingredients.
4. Drop by the teaspoon-full onto wax paper and allow to harden.
5. They will set up in approximately 30-60 minutes.
6. This will keep for several days without refrigerating, up to 2 weeks refrigerated and 2-3 months frozen. Make 72...

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REINDEER CUPCAKES

Ingredients:
24 large pretzel twists,
24 miniature marshmallows or M&M's for eyes
24 red cinnamon candies for nose 
Optional: 24 small red gumdrops for mouth 
Make 24 cupcakes (or double or triple batch as box directs)
Can also purchase plain frosted cupcakes.   

1. Frost cupcakes with frosting. (Chocolate would most likely resemble deer)
2. For each cupcake, cut pretzel twist in half; arrange it on cupcake for reindeer antlers.
3. Cut miniature marshmallow in half; arrange on cupcake for eyes. 4. Center a gumdrop below marshmallow halves for nose.
5. Optional: Place red cinnamon candy below gumdrop for mouth. Store loosely covered.

Also check out these other decorating ideas...Reindeer with straight 'pretzel antlers' courtesy of ziggityzoom  and reindeer with 'candy cane antlers' from carpercupcakes

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 REINDEER CHOW... MAKE 'PUPPY CHOW' AND CALL IT 'REINDEER CHOW'! 

1 cup peanut butter
1/2 cup (1 stick) margarine
12 ounces chocolate chips
1 large box Crispix
2 to 2 1/2 cups confectioners sugar
 
1. Melt peanut butter, margarine and chocolate chips. ( I melt it in the microwave-checking frequently)
2. Pour mixture over large box Crispix; coat well.
3. In a paper bag put 2 1/2 cups confectioner sugar.
4. Add coated cereal. Shake well and pour onto wax paper.

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 MARSHMALLOW REINDEER...A snack and craft in one!
Ingredients:
Large Marshmallows and a dab of white frosting to hold on eyes and nose 
Stick Pretzels
Red Licorice strings (optional) 
Gummy candies, mini-chocolate chips or mini M&M's for eyes/tail

1. Assemble Reindeer bodies by sliding a pretzel stick through two marshmallows, one from either end.
2. Use 4 whole pretzel sticks for legs and a half of a pretzel stick for each antler.
3. Fold a 1 inch piece of licorice string in half and insert into face of reindeer for a red nose. 
4. Attach head with half of a pretzel stick and then tie a piece of red licorice around neck for decoration. (Sample and image by KidActivities.net)

NOTE: These should be eaten rather quickly. As our two 12 year old  crafty cooks learned-- the reindeer have a mind of their own and want to sit or lean after a bit...

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 This is page 1-Visit page 2 for more Christmas Snack ideas!

 FOR OTHER WINTER HOLIDAY & GOOD ALL-WINTER TIME SNACKS visit...

• HOT COCOA RECIPES CATEGORY...Yummy! Be sure to try the easy 'NUTELLA HOT CHOCOLATE' idea!
• SNOWMAN THEMED SNACKS  
• PRETZEL RECIPES OF ALL TYPES  
• EASY CANDY RECIPES
• CANDY CANES & What You Can Do With Them
• LOTS OF SNACK MIX RECIPES
• Be sure to visit the WINTER THEMED FOOD PAGE.  Goodies that would also be great for this Holiday Season!
• REINDEER THEME
• SNOWFLAKE THEME 

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  APPLE TURKEYS 

These are fun to make. The tail feathers can be  colored mini-marshmallows, gumdrops or ring cereal. The feet can be whatever you decide--such as gum drops or candy corn.  

Need: apples, large marshmallows, candy corn and colored toothpicks.

1. The apple is the body of the turkey.

2. Add colored mini-marshmallows or gum drops to 5 or 6 toothpicks; stick them in one end of the apple, like a fan.

3. Use a toothpick for the neck. Use a marshmallow for a head. Tiny raisin pieces make the eyes and a candy corn for the beak.

4. Use 3 yellow toothpicks for legs (in a triangular position so your turkey can stand up) (Sample and Photo by KidActivities) 

Personally, I like to eat the spice gum-drops! When you are making food crafts with children, make sure to have a  extra pieces for the kids to munch on!  NOTE: Because of the toothpicks-this 'Turkey' would be better to only use as a decoration with younger children... 

I've also tried this idea using a pear! Be sure the pear is very firm and not ripe. (The pears will ripen and become soft quickly.) I was able to only keep the 'Turkey' on the table about 3 days and then needed to discard it. Pear samples were made with gum-drops and colored mini marshmallows. (Barb)

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ICE-CREAM CONE CORNUCOPIA
Put little cookies, raisins, nuts, M&M's, and pretzels into an ice cream cone (the ones that are pointed) to make a cornucopia snack. Use icing/frosting to hold them in.

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Four Pumpkin recipes here... but be sure to also visit the PUMPKIN SNACKS AND RECIPES CATEGORY!  Great for Thanksgiving!!!

#1 NO COOK PUMPKIN PIE (Individual servings)

Give each child a cup. Into their cup put a large scoop of canned pumpkin, marshmallow crème, cool whip, and pumpkin pie spices. Children then mix and  spread it on graham crackers and eat. Idea of Dare-to-Disturb

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#2 NO BAKE PUMPKIN PIE
Individual recipe:
Small custard-sized ready to eat--pie crusts
2 tablespoons canned pumpkin
1 tablespoon marshmallow creme
1 tablespoon prepared whipped topping
Sprinkle of cinnamon

Mix all ingredients together and pour into the crust. The recipe is then ready to eat; it may be refrigerated or frozen.

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#3 PUMPKIN DIP

4 c. powdered sugar
2 (8 oz.) pkgs. cream cheese
1 can (30 oz.) pumpkin pie filling
2 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. ginger
Combine sugar and softened cream cheese until well blended. Beat in remaining ingredients. Store in airtight container in the refrigerator. This dip is good with gingersnaps

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#4 FROZEN PUMPKIN DESSERT
1 15 ounce. can pumpkin
1/2 gallon of vanilla ice cream
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
3/4 cups sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, 1/4 teaspoon ginger, 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves, 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans 

Soften the ice cream. Combine pumpkin and other ingredients. Fold ice-cream with pumpkin mixture.  
Pour into a 9" by 13" pan. Top with chopped nuts. Freeze overnight. This can also be put together weeks ahead. 
Warm at room temperature slightly before serving so pieces will easily cut. Top with whipped cream if desired.

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CANDY CORN PUDDING
Ingredients:
1 small box of butterscotch instant pudding
1 small box of banana cream instant pudding
4 cups milk
Red food coloring
Yellow food coloring
1 container of whipped cream
Candy corn

1. Make  butterscotch pudding as directed on the box, using 2 cups of milk.After it's mixed, add 20 drops of red food coloring and 25 drops of yellow food coloring, stir and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

2. Make banana cream pudding as directed, using the last two cups of milk.Add 20 drops of yellow food coloring and refrigerate until ready to use.

Use clear dessert containers OR small clear plastic cups... 

To assemble...
1. Put the yellow pudding at the bottom:
2. Then the orange:
3. And last, the coolwhip

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This one is also nice September through November! MAKE SOME SUPER EASY AND YUMMY ACORNS!

Ingredients:
Glazed donut holes
Choice of Nutella, chocolate frosting or peanut butter
Chocolate sprinkles, crushed toffee bits, or crushed nuts
Pretzel Sticks broken in halves

1. Dip an end of the Donut Hole into your choice of spread. ( Nutella, etc.) Only dip it half way!
2. Dip the frosted end into your 'sprinkle' choice. This is the top of the acorn.
3. Stick the pretzel stick into the top of the acorn. This is the stem.

Image by Kid Activities. NOTE: These were made by M and B ~7 and 5 years old. TIP: We used two kinds of donuts; a box from the bakery and Entemann's. The bakery donuts were too soft to easily work with. The sample image uses Nutella with a combination of chocolage sprinkles and finely chopped pecans. They tasted even better after being in the refrigerator awhile! (Good the next day too-when covered)

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THANKSGIVING SNACK MIX WITH A MESSAGE... This is great to serve as a snack or to tie up prettily in a baggie with raffia and a note explaining the symbolism of the ingredients!

If you're going to put this out in a bowl for children or guests to munch on---write the symbolic ingredients on a card and place it near the treat for all to see!

Ingredients:
2 cups Bugles corn snacks (horn of plenty)
1 cup candy corn (corn that pilgrims ate at the first Thanksgiving)
1 cup dried fruit (a sweet harvest)
2 cups pretzels (arms folded in thanks)
1 cup nuts or sunflower seeds (a bountiful harvest)
Recipe makes 8 servings

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 PARTY MIX #1... One easy way to provide Thanksgiving party food for kids (or adults)  is to create a huge bowl full of snack mix. Start with a box or two of your favorite snack cereal Add candy corn, raisins, small marshmallows, small pretzels, chocolate chips and other treats to the mix.

THANKSGIVING  PARTY MIX #2

Ingredients:
1 6-oz bag original flavor Chex Party Mix
2 cups Wheat Chex cereal
1 cup candy corn
1/2 cup whole salted almonds
1/2 cup chopped dried apples 
In a large bowl, mix one 6-oz bag original flavor Chex Party Mix, 2 cups Wheat Chex cereal, 1 cup candy corn, 1/2 cup whole salted almonds and 1/2 cup chopped dried apples.

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AUTUMN 'PUMPKIN PIE' POPCORN AND RAISIN MIX

1 bag low-fat microwave popcorn
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
1 cup California Raisins
1 (5-ounce) package glazed pecans
Butter-flavored non-stick cooking spray
 
1. Microwave popcorn according to package directions and empty into a large bowl. Remove all unpopped kernels.
2. Stir sugar and pumpkin pie spice together in a small bowl.
3. Spray popcorn liberally with cooking spray and toss to coat evenly. Add raisins and pecans.
4. Sprinkle with sugar and spice mixture and toss until popcorn is well coated.
Makes 12 (1-cup) servings.

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You may also like the SNACK MIX RECIPES Category...! Lots of ideas there!!!

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POPCORN PUMPKINS (Visit the Popcorn Snacks and Recipes  page for loads of Popcorn snack ideas! Popcorn is always nice in Autumn) 

1. Microwave and melt 1/4 c. margarine/butter and  10 1/2 oz. of mini marshmallows for 1-2 min.

2. Stir in a 4 serving size orange Jell-O; after it is combined, pour it over 3 qts of popped popcorn (12 cups)

3. Grease/butter hands and form the popcorn into pumpkin-shaped balls.

4. Complete pumpkin with a green spearmint for the top stem.

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'FRIENDSHIP' FRUIT SALAD for a classroom or childcare program... 
Ask each child to bring in a piece of fresh fruit or a can of fruit. Have them chop the fruit with a plastic knife. Mix all together in a big bowl and serve. May top with miniature marshmallows and/or  add some dry vanilla pudding (or cool-whip) and shredded coconut to the fruit to make it special.
The extra cans of fruit left over can be donated to a local food pantry.

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 APPETIZER CENTERPIECE

To stabilize the turkey body, slice a piece of melon from the bottom.  Alternate cheese cubes and grapes onto long tooth picks. Put the (feathers) fruit and cheese skewers near the back of the melon. At the sides, insert red and yellow pepper strips. Insert a small pear in the front of the melon for the head. Complete the decorations using read and yellow pepper pieces and additional cheese!

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ANOTHER FUN APPETIZER IDEA!  BREAD BOWL and DIP TURKEY

Ingredients: Round loaf of bread--scooped out in one piece or cubes--your choice, favorite bread dip (such as spinach dip), cut up veggies, long tooth picks and skewers

OK get ready for this one! The scooped out bread bowl with the dip in it-- is the body of the turkey. Place the scooped out bread and put it where the turkey's head would go. Next thread veggies on the really long toothpicks or skewers...those are the tail feathers! Improvise with veggie bits for the wattle and eye...If platter is large enough, surround this guy with additional veggie dippers. Love this one!

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How cute are these?!

Pilgrims "Reeses Peanut Butter Cup" Hats... Attach hat tops with frosting. Cookie base can be made using ginger snaps,  striped round cookies or small sugar cookies. An orange chicklet is used for the buckel.

 

PILGRIM HATS #2 using Marshmallows 

 24 round chocolate striped cookies, 12 ounce pack of chocolate chips,  24 marshmallows,  Tube yellow frosting (Makes 24)

1. Set the chocolate-striped cookies stripes down on a wax-paper-covered tray, spacing them well apart.
2. Melt the chocolate chips in a microwave or double boiler.
3. One at a time, stick a wooden toothpick into a marshmallow, dip the marshmallow into the melted chocolate, and promptly center it atop a cookie.
4. Using a second toothpick to lightly hold down the marshmallow, carefully pull out the first toothpick. Chill the hats until the chocolate sets, then pipe a yellow decorators' frosting buckle on the front of each hat.

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Turkey Cookies by Pillsbury ... Candy corn feathers are attached using chocolate frosting. The eyes are small baking bits with a dab or dark frosting in the center. Orange tube frosting is squiggled on for the beak and feet! This decorating would also be adorable on top of cupcakes! The candy corn would adhere nicely to the frosting...

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FUN TURKEY SANDWICH
Use a large turkey shaped cookie cutter to cut out turkey shapes from wheat bread. Spread the whole shape with peanut butter. Use a raisin for and eye, a slice of a red gummy worm for the wattle, and fruit loops for the tail feathers.

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PEANUT BUTTER TURKEY TREATS (A little different than above)
1. Using a large, turkey-shaped cookie cutter, cut cookie shapes out of toast.
2. Spread toast turkeys with peanut butter.
3. Add corn candies for feathers.
4. Add raisins for eyes.

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MINI CORNUCOPIAS 
Make mini cornucopias using bugles and Trix cereal for snack.

The kids can create their own by adding some peanut butter inside the bugle and then adding a few pieces of the trix. They come out cute and the kids love them! 

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BOUNTIFUL COOKIES
Both an activity and snack in one! Yummy for all ages!

Bake or purchase sugar cookies that are cut out in Thanksgiving shapes. (Turkeys, pilgrim hats, pumpkins, etc.)
Place containers of "autumn" colored frosting, sprinkles, candy corn, and other decorations on the table. Children decorate as desired!

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OREO TURKEY

To make one turkey, you need two Double Stuff Oreo cookies, candy corn and a chocolate covered raisin (Raisinettes)...

Open one of the Oreos. The side with the filling is the base of the turkey. (Eat the other part!) Take the other cookie and stand it upright in the filling. Stick pieces of candy corn in the filling of the upright cookie for feathers and place the raisin in front of the body for the turkey's head.

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OREO TURKEY (Version #2)

Oreo cookie, Candy Corn, Hershey Kiss--
OPTIONAL: Green icing (or white with green food coloring)
Red icing or small piece of red licorice.

1. Divide the Oreo into two pieces without breaking the cookies.
2. Place four or five pieces of candy corn around the top of the Oreo cookie that has the icing.
3. Place the flat part of the Kiss in the icing at the bottom of the Oreo.
OPTIONAL IDEAS:
Add green icing to the other half of the Oreo so the Turkey will look like it is standing up.
Add a touch of red icing or a small string of red licorice to make the waddle. Eyes can be added using small pieces of icing.

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CORN CAKES

A fun snack using Jiffy cornbread mix....
Make dollar-sized corn pancakes from the mix; fry them on an electric skillet or griddle.

Top mini-cakes with butter and other toppings the children can bring in--such as jelly, jam, honey, etc. (or the program supply toppings)

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TURKEY GLOVE
Need: plastic gloves (deli kind)
Popped Popcorn (Made into popcorn balls if able to)
Candy corn or Reeses pieces.
  • Fill the fingers with candy corn and the thumb with popcorn. 
  • Place the ball in the palm of the bag. 
  • Glue an eye on and then twist the bag. 
  • Place cardboard feet on bottom. 
  • Don't forget the little red waddle over the nose/beak.

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CRANBERRY SAUCE...  This one is for you at home--so simple and very good! The kids also like this one...
1 can whole cranberries (not jellied)
1 can mandarin oranges (drained)
1 cup walnuts
1 cup pecans (Adjust amount of both nuts to suit your taste)

In a medium size bowl, gently fold together cranberries, mandarin oranges, walnuts, and pecans. Serve cold.

