Ingredients:
3/4 cup peanut butter
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 cup milk
2 cups powdered sugar amount varies by preference
1 box Great Value Buttery Rounds (the ones that look like Ritz)
2 bags white chocolate chips (or or 2 boxes baker's white chocolate)
Procedure:
combine the peanut butter, vanilla, and milk -- mix until smooth.
gradually beat in powdered sugar, until you have a spreadable consistency (you'll see why in a moment)
carefully spread a cracker with the peanut butter frosting, and top with another cracker. continue until you've made atleast 30 sandwiches.
lightly press the sandwiches, then put them in the refrigerator for 5 to 10 minutes -- you want the frosting to bind the crackers together.
while they're cooling, put the white chocolate into a microwavable container, and nuke at 70% in 30 second bursts, mixing in between bursts -- until the chocolate is melted and mixed smooth.
ready? this part gets messy
line a large sheet pan or tray with parchment (waxed paper will work, too)
use two forks to dip each sandwich into the melted chocolate -- scrape off some of the excess, because there really IS such a thing as too much
place each dipped sandwich on the parchment. this is the point at which u can decorate it with sprinkles, or other things if u wish.
when the tray is full, put it into the refrigerator for 5 minutes to set the chocolate.
Notes
you may have to keep nuking the chocolate (20 sec. bursts) in between dipping cookies -- depends on how cool your kitchen is.
we really liked the white chocolate dipped ones the best, but my coworkers fought for the semisweet chocolate dipped ones
20130526
20130415
toffee grahams!
Toffee Grahams are sooooooo good and soooooo easy lol
ingredients:
1 box graham crackers -- great value works best
1½ sticks (3/4 cup) butter, melted
½ cup brown sugar, packed
½ cup miniature chocolate chips
½ cup pecan cookie bits
procedure:
preheat oven to 325° and line a 13x9 baking pan with parchment.
break crackers into squares, then put them in a single layer in the pan.
use a basting brush to brush heavily with melted butter -- you want to soak the tops and sides of the crackers.
add the brown sugar to the remaining butter and loosely cover -- microwave in 30 sec bursts until all crystals are melted and the mixture is evenly blended and gooey.
use the basting brush to spread evenly over the crackers.
sprinkle the top with the chocolate chips and cookie bits.
bake for 12 minutes (softer bar) or 15 minutes (crisper bar)
run a knife to separate into squares, then let cool.
ingredients:
1 box graham crackers -- great value works best
1½ sticks (3/4 cup) butter, melted
½ cup brown sugar, packed
½ cup miniature chocolate chips
½ cup pecan cookie bits
procedure:
preheat oven to 325° and line a 13x9 baking pan with parchment.
break crackers into squares, then put them in a single layer in the pan.
use a basting brush to brush heavily with melted butter -- you want to soak the tops and sides of the crackers.
add the brown sugar to the remaining butter and loosely cover -- microwave in 30 sec bursts until all crystals are melted and the mixture is evenly blended and gooey.
use the basting brush to spread evenly over the crackers.
sprinkle the top with the chocolate chips and cookie bits.
bake for 12 minutes (softer bar) or 15 minutes (crisper bar)
run a knife to separate into squares, then let cool.
20090709
tastes like cheesecake parfait
crust:
2 cups graham cracker crumbs
2 Tbsp white sugar
1/2 cup butter
melt the butter, stir in the sugar and graham cracker crumbs. spread in the bottom of an 8 inch square pan, or divide evenly in 10 plastic cups. set aside.
filling:
1 large tub coolwhip (the diet stuff works just fine)
1 large box (8 serving) instant vanilla pudding mix
2 cups very cold milk (skim or 2% work well)
2 blocks neufchatel cheese (the 1/3 less than cream cheese stuff)
1 large box strawberry jello mix
1-1/2 cups boiling water
2 cups angelfood cake cut into small pieces
dissolve the jello mix in the boiling water. set aside and let cool while you do the next step.
in a deep bowl, beat the neufchatel cheese until it is smooth. add the pudding mix and milk. beat until smooth. divide the coolwhip in half. fold one half into the pudding mix, blending thoroughly. spread HALF of this pudding mix over the graham cracker crust.
over this, spread a layer of angelfood cake.
