After-school snacks can be a nutritious way to make sure children get the energy and nutrients they need to properly fuel their bodies and to ensure proper growth and development. Snacking can be part of a healthy diet --if snacks are chosen correctly. Plenty of healthy ideas below as well as some treats and novel fun!

Some WINTER IDEAS here-others are on Page 2...

SPEEDY AFTER-SCHOOL SNACKS :

   • Bagel or English muffin pizza

   • Tortilla Rollups: Roll a tortilla with shredded cheese, microwave until cheese is soft, and dip in salsa.

   • Peanut butter on a mini bagel

   • Cereal topped with fruit and milk

   • Cheese and crackers

   • Sliced salami with cheese and crackers

   • Fruited yogurt topped with granola

   • Cut-up vegetables dipped in low-fat ranch salad dressing

   • Sunflower Seeds-Pumpkin Seeds-Nuts 

   • Pretzels

   • Banana Pops: Peel a banana, dip it first in yogurt and then in crushed breakfast cereal or granola; freeze.

   • Celery with low-fat cream cheese

   • Peanut butter on graham crackers

   • Fresh fruit (cut up and ready in a bowl, easy to grab and eat)

   • Canned fruit 

   • Low-fat string cheese

   • Breakfast bars

   • Banana or apple topped with peanut butter

   • Fruit Shake-Up: Put ½ cup low-fat yogurt and 1/2 cup cold fruit juice in an unbreakable, covered container. Shake it up and pour it in a cup.

   • Turkey and Cheese Roll Ups

   • Stuffed Celery: See a ton of great 'Stuffed Ideas" in the Warm weather snack category. Click here 

   • Simple snacks such as the little goldfish and teddy grahams

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KID MADE SNACK MIX!
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)
•Yogurt covered raisins
•A mixture of m&m’s, chocolate chips, mini marshmallows

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

Let kids know how much measurement-wise they can take of offered foods; also how many choices they can have. Example: ½ cup of 4 foods.

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ALMOST S'MORES #1

Take 1 graham cracker and 1 tbsp. chocolate frosting. Break each cracker into four sections and spread frosting on two. Place the other two crackers on top to make sandwiches.

 

EASY ALMOST S'MORES #2 Use Marshmallow Fluff! TAKE chocolate-covered grahams and spread them with Marshmallow Fluff for easy, no-bake S'Mores!

 #3 SALTY S'MORES
Ingredients:
Peanut Butter, Saltine Crackers, Marshmallows
...Spread Peanut butter onto saltine crackers.
...Place a marshmallow on top of peanut butter.
...Place in toaster oven until marshmallow is golden brown.
...Cool...Eat!

#4 JOLLY S'MORES  Ingredients for one:  2 graham crackers, 1 Tablespoon peanutbutter, 1 Tablesoon marshmalllow creme, 1/2 chocolate bar

Spread peanutbutter 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 it marshamallow side down on the chocolate bar.

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CHEESE HAMMERS & TOWERS
Cut a variety of cheese into small squares. For a hammer, poke a pretzel into each one.
Children can connect their cubed cheese with the pretzel sticks to construct cheese towers.

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Open- face CREAM CHEESE AND PEANUT SANDWICHES
Serves: 8 full slice or 16 half sandwiches
Ingredients:
1/2 cup (4 ounces) Philadelphia fat-free or regular cream cheese
2 tablespoons Maple Syrup
1/4 cup (1 ounce) chopped dry roasted peanuts
8 slices bread
1. In a medium bowl, stir cream cheese with a spoon until soft. Stir in maple syrup. Add peanuts. Mix well to combine.
2. For each sandwich, spread about 1.5 tablespoons filling mixture on bread.

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TORTILLA & CHEESE ROLL-UPS
Ingredients:
Small flour tortillas
Colby-jack STICK cheese
Salsa, if desired

• Place one stick of Colby-jack cheese (or use mozzarella string cheese) near the edge of the flour tortilla.
• Roll the tortilla around the cheese; secure it with a toothpick (remove it later before children snack).
• Microwave until cheese is soft.
• Dip in salsa.

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SANDWICH ON A STICK...
1 pkg. (2.1 oz.) Ready to Serve Bacon
15 (Kraft) Cheddar & Monterey Jack Cheese Cubes
16 red or green seedless grapes
7 red or green apple chunks
7 pineapple chunks
15 wooden toothpick

Ingredients: Bread, cheese, lunch meat, grape tomatoes, lettuce, pickles, olives.
Ingredients can be served in bowls and children choose what they like and then slide onto their skewer.
1. Cut up cubes of bread, cheese, and lunch meat (1/2-inch-thick cubes of ham and turkey are good).
2. Slide the cubes onto a skewer (long pick) with other foods the children like, such as a grape tomato, a piece of lettuce, a pickle, or an olive.
3. Set out a side of mayo or mustard for dipping.

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FALL & WINTER FRUIT SKEWERS

• MICROWAVE bacon as directed on pkg. for less crispy slices.
• WEAVE 1 bacon slice alternately around 1 piece of cheese and 2 pieces of fruit on each toothpick.
  Source: Kraft food website

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MINI-WRAPS
Lightly spread a tortilla with a little cream cheese and place one or two slices of thin ham or turkey over the cream cheese. Roll tightly and cut into small rounds.

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TURN THE DAY UPSIDE DOWN!
Have a breakfast feast (or snack) with kids in the PM!
You can have breakfast any time. Cereal, eggs & bacon, waffles, French toast, or pancakes. Add juice & fruits. Budget low?
Have kids sign-up to bring in items. Breakfast is always better at night.

