6 No-Bake Uses For Cookie Cutter Favors

!±8± 6 No-Bake Uses For Cookie Cutter Favors

We all have gotten them before-cookie cutter party favors, especially at baby showers.  At the time, we think they're so cute in the shapes of stars, hearts, fruit, leaves and even palm trees.  But, let's face it.  Unless you're a good cook or into baking, you're probably also thinking you won't have much use for it.  Well, you couldn't be more wrong.  Helping out with all sorts of projects around the house, cookie cutters are some multi-tasking tools with tons of creativity inside just waiting to be explored.  Here's how you can have some fun with cookie cutters, without baking a thing!

Make mini party sandwiches!

Cookie cutters are a great way to cut out small, shaped sandwiches for parties. Add some pizzazz to that PB&J for kids parties or those ham sandwiches or cucumber sandwiches for adults.  Just make your sandwiches as normal and use your sharpest cookie cutter to cut out the shapes.  You can also use it to jazz up the slices on your meat and cheese tray.  Voila!  Your party food just went gourmet.

Fruit is fun on a stick!

Making fruit pops is so easy, a child can do it.  That's why this making them is a fun activity that also encourages healthy eating.  All you have to do is cut the fruit into fun shapes with the cookie cutter and insert a sucker stick.  They'll love eating real watermelon, honey dew, apples, kiwi and more in these fun shapes.  (Note:  This also works great for cutting Rice Krispy treats.)

Start a cookie cutter collection!

Cookie cutters are quite cute these days, and collecting them is a pretty inexpensive hobby.  You'll find them for holidays, special occasions and all sorts of themes.  It would make you a little eccentric and will always be an interesting conversation starter when you're at parties. 

Make a lasting impression!

Talk about home improvement.  If you're planning some cement upgrades at your home, personalize your property using a cookie cutter.  Press the cookie cutter into the cement to create the pattern.  Then, simply sign your name in the star, car, duck or other cute shape for posterity.  It really says something about you--long after you may have moved away. 

Enjoy the sound of music!

Music, you say?  From a cookie cutter?  Yes, wind and cookie cutters can create a melody all their own.  Simply hang the cookie cutters at varying heights to make a wind chime, hang it in a great spot and let the wind do the rest. 

Roll in the dough!

Play-Doh, that is.  Children can cut out all sorts of shapes and designs with Play-Doh.  Guaranteeing hours of fun, you'll be amazed with their creativity.

With these alternative uses, you can unleash the magical versatility of cookie cutters.  Soon, you'll discover that you were cut out for each other!

6 No-Bake Uses For Cookie Cutter Favors

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The Sweet Temptations of Chocolate Covered Snacks

!±8± The Sweet Temptations of Chocolate Covered Snacks

The sweet temptations of chocolate covered snacks are very hard to resist. Many individuals can enjoy savoring various types of snacks to help satisfy their inner chocoholic. Just image the wonderful and tasty combinations of some of your very favorite snack items being covered in chocolate. Think about that for just a minute.

Share the Love

You, your family, friends and other associates can enjoy many different types of chocolaty flavors combined with various types of snacks you already enjoy eating. When you would like to try dipped or covered chips, pretzels, nuts and so many more, you can only make a really great choice.

A Chocoholic Dream come True

Whether you are shopping for personal treats or delicious snacks to share with others, the sweet temptations of chocolate covered snacks are very hard to resist. They make one of the most impressive, eye-appealing and mouthwatering presentation. In fact, these types of treats are ideal for any special occasion, holiday celebration, social gathering or corporate event. They also make the most marvelous choice as a special thank you gift to let others know that you appreciate their efforts as well as an every day snack. You may even choose to customize your selection to suit any occasion or event.