reserving 3 TBSP of the jello mix, drizzle the rest over the cake. it's okay if it soaks in. now spread the rest of the pudding mix over this, making sure to spread completely over (touching all sides).
remember the half tub of coolwhip and the reserved jello? add the jello to the coolwhip, one TBSP at a time, blending until very smooth. spread this over the pudding layer. (this mix works well in a frosting gun, if you want to get creative).
if you were thinking of adding garnishes, etc, remember that the more you add, the higher the carb/calorie/sugar count. that said, strawberry fruit gems (or similar candies) look pretty. gel type candies work well. sugarfree strawberry preserves are a good topping, too.
sprinkles, hard candies, fresh fruit -- these should not be added until just before serving.
cover the dessert and store in refrigerator.
2 cups graham cracker crumbs
2 Tbsp white sugar
1/2 cup butter
melt the butter, stir in the sugar and graham cracker crumbs. spread in the bottom of an 8 inch square pan, or divide evenly in 10 plastic cups. set aside.
filling:
1 large tub coolwhip (the diet stuff works just fine)
1 large box (8 serving) instant vanilla pudding mix
2 cups very cold milk (skim or 2% work well)
2 blocks neufchatel cheese (the 1/3 less than cream cheese stuff)
1 large box strawberry jello mix
1-1/2 cups boiling water
2 cups angelfood cake cut into small pieces
dissolve the jello mix in the boiling water. set aside and let cool while you do the next step.
in a deep bowl, beat the neufchatel cheese until it is smooth. add the pudding mix and milk. beat until smooth. divide the coolwhip in half. fold one half into the pudding mix, blending thoroughly. spread HALF of this pudding mix over the graham cracker crust.
over this, spread a layer of angelfood cake.
reserving 3 TBSP of the jello mix, drizzle the rest over the cake. it's okay if it soaks in. now spread the rest of the pudding mix over this, making sure to spread completely over (touching all sides).
remember the half tub of coolwhip and the reserved jello? add the jello to the coolwhip, one TBSP at a time, blending until very smooth. spread this over the pudding layer. (this mix works well in a frosting gun, if you want to get creative).
if you were thinking of adding garnishes, etc, remember that the more you add, the higher the carb/calorie/sugar count. that said, strawberry fruit gems (or similar candies) look pretty. gel type candies work well. sugarfree strawberry preserves are a good topping, too.
sprinkles, hard candies, fresh fruit -- these should not be added until just before serving.
cover the dessert and store in refrigerator.
20090614
eclair cake
ingredients:
graham crackers (1 box for a 13x9 pan )
instant vanilla pudding (sugarfree works well)
very cold milk (skim works)
1 8oz tub coolwhip, thawed
2 squares baker's chocolate
supplies & equipment
microwave, microwavable cup, deep mixing bowl, wire whisk (or silicone paddle), 13x9 pan with a cover (or lots of plastic wrap)
directions:
cover the bottom of the pan with a single layer of graham crackers (you may have to break a few to do this). set aside.
in a deep mixing bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding and cold milk. it will be rather thick looking -- just mix until it is smooth. once you have it well blended, fold in HALF of the cool whip, and mix well. remember to scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl as you mix.
spread about half of this over the bottom layer of graham crackers; add another layer of graham crackers, then spread the rest of the pudding mix over this.
add a last layer of graham crackers. now for the fun part.
put a half cup of coolwhip and the two blocks of baker's chocolate, in the microwavable cup. micro on MEDIUM until the chocolate is softened enough to mix. (the cool whip will liquify and look kind of gross ... don't panic.) remove the cup from the microwave, and mix carefully (you don't want to splatter this stuff). once you have it well blended and smooth, fold in the rest of the coolwhip and mix well.
spread this over the top layer of graham crackers. cover well, and chill in the refrigerator for two hours (overnight is even better).
you can substitute graham cracker crumbs if you are making individual desserts in cups. it's just challenging to spread the pudding over the crumbs.
graham crackers (1 box for a 13x9 pan )
instant vanilla pudding (sugarfree works well)
very cold milk (skim works)
1 8oz tub coolwhip, thawed
2 squares baker's chocolate
supplies & equipment
microwave, microwavable cup, deep mixing bowl, wire whisk (or silicone paddle), 13x9 pan with a cover (or lots of plastic wrap)
directions:
cover the bottom of the pan with a single layer of graham crackers (you may have to break a few to do this). set aside.