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TURKEY ROLLUPS
Satisfy your salty, crunchy and savory cravings in one punch with this quick snack.
4 slices deli turkey breast (about 2 ounces total)
8 teaspoons honey mustard or mango chutney (or whatever kids like)
8 sesame breadsticks
Spread each slice of turkey with 2 teaspoons mustard (or mango chutney) and season with pepper if desired. Wrap each prepared turkey slice around 2 breadsticks

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PEANUT BUTTER AND JELLY ROLL-UP

Put peanut butter and jelly onto a flour tortilla. Roll...Eat

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MAKE A SANDWICH FACE
Just put out the ingredients and let kids make and take…
Peanut Butter
Bananas - sliced
Raisins
Bread (1 slice)
M &M's candy
Spread the peanut butter on the slice of bread. Next, put 2 banana circles on the bread to look like eyes. Then use a raisin as a nose. Last, make your mouth out of M&M's candy.

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MAKE A TASTY FACE
Spread peanut butter onto a rice cake.
Use jellybeans and M&M's to make facial features---

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SWEET TORTILLA SHAPES

• Using small fun shaped cookie cutters cut shapes out of a flour tortilla.
• Place on non stick cookie sheet and lightly brush with a little butter.
• Lightly sprinkle (you only need a little) with a mixture of 1 part cinnamon and 3 parts brown sugar.
• Bake in a moderately hot oven for 10 minutes for a sweet and crispy treat.

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CHEERIO NECKLACES
1. String Cheerios or Fruit loops onto a piece of yarn or string. (As a treat-stringing them on thin licorice rope is also fun!)
2. Tie ends together so that they slip easily around a child’s head.
3. Children can munch on them while playing.

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MARSHMALLOW STICKS
Let children make their own snack.
Set out some small marshmallows and some thin pretzel sticks.
Have children stick a pretzel in each marshmallow. Store in a small zip-lock bag.

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BANANA IN A BLANKET
1 (6 inch) tortilla
1 tablespoon smooth peanut butter or cream cheese
1 medium banana
1 teaspoon maple syrup or honey
1 tablespoon crunchy, nutty nugget cereal

• Lay tortilla on a plate.
• Spread peanut butter evenly on the tortilla.
• Sprinkle cereal over peanut butter.
• Peel and place banana on the tortilla and roll the tortilla.
• Drizzle maple syrup or honey on top.

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LEAF PILES
Nice for September through November
Ingredients:
6 cups cornflakes
1 cup Karo syrup
1 cup peanut butter.
You will also need some Wax paper to lay your leaf piles on.
Directions: In a microwave melt the Karo and peanut butter together. Pour over the cornflakes and place them in piles on wax paper. Let them cool and dry

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HAVE KIDS MAKE THEIR OWN PUDDING IN A BAG!
You Need:
Boxes of Instant Pudding (1 box for 2 children)
Milk (according to instructions on pudding box)
Ziploc® bags (1 for each child)
Measuring cups
1. Pour half a box of pudding into each child's Ziploc bag.
2. Measure enough milk to make half a box of pudding and allow children to add it to their pudding in the bag.
3. Seal the bag (make sure it's really sealed!!)
4. Children can squish the bag around with their hands, mixing the pudding with the milk.
5. When all of the pudding is mixed, cut a small hole in the corner of the bag and let the kids suck the pudding out!

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***Idea: MAKE SHAKER PUDDING- Pour 2 cups of milk into a jar/container with a lid, add 1 small box of instant pudding mix, and shake for one minute.

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FIVE FUN POPCORN RECIPES! (More popcorn recipes in the Popcorn Theme Category) 

EASY CARAMEL CORN #1
3 quarts popping corn
1 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup corn syrup
1 stick of butter
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1. Put popcorn in a heavy paper bag.
2. Melt butter in a saucepan and mix together sugar, syrup, and salt.
3. Add 1/2 teaspoon baking soda and stir well.
4. Pour into paper bag and stir with a wooden spoon. Put bag in microwave and cook on high for 1 1/2 minutes. Take out and shake well.
5. Cook for another 1 1/2 minutes. Shake bag again and pour into a large container.
6. Serve in paper baggies that kids can decorate.

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CARAMEL CORN #2
This recipe is very inexpensive and easy to make.
Ingredients:
One stick (equals 1/2 cup) butter or margarine
1 cup packed brown sugar
3 Tbs. Light Karo syrup
1/2 tsp. vanilla
1/2 tsp. baking soda
Popped popcorn

• Put one stick of butter or margarine in a medium saucepan; add one cup packed brown sugar (light OR dark it doesn’t matter). Add 3 TBS. Karo Syrup.
• Heat all ingredients over med until you start to see it bubble. Turn the heat to low and let it cook for 5 minutes (Do not stir during the five minutes)
• Remove from heat and quickly add 1/2 tsp vanilla and 1/2 tsp baking soda.
• Stir and quickly pour over a large mixing bowl full of popped corn. Mix it all up to get it evenly coated. Enjoy! 

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#3 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. Howeverm you can make it in whatever proportion you like.
• For a special treat, you can even add in some M&Ms.
• Note: the "Mallow Magic" comes with packets of gooey icing to put over the top; it's not necessary. And of course it adds extra calories and sugar.

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#4 COLORFUL POPCORN BALLS

Ingredients:
2 c. light corn syrup
1 cup sugar
1 lg. box of any colored/flavored gelatin dessert
20 cups popped popcorn
1. Combine sugar and syrup and boil for 1 minute. Do not stir.
2. Add Jell-o and mix. Pour over popcorn and mix well.
3. Add sprinkles if desired.

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#5 SNOWBALL POPCORN BALLS
For 10- 3" Balls you need: 8 cups popped corn-unsalted, 1/4 cup butter/margarine, 1 cup light brown sugar, 1/2 cup light corn syrup, 1/2 cup water, 1/2 tsp. vanilla, 1-cup cold water, additional margarine for hands, optional candy thermometer

• Remove all unpopped kernels from popped corn.
• In large saucepan melt butter over medium heat.
• Add the brown sugar, corn syrup, and 1/2 cup water. Stir and bring to boil.
• Boil until syrup reaches soft ball consistency (235 F) or until a tsp. of syrup dropped into a cup of cold water forms a pliable dough-like ball.
• Pour the syrup over the popped corn and stir until well coated.
• With buttered hands--shape the popcorn into balls"!