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APPLE DIPS & SPREADS

APPLE CARAMEL DIP #1 
Caramel apple dip
1 bag Kraft caramels
1 can sweetened condensed milk
1 stick butter or margarine
1 bag apples
Unwrap caramels. Combine caramels, butter and milk. Melt together in microwave. Stir occasionally while melting. Slice apples. Dip into warm caramel. Keeps well in refrigerator and just needs to be heated again when serving.

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CARMEL APPLE SPREAD #2 
8 oz Cream cheese, softened
1/2 c Brown sugar
1/2 tsp. Vanilla
1/2 tsp. Caramel Flavoring
Apple slices…
Blend all ingredients with mixer. Serve with apple slices. Tastes like caramel apples, but doesn’t stick to your your teeth

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APPLE CREAM CHEESE CARMEL DIP #3
8 oz. cream cheese
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1/2 cup caramel sauce
1 tsp. vanilla
Mix together and chill.
Option: Mold Mixture into a ball and roll the ball in broken Heath candy pieces.

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SPREAD #4
1 jar of Carmel sauce (Mrs. Richardson's is good) 
1/2 cup of Sour Cream
Heath Bar pieces
Mix all together...

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APPLE SPREAD  #5 
Ingredients:
1 8 oz. pkg. cream cheese, softened
1 c. grated cheddar cheese
1/4 c. mayonnaise
Dash of sugar
1 c. chopped apple with peel
1/2 c. chopped celery
1/2 c. chopped pecans
Directions:
Mix together the cream cheese and cheddar cheese until well blended. Add remaining ingredients and mix well. Serve with crackers or fresh vegetables.

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APPLE CHEESE SPREAD #6
8 oz. package softened cream cheese
1 ½ cups shredded Monterey jack cheese
1 cup diced apple (unpeeled)
1/3 chopped walnuts
2 Tbl. Milk
½ tsp. cinnamon
1/8 tsp. nutmeg

• Beat the cream cheese until light and fluffy in a small mixing bowl.
• Beat in the remaining ingredients until well blended.
• Refrigerate, covered, for 1 to 2 hours to allow flavors to blend.
• The spread will keep in the refrigerator for up to one week if covered. Use spread on bagels, crackers or waffles.
  Makes 2 cups.

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HOT & COLD BEVERAGES

 PUMPKIN SMOOTHIE
4 servings, about 1 cup each
1 qt. (4 cups) milk
1 pkg. (4-serving size) JELL-O Butterscotch Flavor Instant Pudding & Pie Filling
1/2 cup vanilla ice cream, softened
1 tsp. pumpkin pie spice

1. PLACE all ingredients in large pitcher with tight-fitting lid; cover. Shake vigorously 1 minute or until well blended.
2. POUR evenly into 4 glasses. Serve immediately. (Mixture thickens as it stands. Thin with additional milk, if desired.)From Kraft Food Website

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PUMPKIN BOWL PUNCH
Thouroughly clean out and scrape the sides of a pumpkin. 
Fill with vanilla ice cream and ginger ale. (Or your favorite Autumn punch recipe)

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 PUMPKIN SPICE HOT COCOA - Wonderful for November evenings!

6 cups of milk
6 packets of powdered hot chocolate OR ½ lb. of dark chocolate bits
1 1/2 tbsp. pumpkin pie spice
Lots of whipped cream
Cinnamon

Heat milk to almost boiling. Place hot chocolate mix into mugs and thoroughly mix in ¼ T of pumpkin pie spice in each cup. Pour in hot milk and stir well. Load on the whip cream. Sprinkle cinnamon on top. Recipe and photo thanks to No Fuss Fabulous Serves 6

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   ZESTY PUMPKIN SMOOTHIE
1/2 cup pumpkin puree
1 cup vanilla yogurt
2 cups milk
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
4 ice cubes
Directions:
Combine ingredients in blender and blend until smooth. Pour into glasses and serve immediately with drinking straws.

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 APPLE CIDER served warm or cool is the perfect beverage for a Thanksgiving gathering. To fill the room with a delicious aroma, fill a crock-pot with apple cider. Add 2 or three cinnamon sticks.
Optional: Add 1/2 cup of maple syrup or orange juice. Simmer on low. Mmmmm, I can already smell it!

 

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 Other Thanksgiving Activity, Game, and Snack Links...

• Everything Thanksgiving!
• Thanksgiving Games
• Thanksgiving Snacks and Goodies
• Thanksgiving Arts, Crafts, Miscellaneous
• Autumn/Fall Games
• Autumn Pumpkin Theme
• Pumpkin Snacks and Recipes
• Popcorn Snacks and Recipes (Nice for Autumn!)
• Snack Mix Recipes
• Easy Candy Recipes
• Colonial Theme

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Great to make with kids! (Also visit our 'Pumpkin Theme' with games, art, crafts, science and more...)

 

PUMPKIN DIP #1 

4 c. powdered sugar
2 (8 oz.) pkgs. cream cheese
1 can (30 oz.) pumpkin pie filling
2 tsp. cinnamon and 1 tsp. ginger
Combine sugar and softened cream cheese until well blended. Beat in remaining ingredients. Store in airtight container in the refrigerator.
This dip is good with gingersnaps!

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PUMPKIN DIP #2 (Almost like above but with orange added)

1 - 8 ounce package cream cheese, softened
2 cups confectioner's sugar
1 - 15 ounce can pumpkin puree
1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
1 teaspoon pure orange extract
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
Gingersnaps cookies, apple slices

Blend cream cheese and confectioner's sugar until smooth in food
processor. Remove cover;add pumpkin and remaining ingredients. Blend
thoroughly.Chill 30 minutes or until ready to serve. Serve with cookies and/or
apple slices. Recipe: Soniatasteshawaii

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 PUMPKIN DIP #3

Ingredients
2 cups Pumpkin Puree - canned or fresh
1 cup Brown Sugar
1 tsp. Ground Cinnamon
1 tsp. Pumpkin Pie Spice
1 pkg. Cream Cheese, softened
Directions:
1. Place pumpkin puree and cream cheese into alarge bowl and mix together.
2. Add all other ingredients
3. Mix ingredients together until smooth and
creamy.
4. Refrigerate at least four hours or overnight.
5. Serve with ginger snaps, crackers, apples, celery, carrots, etc.
Recipe Source: pumpkinnook

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TIP: RECIPE FOR 'PUMPKIN PIE SPICE'...
Of course you can purchase the spice--but you can also make your own!

Ingredients:
4 tablespoons ground cinnamon and 4 teaspoons ground nutmeg
4 teaspoons ground ginger
3 teaspoons ground allspice
In a small bowl, combine all ingredients and mix well. Store in air tight container.

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PUMPKIN PUDDING
Ingredients
1 cup Canned Pumpkin
1 pkg. (4 serving size) Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix
1 tsp. Pumpkin Pie Spice
1 1/4 cups Skim Milk or 1% Milk

1. Mix all ingredients together.
2. Place in individual bowls or glasses and chill until set.
3. Serve cold.
Makes 4 servings

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CROCK POT PUMPKIN PUDDING by Adria Stone Sims

(Just like pumpkin pie without the crust )

Ingredients:
1 can ( 15oz.) pumpkin puree' or filling
1 scant tbsp of pumpkin pie spice
2 tsp of vanilla
1 can  evaporated milk
3/4 cup of sugar ( Adria used 1/2 white, 1/4 brown)
1/2 cup of biscuit mix/bisquick
2 tbsp butter
2 eggs

OPTIONAL:
Whipped cream or Cool Whip
Individual pie crustsl
Graham crackers

1. Spray crock pot with non-stick spray

2. Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl - use an electric mixer at low speed & mix until smooth. -Pour into crockpot

3. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours (at about the 4 hour mark check it;c rock pots cook at various temps) Pudding is done when it's similar to a pie or mousse. The sample was more like a firm'whipped mousse'.

** Adria put 2 paper towels, layered, across the top of the CP before she put the lid on to catch the moisture.....you may not have to do that. Serve in bowl with cool whip, or in individual pie crusts, or in a bowl with cool whip and graham crackers crumbled......It all depends how you like to eat " pumpkin pie"

TIP: if you like to eat your pumpkin pie cold-put in a dish and refrigerate til ready to eat. Source 'Crock Pot Girls' page on face book

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MICROWAVE PUMPKIN BUTTER

Ingredients:
Scant 1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup water
1/2 teaspoon allspice
1/4 teaspoon ginger
1/4 teaspoon clove
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1 1/2 cups (15 oz) canned pumpkin (NOT pumpkin pie filling mix)
Adjust all to your taste.

Combine everything except pumpkin in microwave-safe bowl. Mix well, and microwave on high for three minutes.
Carefully remove from microwave;stir well.
Stir in pumpkin and microwave on high 5 minutes.
Remove from microwave -- stir, and let cool.

Pumpkin is not butter but sweet, spicy, and dense. It's great on toast or pancakes. Also-makes nice holiday gifts!

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CROCK POT-SLOW COOKER PUMPKIN BUTTER
Ingredients:
2 cups of cooked, pureed pumpkin (or you can use a 15oz can of pumpkin if you don't want to use fresh)
1 cup white sugar
1 cup brown sugar
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1 Tbsp. finely grated fresh ginger
1/8 tsp ground cloves

Combine all ingredients in crock-pot and stir to mix well.
Cook on Low for 5 hours, stirring occasionally. It will thicken as it cooks.
Do not let it burn or stick.
Store in the refrigerator or freeze.

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NO-COOK PUMPKIN PIE (Individual servings)

Give each child a cup. Into their cup put a large scoop of canned pumpkin, marshmallow crème, cool whip, and pumpkin pie spices. Children then mix and  spread it on graham crackers and eat. (Idea of Dare-to-Disturb)

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NO BAKE PUMPKIN PIE
Individual recipe:
Small custard-sized ready to eat--pie crusts
2 tablespoons canned pumpkin
1 tablespoon marshmallow creme
1 tablespoon prepared whipped topping
Sprinkle of cinnamon

Mix all ingredients together and pour into the crust. The recipe is then ready to eat; it may be refrigerated or frozen.

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MINI PUMPKIN PIES
Place a wafer cookie in the bottom of a cupcake paper.
Fill with pumpkin filling--top with miniature marshmallows.
Bake for 10-15 minutes.

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FROZEN PUMPKIN DESSERT
1  can pumpkin (15 oz)
1/2 gallon of vanilla ice cream
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
3/4 cups sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, 1/4 teaspoon ginger, 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves, 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans

Soften the ice cream. Combine pumpkin and other ingredients. Fold ice-cream with pumpkin mixture.  
Pour into a 9" by 13" pan. Top with chopped nuts. Freeze overnight. This can also be put together weeks ahead. 
Warm at room temperature slightly before serving so pieces will easily cut. Top with whipped cream if desired.

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TWO INGREDIENT PUMPKIN CAKE

Ingredients
1 box any flavor cake mix (Spice is recommended-I used chocolate)
1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin (NOT pumpkin pie filling)
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Generously grease a 9x13 or 9X11 inch baking pan.
 
1. In a large bowl, mix together the cake mix and canned pumpkin until well blended. Spread evenly into the prepared pan.
2. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes , or until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
3. Cool and serve, or store in the refrigerator.

NOTES: We tasted this warm--but agree that it tasted better cold--if fact it tasted better the next days! After reading a lot of reviews in several places about adding ingredients--I DID add 2 eggs. Othes have said how difficult it was to mix the ingredients--but using a hand mixer, it was no more difficult than mixing a regular cake. There was one piece oF cake left that was well wrapped in the frig--after one week it still tasted moist! (We went on vacataion LOL-it was nice coming home to it!)

(Next time I'll try it with NOT adding the two eggs and will update this post.)

For the photo-I melted canned cream cheese frosting. For ourselves and the rest of the cake--chocolate frosting was used. (Tip: Did you know that you can take any canned frosting-put it a bit in the microwave and you have a wonderful glaze or dessert topping?!!! I especially like using this quick method to frost bundt cakes... Barb)

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 PUMPKIN CHIPS #1
When it comes to Fall recipes, this is one you should try!

Ingredients:
Peeled Pie pumpkin (a regular Jack-o-Lantern or field pumpkin can also be used)
Salt

Preheat deep frying oil in a fryer to 375 degrees.
Slice pumpkin pulp as thinly as possible, no more than 1/8" thick.
Carefully, drop a few chips at a time into the hot oil.
Fry until crisp.
Remove chips from the oil and place on paper towels to drain.
Salt to taste. Serve warm.

FRIED PUMPKIN CHIPS #2
Need:
1 pumpkin
Salt and pepper
Flour
Electric skillet
Spatula
Sharp knife
 
Slice pumpkin into thin strips.
Salt and pepper the strips, then dust them with flour.
Fry, turning occasionally, until the strips are browned.

PUMPKIN CHIPS #3
Ingredients:
Fresh pumpkin- seeded, pared, and cut into 2x4 inch sections
Vegetable oil for frying
Salt or garlic salt

1. Slice the pumpkin sections with the slicing disk.
2. Soak slices in water for 1 hour.Remove and pat dry.
3. Fry a few slices at a time in oil at 360 degrees F.(Approx. 2 minutes or until lightly browned.Drain on paper towels.
4. Sprinkle with salt or garlic salt or a mixture of salt, ginger, and nutmeg. A mixture of garlic salt and curry powder is also good.

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FRIED PUMPKIN BLOOMS  

Gather pumpkin blooms.
Wash and roll in batter made of egg, flour and milk.
Put in hot oil and fry until light brown.
Salt and pepper to taste.

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PUMPKIN SHAPED CAKE
Make or purchase two bunt cakes. To create your pumpkin--put the two cakes together. You may want to use frosting between the cakes to hold together. (You also may have to shave a bit off the bottom cake to sit on the plate and stay level) Cover with orange frosting and decorate as desired!

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LEFT-OVER  PUMPKIN SEEDS from Autumn Pumpkins!

You can quickly make pumpkin seeds in your microwave. The shells are edible --- and a good source of fiber. You can also use this method with other seeds such as acorn squash and butternut squash.

Ingredients:
1 cup pumpkin seeds, 1 Tbsp. Olive oil or butter, Salt, seasoned salt, garlic /onion powder or other seasonings to your choice.

Rinse pumpkin seeds. Remove all the pulp. Drain the seeds and discard the pulp. Spread out on paper towel on a cookie sheet and dry them over-night. Place butter or Olive Oil l in a microwave-safe, baking dish.

Microwave on high about 7 to 8 minutes or until seeds are toasted a light golden color. Be sure to stir every 2 minutes as they are cooking. When done, sprinkle with your choice of seasonings. Coat evenly. Cool them before eating or storing. They can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature up to 3 months or refrigerate up to 1 year.

If you like your toasted pumpkin seeds extra-salty, soak them overnight in a solution of 1/4 cup salt to 2 cups of water. Dry an additional day, and follow the above directions.

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 POPCORN PUMPKINS (Not made from pumpkins-but look like pumpkins!) 

1. Microwave and melt 1/4 c. margarine/butter and 10 1/2 oz. of mini marshmallows for 1-2 min.

2. Stir in a 4 serving size orange Jell-O; after it is combined, pour it over 3 qts of popped popcorn (12 cups)

3. Grease/butter hands and form the popcorn into pumpkin-shaped balls.

4. Complete pumpkin features witha green spearmint candy for the top stem and chocolate chips and M&Ms for the face. (Or just add a leaf for a plain pumpkin)

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SPICED PUMPKIN MOUSSE

1 envelope unflavored gelatin (2 1/4 teaspoons)   
1/4 cup cold water   
1 (15-ounce) can pure pumpkin   
3/4 cup packed light brown sugar   
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon   
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg   
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger   
1/8 teaspoon salt   
2 1/4 cups chilled heavy cream   
1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract, divided   
Garnish: ground cinnamon (optional)   
Equipment: 8 (8-ounce) glasses   
Directions
Sprinkle gelatin over water in a small saucepan and let soften 1 minute. Bring to a bare simmer, stirring until gelatin has dissolved. Whisk together gelatin mixture, pumpkin, brown sugar, spices, and salt in a large bowl.

Beat 1 cup cream with vanilla until it holds soft peaks, then fold into pumpkin mixture gently but thoroughly.

Spoon about 1/2 cup pumpkin mixture into bottom of each glass. Chill until set, at least 2 hours.
Beat remaining 1 1/4 cups cream with remaining 1 tsp vanilla until it holds soft peaks. Dollop each with whipped cream before serving. Courtesy: kitchendaily

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AUTUMN SOUP IN A PUMPKIN

Need: A Pumpkin and two cans soup of your choice...