in a deep mixing bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding and cold milk. it will be rather thick looking -- just mix until it is smooth. once you have it well blended, fold in HALF of the cool whip, and mix well. remember to scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl as you mix.
spread about half of this over the bottom layer of graham crackers; add another layer of graham crackers, then spread the rest of the pudding mix over this.
add a last layer of graham crackers. now for the fun part.
put a half cup of coolwhip and the two blocks of baker's chocolate, in the microwavable cup. micro on MEDIUM until the chocolate is softened enough to mix. (the cool whip will liquify and look kind of gross ... don't panic.) remove the cup from the microwave, and mix carefully (you don't want to splatter this stuff). once you have it well blended and smooth, fold in the rest of the coolwhip and mix well.
spread this over the top layer of graham crackers. cover well, and chill in the refrigerator for two hours (overnight is even better).
you can substitute graham cracker crumbs if you are making individual desserts in cups. it's just challenging to spread the pudding over the crumbs.
20090528
papermaking for beginners
save scraps of paper -- normal paper, not carbonless copy or calenderized (coated) stuff. tearing the paper into itty bits is a good thing. ziploc bags work well to store this.
save itty bitty things like tiny feathers or fluff; that stupid cottonwood that's blowing all over the yard; likewise the dandelion seed floating over from your neighbor's yard ... raid the laundry for that fluffy soft stuff in the dryer filter -- it's called lint.
don't forget to find a few clean handiwipes -- not paper towels or regular towels or dish rags -- you are going to need handiwipes (or something similarly smooth, absorbent, and STRONG.
yay for messy crafts!
talk dad into making two small wooden frames ... we're talking card size. sweet talk dad into covering one with screening. (boy, you're brave)
sweet talk mom into letting you borrow a bucket for ... well .... okay for maybe a few days. while you're at it, convince her that the blender would be fun too.
heh ... okay, here we go.
remember all the paper scraps? you want bits no bigger than a quarter, smaller is better. put them in the bucket for now. don't go on to the next step until you have a lot of paper bits -- read the next step to see why.
put two to four cups warm or hot water into the blender. drop in about three hands full of paper scraps.
BEFORE YOU TURN ON THE BLENDER ... PUT THE COVER ON!!!!! <--- very very important. mom is NOT going to be happy if you spray this stuff all over her kitchen.
okay. got the paper bits and the water in the blender? got the cover on? turn the blender on -- if it has a pulse setting, this can be fun to watch. run it in bursts until the paper bits are broken up into fibers, and the stuff looks like ... well .... like the dog got sick.
now add some laundry lint, dandelion seeds, cottonwood seeds, glitter ... (while mom's not looking ... heh) and
2 (TWO) tablespoons of liquid laundry starch.
pulse or mix one more minute. gross, huh?
remember the two frames? the frame with the screening should be laid down flat, screen side up. smooth a handiwipe over the screen (yes, this means it will be hanging over the edges of the frame). now set the second frame (the one with NO screen) directly on top.
carefully pour the goopy gloppy stuff out of the blender, onto the screen. spread it as evenly as you can. watch mom scream when she realizes this step should have been done outside on the grass, not on the kitchen table.
survived? good. set this outside in the sun to dry. if you have a really really impatient parent or sibling, ask for a drink of water or something, because this could take a while.
once the majority of the water has dripped through,remove the top frame and carefully smooth one handiwipe over the top of the paper slurry. leave it there. leave this in the sun. trust me ... it works, but keep the dog away from it.
when the slurry has slowed down to a very very occasional drip, it's time for the next step. now is a good time to tell mom how much you love her.
carefully lift the two handiwipes off the screened (bottom) frame. lay the handiwipes flat on a flat surface, like an old towel, or something, and let it dry out.
once it's dry, you can peel off the handiwipes (never peel the paper off ... peel the handiwipe) you SHOULD end up with a fairly decent bit of handmade paper!
if you messed up and it's still pretty damp, keep it between the handiwipes, and convince your parent to let you iron it on low. the handiwipes keep paper fiber from getting all over the iron and ironing board.
a few things to remember:
... paper is flat. this means that round things like beads won't work well unless you are doing a paper sheet that is thicker than the object ... and if you are, add two tablespoons of white glue to the blender. DON'T ADD THE BEADS ETC until you've turned off the blender ... mom will be very upset if you chip one of her blender blades.
