Fun Snacks 4 Kids

New Snack Experience from KRAFT Foods

2012-01-30T15:47:00.000-07:00

I had the best experience this past week and found out about a new snack from KRAFT Foods that I wanted to share with you!
First: I got the coolest package in the mail ... which contained everything I needed to host a super fun taste test! KRAFT Foods sent me free product samples and a gift card to conduct the taste test! Isn't that exciting?

The product is MilkBites - they're a milk and granola bar. I'll give you a little information about the product and then let you know the results of my unbiased opinion and taste test results.

Here's a little information about MilkBite Bars:

Kraft Foods is raising the bar in snacking with its new KRAFT MILKBITE Milk & Granola Bars. Found in the refrigerated dairy aisle, each KRAFT MILKBITE Bar combines real milk with whole grain granola and other tasty and nutritious ingredients like fruit or roasted nuts, while providing the same calcium as an 8 oz. glass of milk. In Stores February 13, 2012!

picture courtesy of KRAFT Foods

Here's a rundown of the important facts:

* Wholesome snack alternative, great for on-the-go

* Made with real milk and calcium, to deliver the calcium of an 8 oz. glass of milk - 30% of the daily recommended value

* Available in the following delicious flavors: Chocolate, Strawberry, Peanut Butter, Oatmeal Raisin and Mixed Berry

* Includes 5g of protein, 7g of whole grains, and is a good source of vitamin D and fiber

* No high fructose corn syrup, artivicial flavors, colors or preservatives

* Available at local grocery or superstores for a suggested retail price of $3.49/box

Picture courtesy of KRAFT Foods

On to the Taste Test! Like I said before, KRAFT Foods sent me 2 boxes of MilkBites (Chocolate and Strawberry)

and they also sent me a gift card to buy two other brand name granola bars

I could choose any 2 other kinds of granola bars that I wanted (I picked a chocolate dipped peanut butter bar and a oatmeal raisin bar). I then ran a taste test with some of my preschool students, some 6th grade students, and some of my friends and family members. With everyone ready, I opened the granola bars and cut each into bitesized portions. The preschool kids reported whether or not they liked each bite, and the older kids and adults ranked each granola bar from favorite to least favorite.

Here are the results:

Preschool kids (no pictures): overwhelming result that they all liked the Chocoate Milkbite bar and the Chocolate Peanut Butter Bar. They didn't like the Strawberry Milkbite bar or the Oatmeal Raisin. One drawback - we have a few preschool students with milk/dairy allergies - so they could not participate.

Our daring and fun 6th graders

6th Grade kids: The Milkbite Bars were in their top 3, and they preferred the Strawberry Milkbite bars to the Chocolate Milkbite Bars. The winner of the taste test was the Chocolate Peanut Butter Bar.

Some of the awesome adults!

Adults: The top 2 Favorites were the Chocolate Milkbite Bar, then the Chocolate Peanut Butter Bar, then the Strawberry Milkbite Bar, and finally the Oatmeal Raisin Bar.

As for me and my husband: I love the Chocolate Milkbite Bar (to me, it tastes like a yummy no bake cookie), and he loves the Strawberry Milkbite Bar. Everyone wins!

If you'd like more informaton about KRAFT MilkBite Milk and Granola Bars, and access to fun content like photos, videos and more, go to http://www.milkbite.com/ - but you may have to check back, because I can't get the web page to load.

Feed the Penguins!

2012-01-11T15:15:00.000-07:00

This week in my preschool class, we are learning about PENGUINS! I thought it would be fun to feed the penguins since we're also working on counting, 1:1 correspondence and numeral recognition. So, I found a cute penguin picture, added a number to each of 10 penguins, printed and laminated them (for easy cleaning). The kids just had to find the number on their penguin and 'feed' the penguin that many fish (goldfish crackers). Once they 'fed' a few different penguins, they got to eat the goldfish themselves. The kids loved it!

Planting Pumpkins

2011-10-31T11:54:00.000-06:00

For some Halloween fun, we "Planted" (and counted) pumpkins! The kids loved it!

This was super easy! I googled 'garden' pictures. When I found a picutre of a garden I liked, I copied it and printed it off with a different number 1-10 on each 'garden' and then laminated the pictures (for re-use later). Then I bought the pumpkin candies. Each student got 10 pumpkins, but they would have to 'plant' the same number of pumpkins that was listed on their garden. The students LOVED it!

Happy Halloween!

Skeleton Bones

2011-10-28T10:25:00.000-06:00

One of my dear friends (and fellow teacher) just shared this idea with me and I wanted to share it with you! Here's what she has to say about these super cute Halloween snacks:

"We made a cute skeleton in class today and I thought I would share it with you! All we used were Scooby Doo Snacks and white frosting. We made them on paper but you could do it on wax paper."

Aren't they the best? I think kids would just LOVE to make (and eat) a skeleton!

Guest Post Article - Pool Party Treats

2011-10-14T14:08:00.001-06:00

Hello Readers! I am super excited to have a guest post from my new friend Kristen!

Top 5 Kiddie Treats to Serve During Pool Parties

A swimming pool at home, plus a five year-old daughter who simply loves to swim, instantly means plenty of pool parties for my family. We already celebrated her most recent birthday with a Lilo and Stich themed pool party, and it was a lot of fun. Admittedly, it also meant a lot of preparation beforehand (decorations, pool safety, party food and favors, invitations, etc.), but the kids’ enjoyment more than made up for it.

My daughter Isabel has already expressed the desire to celebrate her succeeding birthdays with themed pool parties, and I thought it’s a great idea to make the most of the pool we bought along with our house in Fremont. We sat down and came up with a list of themes and motifs she wants to have for her next parties, and with it, we also thought of all the details that would go with each. Food is a big part of it, as kids can get quite famished after being in the water for some time. Here is a list of the 5 best pool party treats for children which my daughter helped me make, and which will fit most parents’ budgets.

Ice pops in different flavors, colors, and shapes

These are perfect for summer days when kids are likely to get easily dehydrated from being exposed to the sun. Isabel loves making her own ice pops using her plastic mold and some popsicle sticks, and she’s used practically all types of flavors from juice powders and even fresh fruit blends. Serving them up during a pool party not only adds colorful and fun treats for kids, but also keeps them properly hydrated and refreshed. I plan on buying plastic molds in different shapes so kids can enjoy their ice pops even more.

An ice cream cake to go with the current party theme

Every birthday party should have a cake, and it’s only fitting that a swimming pool birthday party would have an ice cream cake for the kids. Refreshing and delicious ice cream cakes come in different custom made shapes and decorations. Isabel has been eyeing an undersea themed one with mermaids, corals, fishes, and other marine details frosted in tones of blue and sea green, though I’m quite sure she’ll change her mind once she sees something that catches her current fancy.

Seashell and fish-shaped cookies and sandwiches

I am not a cookie-baking mom by any long shot, but I can make fish and shell shaped sandwiches with my cookie and sandwich cutters. Isabel, John, and I did a trial run with tuna fish and peanut butter and jelly, and discovered that the bread is better when lightly toasted to keep the shape. My husband recommended colorful bread for the fish shapes, and even demonstrated some previously hidden artistic prowess by cutting pieces into what he claims are seaweeds and corals (I had to keep myself from laughing and telling him they looked like leftover bread crusts to me). I plan to practice with starfish-shaped cookies next using brownies and pancake mixes.

Juice boxes, fruit kebabs, and candy in plastic buckets

This particular idea was suggested by my husband after we bought several colorful plastic buckets for Isabel’s Lilo and Stich pool party last year. At the time, we planned a barbecue for both the adults and kids, with hotdogs and hamburgers for all, beer and soda for the parents and guardians, and juice boxes for the kids. We thought of placing treats with each kiddie guest’s name labeled per bucket, containing a juice box, fresh fruit and marshmallow kebabs, and lifesaver candy to represent safety devices, as well as fish- and coral-shaped confectionery. The buckets can also act as party loot bags with treats and toys the kids can take home with them.

Cotton candy and popcorn from carts

As a child, I remember attending some kiddie parties with a carnival theme that had a clown, magician, lots of balloons, and popcorn and cotton candy vending machines, and remember being enchanted by it all. I want Isabel to experience the same thing albeit with a swimming pool party twist, and John and I thought of hiring some Fremont-based cotton candy spinners and popcorn vendors for one of her birthdays.

These are just some of the pool party treats we plan on incorporating for our daughter’s birthday swimming parties, though I’m pretty sure we’ll come up with more as she grows older and her preferences change. One thing is for sure, though; we want to keep the treats as memorable and fun for the kids as possible.