Clean out the pumpkin and don't cut a face.
Make the soup and pour it in the pumpkin...
Easiest directions you'll ever get!

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EASY PUMPKIN SOUP
Ingredients
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
2 cans (14-1/2 ounces each) Progresso Chicken Broth
1 can (15 ounces) solid-pack pumpkin
1 teaspoon brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 cup heavy whipping cream

In a large saucepan, saute onion in butter until tender. Remove from the heat; stir in flour until smooth. Gradually stir in broth, pumpkin, brown sugar, salt, pepper and nutmeg; bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes. Add cream; cook for 2 minutes or until heated through. Yield: 6 servings.

NOTE: People that have made this soup say it's really good. All say to adjust seasoning as you like. One says she added Saigon cinnamon and doubled the nutmeg. She also sprinkled additional grated fresh nutmeg on top. Another says...This soup is wonderful. I altered it by adding 1/8 tsp of cinnamon and doubled the nutmeg. I also used 99% fat free chicken broth and reduced the whipping cream to 3/4 cup to lower the calories. This tastes like the pumpkin soup at UNO's. Very easy to make.

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PUMPKIN DRINKS...

PUMPKIN PUNCH
Thouroughly clean out and scrape the sides of a pumpkin. Line the inside with Saran Wrap. 
Fill with vanilla ice cream and ginger ale. (Or your favorite fall punch recipe)

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PUMPKIN SPICE HOT COCOA - Wonderful for Autumn evenings!

6 cups of milk
6 packets of powdered hot chocolate OR ½ lb. of dark chocolate bits
1 1/2 tbsp. pumpkin pie spice
Lots of whipped cream
Cinnamon

Heat milk to almost boiling. Place hot chocolate mix into mugs and thoroughly mix in ¼ T of pumpkin pie spice in each cup. Pour in hot milk and stir well. Load on the whip cream. Sprinkle cinnamon on top. Recipe and photo thanks to No Fuss Fabulous Serves 6

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PUMPKIN SMOOTHIE
4 servings, about 1 cup each
1 qt. (4 cups) milk
1 pkg. (4-serving size) JELL-O Butterscotch Flavor Instant Pudding & Pie Filling
1/2 cup vanilla ice cream, softened
1 tsp. pumpkin pie spice

1. Place all ingredients in large pitcher with tight-fitting lid; cover. Shake vigorously 1 minute or until well blended.
2. Pour evenly into 4 glasses. Serve immediately. (Mixture thickens as it stands. Thin with additional milk, if desired.) From Kraft Food Website

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 ZESTY PUMPKIN SMOOTHIE
1/2 cup pumpkin puree
1 cup vanilla yogurt
2 cups milk
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
4 ice cubes
Directions:
Combine ingredients in blender and blend until smooth. Pour into glasses and serve immediately with drinking straws.

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You may also like the Autumn/Fall Pumpkin Theme: Games, Art, Crafts, Science, Poems, Songs and Finger Play

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Easy Candy recipes to add to your 'Cooking with Kids' file- yummy for adults too! 

 Updated January 2013

FUDGE RECIPES...

MICROWAVE FUDGE 
1 pound powdered sugar
1/2 cup cocoa
1/4 cup milk
1/4 pound margarine (or butter)
1 Tbsp. vanilla
1/2 cup chopped nuts

1. Blend powdered sugar and cocoa in mixing bowl then add milk and butter, cook in Microwave Oven for 2 minutes. ( do not mix these ingredients, merely place in the bowl)
2. Remove bowl from microwave and stir  to mix ingredients.
3. Add vanilla and nuts and stir until blended.
4. Pour in greased container and place in freezer for 20 minutes or refrigerator for 1 hour.
5. Cut and serve. Yield: 60 pieces.

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MINUTE MICROWAVE FUDGE

From the kitchen of Erica Wilson on Mrs. Clauses' website
Ingredients:
1 pound of powdered sugar
1/2 cup cocoa
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup milk
1 Tablespoon vanilla extract
1/4 pound butter/margarine
1 cup chopped nuts

1. Mix all dry ingredients together.
2. Put in a 8"x8" inch microwave safe pan (important to use this size pan).
3. Add milk and vanilla extract.
4. Place chunk of butter/margarine in center ( leave butter as whole do not chop up). Microwave on high for 2 minutes until bottom of dish feels warm. Stir vigorously and blend in chopped nuts.
5. Put in mold or whatever and chill for 1 hour.
*Use real butter for best results.
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EASY MICROWAVE PEANUT BUTTER FUDGE

Ingredients
12 oz. semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 can sweetened condensed milk
2 heaping Tbs peanut butter 

Put chocolate chips and sweetened-condensed milk in microwave safe bowl.
Cook on high for 5 minutes.
Remove from microwave, stir in peanut butter.
Spread in pan.
Cool and cut. Enjoy!

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CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER RAISIN FUDGE

Ingredients:
1 12 ounce package chocolate chips
1 cup chunky peanut butter
3 cups mini marshmallows
3/4 cups raisins
Melt chocolate chips and peanut butter over medium heat (or in microwave watching closely). Fold in marshmallows and raisins, stirring until marshmallows are melted. Pour into 7x11 pan and chill until firm. Cut into squares. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

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MICROWAVE ROCKY ROAD FUDGE

Ingredients
2 cups (12-oz. pkg.) NESTLE'S TOLL HOUSE Semi-Sweet Chocolate Morsels
1 can (14 oz.) Sweetened Condensed Milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 cups miniature marshmallows
1 1/2 cups coarsely chopped walnuts

1. LINE 13 x 9-inch baking pan with foil; grease lightly.
2. MICROWAVE morsels and sweetened condensed milk in large, uncovered, microwave-safe bowl on HIGH (100%) power for 1 minute; STIR.
3. Morsels may retain some of their original shape. If necessary, microwave at additional 10-to 15-second intervals, stirring just until morsels are melted.
4. Stir in vanilla extract. Fold in marshmallows and nuts.
5. PRESS mixture into prepared baking pan. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
6. Lift from pan; remove foil. Cut into pieces.

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MICROWAVE PEANUT BUTTER FUDGE

Ingredients
1 cup butter, plus more for greasing pan
1 cup peanut butter
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 pound powdered sugar

Directions:
1. Microwave butter and peanut butter for 2 minutes on high.
2. Stir and then microwave on high for 2 more minutes. Add vanilla and powdered sugar to peanut butter mixture and stir to combine with a wooden spoon.
3. Pour into a buttered 8 by 8-inch pan lined with waxed paper. Place a second piece of waxed paper on the surface of the fudge and refrigerate until cool.
Cut into 1-inch pieces and store in an airtight container for up to a week.

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CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER CHIP FUDGE

Ingredients:
2 cups (12-oz. pkg.) HERSHEY'S SPECIAL DARK Chocolate Chips or HERSHEY'S Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
1 can (14 oz.) sweetened condensed milk (not evaporated milk)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dash salt
1 cup REESE'S Peanut Butter Chips

1. Line 8-inch square pan with foil.

2. Combine chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, vanilla and salt in heavy saucepan. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until chips are melted and mixture is smooth. Remove from heat. Add peanut butter chips; stir quickly just to distribute chips throughout mixture. Spread evenly in prepared pan.

3. Refrigerate 2 hours or until firm. Remove from pan; peel off foil. Cut into squares. Store tightly covered in refrigerator. NOTE: For best results, do not double this recipe.

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CHOCOLATE ORANGE FUDGE (Can be made in micro-wave)
Ingredients:
2 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
1/2 cup toasted and chopped pecans
2 teaspoons grated orange peel
 
1. Line a 8 x 8 x 2-inch baking pan with lightly buttered waxed paper or aluminum foil. Set aside.
2. Melt chocolate chips with condensed milk in the top of a double boiler or in a bowl in the microwave. Stir until smooth.
3. Remove from heat and stir in pecans and grated orange peel.
4. Spread in prepared dish and chill until until firm.
5. Carefully remove fudge from pan using the edges of the foil. Cut into squares. Store covered in refrigerator.
Makes about 2 1/2 pounds candy.

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S’MORES FUDGE (Made on Stove Top OR Microwave

Ingredients
1 can sweetened condensed milk (Not evaporated milk)
12 oz. bag of milk chocolate or Semi-Sweet chips
1 cup mini marshmallows
3 graham crackers

1. Depending on melting method~ Place chocolate chips and Sweetened Condensed Milk in a pot or bowl.
2. Mix in broken cracker pieces into the heated and melted mixture. 
3. Mix in mini marshmallows.
4. Spread evenly in a greased 9×9 pan/dish.
5. Before cutting, cool in refrigerate for one hour. Keep remaining fudge in frig.

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VARIETY...

NO BAKE PEANUTTY CLUSTERS

A super-easy sweet treat!
Makes: About 3 dozen treats

1 bag (about 12 oz) semisweet chocolate, milk chocolate or butterscotch chips (2 cups)
2 cups chow mein noodles or any ready-to-eat cereal
1 cup peanuts
 
1. In large microwavable bowl, microwave chocolate chips uncovered on High 1 minute.
Stir after 30 seconds- until softened. Keep stirring until smooth. If not completely softened, continue microwaving 15 seconds at a time, stirring after each microwave time, until smooth.
 
2. Stir noodles and peanuts into chocolate until well coated.

3.Drop by teaspoonfuls onto waxed paper. Refrigerate about 1 hour or until firm. Store covered in refrigerator.

Check out these super easy microwave PEANUT BUTTER FUDGE recipes! Both are yummy and easy to make with kids!

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RASBERRY FUDGE BALLS
Ingredients:
1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1 cup (6-ounces) chocolate chips, melted
3/4 cup vanilla wafer crumbs
1/4 cup seedless raspberry preserves
1/3 cup almonds, finely chopped

Combine cream cheese and chocolate. Mix until well-blended. Stir in crumbs and preserves.
Shape into 1-inch balls and roll in chopped almonds. Chill several hours.
Makes 30 confections.

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'CANDY BAR' SNACK
4 cups toasted oat cereal
1 (6 1/2 ounce) can salted peanuts
1 cup golden raisins
1/4 cup butter or margarine
1 (6 ounce) package semisweet chocolate chips

1. Mix cereal, peanuts and raisins in bowl.
2. Melt butter in saucepan over low heat.
3. Pour the melted butter over cereal mixture, using a fork to toss lightly until coated thoroughly.
4. Sprinkle chocolate chips over the mixture and toss again.

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CONFETTI CLUSTERS
Ingredients:
1/2 cup HERSHEY'S Premier White Chips
1 teaspoon shortening(do not use butter, margarine, spread or oil)
2/3 cup lightly salted peanuts
1 cup (8-oz. pkg.) HERSHEY'S KISS Candies 
 
1. Line cookie sheet with wax paper.

2. Place white chips and shortening in medium microwave-safe bowl. Microwave at MEDIUM (50%) 30 seconds; stir. If necessary, microwave at MEDIUM an additional 15 seconds at a time, stirring after each heating, until chips are melted and mixture is smooth when stirred.

3. Set aside 2 tablespoons candies for garnish. Stir remaining candies and peanuts into white chip mixture.

4. Drop by rounded teaspoons onto prepared cookie sheet. (Mixture may also be dropped into small paper candy cups.) Garnish with remaining candies.* Cool until set. Store in cool, dry place. About 2 dozen clusters.
*If desired, all candies can be stirred in.

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PEPPERMINT PATTIES
An easy hands-on candy that kids can make...

Ingredients:
3/4 cup sweetened condensed milk
3 cups confectionary sugar
1 tsp peppermint flavor

Start with 1 cup of confectionary sugar, adding in condensed milk slowly. Keep adding the sugar until you have made a simple dough. Add in the peppermint flavoring.

Shaping mints: Using a scoop-scoop out a bit of dough, then roll it into a ball.
Press the ball into a flat circle. Place circles on wax paper to dry, turning after an hour

PEPPERMINT CANDY #2

1 cup (6 oz) semisweet chocolate chips
14 ounces sweetened condensed milk, divided
1 cup (6 oz) vanilla flavored baking chips
1 tablespoon peppermint extract
2 to 3 drops green food coloring

In a saucepan, melt chocolate chips and 3/4 cup condensed milk over low heat, stirring occasionally. Line an 8 inch square baking pan with waxed paper; butter the paper.

Spread half of melted chocolate mixture into pan; chill for 5-10 minutes (keep remaining melted chocolate at room temperature.

In another saucepan, melt vanilla chips. Stir in remaining condensed milk and mix well. Remove from the heat; add extract and food coloring. Chill. Spread over chilled chocolate layer; spread reserved melted chocolate on top of mint layer. Chill. Cut into 1 inch pieces.
Makes 5 dozen.

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ALMOND DROP CANDY
1 1/2 lb. almond bark
1 1/2 c. peanut butter
3 c. Rice Krispies
2 c. dry roasted peanuts
2 c. miniature marshmallows
   1.  Melt almond bark.
   2.  Add peanut butter, Rice Krispies, peanuts and marshmallows.
   3.  Drop by teaspoons on waxed paper.

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PUPPY CHOW...These are also known as 'Muddy Buddies' and 'Reindeer Chow' in the Winter...Kids (grown-ups too) love this one!

1 cup peanut butter
1/2 cup (1 stick) margarine
12 ounces chocolate chips
1 large box Crispix
2 1/2 cups confectioners sugar
 
1. Melt peanut butter, margarine and chocolate chips.
2. Pour mixture over large box Crispix; coat well.
3. In a paper bag put 2 1/2 cups confectioner sugar.
4. Add coated cereal.

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CHEX VANILLA CHUNKS
Snack mix with chocolate, peanuts, marshmallows and pretzels. Start to Finish: 50 min.
Makes:16 cups snack
Ingredients:
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips (6 oz),
3 cups Corn Chex cereal
3 cups Rice Chex cereal
3 cups Wheat Chex cereal
2 cups salted dry-roasted peanuts
2 cups small pretzel twists, 2 cups miniature marshmallows
1 package (20 oz) vanilla-flavored candy coating (almond bark)

1. Place chocolate chips in freezer to chill. In large bowl, mix cereals, peanuts, pretzels and marshmallows; set aside.
 
2. In large microwavable bowl, microwave candy coating uncovered on High 1 minute 30 seconds; stir, breaking up large chunks. Microwave about 30 seconds longer or until coating can be stirred smooth.
 
3. Gently and quickly fold cereal mixture into coating with rubber spatula, stirring gently until evenly coated.

Stir in chilled chocolate chips. Spread on waxed paper; cool completely, about 30 minutes. Break into chunks. Store in airtight container in refrigerator. Betty Crocker Recipe

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CHOCOLATE CHOW MEIN CLUSTERS (Makes 8)
1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup butterscotch chips (Can use all chocolate chips if desired)
1/2 cup chow mein noodles
1/2 cup salted peanuts

In a microwave or heavy saucepan, melt the chocolate and butterscotch chips; stir until smooth.
Stir in chow mein noodles and peanuts until well coated.
Drop by rounded tablespoonfuls onto a waxed paper-lined baking sheet. Refrigerate for 2 hours or until set.

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CRUNCHY PEANUT BUTTER BALLS
    
Ingredients
1 cup peanut butter
1 jar (7 ounces) marshmallow creme
1-1/2 cups crisp rice cereal
1-1/2 cups (9 ounces) HERSHEY'S Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
4 teaspoons shortening

In a large bowl, combine the peanut butter and marshmallow creme; add cereal and stir until well coated.
In a microwave, melt chocolate chips and shortening; stir until smooth. Roll cereal mixture into 1-in. balls. Dip in chocolate; allow excess to drip off. Place on a waxed paper-lined pan. Refrigerate until set.
Makes 30 candies.Recipe from Taste of Home

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NO BAKE KIT-KAT BARS
Waverly Crackers
1 cup melted butter
1/3 cup sugar
1 cup brown sugar
2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup chocolate chips
1/2 cup butterscotch chips
2/3 cup peanut butter

• Line a 9 x 13 pan with crackers.
  Combine butter, sugars, crumbs and milk in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, turn heat down and stir constantly for 5 minutes or until it starts to thicken.
• Spread half of mixture over layer of crackers.
• Add another layer of crackers. Spread other half of mixture over.
• Put another layer of crackers over all.
• Melt chips and peanut butter together. Stir until smooth. Spread over crackers.
• Refrigerate for 1 hour and mark with a knife through the chocolate.
• Return to refrigerator for several hours and cut through bars.