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GOOEY APPLE CRISPIES
Ingredients: Traditional rice crispy bars with a twist
15 oz box apple ring cereal
16 oz bag large marshmallows
3 tbsp butter or margarine
Non-stick cooking spray

• Over medium-high heat, melt butter in a non-stick saucepan.
• Add entire bag of marshmallows to the pot. Stir constantly until all of the marshmallows have melted. Remove from heat.
• Pour entire box of cereal into a large non-stick pot or bowl.
• Pour marshmallow mixture over the cereal. Stir to completely cover all of the cereal.
  For Round Apple Crispies: Lightly spray your hands with non-stick cooking spray. Shape cereal mixture into balls. Store in an air tight container or wrap individually in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow to harden slightly.
  For Thick Apple Crispy Bars: Press cereal mixture in a lightly greased 9 x 13 pan. Cover with plastic wrap; refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow bars to harden slightly before cutting.
  Tip: To ensure easy cutting, spray your knife with non-stick cooking spray. This will prevent the knife from sticking to the marshmallow.
  Source: familycorner.com by Tami Rose

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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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 INDIVIDUAL SERVING NO COOK PUMPKIN PIE

Give each child a cup. Into their cup they get to put a big scoop of canned pumpkin, marshmallow creme, cool whip, and pumpkin pie spices. They mix and then spread on graham crackers and eat.Idea of Dare-to-Disturb

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HOT SNACKS

VELVEETA CHEESE DIP (Made on Stove or microwave and good anytime!
Ingredients:
1 pound Velveeta Pasteurized Process Cheese Spread, cubed
1 jar (8 ounces) salsa (I use Pace)
2 tablespoons chopped cilantro (optional)
TOP OF STOVE:
1. In saucepan, stir Velveeta and salsa over low heat until Velveeta is melted. Stir in cilantro.
2. Serve hot with tortilla chips and veggie dippers.
MICROWAVE:
Microwave Velveeta and salsa in 1 1/2 quart microwave safe bowl on HIGH 5 minutes or until Velveeta is melted. Stir after 3 minutes. Stir in cilantro. Serve as directed.
Makes 3 cups

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CHILI CHEESE DIP
Ingredients:
1 lb. (16 oz.) VELVEETA Pasteurized Prepared Cheese Product, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1 can (15 oz.) chili with or without beans
MIX VELVEETA and chili in microwaveable bowl. Microwave on HIGH 5 min. or until VELVEETA is completely melted and mixture is well blended, stirring after 3 min.
SERVE hot with tortilla chips, RITZ Toasted Chips or assorted cut-up vegetables.

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 BAGEL PIZZA
Ingredients:
   •1 bagel, split open
   •2 to 4 teaspoons bottled pizza or spaghetti sauce
   •2 to 3 tablespoons grated mozzarella cheese
1. Spread 1 to 2 teaspoons of sauce on each bagel half. Sprinkle with grated cheese.
2. Microwave, bake or broil until cheese is melted.
3. Add other items before cheese as desired...

 

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BREAKFAST PIZZA
Ingredients:
English muffin halves, grated cheese, cooked sausage or crumbled bacon
     •Sprinkle cheese onto muffin half.
     •Top with meat.
     •Heat in toaster oven or at 350 in oven until cheese melts.

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 ANY TIME PIZZA!      Ingredients:
1/2 loaf Italian or French bread split lengthwise, or 2 split English muffins
1/2 cup pizza sauce
1/2 cup cheese, low-fat shredded mozzarella or cheddar
3 Tablespoons chopped green pepper
3 Tablespoons sliced mushrooms, fresh or canned
Other vegetable toppings as desired (optional)
Italian seasoning (optional)
Instructions:
1. Toast the bread or English muffin until slightly brown.
2. Top bread or muffin with pizza sauce, vegetables and low-fat cheese.
3. Sprinkle with Italian seasonings as desired.
4. Return bread to toaster oven (or regular oven preheated to 350 degrees).
5. Heat until cheese melts.
This low-carb pizza is a great, quick treat. It comes from a diabetic website and is broken down for diabetic information needs.
180 Calories; 21g Total Carbohydrates; 7g Total Fat; 3.5g Saturated Fat; 15mg Cholesterol; 12g Protein; 540 mg Sodium; 3g Fiber dlife.com

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CROCK POT WEENIES
    •1 pkg. (16 oz.) OSCAR MAYER Little Smokies or cocktail weenies...
    •1 jar (10 oz.) grape jelly
    •1 jar (12 oz.) chili sauce
    •2 Tbsp. cornstarch
1. HEAT Little Smokies or weenies as directed on package.
2. MIX jelly, chili sauce and cornstarch in small saucepan. Cook on medium heat 5 minutes or until sauce boils and thickens, stirring frequently.
3. POUR sauce into slow cooker or fondue pot set on LOW heat. Add little smokies.

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 There are 7 Hot Dog and Little Smokie Recipes in the No-Baking Category. All are made in Crock-Pot!

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 FRIENDSHIP SOUP! Hot-hearty and healthy for cold days!!!

Great for after school programs...Think about making a big pot of soup in a crock pot. You can start it in the morning program and let it go on low during the day. Have kids sign up to bring potatoes, small onion, carrots, celery, cans of beef broth, can of diced tomatoes, seasoning, crackers or rolls, etc.
* Each child would only have to bring a single item to make a huge pot.
* If your program isn’t too large---canned soup heated is also good!

 

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 AUTUMN AND WINTER SOUP IN A PUMPKIN

Need: A Pumpkin, 2 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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 CHICKEN SOUP FOR THE CHILDREN’S SOUL
From Tasha Palmer- Vista, California
I boil some chicken off the bone or purchase the chicken in a can at Sam's Club. Chop some potatoes; throw in a can of green beans, corn, and tomato sauce. I also add some chicken broth. Simmer until done. (This is faster with the canned chicken) Serve in small cups with some saltine crackers.
(I made this for my 2, 3, 4 year old classes-Older mixed groups will also like it!).

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This one is fun for a autumn or winter breakfast party, cooking club or wilderness/camping theme!