Delicious Choices of Chocolates

While you are shopping for various treats and snacks for you or others, you have a wide assortment from which you can choose. For instance, you may want to try various flavors that include:
- Cashew Turtles
- Chocolate Pecan Pralines
- Covered Almond Clusters
- Covered Cashew Clusters
- Covered Carmel Clusters
- Covered Coconut
- Covered Coconut Clusters
- Covered Graham Crackers
- Covered Marshmallows
- Covered Peanut Clusters
- Covered Pecan Clusters
- Covered Pretzel Bits and Caramel
- Covered Raisin Clusters
- Dipped Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Dipped Glaceed Oranges
- Dipped Marshmallows
- Dipped Rice Krispies Treats
- Gourmet Caramel Clusters
- Milk Chocolate Covered Potato Chips
- Dark Chocolate Covered Potato Chips

Anyone who loves eating and enjoying the smooth, creamy richness of chocolaty snacks and treats will surely be able to find something to satisfy his or her sweet-tooth with such a tempting assortment. When you are planning a gift idea, you should consider choosing gift baskets or gift boxes and gift tin boxes as well as various selections of novelty snacks and treats.

Sweet Alternatives

Of course, you may also choose various types of kosher, sugar-free and vegan chocolate covered snacks for anyone who may be on any type of restricted diet or is an observer of Jewish laws and traditions. This can be a very special snack or treat for those who love the delicious and creamy tastes of chocolate. Imagine that you really do love such treats and never being able to ever eat them again. Those who are on a restricted diet or is an observer of Jewish laws and traditions can stay safely within the boundaries of his or her necessary nutritional requirements without the worry or hassle of eating regular and gourmet snacks.

You may choose from various types of delicious and tasty treats that can impress anyone with the wonderful sweet temptations of chocolate covered snacks, you can find such treats when you Indulge In Chocolate.

The Sweet Temptations of Chocolate Covered Snacks

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What's For Dinner? 30-Minute Menus For Week of Nov 16

!±8± What's For Dinner? 30-Minute Menus For Week of Nov 16

How are your plans coming for the holidays? Tis the season (already!).

The menus this week will help me calm down and I hope they do the same for you. This time of year is very busy which can be quite stressful but we can do something about that with the menus we choose. You will find the menus this week are economical and hearty; many of them are my personal comfort foods.

I do enjoy having guests in our house! We will be hosting a small buffet party Friday night so I have selected Shrimp and Grits. This is a menu that we serve as brunch during our holiday family get-togethers. It is easy to prepare and the flavors are warm and soothing. This will really get me 'in the mood' for family times to come as well as enjoying our guests Friday night.

For a speedy appetizer course for the party, I will serve a wedge of brie, smoked salmon on cucumber slices with a dollop of sour cream and fresh dillweed sprig, a quick dip of yogurt with Maya Kaimal's Vindaloo spooned in to taste, bagged & precut veggies, and assorted crackers, baguettes, and bread sticks. This covers the bases for my vegetarian guests along with those preferring mild, medium, and hot foods.

You will find that I use several cooking methods, mix and match, to get dinner on the table quickly! You can always substitute your favorite made-from-scratch recipes when you have more time.

I hope you have a great week!

Sunday:
Roast Beef (crock pot with a packet of dry onion soup mix; save some beef for Tuesday)
Potatoes, Onions, Carrots (added to crock pot)
Tossed Salad with Blue Cheese
Ginger Shortcakes with Caramelized Pears (baking mix and canned pears)

Monday:
BBQ Chicken Quarters (marinated ahead of time)
Curried Pineapple Slices (canned pineapple slices)
Potato Salad (canned potatoes)
Green Beans
Spiced Oatmeal Cookies

Tuesday:
Roast Beef and Brie Panini (beef from Sunday)
Bread and Condiments
Tex-Mex Salad
Tapioca Apples over Ice Cream

Wednesday:
Baby Blue Salad Supper (bagged salad greens)
Crusty Bread, Butter (purchased bread)
Chocolate Cupcakes (prepared chocolate frosting)

Thursday:
Lemony Pork Chops (boneless pork chops in a light lemon sauce)
Angel Hair Pasta
Broccoli Spears
Rice Krispy Treats (save some treats for Saturday)

Friday:
Company Shrimp and Grits (cleaned and deveined shrimp, quick grits)
Spinach Salad
Croissants, Butter (purchased croissants)
Lemon Tart (prepared pie crust, bottled lemon juice)