DON'T FORGET TO CLEAN THE BLENDER!!!!!!! this includes twisting off the bottom of the blender canister so you can get the blade thing clean. ask mom ... with most blenders, you twist off the base, and then you can remove the blades, the rubber gasket, etc.
if you like things like tissue paper, you can layer bits of this on the handiwipe BEFORE you pour the paper slurry on. if you want to, you can also toss in a few bits during the blender step but only pulse once or twice and then stop -- if you pulse longer, it will break up all those pretty bits and you won't see them ...
why did you need starch? modern paper is made with a sizing which helps keep it from getting wrinkly and mushy. starch is a very cheap form of sizing. ... besides ... you should still have some left over, from when you made the silly putty (homemade).
and last but not least, yes, you can use newspaper but the ink may not come off the blender very easily, especially if the ink has creosote in it ... and if it has creosote in it, it should not be used in your kitchen blender.
save itty bitty things like tiny feathers or fluff; that stupid cottonwood that's blowing all over the yard; likewise the dandelion seed floating over from your neighbor's yard ... raid the laundry for that fluffy soft stuff in the dryer filter -- it's called lint.
don't forget to find a few clean handiwipes -- not paper towels or regular towels or dish rags -- you are going to need handiwipes (or something similarly smooth, absorbent, and STRONG.
yay for messy crafts!
talk dad into making two small wooden frames ... we're talking card size. sweet talk dad into covering one with screening. (boy, you're brave)
sweet talk mom into letting you borrow a bucket for ... well .... okay for maybe a few days. while you're at it, convince her that the blender would be fun too.
heh ... okay, here we go.
remember all the paper scraps? you want bits no bigger than a quarter, smaller is better. put them in the bucket for now. don't go on to the next step until you have a lot of paper bits -- read the next step to see why.
put two to four cups warm or hot water into the blender. drop in about three hands full of paper scraps.
BEFORE YOU TURN ON THE BLENDER ... PUT THE COVER ON!!!!! <--- very very important. mom is NOT going to be happy if you spray this stuff all over her kitchen.
okay. got the paper bits and the water in the blender? got the cover on? turn the blender on -- if it has a pulse setting, this can be fun to watch. run it in bursts until the paper bits are broken up into fibers, and the stuff looks like ... well .... like the dog got sick.
now add some laundry lint, dandelion seeds, cottonwood seeds, glitter ... (while mom's not looking ... heh) and
2 (TWO) tablespoons of liquid laundry starch.
pulse or mix one more minute. gross, huh?
remember the two frames? the frame with the screening should be laid down flat, screen side up. smooth a handiwipe over the screen (yes, this means it will be hanging over the edges of the frame). now set the second frame (the one with NO screen) directly on top.
carefully pour the goopy gloppy stuff out of the blender, onto the screen. spread it as evenly as you can. watch mom scream when she realizes this step should have been done outside on the grass, not on the kitchen table.
survived? good. set this outside in the sun to dry. if you have a really really impatient parent or sibling, ask for a drink of water or something, because this could take a while.
once the majority of the water has dripped through,remove the top frame and carefully smooth one handiwipe over the top of the paper slurry. leave it there. leave this in the sun. trust me ... it works, but keep the dog away from it.
when the slurry has slowed down to a very very occasional drip, it's time for the next step. now is a good time to tell mom how much you love her.
carefully lift the two handiwipes off the screened (bottom) frame. lay the handiwipes flat on a flat surface, like an old towel, or something, and let it dry out.
once it's dry, you can peel off the handiwipes (never peel the paper off ... peel the handiwipe) you SHOULD end up with a fairly decent bit of handmade paper!
if you messed up and it's still pretty damp, keep it between the handiwipes, and convince your parent to let you iron it on low. the handiwipes keep paper fiber from getting all over the iron and ironing board.
a few things to remember:
... paper is flat. this means that round things like beads won't work well unless you are doing a paper sheet that is thicker than the object ... and if you are, add two tablespoons of white glue to the blender. DON'T ADD THE BEADS ETC until you've turned off the blender ... mom will be very upset if you chip one of her blender blades.