SOMETHING A LITTLE DIFFERENT! OMELET IN A BAG

Crack two eggs (only two) into a large resealable freezer bag. Make sure bag is high quality!
Press out most of the air, and seal.
Shake or squeeze to beat the eggs.

 Provided different types of filling ingredients and let each student "customize" his/her individual omelet. Open the bag, and have kids add ham, cheese, onion, green pepper, tomato, salsa, and mushrooms.
 
Squeeze out as much of the air as you can, and seal the bag. Be sure to use a quart-size freezer bag--those without the zipper pulls work best. 

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Place up to 8 bags at a time into the boiling water. Cook/simmer for exactly 13 minutes. Open the bag, and let the omelet roll out onto a plate. The omelet should roll out easily. Kids love this one!!! And it's something they can do mostly on their own...

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 PUMPKIN DRINKS...

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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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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LEFT-OVER  PUMPKIN SEEDS!

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 also.

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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This is page 1-- Go to Page 2 for Winter Snacks and Fun Food for Kids!

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FIFTY-SEVEN APPLE SNACKS AND COOKING IDEAS!
Cooking with kids is one of the greatest thing you can do with them! Cooking is Science, Literacy, Math and Fun all rolled into one! Do it often...On this page you can choose from Apple recipes of Dips, Spreads, Snacks, Crock-Pot, Novelty, Microwave, On a Stick, and more!

 

APPLE DIPS & SPREADS

APPLE CARAMEL DIP
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
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 SPREAD #1
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 #2
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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TASTY APPLE DIP AND FLOUR TORTILLA CHIPS
 (Reviews are really good on this one!)
1 1/3 cups peeled, cored, and diced apple
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
2 teaspoons brown sugar
2 teaspoons apricot preserves
1/8 teaspoon cinnamon...Mix all together and serve with below chips 

Ingredients for chips:
5 (6-inch) flour tortillas
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1 1/2 tablespoons sugar
1. Combine all the dip ingredients in a bowl, then cover and refrigerate the mixture until chilled.
2. Brush the tortillas with butter, and then cut them into wedges.
3. Arrange the wedges on a greased baking sheet, sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar, and bake at 350° F until golden brown, about 10 minutes. Let them cool before serving. Serves 4 to 6.
From: familyfun

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HOT APPLE DIP   (Great for the Autumn and Winter Holidays!)
2 cups or 16 servings
Ingredients:
1 tub (8 oz.) PHILADELPHIA
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 rcream 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 and nuts.
4. Bake 10 to 12 min. or until heated through.
Serve with crackers.

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CROCK POT APPLE RECIPES

BAKED APPLES (Crock-Pot)

5 to 6 med. apples, cored & peeled about 1 inch down
1/2 c. sugar
2 tbsp. raisins
1 tsp. cinnamon
2 tbsp. butter
1/2 c. water
Mix sugar, raisins and cinnamon. Stuff apples with sugar mixture and dot them with butter. Pour water into cooker. Add apples. Cook on low 7 to 8 hours. Yields 5 to 6 servings.

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 CROCK POT APPLESAUCE

10 lg. cooking apples, peeled, cored & sliced or cut in chunks
1/2 c. water
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 to 1 c. sugar

Put all ingredients into crockpot. Should be about 3/4 full. Cover and cook on low 8 to 10 hours (High 3 to 4 hours).

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MICRO WAVE APPLE RECIPES

TEN MINUTE APPLESAUCE
3 Golden Delicious apples, peeled, cored, and quartered
3 Fuji apples, peeled, cored, and quartered
1 cup unfiltered apple juice
2 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons honey
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• In a sealable microwave-safe container, combine apples with all other ingredients.
• Close lid, leaving one corner of lid open to allow steam to escape.
• Microwave on high for 10 minutes.
• Using a hand blender or potato masher, blend to desired consistency.
• Serve hot immediately or chill for later use.
  Recipe courtesy Alton Brown-Food Network

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BAKED APPLES IN MICROWAVE

Ingredients: 2 Granny smith apples, 2 Tablespoons butter, Cinnamon,  2 Tablespoons brown sugar

• Have adult core apples or show child how to core apples with an apple corer. Child can place apples in microwave safe dish.
• In each apple add 1 tablespoon of butter, 1 Tablespoon of brown sugar and sprinkle with cinnamon.
• Add a little water to the bottom of the dish.
• Microwave 4-5 minutes.
• Don’t forget to use pot holders to remove dish from microwave. Let apples sit for a few minutes before eating.

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SUPER QUICK APPLE PIE
Ingredients:
18 Oatmeal cookies
1 can Apple pie filling
Large square or rectangular microwave container...

• Have children crumble 9 cookies in the bottom of dish.
• Open and pour the can of pie filling; spread evenly.
• Crumble the other 9 cookies on top.
• Cover the top lightly with Saran wrap type product and put it in microwave for 5 minutes on high.
• Allow to cool before serving.

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NOVELTY APPLE RECIPES

APPLE OR PEAR MOUTH

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Ingredients:
1 medium apple or pear
1 Tbsp peanut butter (or low fat cream cheese or cottage cheese) Cutting board
20 raisins
1. Cut apple into 8 slices. Spread 4 of the slices with a small amount of peanut butter.
2. Insert raisins between the apple slices for “teeth”.
3. Top the apple slices with another apple slice.
4. Serve. Refrigerate leftovers.

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WORMY APPLE...
Help kids slice apples into thirds and remove seeds from the center. They reassemble the apple with peanut butter (or cream cheese) and gummy worms between each layer. Worms should be hanging out from apple.

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AIR-DRIED APPLE RINGS
Peel, core, and cut apples into rings. Dip into salted water for 15 minutes. Dry for two weeks. Enjoy! You can make raisins from grapes the same way.

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APPLE SMILES

This is an apple recipe your kids are sure to love. Cut a red apple into slices. (These are the lips) Have child spread peanut butter or cream cheese on apple slice. Place mini marshmallows (these are the teeth) on top of peanut butter and top with other apple slice.