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ALMOST LIKE MOUNDS BARS
Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/3 cup sugar
1/3 cup butter, melted
2 cups coconut
1 14 oz. can sweetened condensed milk
1 cup chocolate chips
2T. Peanut butter (optional)

1. Crush graham crackers into fine crumbs.
2. Combine crumbs, sugar, and butter.
3. Press mixture into the bottom of a 10"x11" pan.
4. Stir together coconut and milk.
5. Spread over crumb crust. Bake @ 375 for 15 minutes.
6. Melt chocolate chips, stir in peanut butter and spread over warm baked mixture.

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TOFFEE CRUNCH

Ingredients: 12 whole graham crackers (about 5" x 2.5 "), 1.5 cups butter  (3 sticks) use only butter-no substitutes, 1 cup packaged brown sugar, 2 cups sliced almonds

Line a 13" x 1" baking pan with heavy-duty tin foil. Place graham crackers in the pan. (They fit perfectly!

 In a saucepan, combine butter and brown sugar. Bring to a boil--stirring constantly. Carefully pour mixture over the graham crackers.  Sprinkle on the sliced almonds.  Bake at 400 for 6 to 8 minutes. Cool in pan for 4 minutes. Cut each cracker into four sections; transfer to wire racks to cool completely. (Image of candy-cooling on the rack-by KidActivities.net)

This recipe seemed so easy that I had to try it! IT IS EASY...and now sitting all wrapped in my freezer and waiting for the Holidays! Don't let the brown sugar and butter mixture scare you as you stir it in the pot. It  comes together  wonderfully as it begins to boil. Barb (Image by KidActivities.net)

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CHOCOLATE -TOFFE COVERED CRACKERS  
Saltine crackers
1 stick butter
1/2 c. brown sugar
12 oz. chocolate chips

Line jelly roll pan with foil. Fill bottom with Saltine crackers; place as close together as you can. Melt 1 stick butter. Add 1/2 cup brown sugar. Pour this over the crackers. Spread with a knife. Bake 10 minutes at 350 degrees or until light brown and bubbly. Remove from oven. Sprinkle with 1 (12 ounce) bag chocolate chips. When they melt, spread evenly with a knife. Cool; break apart. Enjoy. (I also made these~good but we enjoyed the above Toffee Cruch more! Barb)

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CANDY WITH PRETZELS & OTHER GOODIES...

CARAMEL CHOCOLATE CLUSTERS WITH PRETZELS  
25 soft caramels
1 tbsp. water
1 c. coarsely chopped walnuts
1 c. M&M'S plain chocolate candies
1/2 c. broken thin pretzel sticks

1. In medium saucepan, stir caramels and water over low heat until smooth.
2. Remove from heat and gently stir in nuts, candies and pretzels.
3. Drop by heaping teaspoonfuls onto greased waxed paper lined cookie sheets. Let stand until firm.

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PRETZEL CANDY DROPS
1 1/2cup Broken pretzel sticks
1 1/2 cup Nuts; chopped
1 pound White candy chocolate
Break pretzels into thirds, add nuts. Melt chocolate according to package directions. Pour chocolate over pretzels and nuts, stirring to cover all. Drop by spoonfuls onto wax paper on cookie sheet. Refrig about 10 minutes.

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ROLO CARAMEL CANDY ON SMALL TWISTED PRETZELS
Ingredients:
Small pretzels (twisted)
ROLO Chewy Caramels in Milk Chocolate
Pecan halves 

1. Heat oven to 350 F. Line cookie sheet with parchment paper or foil.

2. Place one pretzel for each pretzel treat desired on prepared sheet. Top each pretzel with one ROLO Chewy Caramel in Milk Chocolate.

3. Bake 3 to 5 minutes or until caramel piece begins to soften, but not melt. Remove from oven; top with either A pecan half or additional pretzel. Cool completely before storing in airtight container. (Image by KidActivities.net)

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CARAMEL POPPED CORN, PRETZELS AND CANDY  

16 c. popped popcorn
2 c. firmly packed brown sugar
1/2 c. dark corn syrup
1/2 tsp. baking soda
2 c. of M&M'S, raisins, chocolate mints
5 c. miniature pretzels
1 c. butter
1/2 tsp. salt
1 c. salted peanuts

1. Heat oven to 200 degrees. In large roasting pan combine popcorn and pretzels, set aside.

2. In 2 quart saucepan combine brown sugar, butter, corn syrup and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until mixture comes to a full boil (12 to 14 minutes).

3. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally until small amount of mixture dropped in ice forms a soft ball or candy thermometer reaches 238 degrees.

4. Remove from heat, stir in baking soda.
 
5. Pour over popcorn and pretzels, sprinkle peanuts over caramel mixture. Stir until all popcorn is coated.
 
6. Bake for 20 minutes, stir. Continue baking for 25 minutes. Remove from oven.
 
7. Stir in candy.

8. Immediately place caramel corn on waxed paper, cool.Break into pieces and store in tightly covered container.

CLICK HERE for DIPPED PRETZELS RECIPES page...

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PEANUT BRITTLE (Not as 'Kid Friendly' in making--as other recipes))
Ingredients
1 cup white sugar
1/2 cup light corn syrup
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup water
1 cup peanuts
2 tablespoons softened butter
1 teaspoon baking soda
 
1. Grease a large cookie sheet. Set aside.
2. In a heavy 2 quart saucepan, over medium heat, bring to a boil sugar, corn syrup, salt, and water. Stir until sugar is dissolved. 3. Stir in peanuts. Set candy thermometer in place, and continue cooking. Stir frequently until temperature reaches 300 degrees F (150 degrees C), or until a small amount of mixture dropped into very cold water separates into hard and brittle threads.
4. Remove from heat; immediately stir in butter or margarine and baking soda; pour at once onto cookie sheet.
5. With 2 forks, lift and pull peanut mixture into rectangle about 14x12 inches; cool. Snap candy into pieces.

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APPLE LEATHER

Ingredients: 3-5 pounds apples, 1/4-1/2 cup sugar, if desired, 1/8 cup lemon juice, if desired, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1 teaspoon nutmeg

1. Peel, core and slice apples.
2. Cook uncovered in a heavy 3-quart saucepan over low heat. If apples are dry, add a little water to prevent scorching. Cook until the they have the appearance of applesauce. Continue cooking until apples are brown and look like apple butter.
3. Add sugar if apples aren't sweet enough and add lemon juice if the apples aren't tart enough.
4. Add the spices. Mix completely and let cook a little longer to allow the flavors to blend. When the apple mix clings to an upturned spoon, it is ready.
5. Cool in an uncovered pot.
6. Spread mix evenly and thinly on 2 waxed paper lined cookie sheets. Let dry in a warm oven (125 degrees) overnight or on the counter uncovered, for 2-3 days. Check the apple leather for dryness. When you can touch it with your finger and it is not sticky, it is dry enough. It should be flexible, not brittle.
7. Cut in 1/2 inch strips.
8. Wrap in waxed paper or plastic wrap. Eat like a fruit roll. Store in tightly sealed containers; it can also be frozen and will keep well for months.

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HAND-DIPPED CANDIES...

Microwave high-quality chocolate in a bowl.
Dip any of the following foods to make chocolate candies:
Cookies, dried fruit, citrus peel, granola bars, pretzels, peanuts, caramels, and marshmallows.  Fruit such as cherries, strawberries, oranges, kiwi, bananas, orange segmants, sliced or whole apples, raspberries and melons also make wonderful dipped candies.

TIPS:

• When I melt chocolate for dipping- I add about a teaspoon to teaspoon and half of shortening such as 'Crisco' to the chocolate. (The amount of shortening depends on the amount of chocolate being melted.) Do not use liquid shortening.
I also microwave in short intervals. If chocolate is heated too long it will become hard. I don't have half power on my microwave-so I use the 'defrost setting'---starting with one minute and adding 25 to 30 seconds as needed. Usually when ready, the chips will still have shape; however, when stirred they melt down. (Barb/KidActivites)

  • Make sure fruit is rinsed and thoroughly patted dry.
  • Leave membrane on orange-sections.
  • When dipping rasberries, do not wash them and thread 3 to 4 on skewers. Slice bananas in long pieces.
 
  • White chocolate is great to use for a black and white effect. Let the first chocolate harden before dipping or drizzling with the other. 

  • To avoid messy hands, try dipping some of them with skewers or toothpicks. Place the chocolate candies on a cookie sheet that has been covered with wax paper and refrigerate or freeze until they harden.

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BASIC RECIPE FOR DIPPED FRUIT
Ingredients:

1 (6-ounce) box Nestle Toll House Premier White Baking Bars, or semi-sweet chocolate baking bars
1 tablespoon vegetable shortening
24 bite-size pieces fresh fruit (strawberries, orange, kiwi, banana or melon), rinsed and patted dry
 
1. Line baking sheet with waxed paper.
2. Microwave morsels and shortening in medium, microwave-safe bowl on MEDIUM-HIGH (70%) power for 1 minute; stir. Microwave at additional 10 to 20-second intervals, stirring until smooth; cool slightly.
3. Dip fruit about halfway into melted baking bars; shake off excess.  Place on prepared baking sheet; refrigerate until set.
Makes 24 pieces.

FOR A FANCY DRIZZLE:
1. Microwave 1/2 cup NESTLE TOLL HOUSE Premier White or Semi-Sweet Chocolate morsels or baking bars, broken into pieces in small, heavy-duty plastic bag on MEDIUM-HIGH (70%) power for 1 minute.
2. knead.
3. Microwave at additional 10 to 20-second intervals, kneading until smooth. Cut tiny corner from bag; squeeze to drizzle over fruit. Refrigerate until set.

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EASY CHOCOLATE COVERED CHERRIES (These are ohhhh so good!)

2 (10-ounce) jars maraschino cherries, with stems
1 (12-ounce) package milk or semisweet chocolate chips (I also add about a teaspoon of solid vegtable shortening--see my above tips under 'Hand Dipped Candies' Barb/KidActivities)
Drain cherries; discard juice or use for another purpose.
Put cherries on paper towels to dry completely.
 
Put chocolate chips in a medium saucepan with a heavy bottom. Heat over low heat, stirring constantly, until chocolate is melted.(The chocolate can also be melted in the microwave.) Remove from heat.
 
Dip cherries into chocolate; swirl to coat completely. Place on a baking sheet lined with waxed paper. Refrigerate until set
Makes 5 dozen.

If desired, dip some of the cherries in melted white chocolate chips instead.  Start with 1 minute then continue at 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until completely melted.
Recipe from Cherry Marketing Institute.

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YUMMY DIPPED BANANA CHUNKS

 Peel bananas and slice them into several pieces.

• Place 8 oz. chocolate chips in a microwave safe bowl and cook on high until melted  for about 1 minute, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth.
• Dip the banana slices in the chocolate; roll them in other ingredients as desired:
  Colored sugars, cinnamon sugar, peanut butter, chopped nuts, coconut, ice cream sprinkles, crushed cookies...

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 DOUBLE CHOCOLATE

MARSHMALLOW POPS
20 /sucker/lollipop sticks (found at cake decorating or craft stores)
20 large marshmallows
1 cup (6 oz.) Nestle Toll House Premier White Chips/Morsels
1 cup (6 oz.) Nestle Toll House Milk Chocolate Chips/Morsels  

Line baking sheet with wax paper.
Push each sucker stick halfway through a large marshmallow; set aside.
Melt white morsels according to package directions. Immediately dip 10 marshmallow lollipops lightly in the melted morsels for a thin coating.
Set the stick side up on prepared baking sheet.
 
Melt milk chocolate morsels according to package directions. Repeat dipping process as above with remaining marshmallows.
Refrigerate marshmallow suckers for 10 minutes or until hardened. (TIP: KidActivities also added about a half teaspoon of shortening --such as Crisco--into each chocolate to make it more smooth as it melted.)
Makes 20.

Optional: Colored sprinkles/jimmies can either be sprinkled on top of the white chocolate layer or the bottom chocolate layer.

NOTE: Next time I'd use a Styrofoam block of some sort in which to insert the sucker sticks.  Laying the 'double dipped' marshmallows on the wax paper (sticks up) creates a flat bottom.(Barb)

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AUTUMN DAYS...

PUMPKIN FUDGE

1 teaspoon butter
2 cups granulated sugar
1/3 cup evaporated milk or cream
3 tablespoons pumpkin
1/4 teaspoon cornstarch
1/4 teaspoon (rounded) pumpkin pie spice
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup chopped nuts, optional
 
1. Line an 8 x 8 x 1 1/2-inch square pan with aluminum foil, allowing the foil to hang over the edges of the pan. Grease the pan with 1 teaspoon of butter.
2. Place sugar, milk, pumpkin, cornstarch and pumpkin pie spice in a saucepan and cook quickly, stirring them constantly until they boil.
3. Cover and cook 2 to 3 minutes.
4. Uncover, reduce heat and cook until the mixture reaches the soft-ball stage.  or when a small amount dropped into chilled water forms a ball and flattens when picked up)
5. Remove from heat and place in a mixing bowl. Cool slightly
6. Add vanilla and beat with mixer until smooth and creamy.
Add nuts, if desired.
7. Pour into prepared baking pan. When firm, remove fudge from pan, peel away foil and cut into squares.
Makes 1 1/2 pounds.

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WINTER DAYS...

 

MAKE SNOW PEOPLE! A  snack and craft in one...

Ingredients: Both Large and Mini Marshmallows, Pretzel Sticks, Raisins, Small Candies-- Mix confectionary/icing sugar and a little water to make a thick paste to put together...

Just put out goodies and allow children to create snow people and sculptures. Insert pretzel sticks into the marshmallows and build from there...Of course put out extras for the kids to munch on as they build!

 

FOR THE ABOVE PICTURED MARSHMALLOW SNOW PEOPLE... Get creative and try some other ways! As 'Tricia at Craft Addict' made with her children- take three mini marshmallows, dip in white chocolate and then decorate with assorted sprinkles. Her children also made the snowmen using three large marshmallows on sucker sticks and last--rolled miniature marshmallows in white chocolate and then shredded coconut. Yumm..the kids will love this one! (Photo is with permission  of Craft Addict)

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BARB'S WINTER HOLIDAY SPECIAL (Or anytime special)
This one is really good---a tradition in many holiday homes!  (I make this every year! Barb)

Ingredients:
1 2/3 cups (11-ounce package) Nestle TOLL HOUSE Butterscotch Morsels
1 1/2 cups (9 ounces) Nestle® TOLL HOUSE Semi-Sweet Morsels
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
2 cups pretzel sticks
2 cups dry-roasted peanuts
1 1/3 cups Nestle RAISINETS Milk Chocolate-Covered Raisins

1. Butter 13 x 9-inch baking pan.

2. Microwave 1 1/3 cups butterscotch morsels, semi-sweet morsels and peanut butter in large, uncovered, microwave-safe bowl on HIGH (100%) power for 1 minute; STIR. The morsels may retain some of their original shape. If necessary, microwave at additional 10- to 15-second intervals, stirring just until morsels are melted.

3. ADD pretzels, peanuts and Raisinets; stir well to coat. Spread into prepared baking pan.

4. REFRIGERATE for 1 hour or until firm.

5. Break into bite-size pieces or chunks. Note: It can be very difficult to break apart. Last time I made this-- my husband used a chisel LOL! Yes-it was clean...Barb 

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CHOCOLATE DIPPED CANDY CANES (Great to stir Hot Cocoa!)
Ingredients:
Candy canes
Chocolate chips or favorite melting chocolate
Hot Chocolate Drink Mix

1. Melt chocolate in microwave. If using semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips-melt it in the microwave and check it each minute.
2. Dip the candy canes half-way into the chocolate.
3. Lay on wax paper to cool. You'll now have the yummiest stir sticks around!

These would also make nice gifts! Check out the "Suggestions for wrapping dipped pretzels" for ideas-page bottom of 'Wrapping Gifts Category!
Also check out Ideas & fun with Candy Cane ideas and all the wonderful Cocoa recipes!

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SNOWBALL MARSHMALLOWS

Ingredients:
Bag of Large Marshmallows, Corn Syrup, Sugar Crystals, Cake Sparkle Sprinkles

Gently brush each marshmallow with corn syrup.
Roll in sugar crystals and cake sparkles.
Set aside on parchment paper to dry.
Cover lightly with saran wrap to keep air off so marshmallows don't dry out.
Once set, enjoy or place into snack-sized zip loc bags for gifts or later!

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MAKE GARLAND FROM WRAPPED CANDY

To make a candy garland-- thread a needle with floss. Thread the candy and make a knot at the ends. You can hang the garlands on a tree, about the room or chandeliers. OR...

