This is a great idea. The kids can have a ball (no pun intended) and then maybe once a day, they can pick a decoration off the tree for a snack.
It is like making rice krispie squares, only ball shaped and decorated.
- 12 x 6 inch lengths of red string licorice
- 12 mini marshmallows (jet puffed)
- 3 tbsp. butter
- food colouring (optional) red, green or blue
- 4 cups jet puffed marshmallows
- 6 cups rice krispies cereal
- green or red frosting (can be bought in a tube)
- M &M candies for decoration
Carefully now, fold each licorice in half and push through each of the 12 marshmallows and set aside.
Melt the butter in a large pot over low heat and add the marshmallows and food colouring, stirring until all melted and smooth. Add the cereal and stir until completely mixed and all cereal has been coated.
Working quickly, make into balls surrounding the licorice piece, up to the bottom of the marshmallow. (should look exactly like a decoration you hang on the tree). With the icing, swirl it around the middle of the ball and add M&M’s scatter-like around the ball.
You now have your very own edible decorations. They don’t have to look professional as long as the kids had fun.
Warning: Make you an adult makes the balls as it may be too warm for kids to handle, unless they are older. Let them handle the icing in a tube and sticking the candies on the ornament.
Really cute!
Christmas Gingerbread House Challenge
Everyone needs a night out without kids. Sowhy not set up a night, ask a few friends to join the challenge and each make their houses. Offer a special signature drink (see signature drinks on the site). I will be putting up a few ideas for nibblies and such. Anyone game? The proof must be you putting your pictures on the site so one and all can enjoy them. Any questions? I will be adding things as we go along for the evening to share with friends.
It takes: 1 cup soft butter and 1 cup granulated sugar. Cream these together until very light and fluffy and add
2 eggs and 1 1/4 cup blackstrap molasses, mixing until well blended.
By hand, using a wooden spoon, gradually add 6 cups of flour, 2 tsp. ground ginger,
1 tsp each of baking soda, salt, ground cloves and ground cinnamon. You will also have to mix this together with your hands.
Cut dough into 4 discs, wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2 1/2 hours (must be firm).
Prepare your cut outs for the house, label each section. It can be ANY design. Whatever you choose.
Between sheets of parchment paper, roll out each disc to 1/4 inch thickness. Re move top paper and lay out your house pattern. Using a sharp knife, trace the shapes and cut out. Freeze on a cookie sheet (still on the paper) for about 30-35 minutes.
Line your cookie sheets with parchment paper and bake in a 325 degree oven for about 13-15 minutes until golden and firm to the touch. Place on cooling rack and cool completely.
Royal Icing (glue for house)
1 pound of icing sugar
1/4 tsp of cream of tartar
3 egg whites
1 tsp. glygerin to prevent icing from becoming too hard.
Beat slowly until icing is smooth and stands in firm peaks, Put icing in a pastry bag to put the house together.
Candies and licorice bit, strings, chocolate wafers, smarties, popcorn (snow), whatever you want to put on the cake. Get it all in the bulk section. You will need lots and lots.