 

APPLE SMILE FACES SNACKS 
1 apple
2 tbsp. peanut butter
2 pretzels
10 mini marshmallows
Cut apple into slices. Spread peanut butter on for hair. Use pretzels for ears and marshmallows for teeth.

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APPLE PIGS
Ingredients:
Red Delicious apple
5 red gumdrops
Toothpicks
4 whole cloves
Fruit leather
Red shoestring licorice

• Turn the apple on its side.
• Insert one end of a toothpick into a gumdrop and stick the other end into the bottom of the apple core to form a snout.
• Break toothpicks in half and affix four gumdrops as feet.
• Set clove nostrils in the nose and clove eyes above the snout.
• Twist off the stem, poke a hole with a toothpick, and insert an inch-long piece of shoestring licorice into the hole to make a tail.
• Last, cut a piece of fruit leather into a rectangle measuring 1 by 1/2 inch, then cut again on the diagonal to form two equal-size triangles.
• Affix upright triangles with small pieces of toothpick to create ears, and then bend over the upper portion of each triangle to cover the spot where the toothpick shows.

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WORMY BAKED APPLES

6 red baking apples, cored and sliced
1/4 cup raisins
1 Tbsp soft margarine
Juice of one lemon
1 tsp cinnamon
Pinch nutmeg
1 Tbsp brown sugar
6 candy gummy worms

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Combine apples, raisins, lemon juice, spices and sugar in a large baking dish.
Cover and bake until apples are tender, about 30-45 minutes.
Place in bowls and serve warm or chilled. Garnish each one with a gummy worm.
Serves 6.

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APPLE SNACKS

APPLE BARK
1 Granny Smith Apple
1 tablespoon peanut butter
2½ tablespoons golden or black raisins
1½ tablespoons dried sweetened cranberries
Cut apple into four quarters, starting at the stem. Remove the core by cutting away to leave a flat surface on the apple quarter. Be careful not to cut too much of the edible portion of the apple away. Drop and slightly spread the peanut butter on apple quarters. Mix together the raisins and dried cranberries then sprinkle on peanut butter.

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BAGEL - APPLE - CHEESE SNACK 
1 bagel, sliced in half
1 apple, green tastes better
2 slices of cheddar cheese
1/8 tsp. of cinnamon
1/8 tsp. of sugar
Slice the apple into round apple slices about 1/4 inch thick. Carefully cut out small round circle in middle to remove seeds. Put a cheese slice on top of each bagel half, then put an apple slice on top of that. Sprinkle a little cinnamon and sugar on top of each. Put them on a cookie sheet and into the oven for 5 to 10 minutes at 350 degrees. You have to watch them very close to make sure they don't burn. They are done when the cheese starts to melt. Now you and a friend can enjoy a "good for you" snack.

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APPLE SNACKS 
Apples
Peanut butter
Corn flakes
Slice unpared apple in thin wedges. Spread with peanut butter and dip into corn flakes. Good and nutritious too!

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ANTS ON BOATS!
Ingredients:

Apples
Peanut Butter or Cream Cheese
Raisins
Cut the apples into wedges or rings and spread thinly with peanut butter or cream cheese. Sprinkle a few raisins over, and enjoy

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APPLE CRISPIES
Traditional rice crispy bars with a twist (Not using apples--but apple ring cereal!)
15 oz box apple ring cereal
16 oz bag large marshmallows
3 tbsp butter or margarine
non-stick cooking spray

• Over medium-high heat, melt butter in a non-stick saucepan. Add entire bag of marshmallows to the pot. Stir constantly until all of the marshmallows have melted. Remove from heat.
• Pour entire box of cereal into a large non-stick pot or bowl. Pour marshmallow mixture over the cereal. Stir to completely cover all of the cereal. 

For Round Apple Crispies: Lightly spray your hands with non-stick cooking spray. Shape cereal mixture into balls. Store in an air tight container or wrap individually in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow to harden slightly.

For Thick Apple Crispy Bars: Press cereal mixture in a lightly greased 9 x 13 pan. Cover with plastic wrap; refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow bars to harden slightly before cutting.
Tip: To ensure easy cutting, spray your knife with non-stick cooking spray. This will prevent the knife from sticking to the marshmallow.

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READY MADE APPLE SNACKS

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'APPLES ON A STICK' IDEAS

GOURMET APPLES (Adapted from Mrs. Z. Rochester, Mi.)
Apples MUST be dry and room temp.
Put caramels in a crock pot (You can also microwave the caramel dip sold in stores)
Place Popsicle sticks in  stems of large apples.

• Adult- When caramel is melted, put the apple on a stick in crock pot; make sure it’s totally covered.
• Let it drip; place on wax paper on a paper plate.
• Next have semi-sweet choc melted and put in baggie; snip off the corner of baggie and drizzle over caramel. You can also do white chocolate...
• Decorate  with choice of colored sprinkles, nuts, m&m's, seasonal edible decorations, chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, Reese pieces etc.
  Mrs. Z gives children the choice of two decorations. (At home she does more)
• Lift off the paper plate and place on a doily.
  These are great gifts too!

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CARAMEL APPLE PIE ON A STICK (New version of gourmet apples!)
(14-ounce) package unwrapped caramels, 3 apples,  3 cinnamon sticks (to use for apple sticks) or Popsicle sticks,
30 vanilla wafer cookies, 1 teaspoon cinnamon

• Heat a small saucepan over high heat. Add 3 tablespoons water and the Caramels.
• Reduce the heat to low. Stir the caramels frequently until they are completely melted.
  Be careful not to burn the caramel.
• While the caramels are melting, pull the stems out of the apples and cut a thin slice from the bottoms so they have a flat surface to stand on.
• Insert a cinnamon stick into the top of each apple.
• Put the vanilla wafers into a plastic bag and coarsely crush them. 
• Add the crumbs into a bowl and mix in the cinnamon.
• Dip each apple into the melted caramel, making sure to get it completely coated.
• Put the coated apples onto a cookie sheet lined with waxed paper.
• Refrigerate the caramel apples for 1 to 2 minutes to harden up the caramel. Roll them in the cinnamon-crumb mixture and enjoy!
  Source: food network-Ham on the street show