Use wrapped treats and an ordinary  stapler. Simply staple the ends of the wrappers together. (For loops and dips, make sure the garlands are at least double the length of the surface from which you will drape them.

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 M&M PURCHASE TIP

When the Christmas Holidays are over--buy all the red and green  M&M candies you can. Often they are on sale at 50-75% off and you can use the red for Valentine's Day and save the green for St. Patrick's Day!

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RICE KRISPIE VALENTINE POPS

 Make Rice Krispie Squares according to recipe. Once the Rice Krispies are made, cut them into hearts using a Valentine cookie cutter.  Place a popsicle or candy stick into each cut-out rice krispie. Place the Rice Krispies in refrigerator or freezer for five to ten minutes. The coolness of the rice krispies will help the chocolate adhere quickly and easily to the treats.

Melt chocolate. (You can melt 2 large candy bars or your favorite chocolate) When treats are sufficiently cool, dip each rice krispie heart.  Sprinkle (with sprinkles) each treat immediately after dipping in chocolate being careful to keep them upright while drying. No Fuss suggests placing the dipped choclate treats in a tall glass to dry instead of placing them on wax paper. Eat and enjoy or if giving for a gift--finish the Valentine treats by covering them with cellophane and a bow. Courtesy of No Fuss Fabulous

Other Rice Krispy type treats are in the 'NO BAKE' Category...

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EASY VALENTINE PRETZELS ~ HUGS & KISSES... (Or ANY TIME goodies--it all depends on the color of M&M's you use!)

Ingredients:

3 (10 ounce) bags checkerboard, windowpane or round shaped pretzels
1 (large pound size) bag M&Ms plain chocolate candies.  Use Red and Pink for Valentine and other colors to match other holidays and seasons. ( Red and green for Christmas, Green for St. Patricks' Day, ANY color when you just want to indulge in something sweet and salty!)

Hershey's Hugs chocolates
Hershey's chocolate kisses

Directions: Preheat oven to 170 degrees.  Place pretzels on a parchment or waxed paper-lined cookie sheets in a single layer. DO ONLY ONE TYPE OF CANDY PER SHEET because the Hugs melt faster than the kisses.

Unwrap Hugs or Kisses, place one on each pretzel, repeat for an entire cookie sheet.

Place cookie sheets in the preheated oven, bake 4 MINUTES FOR THE SHEET OF pretzels and HUGS----5-6 minutes for the pretzels and KISSES. Remove from oven and immediately put a M&M on top of each pretzel/chocolate, pressing down gently. When pressing down you may need to wiggle the

chocolate around a little to fill in any gaps between the chocolate and the pretzel. This will help the chocolate stick to the pretzel.

Place cookie sheet in freezer or refrigerator until the chocolate is reset.  If this is a gift...wrap either in cellophane bags, a tin or a candy box. (Image by KidActivities.net) 

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You may also be interested in...

• POPCORN SNACKS AND GOODIES
• SNACK MIX RECIPES
• CANDY CANES & loads of things to do with them
• Apple Recipes-Check out APPLES ON A STICK near the page middle
• All kinds of DIPPED PRETZELS and Pretzel Treats 
• Making EASY FOOD GIFTS

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Updated December 2012

Why make snack mix?
Easy...fun for kids...fun for grown-ups...great for gifts, parties and holidays! The question should be--why not?

Toss together a few ingredients. Add a bit of this and a bit of that... and presto! You have an instant snack sensation.

This page contain recipes that kids can easily make. Some are peppered with a little more seasoning that kids may like and adults will love...There is great enough variety where you're sure to find some you and your children both like...

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LET'S START WITH KIDS...

KID MADE SNACK MIX! Are you serving a group of kids that all like something different? Put out several ingredients from the below list:

Raisins
Goldfish crackers, plain or cheese
Chex cereal
Life cereal
Cheerios
Square pretzels or pretzel sticks
Nuts (only if no children in your group are allergic to nuts)
Raisins or Yogurt covered raisins, sunflower seeds, etc. 
Your choice of M&M's, chocolate chips, mini marshmallows, small chewy candies, etc.

1. Put the variety of ingredients out in bowls.
2. After children wash their hands--give them each a baggie. (To keep track of whose is whose - have them write their name on it) The ingredients will then go into each child's baggie with their choice of mixes.

TIP: Let children know how much 'measurement-wise' they can take of offered foods; also how many choices they can have. Example: Each child can take 1/2 cup of 4 food choices offered.

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ANIMAL FOOD FOR HUMANS 
Ingredients:
2 cups animal shaped graham crackers
1 cup salted peanuts
1/2 cup M&M’s
1/2 cup raisins
Mix together. Store in sandwich bags or covered container.

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WORMY SNACK MIX (From Bear Theme)

Ingredients:
1 cup miniature pretzels
1 cup miniature Teddy Grahams snacks
1 cup dry roasted peanuts (If no allergies)
1 cup m&m's
1 cup gummy worms
Mix together and enjoy

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TRAIL MIXES and PARTY MIXES

A GENERAL GUIDE TO TRAIL MIX
1.  In a large bowl, add any type of cereals (Cheerios, Kix, Rice Krispies, etc.)
2.  Mix in pretzel sticks, fish crackers, small snack crackers, raisins, oyster crackers, M&M's, etc. Almost anything that is left-over in the pantry.
3.  Mix well, and place in individual sandwich baggies or paper cups.
This is a great "take-along field trip snack" or "take it outdoors snack"... It will also help you clean out those "little leftovers" in your food storage.

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FROOT LOOPS TRAIL MIX
1 (15 ounce) box Fruit Loops cereal
1 15 ounce) bag mini pretzel twists
1 (1 pound) bag M&M's
1 box raisins
1 can salted peanuts
Mix all together and store in airtight container.

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GOOBERS TRAIL MIX

2 cups 'NESTLE GOOBERS' Milk Chocolate-Covered Peanuts
2 cups small pretzel twists
Miniature marshmallows
1 cup raisins
1 cup coarsely chopped dried apricots
1 cup coarsely chopped dried apples
Combine Goobers, pretzels, marshmallows, raisins, apricots and apples in large bowl.
Makes 10 servings.
Recipe Source: Nestle & Meals.com

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ORIGINAL CHEX PARTY MIX

6 tablespoons butter or margarine
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 1/2 teaspoons seasoned salt
3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
3 cups Corn Chex cereal
3 cups Rice Chex cereal
3 cups Wheat Chex cereal
1 cup mixed nuts
1 cup bite-size pretzels
1 cup garlic-flavor bite-size bagel chips or regular-size bagel chips, broken into 1-inch pieces

Heat oven to 250°F (120°C). In ungreased large roasting pan, melt butter in oven. Stir in seasonings. Gradually stir in remaining ingredients until evenly coated.
Bake 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes. Spread on paper towels to cool, about 15 minutes. Store in airtight container.
Makes 24 (1/2 cup) servings.

Microwave Directions: In large microwavable bowl, microwave butter uncovered on High about 40 seconds or until melted. Stir in seasonings. Gradually stir in remaining ingredients until evenly coated. Microwave uncovered on High 5 to 6 minutes, thoroughly stirring every 2 minutes. Spread on paper towels to cool. Store in airtight container.

TIP: The original recipe includes Corn Chex, Rice Chex and Wheat Chex. You can mix and match to suit your taste--just use a total of 9 cups of cereal.
Recipe courtesy of www.chex.com

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CROCKPOT PARTY MIX
7 cups assorted cereal (oat, rice, wheat in various shapes)
1 cup peanuts, pecans, cashews, or mixed nuts
1 cup mini pretzel sticks
1/2 cup butter, melted
1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
dash hot pepper sauce, or more to taste
1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt
1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
1/2 teaspoon onion salt
Combine cereals, nuts and pretzels in slow cooker. Mix melted butter with remaining ingredients and seasonings; pour over the cereal mixture, tossing to coat. Cook, uncovered on HIGH for 2 hours, stirring about every 30 minutes.
Turn to low and cook another 2 to 6 hours. Store in an airtight container. Makes about 10 cups.

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NUTS AND BOLTS
Ingredients
2 cups bite-size wheat square cereal (such as Wheat Chex®)
2 cups bite-size corn square cereal (such as Corn Chex®)
2 cups bite-size rice square cereal (such as Rice Chex®)
2 cups toasted oat cereal rings (such as Cheerios®)
2 cups cheese-flavored crackers (such as Cheez-It®)
2 cups pretzels
2 cups mixed nuts
1 cup butter
2 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

1. Preheat an oven to 225 degrees F (110 degrees C). Combine the wheat cereal, corn cereal, rice cereal, oat cereal, cheese-flavored crackers, pretzels, and mixed nuts in a large bowl; set aside.
2. Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the garlic powder and Worcestershire sauce until evenly blended. Pour over the cereal mixture, and gently stir until the cereal is evenly coated with the seasoned butter. Spread the cereal mixture onto baking sheets.
3. Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes. Allow to cool to room temperature before storing in an airtight container.

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NUTS AND BOLTS #2

8 cups Cheerios
5 cups Wheat Chex
2 1/2 cups cocktail peanuts, unsalted or lightly salted
4 cups pretzels
2 tbsp. Worcestershire Sauce
1 1/2 cups butter
1 tbsp. celery salt
2 tsp. onion salt
Pinch of garlic salt

Preheat oven to 200 degrees.
Melt butter and Worcestershire sauce in a roasting pan.
Add spices and mix well.
Add remaining ingredients and stir well.
Bake for 2 hours, stirring well every 20 minutes.
Store in an air-tight container.

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PARTY NIBBLES

1 (6 ounce) package seasoned croutons
1 (6 ounce) package fish-shaped crackers
1 (6 1/2 ounce) package pretzel twists
1 (12 ounce) can mixed nuts
3/4 cup butter or margarine, melted
1 teaspoon hickory flavored salt
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Combine first 4 ingredients in a large roasting pan; stir well.
Combine last 3 ingredients; stir well. Drizzle over nut mixture; stir well.
Bake at 250 degrees F for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes.
Yields about 3 quarts.

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NUTTY SNACK MIX

Ingredients
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup Creamy Peanut Butter or  Creamy Peanut Butter & Honey
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
4 cups honey and nut breakfast cereal
1 cup mixed nuts
1 cup mini pretzels
Optional: Cayenne pepper, to taste
 
1. Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Line rimmed baking sheet with foil.
2. Combine butter, peanut butter, vanilla and cinnamon in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on HIGH  35 to 45 seconds, stirring until well blended.
3. Combine cereal, mixed nuts and pretzels in large bowl. Pour butter mixture over cereal mixture. Toss well to coat. Spread mixture evenly on foiled baking sheet.
4. Bake 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally. Cool. Sprinkle lightly with cayenne pepper, if desired. Toss. Store in resealable food storage bag.

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CHOCOLATE AND FRUIT SNACK MIX

1/2 cup butter or margarine
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 tablespoon Hershey's Dark Cocoa or HERSHEY'S Cocoa
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3 cups bite-size crisp rice squares cereal
3 cups bite-size crisp wheat squares cereal
2 cups toasted oat cereal rings
1 cup cashews
1 1/2 cups (6-ounce package) dried fruit bits
1 cup HERSHEY'S Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
 
1. Place butter in 4-quart microwave-safe bowl.
2. Microwave at HIGH (100%) 1 minute or until melted; stir in sugar, cocoa and cinnamon. Add cereals and cashews; stir until evenly coated.
3. Microwave at HIGH 3 minutes, stirring each minute; stir in dried fruit.
4. Microwave at HIGH 3 minutes, stirring each minute.
5. Cool completely; stir in chocolate chips. Store in tightly covered container in cool, dry place.
Makes about 11 cups mix
Recipe courtesy of the Hershey Kitchens

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WHITE CHOCOLATE SNACK MIX Version #1 

1 (10 ounce) package mini twist pretzels
5 cups Cheerios®
5 cups Chex or Golden Grahams
2 cups salted peanuts
1 (14 ounce) package candy-coated milk chocolate pieces
2 (11 ounce) packages white chocolate chips
2 tablespoons vegetable oil

1. Line 3 baking sheets with waxed paper or parchment. Set aside.
2. In a large bowl, combine mini pretzels, toasted oat cereal, crispy corn cereal squares, salted peanuts, and candy-coated chocolate pieces. Set aside.
3. In a microwave-safe bowl, heat chips and oil on medium-high for 2 minutes, stirring once. Microwave on high for 10 seconds; stir until smooth. Pour over cereal mixture and mix well.
4. Spread onto prepared baking sheets. Cool; break apart. Store in an airtight container

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WHITE CHOCOLATE PARTY MIX (Similar to the above)

1 - 10 oz package miniature pretzels 
5 cups Cheerios
5 cups corn Chex
2 cups salted peanuts
1 lb pkg M&Ms (If it's a holiday such as Christmas--use read and green!)
2 - 12 oz pkgs. vanilla chips or 24 oz. almond bark
3 tablespoons vegetable oil

Place the first five ingredients in a large bowl.
Microwave the chips/almond bark and the vegetable oil until melted.
Stir the mixture until creamy and smooth. Pour over the dry ingredients and mix well.
Spread on wax paper covered counter. Cool and break apart.
Store in a sealed container.

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CHEX VANILLA CHUNKS
Snack mix with chocolate, peanuts, marshmallows and pretzels. Start to Finish:50 min.
Makes: 16 cups snack

Ingredients:
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips (6 oz),
3 cups Corn Chex cereal
3 cups Rice Chex cereal
3 cups Wheat Chex cerea,
2 cups salted dry-roasted peanuts,
2 cups small pretzel twists, 2 cups miniature marshmallows,
1 package (20 oz) vanilla-flavored candy coating (almond bark)

1. Place chocolate chips in freezer to chill. In large bowl, mix cereals, peanuts, pretzels and marshmallows; set aside.
 
2. In large microwavable bowl, microwave candy coating uncovered on High 1 minute 30 seconds; stir, breaking up large chunks. Microwave about 30 seconds longer or until coating can be stirred smooth.
 
3. Gently and quickly fold cereal mixture into coating with rubber spatula, stirring gently until evenly coated.

Stir in chilled chocolate chips. Spread on waxed paper; cool completely, about 30 minutes. Break into chunks. Store in airtight container in refrigerator.
Betty Crocker Recipe

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'CANDY BAR' SNACK
4 cups toasted oat cereal
1 (6 1/2 ounce) can salted peanuts
1 cup golden raisins
1/4 cup butter or margarine
1 (6 ounce) package semisweet chocolate chips

1. Mix cereal, peanuts and raisins in bowl.
2. Melt butter in saucepan over low heat or microwave.
3. Pour  melted butter over cereal mixture and toss lightly until coated thoroughly.
4. Sprinkle chocolate chips over the mixture and toss again.

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POPCORN 'SNACK MIX'

This snack mix relies on lightly sweetened popcorn to give it just the right flavor. Some prefer "Mallow Magic" popcorn from Jolly time. The "Caramel" flavor variety from Act II is also yummy-Or just use your favorite kettle corn.
To make this mix you'll need:
Popped "Mallow Magic" popcorn that is cooled--
Raisins
Dried sweetened cranberries
Small twist pretzels (hard type)
Multi-colored goldfish crackers

For a good sized group take 3 bags of popcorn, plus 1 bag of goldfish, 2 cups of pretzels, plus 1/2 cup each of raisins and dried cranberries. However you can make it -- in whatever proportion you like.
Optional: Add  some M&Ms.
Note: the "Mallow Magic" comes with packets of icing to put over the top; it's not necessary.

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CARAMEL AND PEANUT PARTY SNACK MIX
Ingredients
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter or margarine
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup white corn syrup
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
8 cups rice or corn Chex, or Crispix cereal
2 cups peanuts

1. Combine margarine, brown sugar, corn syrup and salt in a large microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on High for 2 to 3 minutes or until mixture comes to a boil.
2. Microwave for several minutes longer, stiring several times, so  mixture will have boiled for 2 to 3 minutes.
3. Stir in the baking soda.
4. Add the cereal and peanuts; mix well. Spread on a greased baking sheet to cool, stirring several times.

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CLASSIC 'MUDDY BUDDIES'...with variation of PUPPY CHOW & REINDEER CHOW ...