Saturday:
Corn Bread and Chili Strata (purchased corn bread, canned chili)
Citrus Salad
Rice Krispy Treats (treats reserved from Thursday)

I sincerely hope you have fun with your meal planning and preparation,
Elizabeth Randall and Family

What's For Dinner? 30-Minute Menus For Week of Nov 16

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Great Snack Ideas For the Classroom

!±8± Great Snack Ideas For the Classroom

Pre-schoolers and elementary students alike need a little pick-me-up now and then. Whether you need to send in treats on a regular schedule, or you have volunteered to help out with a special event, a special snack from this list is sure to please. Depending on how festive you want the occasion to be, you can package snacks in plain zip top bags, decorate your own bags, or purchase special treat bags that are designed to suit the occasion and then tie them up with pieces of ribbon when you have them filled.

Make sure you check with your school or teacher to see if there are any foods they don't allow at snack time. There are many restrictions in schools that don't allow you to serve certain types of foods to children, which can make it difficult to plan for snacks that are fun for kids. Many schools don't allow you to serve any peanuts or peanut butter due to allergy severity, and you may not have the option of giving kids foods that contain added sugar. If you are restricted to those foods that are deemed "safe and healthy", then you will need to add even more imagination to the presentation of the food to make it appealing to small children.

Great snack ideas:

Rice Krispie Treats are a favorite of children and adults alike. If you want to give them something besides the typical Rice Krispie square, mix up a big batch of the treats and add colored Krispies or food coloring. You do not need to be restricted to rice cereal-try a variety of different cereals for a different look, or go whole grain for a healthy, energy packed choice. Use cookie cutters in fun shapes or for the holiday to cut out the treats and you can add a popsicle stick to make eating them easier and neater!

Popcorn balls are a favorite treat, especially in the fall. Try mixing in a few M&M's and putting the ball on a stick. You can find many recipes online for caramel, cinnamon, and other flavored popcorn balls to give kids something a little less traditional. Popcorn may not be suitable for kids under the age of five, so be sure to check with your child's teacher if needed.

Veggies with Dip is a great snack for kids. One of the things that increases children's taste for vegetables is ranch dressing. If you can afford to get them the individual dipping cups with the dressing then have the carrot and celery sticks, broccoli, cauliflower, etc. already prepared, then it's just a matter of having the veggies divided and ready to eat. If this takes too much out of your budget, then get some little paper cups or holiday treat holders that won't easily spill and spoon out from the jar.

Fruit and Yogurt is another great snack time combo. Cut the fruit into small pieces for dipping, and serve with vanilla yogurt "dip. Home made trail mix is another great idea. You can easily make it in bulk, use the ingredients you want, and then package it in a variety of fun containers. This is a treat that is healthy, delicious, and approved by most schools! Ingredients can include any dry, bite sized morsels, like cereals, raisins, crackers, or seeds. Adding a small amount of a "fun" item like M&Ms can make your snack mix more appealing-just watch out for poachers!

You can also mix up a batch of "Chex" party mix. The recipe should be right on the box of cereal and is usually made in bulk. Kids will love helping to make their own snack right in the classroom and all you need are fun containers to scoop it into!

Whatever you choose as a snack for the classroom, keep in mind that packaging is a big part of the fun. Look for inexpensive and creative ways to serve great classroom snacks!

Great Snack Ideas For the Classroom

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This Valentines Day say "I Love You" with Cookies

!±8± This Valentines Day say "I Love You" with Cookies

What better way to tell your sweetie "I Love You" than with some fresh baked cookies? Give some of these sweet treats a try this Valentine's Day. Cupid himself would be impressed by these yummy creations. They are sure to be a hit with your Sweetheart, Children, Neighbors or anyone else special to you as well. Don't forget to get the kids involved! I still have memories of making Valentine's Day Cookies as a child.

Heart Shaped Cookies

Make you favorite roll-out sugar cookie recipe. Use a heart shaped cookie cutter to cut them. Bake, frost and decorate to your heart's content. You can sprinkle them with red or pink crystallized sugar before you bake them, or frost and sprinkle with some tiny candied hearts or pink sprinkles after they are baked. Use icing in a tube to write a message or draw a picture on the cookie.

