Kids Can Help in the Kitchen During the Holidays

Kids love creating goodies in the kitchen. This time of year is particularly fun for kids, because they can give their creations as gifts or listen to “Oooohhs!” and “Ahhhs!” as the adults sample their goodies from the buffet table.

For most of my candy creations, I temper chef series chocolate, but many people do not have the time, inclination or the tools to do so. For quick, gift worthy treats from the kitchen that are easy enough for kids to do alone (or with supervision, depending on their age),  in St. Peters has some great products.

My Son’s Candy Supply sells chocolate flavored discs that melt easily then hardens as the product cools. They also have a variety of wrappers, packaging and boxes, to add a touch of elegance to your gift giving. Paired with a few grocery store staples, kids can create fun candy that they will be proud to give or serve.

A quick internet search will also give some great ideas for preparing treats using simple ingredients easily found at Dierbergs or . In most cases, you can grab a bag of pretzel snaps, some individually wrapped chocolate candies and candy coated pieces, then turn them into treats that will keep Santa coming back year after year.

For something really quick and easy for the kids, line a baking sheet with parchment paper and preheat the oven to 300. Then arrange pretzel snap squares on the baking sheet. On each pretzel, place an unwrapped, single bite candy. Place in the oven for three minutes, or until the candy is glossy.

Remove the tray from the oven and immediately press a “topper” onto the melted, single bite candy. Refrigerate for at least 15 minutes until firm.

Possible combinations include:

• Caramel filled chocolate candy, topped with pretzel M&M style candy or pecan halves.
• Peppermint kiss candy, topped with candy coated chocolate pieces.
• Peanut butter cups, topped with a salted peanut.
• Chocolate kiss candy, topped with candied fruit.

Before beginning any of the projects, make certain you have parchment paper on hand to line your baking sheets. Parchment makes clean up a breeze, plus the candy is easily removed once it has hardened. Parchment can be found with the baking products at Dierbergs or Schnucks, or at any.

Santa Hats

Makes about 48

• 12 ounces red candy discs
• 48 bugle shaped corn snacks
• 1 ounce white nonpareils
• 48 mini marshmallows

Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

Melt the red candy discs according to package directions. Dip each corn snack into the melted red candy. Shake off the excess and set it on the parchment lined baking sheet to dry and harden.

Meanwhile, pour the nonpareils into a small bowl.

Once the candy coated corn snacks are dry, re-dip the wide end into more melted red candy then immediately dip that into the nonpareils. Set each one back on the parchment lined sheet to dry again.

Pierce each mini marshmallow with a toothpick then insert the tip of the candy coated corn snack into the marshmallow to complete the Santa hat.

Store the Santa Hats in a sealed container at room temperature. These are fun to eat alone or to add to homemade snack mixes, giving the snack mix a holiday theme.

Teddy Bear Sled Decorations

Makes 12 cupcake toppers

• 24 mini candy canes
• 12 miniature milk chocolate bars
• 24 milk chocolate flavored candy discs
• 12 teddy bear shaped graham crackers or gummy bears

Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Melt the candy discs according to package directions.

Dip the bottom only of the milk chocolate bar into the melted candy. Adhere the candy canes to the bottom of the chocolate bar, so they look like sled runners.

Set each sled on the prepared baking sheet. Once all the sleds have been assembled, dip the feet of the teddy bear into the melted candy. Gently place the teddy bear onto the sled base, holding for a few seconds until the teddy bear adheres to the sled.

Once dry, store the sleds in an airtight container at room temperature until needed.

Hot Chocolate Stirs

Makes 12

• 12 coffee stirs
• 12 large marshmallows or 72 mini marshmallows
• 36 chocolate flavored candy discs, any color
• Crushed peppermint candy, if desired

Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Melt the candy discs according to package directions.

Thread one large marshmallow or 6 mini marshmallows on each coffee stir.

If using large marshmallows, dip the marshmallow into the melted candy then immediately into the crushed peppermint candy if using.

If using mini marshmallows, drizzle the melted candy across the marshmallows. Sprinkle the crushed peppermint candy immediately onto the melted candy.

Place finished coffee stirs onto the prepared baking sheet and allow to dry thoroughly.