 

MUDDIE BUDDIES

9 cups Corn Chex, Rice Chex, Wheat Chex, or Chocolate Chex, cereal (or combination)
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup peanut butter
1/4 cup butter or margarine
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar

1. Into large bowl, measure cereal; set aside.
2. In 1-quart microwavable bowl, microwave chocolate chips, peanut butter and butter uncovered on High 1 minute; stir. Microwave about 30 seconds longer or until mixture can be stirred smooth.
3. Stir in vanilla.
4. Pour mixture over cereal, stirring until evenly coated. Pour into 2-gallon resealable food-storage plastic bag or large paper bag.
3. Add powdered sugar. Seal bag; shake until well coated. Spread on waxed paper to cool. Store in airtight container in refrigerator.

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PUPPY CHOW (This is the one KidActivities has made several times. Kids and adults LOVE it!)

1 cup peanut butter
1/2 cup (1 stick) margarine
12 ounces chocolate chips
1 large box Crispix
2 1/2 cups confectioners sugar
 
1. Melt peanut butter, margarine and chocolate chips.
2. Pour mixture over large box Crispix; coat well.
3. In a paper bag or very, very large bowl) put 2 1/2 cups confectioner sugar.
4. Add coated cereal. Shake/fold well and pour onto wax paper. You will find that the cereal ablsorbs the mixture and even tastes better the next day!

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WHITE CHOCOLATE CHOW

1. Place cereal in very large bowl.
2. In small microwavable bowl, melt vanilla chips, peanut butter and butter uncovered on High 1 minute (or until melted and smooth) It's important to keep watching as not to overcook mixture.
3. Pour peanut butter/white chocolate/butter mixture over cereal, folding gently until evenly coated. 
4. Add M&M candy
5. If bowl is large enough, add powdered sugar and gently fold it into the cereal mixture.  If bowl is not large enough, place cereal in a paper bag with the powdered sugar and gently shake until cereal is covered. Add extra Mini-M&M's on top...

 NOTE: It's actually better the second day. I find the cereal absorbs the mixture as it sits. (Image by KidActivities.net)

INGREDIENTS for the above WHITE CHOCOLATE CHOW... 5 cups Chex® cereal, 1/2 cup white vanilla baking chips plus 3 Tablespoons chips, 1/3 cup peanut butter, 2 1/2 tablespoons butter or margarine, 1/3 cup powdered sugar plus 3 Tablespoons, 1/2 cup miniature M&Ms--with another handful thrown in on top when complete for extra yumms!  (Recipe can be doubled--these directions show the amount in the image)

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OTHER CHOWS...

REINDEER CHOW and CANDY CANE REINDEER FEED is below in Seasonal Recipes...

LOVE CHOW with photo  (It's similar to the above 'All Year-round chow') is also below in Seasonal Recipes...

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GRANOLA

1/3 cup vegetable oil
1/3 cup honey
4 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
1/4 cup wheat germ
1/3 cup sliced almonds
3/4 cup seedless raisins

1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a 15 1/2 X 10 1/2 X 1-inch jelly roll pan with foil. Set aside.
2. Blend oil and honey in a large bowl. Add oats, wheat germ, and almonds and mix well to coat.
3. Spread mixture evenly in pan and bake uncovered, stirring occasionally, until golden brown, about 25 minutes.
4. Remove from oven, stir in raisins, and cool to room temperature. 5. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
Makes 4 1/2 cups.
Note: Add or substitute almost anything in the dried fruit, nut, and/or seed department such as coarsely chopped dried apples, apricots, or pears, toasted pumpkin or sunflower seeds, toasted chopped pecans or cashews.

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TACO MUNCH
This delicious snack can be addictive!
Ingredients:
6 cups popped, unsalted popcorn
3 cups toasted corn cereal squares
1 cup mini-pretzels
2 tbsp. butter, melted
2 to 3 tsp. dry taco seasoning
2 tbsp. grated Parmesan cheese
4 oz. cheddar cheese, cut into 1/2 inch cubes 

• Combine popcorn, cereal and pretzels in a large bowl.
• Combine butter and taco seasoning and drizzle this over popcorn mixture.
• Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and toss to coat. Store in an airtight container. Toss with cheddar cheese just before serving. Makes 10 servings. Source:Familyfun.com 

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BIRD SEED for a crowd...
The only trick to this recipe is finding a big enough container in which to mix the treats. Most of these ingredients are available in a variety of weights and sizes. Don't worry if you can't find the exact amount given.

1 (16 ounce) jar dry-roasted peanuts
1 (14 to 16 ounce) bag plain M&M's
1 (14 to 16 ounce) bag peanut M&M's
1 (12 ounce) jar dry-roasted cashew nuts
1 (10 to 11.5 ounce) jar mixed nuts
1 (15 ounce) box raisins
1 (14 to 15 ounce) bag pretzel sticks
1 (10 to 12 ounce) package sesame sticks
1 (8 ounce) bag yogurt-covered raisins
8 ounces yogurt-covered peanuts

In a very large container, mix all of the ingredients together, tossing gently. Store in airtight containers, gift tins, or zip-top bags at room temperature for up to 3 weeks.
Makes 26 cups (6 1/2 quarts).

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PIDGEON POOP SNACK

(Yes, it does look like pidgeon poop!)
4 cups peanut butter crunch cereal
3 cups rice krispies
2 cups pretzel sticks broken in 1/2
2 cups miniature marshmallows
2 bags white chocolate chips
Mix all dry ingredients in large bowl and melt white chocolate chips in microwave and cover and mix, then lay on wax paper until cooled. Break into pieces.

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SEASONAL AND HOLIDAY SNACK MIXES

MIXES FOR AUTUMN...

#1 'HARVEST TIME' MIX (Great for Autumn, Halloween and Thanksgiving)

Mix together:
5 cups of Chocolate or Caramel Chex Cereal
1 bag Brachs Autumn Mix (or a mixture of candy corn and Pumpkin candies)
2 cups of lightly salted peanuts

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#2 HARVEST SNACK MIX

Ingredients
2 cups pretzel sticks
1 cup mixed nuts
1/2 cup sunflower kernels
6 tablespoons butter, melted
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
8 cups popped popcorn
1 cup candy corn
1 cup chocolate bridge mix

1. In a large bowl, combine the pretzels, nuts and sunflower kernels.
2. Combine the butter, cinnamon and cloves.
3. Drizzle a third of butter mixture over pretzel mixture; toss to coat. Transfer to a greased 15-in. x 10-in. x 1-in. baking pan. Bake at 300° for 15 minutes.
4. Place popcorn in a large bowl; drizzle with remaining butter mixture and toss to coat.
5. Stir into pretzel mixture. Bake 15 minutes longer or until heated through. Cool; transfer to a large bowl.
6. Add candy corn and bridge mix; toss to combine.
Makes 3 quarts.

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#3... An easy way to provide AUTUMN/THANKSGIVING PARTY FOOD for kids (or adults) is to create a huge bowl full of snack mix. Start with a box or two of your favorite snack cereal Add candy corn, raisins, small marshmallows, small pretzels, chocolate chips and other treats to the mix.

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#4 WITCHS' GORP
3 cups eyes of Newts (peanuts)
2 cups tails of dogs (pretzel sticks)
1 cup squishy, slithery parts of frogs (raisins)
2 cups warts of toads (Cheerios)
1/2 cup lizard lips (walnuts)
1 cup dinosaur toenail chips (banana chips)
1 cup teeth of bats (sunflower seeds)
1/2 cup of dandruff from the biggest rats (coconut)
1 cup chocolate cover iguana hearts (chocolate chips)
Measure and combine all of the ingredients in the order listed above. Mix well with mixing spoon.
Source: Cooks.com
This is a good one for your newsletter...really cute!

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#5...AUTUMN OR THANKSGIVING  PARTY MIX

Ingredients:
1 6-oz bag original flavor Chex Party Mix
2 cups Wheat Chex cereal
1 cup candy corn
1/2 cup whole salted almonds
1/2 cup chopped dried apples 
In a large bowl, mix one 6-oz bag original flavor Chex Party Mix, 2 cups Wheat Chex cereal, 1 cup candy corn, 1/2 cup whole salted almonds and 1/2 cup chopped dried apples.

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#6... 'AUTUMN PUMPKIN PIE' POPCORN AND RAISIN MIX

1 bag low-fat microwave popcorn
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
1 cup California Raisins
1 (5-ounce) package glazed pecans
Butter-flavored non-stick cooking spray
 
1. Microwave popcorn according to package directions and empty into a large bowl. Remove all unpopped kernels.
2. Stir sugar and pumpkin pie spice together in a small bowl.
3. Spray popcorn liberally with cooking spray and toss to coat evenly. Add raisins and pecans.
4. Sprinkle with sugar and spice mixture and toss until popcorn is well coated.
Makes 12 (1-cup) servings.

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#7... THANKSGIVING SNACK MIX 'WITH A MESSAGE' ... This is great to serve as a snack... or to tie up prettily in a baggie with raffia and a note explaining the symbolism of the ingredients!

If you're going to put this out in a bowl for children or guests to munch on---write the symbolic ingredients on a card and place it near the treat for all to see!

Ingredients:
2 cups Bugles corn snacks (horn of plenty)
1 cup candy corn (corn that pilgrims ate at the first Thanksgiving)
1 cup dried fruit (a sweet harvest)
2 cups pretzels (arms folded in thanks)
1 cup nuts or sunflower seeds (a bountiful harvest)
Recipe makes 8 servings

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WINTER SNACK MIXES....

'CHRISTMAS' SNACK MIX
32 SERVINGS
Ingredients
1 (16 ounce) jar dry roasted peanuts
2 (14 ounce) packages red and green candy-coated chocolate (M&M's)
1 (14 ounce) package chocolate covered peanuts
1 (7 ounce) jar wheat nuts

1. Mix together the peanuts, red and green candy-coated chocolate pieces, red and green candy-coated chocolate covered peanuts, chocolate covered peanuts and wheat germ nut snacks.
2. Serve in a large bowl or place in decorative glass jars and give as gifts

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CANDY CANE REINDEER FEED

6 cups Rice Chex® or Chocolate Chex® cereal
1 bag (12 oz) white vanilla baking chips (2 cups)
1/3 cup coarsely crushed peppermint candy canes (14 miniature, unwrapped)
 
1. Line cookie sheet with foil or waxed paper. Place cereal in large bowl.

2. In microwavable bowl, microwave white vanilla baking chips uncovered on high about 1 minute 30 seconds, stirring every 30 seconds, until chips can be stirred smooth. Stir in half the crushed peppermint candy.
3. Pour over cereal; toss to evenly coat. Spread mixture in single layer on cookie sheet. Immediately sprinkle with remaining candy. Let stand until set, about 20 minutes. Gently break up coated cereal. Store in airtight container.

NOTE: Visit the Candy Cane Category to get tips on the best way to pulverize or 'chunk' candy canes...

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 REINDEER CHOW

 

9 cups of Rice Chex
1/2 package Hershey's semi-sweet chocolate chips
2 cups powdered sugar

1. Put Hershey's chips into a microwave-safe bowl and microwave for 1 to 2 minutes, or until smooth.
 
2. While the chips are melting, gently put the Rice Chex into a separate bowl.
 
3. Gently pour the melted chocolate over the Rice Chex. Gently stir the chocolate and Rice Chex together until all the Rice Chex are covered.

4. Put 1/4 of the mixture into a zip lock bag with 1/2 cup powdered sugar and shake gently until Rice Chex are covered with sugar. Pour into a storing dish.

5. Cover the remainder of the Rice Chex with powdered sugar in the same manner.

( I personally like the above 'Puppy Chow 'and 'Muddy Buddy' mixes a little better...you could also make either of those--and call it Reindeer Chow! Barb)

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REINDEER SNACK MIX (Make it another time of year-and call it anything you want!)
Ingredients
2 cups Bugles
2 cups square-shaped cheese flavored crackers
2 cups pretzel sticks
1 cup Corn Chex cereal
1 cup bite-size shredded wheat
1 cup pecan halves
1/2 cup butter, melted
1 tablespoon maple syrup
1 1/2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
3/4 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1. In a large bowl, combine the first six ingredients. In another bowl,combine the butter, syrup, Worcestershire sauce, Cajun seasoning and cayenne; pour over cereal mixture and toss to coat.
2.Transfer to an ungreased 15-in. x 10-in. x 1-in. baking pan. Bake, uncovered, at 250 degrees F for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes.

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 VALENTINE LOVE CHOW -- Nice for V-Day--but switch the colors of candy and make it any time of the year!

(Recipe can be doubled--these directions show the amount in the image)

5 cups Chex® cereal
1/2 cup white vanilla baking chips plus 3 Tablespoons chips
1/3 cup peanut butter
2 1/2 tablespoons butter or margarine
1/3 cup powdered sugar plus 3 Tablespoons
1/2 cup red, white and pink candy-coated chocolate candies (M&Ms)
Optional: 2 Tablespoons red or pink jimmies sprinkles (KidActivities did not use jimmies but added some candy corn in the colors of red/white/pink

1. Place cereal in large bowl.
2. In small microwavable bowl, melt vanilla chips, peanut butter and butter uncovered on High 1 minute (or until melted and smooth) It's important to keep watching as not to overcook mixture.
3. Pour peanut butter/white chocolate/butter mixture over cereal, folding  gently until evenly coated. 
4. Add M&M candy--and 'optional' red/white/pink candy corn.
5. If bowl is large enough, add powdered sugar and gently fold it into the cereal mixture.  If bowl is not large enough, place cereal in a paper bag with the powdered sugar and gently shake until cereal is covered.
6. Add optional sprinkles at this time. Place mixture on waxed paper or foil; cool and set about 15 minutes. Store in airtight container.

NOTE: When first made-- the mixture tasted very sweet. It was actually better the second day. (I find the cereal absorbs the mixture as it sits.) Both children and adults said 'yumm' to this goodie! We’ll be making it again next year!

Additionally, the cereal seemed a bit dry when KA first added the white chocolate, peanut butter, and butter mixture to the cereal.... I then mixed and micro-waved more ingredients to add to the cereal. (Hence the added Tablespoons to list) This made the "Love Version' more like the well known 'Chocolate Puppy Chow' we all love. (Image by KidActivities.net; recipe adapted from Betty Crocker)

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WARM WEATHER...

OCEAN THEMED SNACK MIX (From Ocean Theme)

As written above in general snack mix tips for children...when serving a group of kids that all like something different...put out several ingredients. For our Ocean Snack mix choose from...

• Goldfish crackers, plain or cheese (Fish)
• Cheerios and/or Froot Loops (Life Savers/Life Rings)
• Pretzel sticks (Pieces of drift wood)
• Raisins, Yogurt covered raisins and/or chocolate chips (Small stones and pebbles)
• M&M's (Colorful beach glass and stones)
• Mini marshmallows (Foam of the waves)
• Chow Mein noodles (Sea Weed)

 

1. Either pre-make mix or put the variety  of ingredients out in bowls. For some added fun--make small signs with the name of the "Ocean Themed" ingredient and place in from of each food choice. Draw or cut out pictures for children who can't read! 
2. After children wash their hands--give them each a baggie. (To keep track of whose is whose - have them write their name on it) The ingredients will then go into each child's baggie with their choice of mixes.

 

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TWO UNIQUE WAYS TO SERVE PARTY SNACKS...

#1 SNACK TUBES
Put small amounts of trail mix, cereal, pretzels, etc. in plastic sandwich bags and insert them in cardboard toilet paper tubes. Then wrap tube in a piece of tissue paper and tie the ends with yarn or ribbon.
Nice way to serve snack at a “party”…Give snack tubes to the children at snack time...

 
#2 GIFT WRAPPED SNACKS for a festive party touch...
In a large bowl, mix together such foods as dry cereal pieces, sunflower seeds, m&m’s, raisins, nuts, and mini marshmallows. For each child put a serving of the snack mix in the center of a party napkin. Bring the sides of the napkin together and tie with ribbon.

 You may also be interested in...

• POPCORN SNACKS AND GOODIES
• EASY CANDY RECIPES
• Apple Recipes-Check out APPLES ON A STICK near the page middle.
• All kinds of DIPPED PRETZELS and Pretzel Treats. 
• Making EASY FOOD GIFTS
• CANDY CANES and all the things you can do with them

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GENERAL DIRECTIONS...

Materials:
 •Yarn
 •A piece of sturdy cardboard or a book. (The size of the book/cardboard determines the size of the doll you will make; select a size that is approximately the same size as the finished product you'd like)
 •Scissors
 •Choice of decorations (google eyes, contrasting yarn, ribbon, beads, etc.)