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APPLES ON A STICK #1
Peel (optional) and core an apple. Mix peanut butter with one of the following: Raisins, wheat germ or granola. Stuff this mixture into the hole of the cored apple. Slice in half to serve...or stick the apple half on a Popsicle stick. It’s both novel and neat way to eat

APPLES ON A STICK #2
12 apples (plus 12 Popsicle sticks)
Peanut butter
Raisins
Dried cranberries
Shredded coconut
Rinse apples, pat dry, and remove apple stems and insert a Popsicle stick into stem of each apple. Cover apples by spreading peanut butter. Roll in raisins, dried cranberries, and shredded coconut

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APPLE KABOBS

1 large red apple cut into 8 wedges
6 marshmallows
Small jar creamy peanut butter (if no allergies)
A large banana

•  To make a kabob, carefully push a skewer through the ingredients, starting with a piece of apple, then a marshmallow, then banana, then another marshmallow.
• Spread a little peanut butter on top of the marshmallow. Now, skewer a piece of banana and another marshmallow (with more peanut butter) and finish with a piece of apple. *(For allergies use cream cheese or leave plain)
• Repeat with a second skewer. Makes 2 kabobs.
  Tip: Dip apple slices in lemon juice or orange juice so they won't brown...

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ROLLLED CRISPY APPLES (on tooth picks)
1. Cut apples into bite-size pieces.
2. Stick apple pieces with toothpicks.
3. Dip them in honey and crispy rice cereal.
    By Diane Forley Otsuka in WonderTime

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CARAMEL APPLES WITH BUTTERFINGERS
Tart apples, washed, dried and stems removed
1 package (14 ounces) caramels
2 tablespoons water
2 (2.1 ounces each) Nestle Butterfinger Candy Bars, chopped

• Line tray or baking sheet with wax paper. Insert 1 wooden craft stick into stem end of each apple.
• MICROWAVE caramels and water in large, microwave-safe bowl on HIGH (100%) power for 2 minutes; stir. Microwave at additional 10- to 20-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
• DIP each apple in melted caramel; scrape excess caramel from bottoms.
• Quickly roll bottom half of apples in chopped Butterfinger, then place on prepared tray.
• Refrigerate for 45 minutes or until set.
• Store apples in refrigerator in airtight container. Apples are best if they are served the same day as they are prepared.
• NOTE: If caramel becomes firm, return to microwave oven for 20 to 30 seconds or until dipping consistency. Two (1.5 ounces each) Nestle Cruch Candy Bars may be used in place of Nestle Butterfinger Candy Bars.

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APPLE BEVERAGES

WARM APPLE PUNCH
1 gal. (4 qt.) apple cider
1 tub CRYSTAL LIGHT SUNRISE Classic Orange Flavor Low Calorie Drink Mix
4 cinnamon sticks
2 tsp. whole cloves (if desired)
1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg (if desired)

• PLACE all ingredients in large saucepan.
• Cook on low heat 20 min. or until heated through, stirring occasionally. (Do not boil.)
• Can also be made in crock pot…
  REMOVE cinnamon sticks and cloves; discard. Serve warm.

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WARM APPLE PUNCH #2

 

1 gal. (4 qt.) Apple Cider
About a cup of orange juice
Orange slices a nice touch...
2- 4 cinnamon sticks
PLACE all ingredients in large saucepan. Cook on low heat 20 min. or until heated through, stirring occasionally. (Do not boil.) Can also be made in crock pot…
REMOVE cinnamon sticks Serve warm.
Great for the Holidays and winter Days!

JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH (APPLE) SMOOTHIE
(Makes four, 6-ounce servings)
Ingredients:
2 8-ounce carton low fat peach yogurt
1 6-ounce can frozen apple juice concentrate
1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
4 ice cubes
Directions:
Add each of the ingredients in the order listed to a blender.
Blend until smooth and creamy.
Pour into glasses and serve.

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APPLE PIE-A-LA-MODE SMOOTHIE
2 cup frozen vanilla yogurt, nonfat
3/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
1/4 cup apple juice, chilled
1 cup apple, peeled and diced
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Combine the frozen yogurt, applesauce, and apple juice in a blender.
Add the apple, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Blend until smooth.

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APPLE SLUSHY COOLER....
For younger kids, you may want to substitute apple juice, which is a bit sweeter than cider.
Ingredients:
8 apple-cider ice cubes
1/4 cup apple cider or water
Drop the apple cider ice cubes into a blender or food processor. Pour in the apple cider or water. Blend until slushy, adding more liquid if necessary. Serves 1.

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APPLE TURKEYS 

These are fun to make. The tail feathers can be  colored mini-marshmallows, gumdrops or ring cereal. This sample uses spice/gum drops. 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 few extra pieces for the kids to munch on!

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APPLES AND HONEY...This is good for Rosh Hashanah

A Jewish friend of mine does this with her family and friends. Take an apple and slice a thin piece from the bottom so that it stands up without support. Cut the top off and core the center out. Fill with honey.

• Slice a few more apples... dip the slices in honey for a sweet New Year-Rosh Hashanah.

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APPLE CRANBERRY SAUCE (Pareve)
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Ingredients:
9 medium apples
1/2 bag of fresh cranberries
1/2 cup honey or to taste
1 tsp. lemon rind

• Core and cut up apples...
• Cover well with water and cook until soft. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
• Cover cranberries with water and cook until very soft (about twenty minutes). Drain.
• Put apples through food mill or force through colander to remove skins and seeds.
• Add cranberries, honey, and lemon rind.
  Note: Depending how tart or sweet you like your sauce, you can add more honey.
  Source: hanukat.com Wonderful for Jewish Celebration!