Cookie Lollipop

Heart Shaped cookie lollipops are always a big hit. Start with basic sugar cookie dough. Roll it out to about 1/8th inch thickness (place the dough between two sheets of wax paper to keep the dough from sticking). Use a heart shaped cookie cutter and cut an equal amount of hearts. Place half a bamboo skewer, a lollipop stick (found at craft stores) or a Popsicle stick on the bottom half of the hearts. Place the remaining hearts on top and press them firmly together. Bake according to your recipe instructions and decorate as desired.

Tip - soak the skewers or Popsicle sticks in water before placing them on the cookies to keep them from getting burnt.

Valentine's Rice Krispies Treats

Make Rice Krispies Treats and while the mixture is still warm use a large heart shaped cookie cutter to cut them out. If you can't find a cookie cutter of the right size, draw a heart on cardboard and use it as a template. Just lay it on the sheet of Rice Krispies Treats and trace around it with a knife. For even more Valentine fun add a few drops of red food coloring to the marshmallow mixture for a pink version of the sticky treat.

Cookie Dough Jar

Place the dry ingredients of your favorite cookie recipe in a pretty jar. Write the recipe for the cookie on a heart shaped piece of paper or a valentine's note card. Tie it with a pretty bow around the jar. Make the glass jar even more special by drawing little red hearts on it with a permanent marker. These are so cute and easy!

Bouquet of Cookies

Bake up some of your favorite cookies. Get a pretty basket and line it with a red or pink cloth napkin. Arrange the homemade cookies in the basket. If you'd like, you can also add some heart shaped cookie cutters, Valentine's Day themed sprinkles, or some hot chocolate mix. Another option would be to use a piece of floral foam and arrange some decorated Cookie Lollipops within the basket and fill the bottom with Hershey's Kisses or other Valentine Candy.

All of these cookie ideas for Valentine's Day make wonderful gifts for a special someone that has a personal touch. They are
sure to be appreciated, after all, who doesn't like cookies?

This Valentines Day say "I Love You" with Cookies

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Gift Baskets You Can Create For Halloween

!±8± Gift Baskets You Can Create For Halloween

Boo!

Halloween began as an ancient Celtic (Irish, Scottish, Welsh) festival called Samhain. November 1 was the start of the New Year and October 31 was the last night of the old year where spirits of the deceased were thought to roam the land.

Halloween is not usually thought of as a holiday where we exchange gifts, but rather we give treats to the trick or treaters that come to visit. But there may be someone you'd like to give a gift to, maybe a teacher, coach or as a hostess gift for a Halloween party. A homemade Halloween gift basket is the perfect gift for such an occasion.

First you'll need something to hold all the goodies in. You can use one of those plastic pumpkins that trick or treaters use as the "basket". Also a black or orange bowl will work. If you have a basket, spray paint it black or orange. Shred some orange paper and lay it on the bottom.

Now that you've got the "basket" ready, shop for Halloween candy or gifts that you'll place inside. Here are some ideas to get you started:

candy corn

Halloween make up kit

vampire teeth

orange cookies

orange scented candles

scary books

horror movies

CD of scary music

Try this Halloween version of Rice Krispy treats to add to your gift baskets!

1/2 cup butter or margarine

9 cup miniature marshmallows

10 cup chocolate Rice Krispy cereal

2 cup candy corn

3/4 cup miniature chocolate chips

assorted candy pumpkins

Melt the butter in large saucepan over medium heat. Add the marshmallows and stir until the mixture is smooth. Pour the cereal, candy corn and chocolate chips into large bowl. Pour the butter and marshmallow mixture over cereal, stirring quickly to coat. For best results, use a wooden spoon sprayed with nonstick cooking spray. Spread mixture on large buttered cookie sheet pressing out evenly with buttered hands. While it's still warm, press on candy pumpkins spaced about 1-1/2" apart. Cool, then cut into squares. Makes about 48 squares .