BODY...1. Begin by taping or simply holding an end of the yarn at the bottom of your wrapping board/book. Loop the yarn loosely around the book lengthwise.
 
2. Keep wrapping the yarn around the book. On the last wrap, end the yarn at the bottom of the book.

Note:
• The more times you wrap, the thicker the doll will be. The 'Video Box Sample' is wrapped 95 times. 
• The thickness of the yarn used--determines the fullness of the doll.
• How tall you make your dolls will determine how many times you  wrap the body. If you want to make yours doll larger or smaller, experiment until you find satisfying proportions. Depending on size--you'll usually need 80 to 200 wraps.
• Do not stretch the yarn while you are wrapping. When you remove the yarn from the cardboard or book, it will "shrink" and resume its un-stretched state.

3. Carefully slip a piece of yarn around 10" long under the yarn at the top of the board; tie it in a tight knot. Slip the tied yarn off of the book. At times it is easier for me to slide the yarn (while holding it tightly) off of the board. Tie it when it comes off the board.

HEAD

Siding down tightly--tie another piece of string about an inch or more down (depending on length of doll) below the top knot to create a tight, round head.

 

 

 ARMS...
Pull out a few loops on each side the be the doll's arms.  In the middle section of yarn, tie a string tightly where you'd like her/his waist to be. Tie the arms at the "wrists" and trim the looped yarn ends.

 

BOTTOM HALF OF DOLL...

Evenly clip the loops at the bottom of the doll.

If you want a girl-you now have a 'skirt'. If you want a boy--split the skirt in the center into 2 parts from the waist down. Tie them off as you did the arms. If legs are long enough, you could also braid them.

 

 

Decorate as desired...I gave this doll a flop of hair. This 'hair-do' was made by wrapping yarn around a width of two fingers. Slide it off the fingers--tie in the center--tie at the top of the head. Snip the loops for a fringe of hair!

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All images by KidActivities.net

OTHER YARN DOLL IDEAS...

 

 

 

 

 

Make 'YARN DOLL ORNAMENTS'. This doll was made in 1990, and still makes it to the tree each year!

Make a HALLOWEEN GHOST! After you've made the head--stop! Just trim the bottom loops and add google eyes and a spooky plastic spider!

 

MAKE AN OCTOPUS...

Making an octopus can be easy! Follow the general directions up to the head.

When the samples were made, I literally plopped the yarn on the table and evenly fanned it out. Split the spread out yarn into eight sections. Secure each section (I used small bands) and then braid each section. Add the eyes and you have an octopus! Barb (Images by KidActivities.net)

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You may also be interested in the 'THINGS TO DO WITH YARN AND STRING' page...

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Great for gifts, for kids to keep or for yourself!

BOOKMARKS #1

Put out a variety of construction paper, markers, paints, and stickers. You can also use glitter, sequins, lace, doilies, buttons, and any other odds and ends you have left over from other projects. Individual-creative book marks! 

Cut the front of appropriate greeting cards into 2 inch wide strips. Punch a hole at the top of each strip and attach a yarn tassel. Children can decorate the backs of the strips with markers and crayons if desired...
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BOOKMARKS #2
Open art table...

Tip: Cut strips from construction paper; painting the construction paper will make it sturdier-- or you can visit the local library or office supply to have them laminated for longer lasting use. To complete the bookmark, attach a tassel made from strands of yarn.

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#3 MAKE A BOOK WORM BOOKMARK GIFT to keep pages from wiggling away!

 1. Draw a worm on card-stock paper - large and wide-enough to mark a page well. (You can have children make their own bookworm or you can make a template for them to trace)
2. Cut out the worms. With a craft punch, make a hole at the top.
3. Now personalize the worms! Make swirls, dots, and lines in different colors. Add a silly face, some words, or the name of a favorite book.
4. Flip the bookmark over and decorate the other side a whole new way!
5. Embellish the bookmark with ribbon, string, or yarn tied into the hole at the top. Add self-adhesive google eyes or other decorations, too.
6. If you can, laminate them to use repeatedly. (Source Crayola.com) The above bookmark idea and photo is from About.com

A SELECTION OF SLOGANS WHICH COULD BE USED ON BOOKMARKS ARE:

• Time for reading
• Reading is the next best thing to....
• Switch on to reading
• I'm a bookworm
• Sssh! I'm reading
• Dive into a book
• Enter a different world - read!
• Enjoy a book- get reading!
• I've got my head in a book
• Have you chosen a good book?
• R is for reading
• 54321 READ!
• Ready, steady, READ!
• Reading is fun!
• I ♥ reading!
• Reading is cool!
• Reading forever!
• I ♥ 2 read!
• Make friends with a book!
• What's inside your book?
• Born to read
• I'm off to see the world - read!
• I'm ready for reading!
• On your mark, get set, READ!

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#4 BUTTON BOOKMARKS
These are fun and easy for kids to create.  

Simply cut lengths of ribbon (these are 12 to 14 inches long, to fit a standard-size hardcover book), then attach buttons to the ends using tacky glue or a glue gun.
Shown here are just a few of the decorating options: sandwiching the ribbon's ends between two buttons; stacking smaller atop larger buttons; and grouping several small buttons in a pattern.

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#5 CORNER BOOKMARKS

Love this idea! My husband has been doing a lot of reading--so when I saw this idea--I quickly pulled out a couple envelopes (one bright orange business-size and one smaller greeting card).
Did my thing with cutting (without measuring) and embellished a bit. Both corner bookmarks came out great! Try this fun and easy idea with your kids--or yourself! (Barb)

Directions:

Select envelopes to use. The corners of the envelopes should be in good condition--as you'll cut the corner off the envelope and use the corner to create your bookmark.

 

If you want more precision than what I did-
Measure 2-inches down the sides of the corner of the envelope. Make a small pencil mark at each location.

Draw a straight line from one side of the corner to the other side of the corner, at the pencil marks. You have created a triangle shape at the corner of your envelope. Cut the triangle-shaped corner off of the envelope. (You can also use scissors with decorative edges)

Slip the cut corner on the page of a book. This will give you an idea of how it fits.

You can now decorate as desired using lace, gift wrap, ribbon, hand-made drawings and paint, small images, stickers, rubber-stamps or calligraphy.  If you embellish, glue decorations on the bookmark and let dry.

Experiment with different kinds of envelopes...Colored, onion-skin and handmade envelopes all create interesting corner bookmarks.

These would also make a great seasonal craft or gift. Add ghosts or pumpkins for Halloween,  a turkey for Thanksgiving or a heart for Valentine's Day. Image source: Sharonscrapbook

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 #6 FRUGAL BOOK MARK IDEA...
You know the OLD PAINT CHIP CARDS you used when you were trying to decide what color to paint? They can be turned into great book marks (gift tags too)...Put a hole in them with a hole puncher, string ribbon through them! You now have great book marks!
Tip: Add paint cards to your "Parent Wish List"!

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#7 RECYCLED PACKAGE BOOKMARKS

This simple project comes from myplumpudding--it saves books from dog ears and recycles cardboard from the trash!

1. Simply pull out your colorful cardboard packages, flatten them out and cut them into strips about 1 1/2" x 6". A paper cutter will give you a more consistent cut. And any size strip will do--as long as it fits in your book.
2. Trim corners with a corner rounding tool, scissors or an X-acto.
3. Punch a hole in the top and thread it with a matching ribbon

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#8 'STICKER' BOOKMARKS--good for younger children

Colored cardstock or used/discarded manila folders
Scissors
Ribbon, thread or yarn
Hole punch
Stickers

Cut out the paper into various shapes and sizes
Punch a hole at the top and thread a ribbon or colored yarn through the hole. Tie into place
Decorate with stickers.
Image Source:mumsgather

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#9 FABRIC BOOKMARK

1. Brush rubber cement onto a piece of cardstock in an area larger than the size your finished bookmark will be. Stick on a scrap of fabric, smoothing out any wrinkles.

2. Flip the cardstock over and repeat for the back side of the bookmark.

3. Mark the edges of the bookmark with a ruler and pencil, then cut it out using a sharp scissors.

4. Punch a hole at the top  and tie on thin ribbon, thread or yarn.

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#10 FALL NATURE BOOKMARK

 

Wrap a piece of masking tape (sticky side out) around each child's wrist. Go on a nature walk and have children collect a leaf from each of several trees---sticking it on their leaf bracelet.

Get a Book with a variety of leaves to compare 'finds' when you return. Children will also be able to go home and see what leaves they find there!

As shown, take clear packing tape and make wonderful bookmarks with a variey of nature finds! Photograph courtesy of Angela at Colorfool ...Angela shares that flat items adhere better than bulky.

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Idea #11:  COMUNITY SERVICE IDEA...

MAKE AND LAMINATE BOOKMARKS for your school or hometown library.
With your class or program, make some pretty bookmarks; leave them in a basket on the library counter for other children and adults to take one when they check out books.

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#12 FUN FOAM BOOKMARKS

Materials:
Fun Foam in assorted colors
Decorative scissors (optional)
White glue
Fine-point permanent markers in assorted colors
3/4" pompom
Two 5 mm movable eyes
Yarn

1. Cut 2" x 10" strips of Fun Foam for base of bookmark. Cut additional shapes, such as face or star. Use decorative scissors if desired.
2. Glue shapes to one end of strip. Decorate shapes with markers, movable eyes, pompom nose, yarn and hair.
Extension: Write names of books you've read on base strip. Source: Women's Day-July 8, 2008; Image by Paula Hible 

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Idea #13:  KINDNESS BOOKMARKS...

PURCHASE,  DOWNLOAD OR MAKE BOOKMARKS
 
When you "catch a child" in an act of kindness, give them one of the bookmarks! Children receiving the bookmark feel good and the other children will want to know how to get one. It presents an opportunity to discuss altruism and acts of kindness with your group. Special bookmarks may be downloaded on the Random Acts of Kindness web-site.  

Random Acts of Kindness Foundation...
The Random Acts of Kindness Foundation inspires people to practice kindness and to "pass it on" to others. They provide free educational and community ideas, guidance, and other resources to kindness participants through the website.

Random Acts of Kindness Week 2012~February 13-19

 

Also...Check out the Month of October! It hosts Kids Care Week, World Food Day, Diversity Awareness Month, Make a Difference Day, Bullying Prevention Month, and Peace, Friendship and Goodwill Week! Whew! Lots of days to celebrate kindness and service! 

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#14

LARGE PAPER CLIP BOOKMARKS...

Simply take a large paper clip and tie a group of three or four ribbon lengths to the top of the clip. (The amount depends on the width of the ribbon.)  The clips are great to mark book pages as well as clip envelopes and folders.

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MAKE UP at Page Bottom...

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THRIFT STORE COSTUMES…
The more kids (or you) look and sound like someone else, the more exciting the drama activity will be. Wearing a hat, scarf, shawl or apron will help change appearance. Collect interesting hats, skirts and jackets-- as well as acting tools such as fabric, tinsel, wigs, jewelry and the endless list of accessories.The keys words to remember are experimentation and imagination!!

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PILLOW CASE COSTUMES

Collect unused pellow cases!
They can make great costumes, such as a superhero, ghost, domino, playing card, Greek goddess, warrior, and more.
Glue on felt pieces for the pattern...

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 ARTIST COSTUME --All you need is a big white shirt, a beret, black tights or leggings, some paintbrushes and several colors of paint on an artist’s tray. Paint different blotches of paint on the white shirt. Cut a circle from the felt a little bigger that your head. Sew a running stitch around the outside of the felt and pull in just a little to make it puff up. It just sits on the head with bobby pins. Put paint brushes in pocket and carry artist’s tray with you.

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BUTTERFLY COSTUME
Need: Sturdy cardboard, Utility knife, Colored netting, Batting, Brightly colored paints,
Satin ribbon, Leotard & tights, One & half yards of the same colored fabric, Same colored socks, Shoes, A plain, simple mask, Silk flowers, Pipe cleaners, Pom-poms, Glue, Stapler

• Cut out two sets of the wings from the cardboard.
• Using a utility knife cut out designs from the inside of the wings.
• Paint one side of each wing and fold them in half like a real butterfly.
• Next, lay the netting between the set and glue in place. Punch four holes through the cardboard to run the ribbon through to give the effect of a backpack.
• To make a mask--Separate the petals of the flowers and glue them neatly around the mask from the inside out, carefully making sure that the eyes are not covered; Remove the elastic cord and staple a piece of ribbon (long enough to tie around the head and dangle down) to each side. Double the pipe cleaners and attach to the back of the mask; glue the pompoms to the ends.
• Have child put on the leotard, tights and shoes, covering the shoes with the socks.
  Use combinations of reds, oranges, yellows, greens, blues, purples, and pinks. This could also be used as a fairy with silver and white!

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CAT/DOG/PIG

• Cat: Black leggings or pants and black shirt. Cover a stretched-out wire hanger with a black sock-- or stuff a black sock with material for the tail.
  Use a black headband with ears attached that are made of cardboard and painted black. Add black mittens or gloves for paws--and black socks and shoes. This idea can be used for any animal by switching colors and the type of ears and tail.

• Dog: Add spots to construction paper and adhere the spots with tape or washable glue. Use a barrette to attach long felt ears to the sides of the child’s head.

• Pig: Wear a pink or white sweat suit with a pipe cleaner tail.

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CLOWN: Over sized clothes make a clown costume. Add hat, wide tie and face paint.

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CONE HATS:  The Basic Cone: Fold a 12" x 24" sheet of newspaper in half. Cut out a quarter circle and open the paper into a half circle. Roll the half circle into a cone to fit the head. Tape or staple the cone together.

• Witch Hat: Make a basic cone out of black paper. Make the brim. Place the cone on a sheet of stiff paper and draw around it. Draw a larger circle around the first circle and cut it out Draw 5 tabs inside the inner circle. Cut out the inner circle around the tabs. Fold the tabs back. Slip the brim over the cone and glue to tape the tabs to the cone.

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COWBOY: Shirts, jackets and jeans for a cowboy costume. Add a hat, scarf, and boots.

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CRAYON COSTUME
Need: Poster board, Stapler, Scissors, Black construction, elastic, and construction paper that is the same color as the poster board.

• Take the colored poster board (your choice) and cut it to fit between the child’s underarms and knees.
• Wrap the board around the child---making sure to leave room to wear sweats under the colored poster board.
• Cut an oval out from construction paper of your desired crayon color; Glue it to center of poster board over the stomach area.
• Cut out the letters CRAYOLA from black construction paper and glue them to construction paper centered on the stomach.
• Use leftover poster board to construct a cone shaped hat. You should use a 2" strip at the base of hat to form a crayon design. Make sure the top of the hat has a flat base.
• Attach elastic to the shoulder area and staple it to the poster board.
  DO NOT make it too long- as it will constrict walking ability. You may have to cut out arm indentations for an easier fit. Use the same colored clothing underneath to create illusion of all one color.

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DINOSAUR COSTUME
Need: Rectangular cardboard box, X-acto knife, Masking tape, Green spray paint, White, black, yellow paint, Green sweats, Green tights, Styrofoam ball (2-3" diameter), Stuffing material, Green felt (optional), Velcro points (optional), Red felt (optional).

• The cardboard box should fit over child’s head and shoulders to form a Dino head/snout.
• One designer has done it 2 years in 2 different ways -- one year she cut out "shoulder rests" for the box to fit on the child’s shoulders.
• The next year the box was longer and too wide, so she cut armholes in the box. It takes some measuring and adjusting by putting the box on the child).

Next ...basically figure out how to turn a rectangular box into a Dinosaur head by cutting away pieces, folding, and taping.
Leave a "window" for child to see out of between the top of the elongated "snout" part of the head and the top of the head (This gives the head a 2-level look and avoids the problem of lining up eyes with). Spray paint the "head" green. Cut a Styrofoam  ball in half and paint it yellow; paint a black pupil in the center of each, and glue on the sides of the head for eyes. Have child paint red spots on the head.

• Cut one leg off the green tights and stuff with poly-fill to form the tail. Close it with a rubber band; pin it to elastic on back of the child’s sweatpants.
• If desired, cut paired triangles of felt. Glue them together and attach it to the tail and back of the child with Velcro. If desired, cut circles from red felt for spots and attach to them to child’s outfit with Velcro.
• Can also be used as a crocodile with a few modifications. For a crocodile, put the eyes sticking up from the top of the head instead of on the sides.