This guest blog post was written by proud WAHM (work at home mom) Kristen Swope, who does freelance writing about everything from swimming pools to home lighting. She devotes most of her quality time to taking care of her five-year-old daughter Isabel, and being a loving companion to husband John. She lives in Fremont, California in a house with a kidney-shaped swimming pool.

Counting Pumpkin Seeds

2011-10-10T13:52:00.000-06:00

Today we counted (and tasted) Pumpkin Seeds! This is a fun way for kids to practice counting with 1:1 correspondence and also teach numeral recognition! Just give each child a pumpkin and whatever number is on the pumpkin they have is the number of pumpkin seeds they have to count and put on the pumpkin!

Here are your Super Easy Instructions:
1. Find a cute picture of a pumpkin.
2. Make 10 copies (I copied mine on orange paper).
3. Number each pumpkin 1-10.
4. Laminate (optional - but makes it possible to clean and reuse them).

Taster Table: Apples!

2011-09-28T12:10:00.000-06:00

This week in our preschool we are learning all about APPLES! For one of our centers we had a 'Taster Table'. The kids loved it! They got to taste: apples, apple juice, applesauce and apple candy!

After tasting, they put a smiley face sticker on the different apple treats they liked (which made a graph)! When everyone was finished with the 'Taster Table' we looked at the graph and discussed which everyone liked 'most' and 'least', etc.

Licorice Writing!

2011-09-15T15:40:00.000-06:00

We have a pretty cool new Kindergarten Teacher at our school this year. Well, today when I was passing by his class I saw the most awesome use of these yummy treats: Twizzlers Pull-n-Peel, and just had to share!

Our awesome Kindergarten teacher had the kids write their names with this delicious treat! Isn't that the best? Thought I'd share this super fun idea! Look how cute they turned out ... and he said the kids loved it (of course).

Makes me want to do it too! Thanks for letting me share this super fun idea, Mr. Waadt! You Rock!

White Chocolate Popcorn

2011-06-22T22:32:00.000-06:00

Here's a quick and easy treat to take on a popcorn picnic or to eat during a parade this summer!

Just pop 3 bags of microwave popcorn and spread it out on 2 cookie sheets, then melt 1 bag of white chocolate chips. drizzle the melted chocolate on the popcorn and sprinkle with sprinkles. Let cool for 10-15 minutes then break up and put it in a large bowl and share with your friends!

Happy Summer!

Applesauce Painting

2011-04-28T13:57:00.005-06:00

Have you ever finger painted or played with shaving cream on a table or tray? I love it!

Not to long ago we were learning about 'APPLES', so we tried the same concept with applesauce! It worked famously plus the kids could lick their fingers while they painted! And there are all different kinds of applesauce out there!

We gave each student their own tray to 'finger paint' on so they didn't mix germs with their friends by licking fingers and painting more!

Resurrection Rolls

2011-04-24T17:29:00.002-06:00

These were so fun and so super easy! These rolls are a great sweet treat and an awesome way to talk about the Resurrection with small children.

See the magic? The empty tomb? The kids get so excited!

Here's what you need:
Refrigerator Crescent Rolls
Large Marshmallow
Melted Butter
Sugar Cinnamon Mix (About 4 parts sugar to 1 part cinnamon)

Here's what you do:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees and line a muffin tin with cupcake wrappers.
Open the tube of crescent rolls and pull them apart. Roll a marshmallow in the melted butter, then into the cinnamon-sugar mix. Wrap it tightly in a triangle of the crescent dough, making sure any openings are entirely sealed around the marshmallow. Dip the top of the roll into the butter, then in the cinnamon and sugar mix, then place in a paper-lined muffin tin with sugar/cinnamon on top. Repeat until all crescents are used. Bake in preheated oven for 16-18 minutes, or until the tops of the buns are golden brown. Allow the rolls a few minutes to cool.

The Lesson (I talk about each thing with the kids as we make the rolls):
The marshmallow represents Jesus.
The butter/cinnamon sugar represents the oils and spices that were used to anoint the body of Jesus.The crescent rolls represent the cloth that Jesus' body was wrapped in after death.
The oven represents the tomb.
Once the rolls are baked they become hollow, representing that the tomb is empty and Jesus has risen!

Painting with Peeps

2011-04-24T17:14:00.001-06:00

I got this fun idea from one of my close friends (ans super creative preschool teacher) Miss Nicole! It's simple and fun! The kids loved it!

You give the kids a picture or paper and put a large dollop of vanilla pudding in a small cup then you give the kids a peep (that's their paintbrush!). When they swirl the peep in the pudding it turns the pudding a color and they can paint with it and eat it!
Next year I think I will laminate a few Easter pictures that they can paint on and eat during snack time. I like that idea better than paper. YUMMY FUN!

Pizza Fun

2011-02-17T12:53:00.001-07:00

If you have a preschool or are a teacher I wanted to let you know about the opportunity you can have to have a visiti from your local pizza man (or woman)! Every year we call our local pizza place and ask if they will come and visit our preschool, show the kids how they make pizza and bring pizza for the kids to eat! This is a great tax write off for your local pizza place!

This year we had a visit from Dominos pizza woman but they couldn't donate the pizza, so I asked Little Ceasars Pizza for donated pizza and they gave us 6 free pizzas + bread sticks + a coupon for every student for a free order of bread sticks (no other purchase was necessary).

The pizza girl was AWESOME! She showed the kids how to make the pizza, threw the pizza dough, let the kids touch and feel the cornmeal and dough!! It was so fun!

Idea Share

2011-01-26T17:33:00.001-07:00

Do you ever wish you could be just like one of those cute retro housewives you see in the posters ... pearls, apron and all?

Well, here's a request to all our sassy/retro/modern readers ... when get your kids on your cute retro or modern bar stools in your kitchen making fun snacks, don't forget to send me a recipe and picture of your fun ideas to preschoolsnacks@yahoo.com!!! I'm always so excited to share not only the recipes I try, but also to see/share the super creative snacks you try as well!

Edible Paint

2010-12-16T08:35:00.000-07:00

We painted Christmas Lights with Edible Paint in preschool! So easy and cute! And Yes ... it dries that shiny!

All you do is take light Karo Syrup and separate it into cups and mix food coloring into each cup. Then put a plastic spoon into each cup. The kids dip the spoon into the Syrup and place the spoon (base down) on the paper and it makes the cute light/circle shape! Easy Peasy!

Reindeer Cookies

2010-12-15T14:33:00.001-07:00

We followed a recipe to make REINDEER COOKIES today in preschool! The kids loved following the directions to make their own cookie! I made a cookie first and took a picture of each step (super easy) and made it into a recipe card. Then, each student got the ingredients (Nutter Butter Cookie, m&m's and pretzels) and followed the recipe card to make their own reindeer cookie. They loved it and were so proud!

Here's a pic of the recipe card. If you want the recipe card, just shoot me off an e-mail and I can send you one!

Gingerbread Playdough

2010-12-07T14:54:00.002-07:00

One of my favorite playdough recipes because it smells so darn good and it's fun for Christmas!

2 cups of flour
1 cup salt
2 cups boiling water
1 tablespoon cream of tartar
2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
2 tsp (about) allspice
2 tsp (about) ground ginger
2 tsp (about) ground cloves

Put all of the dry ingredients into a bowl and stir. Measure 2 cups water and add red and green food coloring to make desired brown color and then microwave the water to boiling - easy & fast. Add the boiling water, and oil to the dry ingredients. Stir until too sticky, then knead by hand.

Happy Turkey Day!

2010-11-26T16:36:00.000-07:00

Your Stuffing Be Tasty,

May Your Turkey Be Plump.

May Your Potatoes 'N Gravy

Have Nary A Lump.

May Your Yams Be Delicious.

May Your Pies Take The Prize,

May Your Thanksgiving Dinner

STAY OFF OF YOUR THIGHS!!!

I hope everyone had a fabulous Thanksgiving day! Ours was great! With the help of some adjustable bar stools, the kids got to sit at the BIG table with all of the adults and eat dinner. And they were so excited to drink out of fancy cups! Oh, sometimes it's the little things that matter during the holidays! I'm grateful for little children who keep us in check of simple excitement!

Happy Holidays!

Food Painting

2010-11-23T15:19:00.000-07:00

With all of this talk of food and feast, we decided to have some fun with our food in preschool. We painted with it!

All we did was match the color of food with the color of paint, then stamped the painted food onto paper!

Don't forget to have fun with your food this Thanksgiving Season! We sure did!

Polka Dot Popcorn

2010-11-16T21:57:00.001-07:00

My cute friend Kami shared this awesome recipe with me and now I get to share it with you!