Gift Baskets You Can Create For Halloween

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Tortilla Recipe

!±8± Tortilla Recipe

Tortillas are one of the staples of Mexican cuisine, served up fried as tacos, rolled into soft burritos or layered as enchiladas. The history of tortillas dates back to 10000 BC. Later, it was popularized when a peasant prepared this flat corn bread to the Mayan king. Missionaries later spread the recipe for tortillas throughout California, and today flour tortillas are favored over white bread for their versatility and low fat content. Hi, Im Jason Hill of Chef Tips outside the Mission Tortilla Factory in Anaheim. Lets head back to the kitchen and learn how to make homemade tortillas. To prepare this flour tortilla recipe, you only need four ingredients: flour, baking powder, vegetable shortening or lard and salt. First, stir 4 cups all purpose flour and 1/8 teaspoon baking powder in a large bowl. Next add 1/2 cup of shortening or lard into the mixture and work the fat into the flour with your hands. Dissolve 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt into 1 1/2 cups of warm water. Drizzle this slowly into the flour mixture and mix until you have a soft dough. Knead for 1 minute, adding flour or small amounts of lukewarm water if needed. The dough should not be too wet or dry. Once it is at the right consistency, turn bowl over to cover the dough and let it rest for about 20 minutes. Next, divide the dough into 12 pieces and form into balls. As you form and roll the balls, coat your hands with a little bit of shortening. Flatten and cover balls with plastic wrap and let rest for 20-30 ...

Tortilla Recipe

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Mallow Munchies Kickstarter Campaign

!±8± Mallow Munchies Kickstarter Campaign

Country's first crispy treat cafe!

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Silvestri Sweets Pretzel Rods and Krispie Treats Spring ...

!±8± Silvestri Sweets Pretzel Rods and Krispie Treats Spring ...

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12 Care Packages to Show You Care

!±8± 12 Care Packages to Show You Care

Care packages are practical, thoughtful yet inexpensive gifts. Sending care packages to your loved ones let you show them how much you care, and that they have not been forgotten. Hence, care packages can be great morale and esteem boosters. They are often sent to college students, campers, young adults away from home, soldiers deployed overseas, or anyone you care about. This article provides care package ideas for your different gifting needs.

1. Military Packages:
For soldiers deployed to Iraq or other locations, you can send a gift package filled with American favorite snacks, including pretzels, Planters nuts, M & M's, jelly beans, chocolate chip cookies, Oreo cookies, candies and Smiley face stress ball to reduce stress. To boost your soldier's morale when things get tough, you can send a package which has a book with over 100 pages of uplifting stories, quotations and bible verses to accompany these treats. This book will deliver your message of faith, hope and love to the special trooper in your life. To reduce boredom and stress, You can send your special trooper a gift box that contains a word search book, crossword puzzle book, deck of cards, wooden puzzle brain teaser game, Tootsie Rolls, camouflage hacky sack, camouflage bandanna, granola bars, Smiley face stress ball, juicy fruit gum, blank note cards with envelopes, Planters nuts, Chex mix, Oreo cookies, cheese-filled pretzel nuggets. Your trooper will be thrilled to receive these gifts of fun and good taste.

2. College Student Gift:
College students, especially freshmen, often go through a transitional period to adjust to their new environment away from home. To help your college student to adjust, you can send a care package with a mini laundry carrier filled with household items, including laundry bag, Woolite softener, Tide stain sticks, room air freshener, Listerine mini mouth wash, and hand sanitizer. It also comes with delicious treats, including grandmas cookies, NutriGrain bars,granola bars, chocolate chip cookies, crackers, pretzel twists, Cracker Jacks, Rice Krispy treats, This gift will help them with their household chores and lift their spirit with the treats. In addition, College students often study through the night to prepare for final exams. You can get them on the right track with their study by sending them a study snacks package. It is a great esteem booster to receive a heartfelt box of goodies and treats. This gift also contains index cards and highlighters to help them take note of the key points in their study.