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 BANANA BLIZZARDS
To serve about 10 children - Blend together one cup cold milk with two or three bananas in a blender. Ask the children to count aloud as you add ten snowballs (scoops of vanilla frozen yogurt) to the blender. Invite the children to turn the blender on and off again to create the blizzard. Serve in 5 ounce cups

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COTTAGE CHEESE SNOWMEN
Ingredients:
Cottage Cheese
Carrots
Cottage Cheese Snowman
Raisins
Slice of toasted bread
Celery stalk
Ice cream scoop and melon ball scoopers (for graduated body size)
Directions:

• Place two or three scoops of cottage cheese on a salad plate.
• Place the raisins to create buttons and eyes.
•  Cut a small piece of carrot for the nose and a slice of celery for the mouth.
• The leafy part of a celery stalk can be adder for arms
  and the hat is cut from the toast.

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TORTILLA SNOWFLAKES

1. Using kitchen scissors have kids cut out tortilla snowflakes just like they would make snowflakes out of paper.
2. Fry slightly in oil and sprinkle with powdered sugar.

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SNOWMAN SOUP 
Put hot chocolate mix in a cup. Add hot water and mix. Put in two Hershey kisses…stir again. To cool off add an ice cube and then two or three marshmallows for the snowballs. A Candy cane would a nice touch as stirrer.

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RICE CAKE SNOW PEOPLE SNACK
Give each child a rice cake and have them spread cream cheese or white frosting on the rice cakes.
Decorate the faces with M&M's, raisins, raisenettes, red liquorish, and baby carrots.

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 POPCORN SNOWMEN

Ingredients:

2 ½ quarts popped corn
¼ Cup butter
1 pkg. 10 oz. Marshmallows
1 teaspoon Vanilla

•  Pop popcorn and set aside.
• In a saucepan over low heat melt butter and marshmallows. Stirring constantly until smooth. Stir in vanilla.
• Pour over popped pop corn and mix until well coated.
• With buttered hands form into snowball shapes.
• Make one large ball for the bottom, one medium ball and a smaller ball for the head.
• Decorate with pretzel sticks, candy,raisins, or nuts for the eyes, nose, mouth and buttons.

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EASY SNOWMAN CAKE

• Prepare a cake mix and bake in two round cake pans. One cake pan smaller than the other. One will be the bottom of the snowman one will be the top.
• Allow to cool and frost with white frosting.
• If desired, sprinkle shredded white coconut over all of frosting or leave without.
• Add gumdrops or other candies for eyes and a nose and licorice whips for a smile.
• Add chocolate candies for buttons.
• You can add pretzels rods or licorice whips for arms. Click here for original Flickr recipe and photo.
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MAKE AN ICE CREAM SNOWMAN

Start out with two or three scoops of vanilla ice cream. Have the kids decorate their snowmen with M&Ms for the nose and chocolate chips for the buttons and the eyes, long pieces of black licorice could be used for the top hat.

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 RICE KRISPY SNOWMAN #1 Makes: 5
3 tablespoons butter
1 package (10 ounces) marshmallows (about 40)
6 cups crispy rice cereal

 
You can decorate with ANYTHING-the Treats in photo uses:
5 round red peppermint candies
8 red jelly beans
10 semisweet chocolate chips
25 miniature semisweet chocolate chips
1 fruit roll-up, cut into 3/4-inch strips
15 red-hot cinnamon candies and 10 pretzel sticks

1. Line a baking sheet with waxed paper and coat with nonstick cooking spray. 

2. Melt the butter in a soup pot over low heat. Add the marshmallows and stir until melted. Remove from the heat and add the cereal; stir until completely coated. 

3. Using a 3/4-cup measure of the mixture for each, form five balls and place on the baking sheet. Using a 1/3-cup measure for each, form five more balls. Place the smaller balls on top of the larger ones, forming snowmen. Decorate with the candies, chips, and pretzels as shown. 

4. Serve, or cover loosely with plastic wrap until ready to serve.
TIP: Coat your hands with nonstick cooking spray or butter to keep the marshmallow mixture from sticking to them when forming the cereal balls.

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SNOWMEN DECORATING IDEAS:
   • Raisins (eyes, nose, mouth, buttons, etc.) 
   • Red Hots (eyes, nose, mouth, buttons, etc.) 
   • M&M's (eyes, nose, mouth, buttons, etc.) 
   • Chocolate Chips (eyes, nose, mouth, buttons, etc.) 
   • Tiny Jelly Beans (eyes, nose, mouth, buttons, etc.) 
   • Large Gum Drops (hat) 
   • Pretzel Sticks (Arms)

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RICE KRISPIES SNOWMEN #2

Ingredients:
3 tablespoons margarine or butter
1 package (10 oz., about 40) regular marshmallows or 4 cups miniature marshmallows
6 cups KELLOGG'S® RICE KRISPIES® cereal or KELLOGG'S® COCOA KRISPIES® cereal
Prepared chocolate and vanilla frosting
Green and black candy pieces
Note:
For best results, use fresh marshmallows. 1 jar (7 oz.) marshmallow creme can be substituted for marshmallows.Diet, reduced calorie or tub margarine is not recommended. Store no more than two days in airtight container.

• Melt margarine in large saucepan over low heat. Add marshmallows and stir until completely melted. Remove from heat.
• Add Rice Krispies cereal. Stir until well coated.
• Using buttered spatula or waxed paper, press mixture evenly in 15 1/2 x 10 1/2 x 1-inch pan coated with cooking spray. Using a 4-inch snowman cookie cutter, cut into snowman shapes when cooled. If a snowman cookie cutter is not available, use 1 1/2-inch, 1 3/5-inch and 2-inch round cookie cutters. Using prepared frosting, connect each circle to make a snowman and decorate as desired with remaining ingredients. Best if served the same day.