Here's what Kami has to say about the recipe:
Hey there... Thought it turned out cute!
It's 1/2 cup milk.
2 cups sugar.
Bring to a boil.
Add 1 teaspoon vanilla and food coloring to about 8 cups popped corn (or that pops stuff that's pre-made :-). I think it turned out Fun:-) Then decided to add sprinkles for polka dots.

Isn't this just the cutest idea?

This is so fun for teaching the 'p' sound!

Thanks Kami!!!

Giveaway! CLOSED.

2010-11-07T10:19:00.005-07:00

Giveaway Closed.
And the winners are #9 and #1: Just another day in paradise and kamikamikamip! See below for how to claim your $25 Del Monte Fresh Fruit Gift Certificate!

Congrats again! Just send me an e-mail to preschoolsnacks@yahoo.com with your name and address and I'll mail your gift card out to you a.s.a.p.

Have you heard of this?

Well, if you're a teacher and you want to enter to win cash & fruit for your classroom, just click HERE to enter, and hurry, there's not much time left! Del Monte is amazing! And did you know you can follow Del Monte on twitter (@DelMonteFresh) or like them on Facebook (here) and even download a cool free Del Monte app for your iPod or iPhone that's great for nutrition, games, recipes, etc.???

My Giveaway:
And for all of the parents and teachers who read my blog, Del Monte is sending me 2 $25 Del Monte fresh fruit gift certificates (valid in US only) to give away!

Two readers have a chance to with 1 $25 gift certificate!

To Enter: (I need a separate post for each entry)

For 1 entry: Leave a comment telling me your favorite fresh fruit to eat!
For a 2nd entry: Follow Del Monte on twitter OR like them on Facebook and let me know (in a new comment).

Good Luck! This giveaway closes Friday, November 12th at 5:00pm (MST).

Cheesy Witch Fingers

2010-11-07T09:53:00.000-07:00

Who doesn't enjoy eating a yummy finger or two on Halloween?

What you need: string cheese, carrots, cream cheese.

What you do:
Each string cheese will make two fingers. Cut your string cheese in half and with a knife cut out a spot for the fingernail and marks for the finger joints right below the fingernail area and at the base of the string cheese (for the knuckle joint). Then, cut your fingernails. You can cut a thin slice of a carrot (or a thick peel) and with your knife shape it into a fingernail and attach to the cheese with cream cheese.

Witches Brooms

2010-11-07T09:16:00.007-07:00

These mini witch brooms are a super fun!

The kids LOVED them!

What you need: stick pretzels, fruit roll-ups (or fruit by the foot)

What you do: cut the fruit into 2-3 inch strips and then snip along the edge to make a fringe for the broom brush edge. Then wet the long (uncut) edge of the fruit and wrap tightly around the base of the pretzel.

Corny Halloween Tree

2010-11-07T09:04:00.003-07:00

This is a non-edible Halloween Tree Decoration
but the Ghosts are edible! What you need: small branch, vase, styrofoam (for vase), moss, ribbon, hot glue gun, tissue ghosts (ghosts found HERE).

What you do:
Fit the styrofoam into the vase and stick the small branch into the styrofoam to look like a tree, cover foam with moss. Attach a ribbon (if you want). Hot glue the candy corn treats to the branch. Hang ghosts from the tree with fishing twine. Easy! Fun!

Halloween Cupcakes

2010-11-07T08:51:00.006-07:00

Just wanted to show you a little fun we had with cupcakes this year! I thought they turned out pretty cute and fun!

Monster Cupcakes: Decorated with chocolate eyeballs and gummy teeth.

Ghost Cupcakes: Wrap a tissue around a sucker, tie with ribbon and draw eyes.

Spider Cupcakes: Oreo body, licorice legs, m&m eyes.

$65 Giveaway from CSN Stores!

2010-10-15T11:56:00.005-06:00

Giveaway Closed! I picked the winner using Random.org:

Here's what our winner had to say:The winner is Raejean: Raejean - send an e-mail to preschoolsnacks@yahoo.com and I will e-mail you the code for $65 to CSN Stores! Congrats!

Yes, my favorite online store is letting me host another FABULOUS giveaway! And Honey, if you aren't familiar with CSN Stores yet, you need to check them out!

CSN Stores has EVERYTHING you could imagine! With Thanksgiving coming up you could hop online and order up a new drop leaf table for your dining room! They even have great costumes (for kids AND dogs - too cute), Halloween decorations, furniture, baby stuff, shoes, bags, home decor, lighting, office supplies, and (of course, my favorite) all of your kitchen needs! Not to mention, most items have free shipping! Holla!GIVEAWAY: A $65 gift code to CSN stores that you can spend at any of their 200+ stores online! (Does not include shipping).

HOW TO ENTER: (Each entry needs it's own separate comment).

For 1 Entry: Tell me what you (and or family members, pets, etc.) are dressing up as for Halloween.

For a 2nd Entry: In a NEW comment, become a follower of my blog and let me know you have done so, OR If you're already a follower, let me know in a new comment.

This GIVEAWAY will end Saturday, October 23, 2010 at 5:00 p.m. (MST) Good luck!

Product Review X 2

2010-10-14T10:23:00.005-06:00

If you're familiar at all with my blog then you know I'm a HUGE fan of csnstores.com! Well, not too long ago they gave me an opportunity to review 2 products. I had a hard time choosing (since csnstores has absolutely everything to offer) but finally I whittled it down to a couple of AWESOME items!

First item: Rival 3 Qt. Stainless Steel Fondue Set.Isn't it a beaut? We have LOVED this fondue set! With most other fondue pots, you have to first cook the chocolate, broth, cheese on the stovetop first and then transfer it to your fondue pot where it will keep the yummy goodness warm, but with this one you plug it right into the wall, drop your stuff in and cook it right in the pot!!! It has a temperature settings dial that you control the heat to cook it right in the pot and then turn the dial to 'warm' when dipping and eating! Love this thing!

Second item: Hamilton Beach 10 cup Food Processor (in white).Okay - what can you NOT do with an awesome food processor like this one? I love chopping veggies, making fresh salsa, grating cheese and veggies, etc. Pure definition of fresh food fast!

Look what I made with it! Veggie Pizza!Ingredients:
2 pkgs. fridge cressent rolls, 1 block cream cheese, ranch dressing, 2 carrots, 1/2 bunch broccoli, 1/2 cauliflower head, 2 cups grated cheese.

Open the refrigerator cressent rolls and pat them out on a pizza pan (like a crust). Bake according to directions on package. Let cool. For the sauce I let the cream cheese get to room temperature, place in a bowl and stir in ranch dressing to taste (just personal taste, some like it rather ranchy tasting, some like it more suttle). Spread the cream cheese mixture on the crust. Then, I put all the veggies in the food processor and chopped them up kind of fine (b/c I don't like huge chunks of veggie on my veggie pizza). Put the veggies on the pizza. Last (but not least) I put grated cheese (fresh grated in my food processor) on the pizza. YUM!

Traffic Light Cookies

2010-10-11T13:55:00.005-06:00

This week in our preschool we are learning about our community! I thought it would be fun to have a community looking snack, so we made Traffic Light Cookies! They were so fun! Along with talking about traffic lights and how they keep us safe, we talked about the shapes (rectangle and circles) and colors (brown, white, red, green, yellow).

I also wanted to encourage independence, so I made a recipe card with pictures for the kids to follow. So fun and easy!

Letter Snacks!

2010-09-22T14:06:00.006-06:00

I found some of these at the store recently!

Have you seen them???

I bought them right away and we've been having so much fun with them in preschool! I made an ABC chart, we give the kids a pile of crackers and they match the cracker letters to the letters on the chart! For the kids that already know their letters, they can find the cracker letters to make their name or simple words! So fun!

p.s. If you would like a copy of the chart I made, just shoot me off an e-mail and I will attach it to an e-mail and send it back. I created it in Word.

Sleeping on the job ...

2010-09-13T16:01:00.006-06:00

Sorry I didn't post much during the summer. It's so hard when I'm I'm not teaching and out of my routine. I guess I like my schedule.

I've been sleeping on the job, and literally too because I've been enjoying my brand new bed! My hubby and I splurged and got a new king bed .... foam core ... pillow top ... temperature regulating .... Aaaaaah, there I go dreaming again!

But now that we have the new bed, I think I need some new modern bedding to go with it! Don't you?

Here's one I've got my eye on

... oh, or this one ...

and I LOVE this one!

Well ... now that I'm back to my schedule again I can make some fun and yummy snacks for you and your kids (and my preschool students) to enjoy! Like maybe some Chocolate Chip Pancakes!