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FAIRY COSTUME
Need: Material, Thread, Sewing needle, Mesh or lace material for wings, Metal or wire in a "C" shape for wings.
You can use a dress with a flared skirt for the base. Next, cut the mesh or lace material into the shape of the wire with just a little room to overlap it. Sew the lace or mesh over the wire and it’s complete.

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FIREFIGHTER IN A FIRE ENGINE COSTUME
Paint a box bright red with ladders on the sides. Use aluminum pie plates for reflectors. A plastic firefighter’s hat is a good addition. Children will be more than happy to come up with the siren sound!

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FLOWER MASK
Children enjoy discovering all the flowers that bloom in the summer. The colors are bright and inviting. To make an inexpensive and colorful blossom mask--- cut out the center of a paper plate, leaving a hole large enough for the child’s face. paint the plate and then cut flower petals from colorful construction or tissue paper. Glue the petals around the rim to make a unique flower. Attach elastic thread to the back of the plate to finish the mask

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GENIE
Need: Bathing suit top and bottom, a pair of pajama bottoms with a hem you can put a string through to tighten around ankles and matching midriff vest. To make a hat, cut a hole in the middle of a small plastic container for a ponytail - cover it with fabric and fasten a scarf to each side of the hat so that it hangs loosely in front of your mouth. (Picture the old “I Dream of Jeanie” episodes for this.

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GHOST: A white sheet creates the perfect ghost costume. For an added touch buy an old hat to place on the ghost's head.

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GRASS SKIRT (From Paper Bag)
Materials: A roll of brown wrapping paper, Glue, Self-adhesive Velcro fastener, Stapler, Scissors.

• 1: Cut off two sheets of paper that measure six inches longer than child’s waist size; lay one sheet on top of the other. Staple them together along the short side (to form the waist) about a 1/2 inch from the edge.
• 2: For a waistband, use a four-inch-wide paper strip with the same circumference as the skirt waist. Glue the lower half of the waistband to the stapled edge of the skirt front.
  Fold over the waistband top, and glue it to the inside of the skirt. For a decorative waistband, twist together two long paper strips and glue them on.
• 3: Use scissors to fringe the skirt from the hemline to just below the waistband.
• 4: Stick one part of the Velcro fastener to the front of one waistband end and the matching part to the back of the band’s opposite end. Wrap the skirt around the child’s waist, and fasten.

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GRASS SKIRT made from Green Crepe Paper
To make these easy grass skirts, you’ll need a roll of green crepe paper, and duct tape.

• Cut a piece of duct tape large enough to circle the child’s waist plus 4 inches.
• Lay it on a flat surface sticky side up.
• Now unroll the green crepe paper and lie perpendicular to the tape, lying one end ½ way into the tape. The length will be determined by the height of the child.
• When the tape is full with the crepe paper strips, cut another piece of duct tape and lay it sticky side down over the first piece, trapping the crepe paper ends into the "waistband".
• Last, punch a hole in either end of the duct tape and tie together with a ribbon.

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GYPSY: Flowing dresses and bright shoes make a gypsy costume. Add lots of jewelry such as bracelets, necklace, beads, earrings and scarves.

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HATS---THE BASIC BAND: Cut a 2" wide strip of paper long enough to go around the head with an overlap of about 1". Staple ends together.

INDIAN HEAD DRESS #1: Make a basic band; tape or staple feathers to the band.

INDIAN HEADBAND #2: Cut brown construction paper into strips; fit it around child’s head and staple or tape ends together. Cut feathers out of scrap.

INDIAN VEST TO GO WITH HEADBANDS: Cut a vest from a brown paper bag, cut a slit up the front and neck and arm holes. To decorate, either cut out construction paper shape (arrows, sun, designs, etc.) and glue them on.

ROYAL CROWN: Make a basic band about 4" wide. Cut points in the top. Decorate the crown with beads, buttons, braids, sparkles, etc.

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HIPPIE

 

Wear a peasant dress, flowing light material skirt, or bell-bottom pants. The top can be a tie dye shirt or flimsy top-with love beads, long hair parted down the middle (may need a wig), a peace sign button and -tinted glasses. Using makeup, paint a peace sign, flower or heart on child face.

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HOT DOG COSTUME
Need: An old thick blanket like a comforter, large pieces of brown and tan felt, small pieces of red and yellow felt for ketchup and mustard, cotton pillow filling, Brown pants, face paint.

• First you cut the comforter so that it fits around the child and ties in the back.
• Cut a hole in the front for child’s head and arms. Then cut the brown felt in the same shape as the comforter.
• Sew the felt onto the comforter.
• Cut the red and yellow felt (in the shape of ketchup and mustard) and glue it on the front of the hot dog. Then get the tan felt and measure it like a jacket.
• Cut arm holes in the sides. It should look like a bun.
• In order- put on brown pants, then the hot dog, then the bun and finish with the face paint. You have a hot dog!

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INSTANT EARS...

 

No time or too small for a full costume? To make an adorable bunny, kitty, puppy, or an elephant---all it takes are ears (construction paper or cardboard attached to a hat or headband) and a nose (a tiny bit of makeup on the nose and cheeks, and the appropriate tail pinned to the back of pajamas or a sweat suit.

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 JACK-IN-THE-BOX COSTUME
A big box with bottom and top cut out, a clown looking shirt, Clown Makeup, Aluminum foil, Paint.

• Take a box-making sure child can fit into it. Paint the box with decorations such as numbers and letters.
• Sew, glue, or tape a shirt onto the inside of your box; a hat could be made to match the shirt.
• Make a crank with the aluminum foil; tape the crank onto the side of the box.
• Make up the child’s face with clown paint. Have “Jack” bend down in the box and POP Back up.

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MAIL CARRIER
This is especially good for Preschool to Grade 1. They enjoy playing dress up and many costumes can be made from items around the house. To make a Mail Carrier’s costume- find or make a canvas bag with a short strap so it can be carried on the shoulder. Be sure to "equip" it with mail. Save old postcards, junk mail, little gift boxes, and a couple of magazines to put in the mail bag. Decorate an old shirt to be a uniform. For props, use shoe boxes that are decorated and used for mail boxes. Put names of program children on the “mail-boxes” so the mail-carrier can deliver the mail.

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MARTIAN
Rainbow wig, Oversized glasses, Face paint, Headband, Silver or gold pipe cleaners, Foil

• If possible have child wear green slippers and a fluorescent green leotard and tights. If not possible find blue or purple, etc.
• Wrap the headband in foil and attach 2 or more pipe cleaners to the top for the antenna.
• Paint child’s face in a variety of psychedelic colors and outer space designs.
• If you’re a girl Martian, add a sheer fluorescent green ballet skirt. If you can’t find oversized glasses, make some from cardboard.
• Cover the cut-out cardboard with foil or decorate with fluorescent markers.
• Let your imagination go wild and add your own touches to this visitor from another planet.

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MUMMY
Tear some sheets and wrap them around the body (but never around the

neck). For safety, paint child's face white instead of wrapping sheetstrips. 
Paint black rings around eyes for empty eye sockets.
Use a white swimming cap or stocking cap over child's hair and attach sheet strips to it.
If you have sheet strips dangling from the body, make sure they are of a length that will not trip the child.

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NERD
High-water pants, white button-down shirt, bow tie, white socks, black dress shoes, a pocket protector, and dark frame glasses with masking tape around the nose piece are all you need for this classic costume.

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PLANES, TRAINS, AUTOMOBILES COSTUMES
Remove the top and bottom flaps of a box, then place a box around child’s middle and attach with over-the-shoulder ties. With paint, paper plates, tin cans, some additional cardboard, and imagination, the child could be a race car. Paint racing stripes, add cans, cups, or stickers for front and rear lights. Don’t forget the sponsor’s names on the side and the personalized license plates.

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OLD WOMAN
Use a past-the-knee dress, wig, handbag, umbrella, nude colored knee-highs that don’t stay up and old shoes. Use gray eyeliner to draw light lines from your eyes (crows feet) around your mouth (looks like no teeth). Add vertical lines around the cheek bones for additional wrinkles. Experiment until you reach the desired look. Blend this all lightly so the lines are just shadows in add a layer of white powder, two pink spots of blush and pink lip stick. For a chilly night, add a cardigan sweater buttoned at the top or a long fuzzy overcoat and flowered hat.

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PRINCESS: Prom or evening gowns make an excellent princess, queen, or your favorite movie star. Add jewelry, gloves, high heels, purse and shawls.

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PURPLE PEOPLE EATER -COSTUME
Dress in purple sweats; jell child’s hair so it stands up in a "horn"; draw an "eye" in the middle of child’s forehead with make-up. Top it off with a necklace made of a plastic fork, knife and spoon; tie these on a shoelace around and around the neck .

You may also be interested in our 'PURPLE PEOPLE EATER' THEME!

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ROBOT

Use a small box for the head with a large space cut out for the face, and a larger box for the body, with head and arm holes cut out. Other materials: Paint, sparkly stick-ons, aluminum pans with stickers for the control panel.

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SCARECROW
Wear worn-in jeans or over-alls that have patched holes with an old bandanna; add a flannel shirt, a worn-in hat and gardening gloves. Stick some straw in various places to add to the effect. Use makeup to paint the face yellow and add short lines around the eyes to look like a sewn on patch. Use green make-up to paint an upside down triangle on the nose--- again adding short lines around it to look like a sewn on patch. Use red for the mouth adding the short lines. Add small red circles of color to the cheeks.

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TEENY BOPPER (1950’s)
Un-tucked, solid-color button-down short-sleeved shirt, jeans rolled up to mid-calf, or a poodle skirt, white socks and penny loafers or saddle shoes. Girls wear ponytail and boys slick-back hair ducktail style with gel.

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VAMPIRE
Wear black pants, white button-down shirt, black shoes, a cape (buy a vampire cape or dye a sheet black), plastic teeth, and slick hair back with some gel. Use white make-up for the face and highlight with red blush on the cheeks and red lipstick on the lips. Red lipstick applied carefully with a lip brush down the side of the mouth can look like blood dripping down.

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WITCH
Black dress or skirt and top, black tights, cape (dye a sheet black), witch’s hat, and of course a broom. Make the face green and use a black eye pencil to make dark lines. Stick a piece of oatmeal colored black to the make-up paint on the nose, chin and/or cheek to make a good wart. Pin a plush-toy black cat to child’s shoulder or tie it to the broom.
Some ideas adapted from: kid.lifetips.com

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ARE YOU GOING OUT FOR HALLOWEEN? BE SURE TO...
Tie or sew glow-sticks to your child's costume so they can be seen more easily in the dark. You can also use reflective tape and/or carry a flashlight.

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FOR OLDER KIDS DRAMA/THEATER CLASS: COSTUME MAKING

MASKS AND SIMPLE HATS are quick and creative projects. Animal masks are really fun, made from just about anything you have on hand. Whatever they are doing, have the kids draw their design first and then try to create it; that reinforces how a costume designer works.

If you have time, they can bring in research materials before they start to draw. It also reinforces the concept if they all draw characters from the same story (the biggest problem being that for every fairy tale you suggest, they will draw the Disney characters...you’ll spend a lot of time explaining that there was a Cinderella before the one that wore the blue ball gown in the cartoon....) With hats, have them draw a design based on one of several simple shapes that you can help them make (cone, top-hat, crown, etc.) Older kids can make hats of felt or fleece.

    • If you want to get older kids into some basic construction, VESTS ARE GREAT. They are unisex and can be designed for just about any character (and some kids will actually end up wearing what they make, if it's cool enough). A simple, two-piece vest pattern teaches the concepts of how to size, cut, and sew, with only four short seams that can be sewn by hand. Embellishing and/or distressing the vest helps to continue the concept of creating a character through dress. You can also start with a finished thrift-store vest and have them embellish it -- faster and easier than trying to teach construction

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 MAKE UP!

 

FACE PAINT RECIPE #1 (for six colors) 6 teaspoons of corn starch; divided
3 tablespoons of water; divided
3 tablespoons of cold cream; divided
6 cup muffin tin
Food coloring...

In each cup of the muffin tin put 1 teaspoon of cornstarch, 1/2 teaspoon of cold cream, and 1/2 teaspoon of water. Add a different color food coloring to each cup. Mix well.

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FACE PAINT #2 (For one color) Materials: 1 tsp. cornstarch, 1/2 tsp. water, 1/2 tsp. cold cream, food coloring
Mix cornstarch and cold cream together until smooth. Mix in water and food coloring. Use a small brush to paint designs on the children's faces. Store in an airtight container.

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FACE PAINT #3
Materials
1 Tbs. Crisco shortening
2 Tbs. cornstarch
Food coloring
Mix all ingredients together until smooth. Use sponge or fingers to apply to face. Wash with soap and water.

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CLOWN PAINT #1
1/8 c Baby Lotion
1/4 tsp powdered Tempera paint
1 squirt liquid soap
This is easily removed by soap and water.

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CLOWN MAKE-UP #2
Blend on a paper plate:
2 tblsp. shortening
5 tsps. cornstarch
1 tsp. flour
Dab of Vaseline
Add food coloring for various colors.
Wash Off with Soap and Water...

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EDIBLE FRUIT LIP GLOSS
Materials:
Favored drink mix
1 cup vegetable shortening
Food coloring
Small container such as a film container
1. Mix one packet of drink mix with shortening.
2. Add in a few drops of food coloring that matches the flavor. ie: yellow for lemon.
3. Pack in small container, such as a film container, and you have wonderful tasting and smelling lip gloss. Of course the lip gloss is edible should some accidentally be licked off.

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MAKE CHOCOLATE LIP GLOSS 
Ingredients: Hershey Cocoa, vaseline, small conatiner with lid
 
Put  vaseline in a small jar/container
Add cocoa to the vaseline. Lip gloss is made!

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ADDING A SPOOKY TOUCH TO MAKE-UP...
BLACKEN FACES
To lightly blacken faces, carefully burn a cork and when cool, rub on the face.
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For a GHOULISH LOOK...
Add a dusting of flour to already made up faces.
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MAKE A HAIRY WART
Need:
Whole peppercorns white or black
Corn syrup or eyelash glue
Hair bristles from a paintbrush or out of your hair brush
(Optional) Non-toxic watercolors (the kind you use in school)
Directions:
1. Glue peppercorns to your hands or face using the corn syrup or eyelash glue. KEEP PEPPERCORNS AWAY FROM YOUR EYES! You may have to hold them in place until the glue or syrup is dry.
2. Dip one end of the hairs in the glue or syrup and attach to the peppercorn, so they look hairy.
3. Use the paints to color them creepy!

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MONSTER/SCARY APPEARANCE...

• Use make up that will give your skin a sickly pallor: rub green eyeshadow on your cheeks and red lipstick to highlight scars.  Ketchup for blood and gore.

• Old clothes and hats, like an old black raincoat over your shoulders for Dracula cape.

• Swim fins to create horrid Creature from the Black Lagoon feet.

• Child-safe white school glue...dab a thin line of glue across the cheek and let it dry to create a temporary scar. Or make dots that'll dry into warts.

• Talcum powder dusted into your hair looks ghostly!

•Oatmeal. Mix it onto a paste with water, dab it on your skin and let it dry. Gross (but actually good for your skin when you wash it off with warm water.)

• Lots of mousse rubbed into hair creates vampire-looking slick effects. Or pull your hair into spikes or wild snarls. Be ready for lots of shampooing to get back to normal.

• A rubber glove, filled half full of lukewarm water and secured with a rubber band. Hold this inside a long baggy sleeve and extend the arm to shake hands with unsuspecting friends.

• Old wigs and fake fur can be cut up to make mustaches, wild eyebrows, even hairy werewolf hands.

• Always be careful to keep make-up and glue and powder far away from eyes! Don't keep monster make-up on too long, and don't use any of this stuff on your skin if you have allergies. Source:kidsart.com

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#1...FAKE BLOOD FOR MAKE UP
Karo brand corn syrup
Red and blue food coloring
Milk
Add some red food coloring to the corn syrup, then just a drop or two of blue to get a more realistic dark color. Milk will make the blood appear more opaque and more realistic.
Note: This mixture is sticky and can stain clothes.

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FAKE BLOOD  #2 
Ingredients:
2-1/2 Tablespoons water
60-70 drops of red food coloring
10-15 drops yellow food coloring
2-3 drops blue food coloring
5-1/2 Tablespoons white corn syrup
Directions:
1. Mix all of the food colorings and water together.
2. Slowly stir in the corn syrup until the mixture is thick, but still "slides" down your arm. This goop WILL STAIN your clothing! 3. Smear it on your skin wherever you want the "blood" to be.
Adult Supervision Required

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