Mini Caramel Apples

I made these for a preschool Halloween party.  They were super easy, super fast, and super tasty.  I got the recipe from FamilyFun.  I did use caramel dip instead of the melted peanut butter/butterscotch chips but you might want to read the reviews to see that a lot of people have a hard time getting their caramel to stick to the cut part of the apples.  I didn't have any problems but I think the sprinkles kind of helped "hold" it on.  Plus...I think the longest the caramel had to stick to the apples was about 20 minutes.  They didn't last long! :)  I think next time I'm going to try dipping them in melted peanut butter or almond butter for an even healthier after school snack.  One apple makes about 8 pops.  You can find the sticks with candy making or cake making supplies at stores like Walmart, Michaels, Joanne's, or Hobby Lobby.  Cut each one in half at an angle to make them easier to put in the apples.

Mini Caramel Apples

4-inch lollipop sticks
Melon Baller
Granny Smith apples (one apple makes about 8 mini apples)
Butterscotch or peanut butter chips
Chopped nuts, nonpareils, sprinkles, shredded coconut, etc.
Small paper candy cups

1.  First, cut the lollipop sticks in half at an angle (the pointy end will go into the apple pieces easier). With the melon baller, scoop little balls out of the apple. Each ball should have a section of apple peel. Push half of a lollipop stick into the peel of each ball. Pat the apple pieces dry.
2.  Melt the chips according to the package directions. Dip and swirl the mini apples in the melted chips, then roll the apples in nuts, sprinkles, nonpareils, or coconut, if desired. Place the mini apples in paper candy cups to set. (I placed mine on waxed paper to set.)

Watermelon Lime Popsicles

These are so fresh and yummy on a hot summer day.  And with no added sugar you can let the kids eat all they want!  This could be a great way to use up a "less-than-perfect" watermelon.  You know...the ones that end up a little mushy inside.  Make sure you put the mint leaves in because...wow...they just make these!  I just discovered a mint plant growing in my backyard.  What a pleasant surprise!  I'm not sure where it came from but I'm happy to have it.  My kids couldn't believe their crazy mother was just eating the leaves off of some random plant but I assured them I knew what it was.  As soon as I sniffed those leaves it brought me back to my own childhood.  We had a couple great big peppermint patches growing by our water faucet and I would always grab a few leaves and chew on them while I was watering the garden or trees in our yard.  Good stuff!

Watermelon Lime Popsicles

Half of a watermelon, cubed
Juice from 2-3 limes
2-3 mint leaves

Fill your blender pitcher about half full with watermelon cubes, lime juice, and mint leaves.  Blend.  Add as much more watermelon as you can fit.  Pour into plastic Popsicle molds and freeze.  When you're ready to eat them, run a little cold water over the outside of the molds to help loosen them.  Enjoy!

Banana Oat Bars

If you need a healthy snack for your kids here is a recipe for you! They are called Banana Oat Bars. We love them! They don't have any sugar in them and are super easy to make. They are naturally sweet and very moist. A great way to use up ripe bananas as well. Sometimes I add 1/4 tsp. of cinnamon to change them up. We make these when we travel for a healthy snack for the kids (and us). Much better for them than sugar loaded cookies. They also make great breakfast bars. Pack them in a school lunch, bring along on a bike trip or hike, and feel good about what your kids are eating. Give them a try! You AND your kids will love them!

Banana Oat Bars

2 c. quick oats (not instant – I whirl old fashioned oats in my blender to break up)
1/4 c. chopped walnuts (I usually end up adding 1/2 c.)
1/2 c. shredded coconut (try to use unsweetened)
1/2 c. raisins or chopped dates (the dates will make them sweeter)
2 large ripe bananas, mashed
1/4 c. unsweetened applesauce
1/2 tsp. vanilla
1/4 tsp. cinnamon, if desired

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. I put everything into a Kitchen-Aid bowl and stir ‘til blended and smooth. Press dough in a 9x9 baking pan. It works best if it’s been sprayed first or lightly oiled. Bake for 30 min. When cool, slice into squares or bars and serve. Great travel bars or to have handy for a quick meal or snack.

Homemade Play Dough

Although this recipe isn't for the eating...it is still a nice one to have! We've made a few batches recently and the boys have been having so much fun playing with it. We just put it in zip top plastic baggies and it stays nice and soft. Of course you could also let their creations air dry, too! It's so easy to just mix up another batch!




Homemade Play Dough

1 cup flour
1/2 cup salt
1 cup water
1 Tbsp. oil
1 Tbsp. cream of tarter


Cook in medium saucepan over medium heat stirring constantly. Heat until dough pulls from sides. Divide into smaller balls and add food color. *I usually place the dough in a plastic bag, add the drops of food color, and squeeze outside of bag to mix the color in. Much easier than stirring and not as messy as using your hands.