Chocolate Chip Pancakes

2010-09-13T15:54:00.005-06:00

Who says you can't have chocolate for breakfast???

This one is super easy and super yummy!

What you need:

Your favorite pancake mix, chocolate chips

What you do:

Mix your pancake batter according to the directions and pour into pan (as directed) to make the pancakes. Once the pancakes are cooking on the 1st side, start dropping chocoate chips into the batter. Flip to complete cooking and they're done!

Making Memories

2010-08-12T18:05:00.007-06:00

With school around the corner and a look back at the summer I hope everyone has had time to make some wonderful memories with their family!

Don't many of your childhood memories take place at your kitchen tables? Mine sure do! Whether we were making great snacks, chatting, eating yummy food, playing board games and card games, talking to my mom when she did her sewing, or creating fun art projects.

It doesn't matter if your kitchen table looks like this... (love retro)

... or this ... (oh my!)
... or this (love the tall set).

What does matter is that we make memories with our kids! So clear off that kitchen table if it needs it (mine always does) and make some MEMORIES!!!

p.s. I think this is the cutest little kitchen set I've seen!

Peaches-N-Cream

2010-08-03T15:44:00.003-06:00

This is a jazzed up version of one of my favorite treats as a kid! We would cut up a peach, plop it in a bowl with milk and sugar! YUM!

What you need: peaches, vanilla yogurt, graham crackers (crushed)

What you do: layer the peaches, yogurt and crushed graham crackers. (easy)

VARIATIONS
peaches: any fruit on hand
cream: any flavor yogurt, whipping cream, ice cream, milk, cream.
topping: granola, nilla wafers, cut up candybar

Buttermilk Syrup

2010-07-27T10:19:00.002-06:00

This recipe is for the yummiest, dreamiest, creamiest syrup you'll ever taste! And it tastes especially well on the Super Duper Puffy Pancakes I posted not too long ago!

Here's what you need:1 1/2 cups white sugar
3/4 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup butter
2 Tbsp Corn Syrup
1 tsp Baking Soda
2 tsp Vanilla Extract
LARGE sauce pan

Here's what you do:
In a LARGE saucepan (you need large because once you add the Baking Soda, the syrup bubbles up quite a bit and needs to be contained) combine sugar, buttermilk, butter and corn syrup. Bring to a boil. Stir in baking soda and vanilla and let boil for 7 minutes.

Giveaway - $40

2010-07-12T16:28:00.012-06:00

Update - Giveaway Closed!

And the winner is: "Sorensen's" who said:CONGRATULATIONS!!! I will try to get the information to you, but if I don't then please send me an e-mail (to preschoolsnacks@yahoo.com) so I can send you the information!

Who wants to win a $40 gift card/code to use at csnstores.com one of my favorite online stores??? You do? Well, keep reading to find out how to enter my giveaway!!!

csnstores.com has EVERYTHING you could imagine: bakeware, clothing, kitchenware, furniture, handbags, toys, games, outdoor supplies, shoes, pet supplies ... the list goes on and on! And with this giveaway, you could win a $40 gift card/code to use at csnstores.com!

*Please note that this does not include shipping and/or international fees (but MANY of their products have FREE shipping).

How to enter my giveaway:
You can enter up to 3 times! Each entry needs a separate post (if you put all information for the 3 entries in 1 comment, it will count as 1 entry - not 3)!

1. Leave your name and favorite guilty pleasure treat/snack/dessert.
2. Become a follower of my blog "Fun Snacks 4 Kids" and leave a NEW comment informing me you are a new follower or are already a follower.
3. Post a link to this giveaway on your blog or website then post a NEW comment to let me know you're sharing the news of the giveaway!

Have your entries in by Sunday, July 18th at 5:00 p.m.
Then a winner will be chosen at RANDOM and posted Sunday evening!!!

Here's my wishlist of items I have my eye on at csnstores.com:

They have darling flirty aprons (Love 'em)

This purse is too cute!

Who wouldn't love some silicone baking mats???
This is something I want but never can bring myself to spend money on.

Matching snack games for kids!

Good Luck! I hope YOU win!!!

Giveaway on it's way!!!

2010-07-07T17:19:00.009-06:00

I want this! Isn't it cute? Yes ... I'm daydreaming again, but this time it's about lighting!

Ever been in your kitchen making fun snacks or cooking a yummy meal and need more lighting? I do! It seems like every time I'm making a fun snack or meal I flip on all the lights in the kitchen and still need more lighting! How about some under cabinet rope lighting (orange would be lots-o-fun).But it doesn't stop there! Because once I think about it ... many rooms in our house could use some new lighting!

This for the kitchen:

For the family room:

For the bedroom:

For fun! Yep, they're lights!

Which brings me to my GIVEAWAY! csn stores is letting me host yet another giveaway! Not just for lighting but to any of their 200+ stores that sell almost anything you could imagine! I'll post soon about the giveaway but until then, check out all of the products from csn stores and start daydreaming!

Chocolate Haystacks

2010-07-01T08:43:00.005-06:00

A memory of my childhood reminded me of this fun treat my mom made when we were kids!Here's what you need: Milk chocolate chips, Chow-Mein Noodles, mini Marshmallows

Here's what you do:
Melt 1 bag of chocolate chips in a large bowl, then pour in a little over 1/2 bag of marshmallows and a little over 1/2 bag of chow mein noodles. You put in enough that the mallows and noodles are just covered with chocolate. Then place small dollops on wax paper and place in the fridge to let chocolate dry. Chocolate goodness!

Super-Duper Puffy Pancakes

2010-06-22T23:52:00.004-06:00

... also known as ... German Pancakes!

These are super easy for kids to help mix the batter before mom puts them in the hot pan in the oven. And then to see the eyes light up of the kids when this HUGE, PUFFY pancake comes out! It's magic, I say, magic!!!!Here's what you need (I make 1/2 serving - double it for a 9X13 pan):
4 Tbsp butter
3 eggs
1/2 coup flour
1/2 cup milk
dash of salt

Here's what you do:
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Place casserole dish in the oven with butter. Mix eggs, flour, milk and salt together in separate bowl. When butter is bubbling, pour the batter into the hot dish and bake for 20 minutes (or until golden brown and fluffy).

I like to serve mine with syrup and powdered sugar. Or if I have some in the fridge, I like it with home-made buttermilk syrup. YUM!

GIVEAWAY - Closed

2010-06-15T13:24:00.016-06:00

Update: Giveaway Closed

...And I wouldn't believe the winner if I didn't see it with my own eyes! My sister!!! I had to copy the webpage from random.org when I ran the numbers!

Amy said:Congrats Amy! I'll e-mail you the information! That's just crazy!

Super Fun Giveaway!!

Here's what you could win: online code (gift code) for $60.00 to CSNstores!
CSNstores have 200+ sites that offer the largest categories of items such as: cookware, ultra modern furniture, office, fitness equipment, gaming chairs, grills, greenhouses, toys and MORE!
How to Enter:
For 1 Entry: Tell me your name and your favorite shopping department.

For a 2nd Entry: Become a follower of my blog Fun Snacks 4 Kids then post a NEW comment letting me know that you have become a follower (or that you are already a follower).

For a 3rd Entry: Post about this giveaway on your blog/website then leave a NEW comment informing me you posted about the giveaway along with a link for me to see to where you posted it.

Deadline to enter is: Tuesday, June 22, 2010 at 5:00 p.m. (Utah/Mountain Standard Time)
One winner will be chosen at RANDOM and announced (hopefully) sometime Tuesday evening.

If you win, I'll e-mail you the code for your $60 and how to use it!
*Please Note: the code will not cover shipping and/or international fees, so if you win, it would be helpful to you to look for items with ‘free shipping’!

Good Luck folks! Here are a few of the items at CSNstores that I've got my eyes on!

Rachael Ray Fondue Set

Kathy Van Zeeland Purse

Bread Maker

Pink Ice Cream Maker
(although I don't need another one)

Fleurville Diaper Bag
(don't need one, but it's too cute!)

And (again) the cutest Q-tip dispenser on earth!

Yes, yes ... some of the things I like are more than $60 but if it were me, I'd put the $60 toward something nice and big and pay the difference.

Daydreaming and GIVEAWAY to come!

2010-06-11T09:36:00.009-06:00

I've been daydreaming lately about updating one of the bathrooms in our house. Don't get me wrong, my bathroom is fine ... but now I want a new vanity!

Justvanaties.com is the culprit that has me WANTING to update my bathroom!!!

Just look at this one ... I want it!

... or THIS one - so pretty!

And once I have a new cute vanity, I'll need one of THESE to go with it!