3. Kids Packages:
When kids are away from home in camps, you may want to send them a kids activity package to brighten their day. This fun-filled gift box includes snack mix, gummi candies, Suduko puzzle book, riddle and puzzle activity book, Twizzlers red vines licorice, glow sticks, Pringles chips, Ritz bits cheese filled crackers, Cracker Jacks, fruit punch drink mixes, Nestle crunch chocolate bar, Reese's peanut butter cups, kids card game (like crazy 8's), Squishy Smiley face stress ball, Squishy putty, and more. This gift box is also a great birthday or get well gift for kids.

4. Birthday Care Package:
For the birthday of your special trooper, college student, or kid. You can deliver a pleasant surprise with a fabulous birthday care package. This gift includes jelly Belly beans, fudge brownies, a teddy bear, crunchy caramel corn, birthday candles, cream center chocolates, and Happy Birthday horn and noise maker. This gift will deliver your sincere birthday wishes even when you cannot be there to celebrate with your loved one.

5. Get Well Care Package:
When your loved one is under the weather, or going through tough time, you can send a get well care package to make them feel better. A popular gift box is packed with green tea, Sunkist fruit gels, get well Gummi aides, fig Newton cookies, granola bars, Ritz peanut butter crackers, and word search puzzle book. The Hang in There plush monkey in the package will sure to bring a smile, and the healthy treats will brighten anyone's day.

6. Spa Package:
This lovely gift is for the lady in your life, and consists of a mini chenille bear, floral bar soap and other bath accessories, floral potpourri, and a pillar candle in a white gloss gift box with pink and purple tissue paper, all tied up with a pink satin ribbon. This gift is great for female soldiers, mother, daughter, wife, sister or friend.

7. Game Time Care Package:
Filled with great family fun and lots of delicious treats, this gift makes a great get well gift, family fun night, thank you or just because gift for everyone on your list. The red gift box contains Cracker Jacks, buttery microwave popcorn, pretzels, Oreo cookies, mini Chips Ahoy cookies, Reese's, M & M's, peanut M & M's, Planters peanuts, Skittles, Tootsie Rools box, Yahtzee, checkers, hand held travel size activity game, Uno. This unique and fun-filled gift set will make anyone's day.

8. Snack Care Packages:
Snacks are popular gift packages. A popular snacks package includes fruit flavored candies, Cheez Its crackers, peanut butter cups, pretzel twists, M & Ms, Planters peanuts, Cracker Jacks, Hershey chocolate bar, Crunch & Munch, butter microwave popcorn, Rice Krispies treats, Kit Kat chocolate bar, licorice vines. This American favorite snack package is a great gift for any occasion.

9. Chocolate Care Package:
You can stop the cravings of your chocolate lover with a popular chocolate gift that includes Nutty caramel clusters, coconut cream chocolates, peanut butter cream chocolate, double chocolate truffles, chocolate chewy brownies, almond Rocca, chocolate covered almonds, chocolate cover popcorn with nuts, and Rocky Road popcorn.

10. Thank You Care Package:
You can deliver your message of gratitude clearly to your recipient with a thank you gift package. A "Thanks A Million" message is imprinted on the decorative gift box, ribbon, and caramel corn box. The attractive gift box also contains delicious tasty treats, including cream caramels, chocolate cream filled water cookies, spicy almonds, cheddar cheese pretzel sticks, Ghirardelli chocolate squares, gourmet coffee, shortbread cookies, and vanilla cream filled water cookies. This gift can be sent as a business gift, or a thank you gift to friends and loved ones.

11. Movie Care Package:
You can give your recipient a fun filled evening at home with a movies care package. This gift box contains traditional movie time favorites, classic cokes and comes with or without a Blockbuster gift card.

12. Dog Care Package:that
A fantastic way to spoil the dog in your life or their owner is to send a fun and imaginative dog gift box that comes with toys and treats. It contains doggie shampoo, ball, chew toy, washing mitt or brush, and plaster dog print kit.

In summary, a practical and thoughtful way to show you care is to send a care package. There are care packages designed specifically for soldiers, college students, kids, and dogs. There are also special care packages for just about any occasion, including birthday, get well, game time, thank you. Send a care package to your loved ones and make their day, and without causing a hole in your budget.

12 Care Packages to Show You Care

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