MICROWAVE DIRECTIONS:
In a microwave save bowl, heat margarine and marshmallows at HIGH for 3 minutes, stirring after 2 minutes. Stir until smooth. Follow steps 2 and 3 above. Microwave cooking times may vary. Source: Safeway Stores

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RICE KRISPY SNOWBALLS
6 cups Rice Krispy cereal
1/4 cup margarine
10 oz package marshmellows
Powdered sugar
Follow microwave directions for making RICE KRISPY treats. Allow mixture to cool but not harden. Have children mold into snowballs; shake the balls in baggies filled with powdered sugar

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BANANA SNOWMAN
For each child you need:
1/2 banana per child
1/2 cup milk
1 tb. honey per child
1/3 cup shredded coconut
Small pieces of carrots and raisins
Toothpicks
For each Snowman you need one large, one medium, and one small piece of banana. Stir honey into the milk and then dip the pieces of banana into the minture. Optional-roll in the coconut. Stack the pieces onto the toothpick. Decorate with raisins and carrot pieces. Add toothpick arms if desired. (Photo courtesy of Rowecrew )

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SNOWMAN COOKIES
1 box white cake mix
2 eggs
1 stick butter, softened
1 tsp. vanilla extract
Red and green candies
Red and brown icing gel

• Mix eggs, butter and vanilla.
• Slowly mix in cake mix.
• Chill dough at least 1 hour.
• Roll dough into one inch and 3/4 inch balls.
• Put smaller ball beside larger ball on cookie sheet, press together slightly.
• Use green candy for eyes on smaller ball; use red candy on larger ball for buttons.
• Bake at 350 degrees on a ungreased cookie sheet, for 8-9 minutes. Remove and cool.
• Use red icing gel to make mouth and brown to make a broom.
  

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MARSHMALLOW SNOWMEN

BASIC RECIPE: Give each child 2 marshmallows, 3 pretzel sticks and a few raisins.
Take a pretzel stick and put it into the middle of one of the marshmallows and then place the other marshmallow on top. Now take the other two pretzels and use them for the arms. Use the raisins for eyes, nose, and mouth.
Now EAT!

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 courtesty of Craft Addict )

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SNOWMAN TOAST: Ingredients: Toast, softened cream cheese, fruit roll-ups, carrots, raisins, round cookie cutters

• Make toasted bread; make circles from the toast using the cookie cutters.
• Spread cream cheese on the toast to create the snow.
•  Decorate the 'Snowman" with the carrots and raisins. 
• Fashion a scarf with thin strips of the fruit roll-up. Fun!

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SNOWMAN COOKIE
Nice after snow play...this gives 1 Snowman Snack
Ingredients:
3 vanilla wafers,
1 tablespoon vanilla icing,
Raisins/sprinkles/candy corn/other garnish
1. Place vanilla wafers on plate so they are in a vertical line.
2. Coat each wafer with vanilla icing.
3. Decorate snowman however you like. Some ideas: Round sprinkles for eyes and mouth, raisins for buttons, candy corn for the  nose.

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 QUICK SNOWMAN TREATS

• Powdered Donuts

• Carrot noses with snowman dip (ranch dressing) 

 • Snowman Face Crackers - using cream cheese and imagination (olives, veggie pieces, raisins, etc.),

• Sandwiches cut into different circle shapes and placed together in a snowman shape. Add pretzel stick arms and raisin buttons and eyes! (The above child-made sample is courtesy of Rowecrew)  

• Hostess White Snowballs

• Rice Krispie Treat Snow Balls (See above)

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PEANUT BUTTER (Nutter Butter) SNOWMEN

Ingredients:
2 (16-ounce) bags white chocolate chips
2 tablespoons shortening
1 (16-ounce) package peanut butter sandwich cookies (recommended: Nabisco Nutter Butters)
For decorating:
Chocolate sprinkles
Candy buttons (dot candy on paper)
Colored sprinkles
Red nonpareils
Large sugared gum drop jellies
Red string licorice ((recommended: Twizzlers Pull-n-Peel)

1. Place white chocolate chips and shortening in a medium microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high for 1 minute; stir until chips are melted and mixture is smooth. If necessary, microwave on high for additional 30 second intervals until mixture is smooth. If you prefer, place in double boiler over low heat, stirring until completely melted and smooth.

2. Meanwhile, pierce 1 end of each cookie with a toothpick. Use the toothpick to dip entire cookie into the white chocolate mixture. Let excess drip back into bowl and lay cookie on wire rack. Before the white chocolate has a chance to cool, decorate the cookie with various candies into a playful snowman.

3. Place chocolate sprinkles as eyebrows, blue or green dots for eyes, an orange sprinkle placed vertically for the nose and several red nonpareils for a mouth. Cut a gumdrop in half, slice a sliver from each half lengthwise to form a crescent shaped brim to the hat. Top off the hat with a gumdrop half and reserve the other half for another snowman. You may have to flatten the gumdrop a bit to fit the snowman.

After the snowman has completely dried, tie a red string licorice around the neck as a scarf. Using a rolling pin to flatten the licorice will make it easier for the scarf to stay tied and look natural. Recipe courtesy Sandra Lee Food Network Specials

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

Ingredients: Both Large and Mini Marshmallows; Pretzel Sticks

Just put out the marshmallows and pretzels 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!

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SNOWMAN MILKSHAKE IN A CUP/GLASS
 
Materials and Ingredients
Clear glasses or cups
Milk chocolate candy bar
Clean, unused paint brush
Ribbon or yarn
4 cups vanilla ice cream
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups milk, less for thicker milkshakes

1. Melt the chocolate bar in the microwave 15 seconds at a time until soft.
2. Using a paint brush--paint eyes, nose and mouth on the inside of the glass.
3. Put the glass in the refrigerator so the chocolate can harden.
4. Mix the ice cream, vanilla and milk together in a blender. Pour into the glasses.
5. Add ribbon or yarn to the base of the glass for a scarf. Enjoy your snowman!

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HAVE FUN WITH ALL THE WINTER PAGES!

• Winter Arts and Crafts
• Hot Cocoa Recipes and Fun
• Winter Inside Games
• Winter Outside Snow Games
• Winter Outside Fun
• Random Winter Ideas
• Snowman Themed Games...
• Snowman Themed Arts and Crafts
• Miscellaneous Snowman Ideas
• Snowman Themed Snacks 
• Reindeer Theme

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