... and maybe one of these too! They hold cotton swabs, TOO CUTE!GIVEAWAY COMING SOON: The generous people at justvanaties.com have made an offer for one of my readers to win an AWESOME giveaway!!! Keep checking back for the official details/giveaway!

*Disclaimer: I did not receive any compensation for this post.

Puffy Paint

2010-05-24T12:15:00.007-06:00

Here's another one in the 'non-edible' category ... but I painted the cutest snack with it! Super simple, super easy! And I think it has the sweet look of frosting!!! I like to use this for painting puffy pumpkins at Halloween time (and add a little green curling ribbon to the top stem), cupcakes to celebrate birthdays, white for Santa's beard at Christmas ... the possibilities are endless!Here's what you need: glue, shaving cream, food coloring

Here's what you do: Mix 1 part glue to 1 part shaving cream (I eye-ball it), and add food coloring to desired color. See...I told you it was easy! ;)

Tie-Dye Paint Project

2010-05-11T09:35:00.008-06:00

Even though this is NON-EDIBLE I just had to post it because it's so much fun!!! It's a fun way to paint paper to look like tie-dye!Here's what you need: paper, shaving Cream, water colors (or food coloring), squigiHere's what you do:
Put the shaving cream in a tray (or cookie sheet) and flatten it with your fingers to about an inch thick. Drip different colors of the water colors on the shaving cream and spread around with your fingers (or spoon, or craft stick).
Then lay the paper on the colored shaving cream and rub the back gently with your hands to flatten and make sure the paper is covered with shaving cream.
Then you pull the paper off and squigi the shaving cream off and you have a SUPER COOL tie-dye print!

Graphing Gummy Bears

2010-04-15T15:40:00.007-06:00

I made a quick graphing page in Microsoft Word and we did some Graphing with Gummy Bears in preschool! So fun and such a great [and sometimes yummy] academic skill to teach! I also laminated each graph so they could be cleaned and re-used!

Pudding Paint

2010-04-15T15:31:00.004-06:00

What's more fun to finger-paint with than PUDDING? Nothing, I tell ya!

This week in preschool we're focusing on the book, "Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?" So, we painted a Brown Bear with pudding!
Just mix or buy pudding [easy] and get painting!
We mixed ours with water because of allergies to dairy!

Treats for your "Peeps"

2010-04-03T08:41:00.007-06:00

These chocolate covered bunny pops were quick and easy to make and they taste Oh So SwEeT!!!!
Here's what you need:
peeps bunnies (about 12), sucker sticks, 1 bag chocolate chips, sprinkles.

Here's what you do:
Melt the chocolate however you like (I do the quick microwave method: 30 seconds - stir, 10 seconds - stir, 10 seconds - stir, etc.). Then, the first thing is to dip a sucker stick in the melted chocolate and then push it into a peep (that will hold it securely in place). Once you're done placing the sucker sticks, the first one should be dry and ready to dip. Dip in the chocolate and either place on wax paper and sprinkle OR sprinkle and stick in styrofoam to dry. Then decorate and eat or give as a gift!

Oh - and look at the cutest little Easter gift all of the teachers at our school got from our PTA! You gotta love the PTA and all they do!!! I had to click a quick pic with my phone before I took a bite! They got the template/idea from www.eighteen25.blogspot.com ... a darling and creatively fun blog!!

"Devil-ed" Eggs

2010-04-02T15:28:00.002-06:00

I saw this in Family Fun magazine and laughed, and laughed! I thought they too funny not to try myself! I think the Devil horns are such a fun and easy touch (it's just red peppers).
You can click HERE for more things to do with your deviled eggs (scroll to the bottom of the page).

Sometimes it's all about the Packaging...

2010-04-02T15:17:00.002-06:00

...isn't that the truth!! I found these cute carrot-shaped packages at the store (Wal-mart) and loved them! I ran home and put in the only orange food I could find in the house to show you (yes - the sad truth is that my only orange food today is Cheetos), but I just HAD TO show you how cute these are! You could add jelly-beans, Cheetos, carrots, etc. And how cute would it be to add to your child's lunch bag!

Tiny Chocolate Nests with Itty Bitty Eggs

2010-03-31T17:58:00.002-06:00

A friend of mine suggested the CuTeSt website, and I LOVE it! You gotta love the creative sites, right? The site is 'All Things Heart and Home' and I not only love her site, but I love the cute (and easy) Tiny Chocolate Nests with Itty Bitty Eggs -- too cute!
Click on the pic (or any links above) to go to her site and get the recipe!

Pup Cakes

2010-03-28T09:33:00.004-06:00

I made these for my Dog's birthday party and they were a hoot!I got the idea from this greatest cupcake book of all time!Here's what you need: cupcakes, frosting, mini marshmallows, tootsie rolls, decorative things (the recipe calls for black jellybean for the nose, I think mini m&m's for the eyes and a pink circus peanut for the tongue but I didn't want to buy a whole bag of m&m's and jellybeans just for the brown/black ones so I used chocolate chips for the eyes, a chocolate covered peanut for the nose and a pink airhead for the tongue). Simplify! ;)

Here's what you do: put a dollop of frosting and 3 mini marshmallows where you want the 'nose' to be. Then cover the marshmallows and rest of the cupcake with frosting and add the face parts! Eyes, nose, tongue! The ears are flattened tootsie rolls. We put them in the microwave for a few seconds to soften them and then rolled them out with a rolling pin.

What do you think? Do they look a little like my dog?

Root Beer Cookies & Painted Toast

2010-03-24T11:54:00.004-06:00

Here are a couple of links to yummy treats from one of my favorite people in the world: Bugg's Mama! Thanks so much to her for letting me share the following links to these yummy recipes that your kids will love!! Just click on the picture to link to her recipes!

Root Beer Cookies = YUM!!!

Painted Bread/Toast = FUN!

Edible Easter Baskets

2010-03-22T10:31:00.001-06:00

This is from one of our fellow readers! Thanks to The Barger Family for sharing! Just click on the picture to go to the directions!

Who wants it???

2010-03-18T17:44:00.009-06:00

Giveaway CLOSED!
And the winner is: #5, Stoddard Family
who said "Rach I posted on my Blog."
But here's what she said on her original comment,
"This is so much fun, so glad you got the opportunity to do this.
I would have to say my favorite thing my mom would make was her Corn Flake Cookies. She only made them when we would travel and man were they good.
Dang now I want to go make some."

Thanks Stoddard Family! Now All I need you to do is send me your mailing address and my friend Sean at CSN Stores will mail you your prize! Thanks for playing everyone!

I SCREAM, You SCREAM, We All SCREAM for .... a totally delicious GIVEAWAY!!!

Again, I can't thank CSN Stores enough for the opportunity to let me host a giveaway! And here it is folks!

This is one of my ALL TIME favorite products in the whole world! We got one for our wedding and it is AmAzInG!!! Just click on the picture below to find out more about it!
No ice, no salt - just plug it in, put the frozen bowl on the base, drop the stirring thing-a-ma-jig in, lid on, dump the yummy goodness in, turn it on and ta-dah, ice-cream in half an hour! And look how cute it is with it's wavy ridges sitting on my counter!
EASY, YUMMY, DELICIOUS! Who doesn't love home-made ice cream, frozen yogurt, sorbet???I keep my bowl in the freezer at all times so we're ready to make up a deliciously-good frozen treat any time! Oh, and ... you see the Lightning McQueen cup next to the Cuisinart ... yeah, that's home-made ice cream in there! ;)

Wanna win one???

Here's what you do:
Post a comment on THIS POST and tell me your favorite spring/summer/holiday snack or treat that you've seen, made or remember from when you were a kid and GET CREATIVE!
Want to be entered twice??? Post a link to THIS POST on your blog, then let me know you did by leaving one more comment!

The deadline is Sunday, March 21, 2010 at 11:59 p.m. And the winner will be chosen by www.random.org. I will post the winner sometime on Monday - Good Luck!!

That's all you do! Easy as pie ... pie with ice cream, that is!

St. Patrick's Day Fun!

2010-03-18T07:37:00.003-06:00

We did some graphing with Lucky Charms on St. Patricks Day -- wanted to share! My graph is due for an update. I found an updated one HERE that is good, if you're interested!
Look what one little guy brought for breakfast on St. Patrick's Day! We thought it was the cutest thing ever! It's green applesauce and bread! Easy!!! (Thanks to Bugg's Mama!)

Taste a Rainbow

2010-03-17T11:22:00.008-06:00

"Holy Time-Consuming Batman!!!" These take a lot of prep time but ... are totally worth it in the end! I made them for our preschool kids today and we let them frost the top with green frosting - it was so fun to see the kids eyes light up when they saw the rainbow!

The recipe is here on the Family Fun website.

Giveaway ... coming soon!

2010-03-16T13:47:00.016-06:00

Spread the news!!! ... I'm hosting a giveaway soon! I've been browsing the internet while looking for counter stools (our "sweet" dog chewed on ours) and came across this awesome online company: www.allbarstools.com who, not only have me dreaming of new barstools to replace my chewy stools (look below to see the barstools I have my eye on). And low and behold -- as it turns out,this company is going to let me host a giveaway! Just wanted to let you know! Stay tuned for the giveaway coming soon!But in the mean time, think about your favorite spring/summer/holiday snacks that you've seen, made or remember from when you were a kid! When I do the giveaway for this certain secret amazing item you're going to have to share, share, share!

These are the stools I'm DREAMING of ...
I want them in orange!

Rainbow Munchies

2010-03-16T09:55:00.002-06:00

How easy and fun is this? Here's what you need: Froot Loops cereal (or any off brand) ;), picture of a Rainbow (I laminate mine so we can use them in preschool). But your child can draw a picture of a Rainbow as well to use!

Here's what you do: Give your child a cup of cereal and have them match the colors of the cereal to the rainbow. This yummy snack can help reinforce the following concepts: color matching, color naming, more, less, and most.

French Bread Pizza

2010-03-09T13:04:00.004-07:00

I loved this yummy meal growing up! It's an easy meal to let the kids help make and to reinf0rce following directions and to teach first/next/last.Here's what you need:
French bread, pizza sauce, cheese, toppings (I found mini-pepperoni at Wal-mart - and what kid doesn't like anything in mini form!)

Here's what you do:
Slice the french bread lengthwise in half. Spread on the sauce, Add the cheese and toppings. Bake on a cookie sheet for about 20 minutes (until everything is melted and gooey).

Pancake Letters

2010-03-09T13:00:00.002-07:00

I had my nieces for a sleep-over the other night. Their names are Hannah and Rebecca. For breakfast the next morning I got a little creative with pancakes (I've seen the idea in the Family Fun magazine before) and made the pancakes into the shape of the first letter of their name. When they came in for breakfast I had them guess who each pancake was for and they knew right away! Fun game and great way to reinforce letters!I put the pancake batter in a ziploc bag and cut a large hole in one corner and squirted the batter into the pan so I could have more control over it.

Sprucing up Brownies

2010-02-15T19:21:00.008-07:00

It's simple and easy to spruce up brownies for the holidays! I didn't have a stencil on hand, so I made my own ... easy as that! I wish I had one of those great shakers for powdered sugar - I just used a fork to sprinkle the sugar on. I think they're real cheap. I'll just add it to my wish list.

Here's what you need:

Here's what you do:

"RED" Valentine Dinner

2010-02-13T14:08:00.009-07:00

I was talking to a friend yesterday about what she was going to do with her family for Valentine's Day and she said that every year she has a 'RED Dinner'. Everything is RED. She said she makes Spaghetti and dyes the noodles red, with marinara sauce, breadsticks (she dyes the dough red) and red drinks. What an exciting and fun idea!
I'm stealing the idea this year but making things much easier! We're ordering out!

RED heart-shaped pizza

RED drinks

RED dessert!This Valentine recipe is HERE. But for more cute Valentine cake, cupcake and cookie recipes, click HERE!

HaPpY VaLeNtInEs DaY!

"LOVELY" Breakfast

2010-02-13T13:49:00.007-07:00

I found this cute 'sandwich cutter' at Walmart and knew just what to do for a Valentine Breakfast! I'm all about easy AND cute!
Here's what you need:
Heart Sandwich cutter or heart shape cookie cutter.
Bread
Egg
Milk
Cinnamon
Butter

Here's what you do:
Cut bread into heart shape
In a shallow dish mix 1 egg, milk, and cinnamon
Dip bread into egg mixture
Place in heated pan with melted butter

Valentine's, Valentines!

2010-02-13T13:44:00.006-07:00

The kids (parents) were so creative with their Valentine's this year! I had to post a couple of my favorites!

"I'm Buggy For You" too cute!

There's treats hidden inside of this pretty heart! What a sweet package to hold a Valentine treat!

What are some of your fun and cute/creative Valentine ideas???
If you want or need some IDEAS, just click HERE!

Skinny Snowmen

2010-02-13T13:37:00.003-07:00

My mom made these and I think they're not only cute but hilarious! These snowmen seem to have a very serious attitude to me when I look at them. Maybe they're serious because they've been on a diet - that makes me pretty serious (and at times... ornery). Enjoy!

Here's what you need: large pretzel sticks, white chocolate for melting, mini chocolate chips, mini m&m's, gumdrops, PeachyO's (or Apple O's), sour licorice strips.

Here's what you do:
Melt the white chocolate
Dip the pretzel sticks in the chocolate
Put on his hat (PeachyO for brim and gumdrop for top)
Lay him on wax paper
Decorate!!! Get creative and have fun!

Yummied up Brownies

2010-02-08T15:29:00.004-07:00

Ever wonder what to do with your left-over chocolates from Valentine's or any other holiday? Here's an easy treat you will just LOVE! I had some of my nieces and nephews over one night and we all got the craving for brownies. I had a bunch of mini candybars so we combined the two and had the yummiest brownies ever! Here's what you need:
*Brownie mix (and everything needed listed on the box: ie: oil, eggs, water, etc.)
*Your favorite mini candybars (if you have large candybars, just cut them up)

Here's what you do:
Follow the directions on the box of brownies. Pour the batter into the desired pan. Before placing the pan in the preheated oven, place your candybars around in the batter. Bake according to box directions. YUM-O-LICIOUS!

Creepy Potions

2010-02-08T15:17:00.006-07:00

For Halloween this year made these lovely potions for our 'witches lair' in our dramatic play area in preschool. The kids loved pretending to mix up potions, and stir their pretend brew while they were dressed up as witches and bats!

I just bought some of those drink shooters they sell at Target during Christmas and New Years and dumped out the contents. Then I filled each little tube with a lovely concoction and/or bug, eyeball, frog, etc. to make it more creepy!

Here are the concoction mixes:

baby oil and food coloring (they don't mix so it looks super creepy!)

Karo syrup and glitter, bugs, frogs etc (and food coloring to change the color if wanted)

Water and food coloring, glitter, etc.

DON'T FORGET: to glue the lids on nice and tight!!!! These are for pretend only! ;)

On a Personal Note ...

2010-02-07T11:22:00.004-07:00

It's time to play catch up! I have 2 good reason's I've been neglecting you all with the fun snack ideas for your kids, and just wanted (on a personal note) to show off the said reasons.

1. My cute hubby! We were married on September 19th and have been spending as much 'off time' as possible together.2. Our new puppy (I know, he's more like a horse ... but he's my little baby). LOL!

Smelly Ornaments

2010-01-04T12:53:00.007-07:00

These ornaments are not only cute but they smell so good too!Here's what you need: Equal parts cinnamon and applesauce

Here's what you do: mix until the consistency of thick dough, roll it out and use cookie cutter to cut a holiday shape, use a straw to poke a hole in it, let dry 1-2 days and thread a ribbon through and hang on the tree.

Edible Cornucopias

2009-11-21T16:16:00.003-07:00

These are the cutest things ever and I can't wait to make some! They're an idea from our reader Tracy, and here's what she had to say about them:
"We made these eatable cornucopias at my preschool and I thought I would share. They were super easy and super cute!" THANKS TRACY!!To made you will need the following:
Waffle Cones
Pretzels
Bugles
Candy Corn/Pumpkins
plastic wrap

Mix pretzels, bugles, candy corn and pumpkins (you could use other things such as dried cranberries or raisin) in a large bowl. For my two year old class, we wrapped the cones leaving a flap. Had the kids pour in a cup or two of the pretzel mixtures. Covered with flap and you're finished. These looked great on the tables and helped pass the time while waiting for the food to arrive!

Monster Hands

2009-10-12T13:53:00.004-06:00

We made these today in preschool for our 'Monster' theme. The kids loved making these and couldn't wait to take them home to scare their family and then eat them up! You gotta love the fun snacks at Halloween time!
Here's what you need: skin (food service gloves), fingernails (candy corn), crushed bones (popcorn), and string to tie it up!
Here's what you do:
Put a candy corn in each finger of the glove, add popcorn and shake until it fills all of the fingers and hand, then tie it off with a string, yarn or festive ribbon!

Mummy Suckers

2009-09-29T10:52:00.004-06:00

These are so super easy to make and yummy to eat!
Here's what you need: Sugar daddy suckers, gauze, white first-aid tape, mini google eyes.
Here's what you do:
Wrap the gauze around the sucker and secure in the back with first-aid tape. Glue (or stick - I got the sticky-back google eyes) the eyes on.

Happy as a clam cookies

2009-09-13T14:06:00.003-06:00

Here's what you need: Vanilla Wafer Cookies (or any round cookies), pink frosting, candy dots (or mini m&m's), white butter mints (or you could use a yogurt raisin).
Here's what you do:
Frost two cookies, place a 'pearl' on one cookie and place the other cookie on top in the shape of a clam, add eyes and eat! YUM!

Yummy Fireworks!!

2009-08-08T16:20:00.001-06:00

Sorry I've been a slacker with the posts - didn't realize how BUSY you get while planning a wedding and buying a house at the same time! If you have any ideas to share don't forget to send me an e-mail! I LOVE ALL MY READERS/CONTRIBUTERS! Thanks for making this such a fun thing to do!!!

These are SUPER easy and fun to give away!

You just take a pack of Rolo's and roll them up in festive 4th of July paper and stick a piece of festive garland in the end!

FREE Resources!

2009-07-14T14:02:00.006-06:00

Have I mentioned how obsessed I am with Lakeshore Learning? Well, I got an e-mail from Andrea at Lakeshore Learning and she wanted me to let you know about Free Resources on their website! There's NOTHING better than FREE! It's a resource center for teachers & parents full of fun free ideas: activities, templates, worksheets, advice, tips and projects (like this this cute flower pot idea below).

Popcorn Pack-a-Snack

2009-07-05T19:50:00.002-06:00

We made these fun and easy pack-a-snack mixes in Preschool this summer with the kids and they were a BIG hit! It's a great and easy idea for a take-along snack for a long summer drive, hike or just a yummy snack.All you have to do is use fresh popped popcorn as a base and then throw in your child's favorite goodies (ie: chocolate chips, pretzels, m&m's, craisins, goldfish crackers, cap'n crunch cereal, etc.) mix and throw it in a bag to pack with you this summer.

Candy Boquets

2009-06-14T23:30:00.008-06:00

These ideas were so easy to make and came from the book: Candy Boquets. If you're ever looking for a fun gift idea for someone these are a great gift and fun conversation piece!You basically take a fun cup/glass/toy/etc. and put styrofoam in ... then candy it up with pins or hot glue! Have fun and get creative!

White Chocolate Popcorn

2009-05-28T08:47:00.007-06:00

Sorry it's been a while since I've put anything on here ... I recently got engaged so (needless to say) things have been a bit crazy!
But thanks to our loyal contributor Tracy for sharing this recipe! This looks so yummy!Just click HERE or on the picture to get the recipe!

FYI: Whatever you do ... don't try to color the white chocolate! Tried it ... doesn't work. Use the colored chocolate candy pieces if you want some color on the popcorn!

This is such a fun idea for a treat to give teachers at the end of the year! I got the wittiest gift from one of my students this year and have to share it with you. She gave me a large Hershey's candybar with almonds and a note attached which said:

"Thank you to a teacher who is oh so 'SWEET' and just a little 'NUTTY'!
Too cute!!!
Want to share any other cute ideas you've done/gotten for a 'SWEET' Thank You?

Microwave Cake in a Mug

2009-05-06T22:01:00.004-06:00

Thanks so much to our reader Deeann for this fun, yummy and easy, easy, easy recipe! I've seen this floating on the internet and armed with Deeann's recipe I gave it a try with yummy results!
I think this would even be fun for April Fool's day served as Hot Chocolate Cake!Here's what you need:
4 tbsp. flour
4 tbsp. sugar
2 tbsp. cocoa
1 egg
3 tbsp. milk
3 tbsp. oil
3 tbsp. chocolate chips
splash vanilla
1 coffee mug

Here's what you do:
Add dry ingredients to the mug, mix well.
Add the egg and mix well.
Pour in the milk and oil, mix well.
Add the chocolate chips and vanilla, mix well.

Put the mug in the microwave and cook for 3 minutes at 1000 watts. The cake will rise over the top of the mug. Allow to cool. Enjoy!

Sombrero's / Witch Hats

2009-05-06T21:43:00.003-06:00

Thanks again Tracy! What a woman! Here's a great treat for Cinco de Mayo ... Sombreros! They could also double for Witch Hats! So cute! Go to Tracy's blog to find out how to make these!
It would also be fun to fill the hats with something before attaching them to the cookie (ie: popcorn, muddy buddies, m&m's, etc.).

Cheeto's Carrots

2009-05-04T19:16:00.003-06:00

Here's another fun idea from Tracy! I would have gotten it on here sooner ... but I've been crazy busy! Better late than never! ;)
Here's what Tracy says about this great snack: "Perfect for Easter. They look like carrots but, they are really Cheetos in a disposable cake decorating bag with some green tissue. So, easy to make. And so yummy to eat!"

Spring Cupcakes

2009-04-23T18:26:00.010-06:00

We had so much fun making these cupcakes! They're so cute and easy to make!Here's what you need: unfrosted cupcakes, frosting, large marshmallows, gumdrops, sprinkles

Here's what you do:
Cut a large marshmallow in about 4 pieces (easiest with scissors), flatten out a bit and dip in sugar sprinkles then set aside. Frost the cupcake then arrange the marshmallow petals and gumdrop to look like a flower. You can flatten and cut green gumdrops and cut to look like leaves and add to the flower.

Holiday Treats

2009-04-09T14:15:00.006-06:00

Here are some yummy Easter treats from Tracy (thank you!!!). There are two different yummy recipes, so I am linking to both recipes. Just click on each picture below to see the yummy recipes! Can't thank you enough Tracy -- fabulous ideas!!

This is called Holiday Party Mix

This is Chocolate Pretzel Squares

(I love this - the yellow m&m ones look like eggs and ham - how cute is that?)

Spring Colors Popcorn

2009-03-26T16:35:00.008-06:00

On St. Patrick's Day I had a great popcorn idea, but I messed it up so there I sat with a big bowl of popcorn and nothing fun to do with it. Then my mother (the best cook on earth) gave me this idea - turn the popcorn green and yummy ... and done within minutes!! It's a great spring treat and this sticky popcorn can even be turned into yummy popcorn balls!
Here's what you need: 1 cup sugar, 1 cup Karo, 1 small box Jell-o (any kind), microwave popcorn (popped/butter flavored)

Here's what you do:
Put sugar and Karo (corn syrup) in sauce pan and bring to a boil. Let it boil for 1 minute. Remove from heat and stir in 1 small box jell-o. Pour over popcorn and eat as is or mold into popcorn balls!

Dino Dig Cupcakes!

2009-03-12T17:22:00.013-06:00

These were such at HIT at preschool I just had to do them with my nieces and nephews! What kid doesn't just love Dinosaurs? With this snack kids can be a paleontologist! They dig the dinosaur out of the 'dirt' and eat the dirt while they're at it!

Here's what you need: 1 cake mix (and ingredients), clean small dinosaurs

Here's what you do:
Make the cake mix according to the directions. Grease the muffin tin with butter and flour. Pour a bit of batter into the muffin tin. Place a dinosaur in each muffin tin and cover with batter. Bake according to directions. Give each child 2 small wooden craft sticks to dig out their dinosaur and eat the cake!

*WARNING* You need to make sure the dinosaur

toys you use are safe to use! I did! :)

Sweet Shamrocks

2009-03-04T13:42:00.007-07:00

Our reader Dawn (a super cool mommy) sent me this fun idea! Here's what she said about this snack: "I made this fun snack for our St. Paddy's Day Party last year. You roll refrigerated dough in cinnamon and twist them into shamrock shapes, bake, and sprinkle with green sprinkles. We served it with apple juice, "gold"fish and green grapes, it was perfect!" Dawn found this recipe at Family Fun! Click here for the recipe: Sweet Shamrocks.

Chocolate Playdough

2009-02-19T12:19:00.005-07:00

This is a favorite! We took the empty valentine chocolate boxes and made our own 'chocolates' to put back in with our chocolate playdough. The kids loved this one!!

1 1/2 cups of flour

1/2 cup cocoa

1 cup salt

2 cups boiling water

1 tablespoon cream of tartar

2 tablespoons of vegetable oil

Put all of the dry ingredients into a bowl. I microwave the water to boiling - easy & fast. Add the boiling water, oil and any of the extras below to customize. Stir until too sticky, then knead by hand.

*FYI: If the playdough seems a big sticky or wet just add more flour and knead it in!

Creative Sammies!

2009-02-04T23:11:00.005-07:00

An old high school friend posted these creative sandwiches on her blog and I just had to share. Thanks Susan!!
Here's what she says about these fun Sandwiches!
"They each include a veggie, fruit, protein and a grain. I usually will add a glass of milk and some cheese aside from the protien, especially since they are kids and require a lot of calcium."

Snowflake Cookies

2009-01-26T18:13:00.004-07:00

Here's what you need: Fancy Tarts/Cookies, Powdered Sugar

Here's what you do:
Place the Tart or Cookie on a plate and let your child sprinkle powdered sugar on the cookie through a powdered sugar shaker or wire strainer, etc. They come out looking like these darling little snowflakes!

Pumpkin Cookies - Take 2

2009-01-22T22:03:00.006-07:00

I usually like the simple recipes ... but I found another recipe for Pumpkin Cookies that I had to try and is quite yummy! These are a little fluffier and less dense.
Here's what you need: (I'm just going to list them since there's quite a few)
* 1 cup canned pumpkin
* 1 cup white sugar
* 1/2 cup vegetable oil
* 1 egg
* 2 cups all-purpose flour
* 2 teaspoons baking powder
* 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1 teaspoon baking soda
* 1 teaspoon milk
* 1 Tablespoon vanilla extract
* 2 cups chocolate chips
* 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Here's what you do:
Combine pumpkin, sugar, veggie oil, and egg. In a separate bowl, stir flour, baking powder, cinnamon and salt. Dissolve the baking soda with the mild and stir in. Add flour mixture to the pumpkin mixture and mix well. Add vanilla, chocolate chips and the nuts. Drop by spoonful on greased cookie sheet and bake at 350 degrees for about 10-15 minutes or until lightly brown and firm.

And the Winners Are....

2009-01-21T08:27:00.003-07:00

THANKS TO THE DIE-HARDS WHO CHECK THIS BLOG OFTEN! WISH I COULD SEND SOME CUPS TO EVERYONE! I'M GONNA HAVE TO GET SOME FOR MYSELF!

If you're one of the winners - please send an e-mail to preschoolsnacks@yahoo.com with your name and address and which cups you would like: animal noses or people noses! CONGRATS!

Greg & Heather who said: "What a cute blog! How fun! You've done an awesome job.I remember making valentine's sugar cookies with my mom."

The Shields Family who said: "Those cups are the cutest!! I would have to think as a kid my favorite thing to watch/help my mom make was monkey bread! It was always a treat...because you put it all together at night and then when you woke up the next morning you got to bake & enjoy it!! :-)"

Heidi who said: "Those cups are so much fun and so is your blog... I'm one of those who check your blog often because I LOVE your ideas! Great work!I enjoyed making popcorn cake with my Mom growing up... my Dad couldn't eat wheat (etc.), so these were his favorite cakes for his birthday for a few years!! You can be so creative with them and it's awesome to have the kids help pick the "ingredients"!"

Giveaway: "It's Okay to Pick Your Nose!"

2009-01-17T12:39:00.006-07:00

You can pick your friends, and with this Giveaway you can PICK YOUR NOSE!I have almost hit the 20,000 mark on my blog and wanted to do a silly little Giveaway for it! So, you can pick your own nose! I'm going to give away 3 sets of fun paper cups that your kids will just love! They had me giggling!

All you have to do is leave a comment that includes your favorite snack/meal/treat you enjoyed eating or helping your mom make as a child! The Giveaway will end on Tuesday, January 20, 2009 at midnight and I'll pick the winners the next morning! I'll 'PICK' three winners using Random.org.

And don't forget to cook with your kids!

Sweet Snowman!

2009-01-10T10:34:00.012-07:00

January is a great time to have a snow/ski/sledding party - so why not add a sweet snowman treat to the menu ... and by sweet - I MEAN SWEET! Just give kids all of the pieces and they'll love building this snowman. And please don't forget that kids are so creative! If they don't do it like you expect or just like the picture ... that's more than okay! Go creative crazy!
Here's what you need: Hostess Snow ball, m&m's, mike&ikes, raisinets, hersheys chocolate candy bar, reeses peanut butter cups.

Here's what you do:
Just give all of the kids the pieces and tell them to make a snowman - they'll know what to do. You can even give them a picture to look at if you want them to practice their matching skills!

Corn Puff Treat

2009-01-01T10:01:00.007-07:00

... or as I lovingly refer to it - the Packing Peanuts Treat! So Yummy!

Here's what you need: Corn Pops (not to be confused with the cereal - these look like packing peanuts), light corn syrup, sugar, and butter

Here's what you do: (brought to you by the #2) ;)

Put 2 cubes butter, 2 cups sugar, and 2 cups light corn syrup in large heavy pan, bring to boil and let boil 2 minutes stirring constantly (only 2 minutes!). Pour over whole large sack of corn pops, stir and you're done!

Yummy Crunch Mix

2008-12-27T13:19:00.008-07:00

Here's what you need: 3 cups peanut butter Captain Crunch, 3 cups Rice Crispies, 3 cups mini marshmallows, 1 cup mixed nuts, 4-6 small packages m&m's, 20 oz. white chocolate or almond bark.

Here's what you do:
Add all ingredients (except chocolate) in a large bowl. Melt the chocolate and pour over the mixture and stir. Easy as that and you're done! This is so yummy and a great holiday treat!

Frosty the Cupcake

2008-12-20T14:03:00.011-07:00

Here's what you need: Cupcakes (made & cooled), white/vanilla frosting, chocolate chips, m&m's and candy corn.

Here's what you do:
Scoop frosting into a ziploc bag, seal the bag and cut the corner off one end. Squeeze a good amount of frosting onto each cupcake. Decorate with eyes (m&m's), carrot nose (candy corn) and mouth (up-side-down chocolate chips). Get creative and use other items too!

Ham & Cheese Roll-ups

2008-12-17T21:39:00.009-07:00

Here's what you need: refrigerator crescent rolls, deli ham, shredded cheese

Here's what you do:
Open the crescent rolls and separate the dough triangles. Place 2-3 slices of ham and a bit of shredded cheese on the dough triangle and roll up in a crescent shape. Cook according to directions on the crescent roll package.

Inside Out Tacos (7 Layer Bean Dip)

2008-12-13T09:36:00.017-07:00

Here's what you need: 1 can refried beans, 1 pint sour cream, 1 pkg taco seasoning, 1 pint guacamole, about 2 cups grated cheese, 2-3 tomatoes (diced), 1 can pitted black olives (sliced).

Here's what you do:
Spread each item on a tray (in order of ingredients listed above). Dip chips in and enjoy!

*Note* Instead of sprinkling the Taco Seasoning on as a layer, my sister gave me a tip to mix it in with the sour cream before spreading it on. I like it better that way.

Reindeer Food

2008-12-08T21:35:00.006-07:00

Here's what you need: Dry oats, sugar sprinkles

Here's what you do:
Add 2 to 3 scoops of dry oats to a small bag and sprinkle in some festive sugar sprinkles.

Attach the following poem:
Take this magic reindeer food and sprinkle it on the lawn,
On Christmas, Santa's reindeer travel miles before the dawn.
The smell of oats and sugar path will guide them on their way
And you'll wake up to Santa's gifts next morn on Christmas Day!

*Note* The original poem I found had you mix confetti with the oats but it is more safe for any animals/pets who may try to eat the oats. Thanks!

Mallow Pops

2008-12-02T19:12:00.005-07:00

Here's what you need: large marshmallows, melted milk chocolate, melted caramel (optional), your favorite sprinkles/toppings

Here's what you do:
Place 2 large marshmallows on a skewer (or I prefer cheap swizzle sticks = cute). Melt the chocolate and/or carmel. Dip the skewered marshmallows in caramel and then chocolate. Place on waxed paper and sprinkle with your favorite sprinkles or toppings.

Easy Monkey Bread

2008-11-30T17:39:00.008-07:00

Here's an easy version of Monkey Bread - sweet and delicious! And what kid wouldn't love to help make this yummy treat!

Here's what you need: Refrigerator Biscuits, Sugar, Cinnamon, Melted Butter

Here's what you do: Pour sugar into a bowl and add cinnamon to taste. Open package of biscuits, dip each one in melted butter and then in the cinnamon sugar mixture and place each biscuit in a muffin tin. Cook according to package directions (450 degrees for 8-10 minutes).

Frozen Yogurt Pops

2008-11-24T17:20:00.003-07:00

Okay - no real recipe to go with this one but my sister does this for her kids and they love it. And I must say this has quickly become one of my favorite healthy snacks!Next time you buy a box of Gogurt for your kids, just buy two boxes and put one in the freezer. Pull one out any time you or your kids want some ice cream or a sweet treat and you'd rather they have something healthier. Yummy!