DON'T FORGET TO CLEAN THE BLENDER!!!!!!! this includes twisting off the bottom of the blender canister so you can get the blade thing clean. ask mom ... with most blenders, you twist off the base, and then you can remove the blades, the rubber gasket, etc.
if you like things like tissue paper, you can layer bits of this on the handiwipe BEFORE you pour the paper slurry on. if you want to, you can also toss in a few bits during the blender step but only pulse once or twice and then stop -- if you pulse longer, it will break up all those pretty bits and you won't see them ...
why did you need starch? modern paper is made with a sizing which helps keep it from getting wrinkly and mushy. starch is a very cheap form of sizing. ... besides ... you should still have some left over, from when you made the silly putty (homemade).
and last but not least, yes, you can use newspaper but the ink may not come off the blender very easily, especially if the ink has creosote in it ... and if it has creosote in it, it should not be used in your kitchen blender.
old crayons, old candles, ... hmmmm ....
my son and i used to do this when he was little. we used an old pencil sharpener (or the crayon sharpener on the box) to shave old crayons. shave them over a sheet of aluminum foil, shiny side up. drop bits of broken candle into the pile.
set clear plastic wrap over this, weigh it down with something so that the stuff doesn't get blown all over the place, and leave it in the sun for a while. the waxy stuff will soften in the sun, then melt.
a few tips:
unless you're planning to burn it outside, don't make candles with this stuff ... it's kind of smoky for a candle (hell scrubbing the smoke off the walls)
if there is a whole lot of crayon and very little candle wax, when it gets softened it can be shaped into multi-coloured crayons. which are fun to play with if you're a kid. not fun to scrub off the walls and floor if you're a mum. (dawn and a green scrubbie to the rescue)
if there is a whole lot of candle wax and not as much crayon ... melt it until it is rather liquidy. pour into a paper or disposable plastic cup, then use a toothpick to swirl the colours. rather pretty unless you get carried away mixing. don't peel off the paper cup until the wax has hardened again.
whatever you do ... don't spill it inside the house and for sure, don't spill it on fabric. i don't think your mum stocks that much dawn in the house.
btw ... red stains.
set clear plastic wrap over this, weigh it down with something so that the stuff doesn't get blown all over the place, and leave it in the sun for a while. the waxy stuff will soften in the sun, then melt.
a few tips:
unless you're planning to burn it outside, don't make candles with this stuff ... it's kind of smoky for a candle (hell scrubbing the smoke off the walls)
if there is a whole lot of crayon and very little candle wax, when it gets softened it can be shaped into multi-coloured crayons. which are fun to play with if you're a kid. not fun to scrub off the walls and floor if you're a mum. (dawn and a green scrubbie to the rescue)
if there is a whole lot of candle wax and not as much crayon ... melt it until it is rather liquidy. pour into a paper or disposable plastic cup, then use a toothpick to swirl the colours. rather pretty unless you get carried away mixing. don't peel off the paper cup until the wax has hardened again.
whatever you do ... don't spill it inside the house and for sure, don't spill it on fabric. i don't think your mum stocks that much dawn in the house.
btw ... red stains.
Summertime notes
woooooooooohoooooooooooooooo it's summer!!!!! school is officially out!!! ran around the house singing alice cooper's schoooooooooooooool's out for summer !!!!
okay and then collapsed and decided it's time to regroup and get the summer schtuff ready to go:
the summer supplies list:
2 rolls stretchy gauze - not the plastic stuff
1 box each, 3" 4" and 5" gauze pads
1 roll waterproof tape (duct tape will do in a pinch)
1 box antibacterial wipes
1 plastic can unscented baby wipes
1 plastic bottle sunscreen with mosquito repellent (non deet)
2 tubes neosporin anti pain ointment
2 boxes refreezable ice (walmart carries these in camping equipment)
1 "the absorber" (brand name) synthetic chamois -- walmart auto dept -- look for the one in it's own plastic container (the container is important)
okay, here's the justifications:
the antibacterial wipes are good for cleaning cuts and scrapes when clean water isn't readily available. the stretchy gauze is good for wrapping and holding gauze pads in place -- the pastic stretchy stuff is not, especially if you sensitive skin issues. the waterproof tape will stick ... ouchless tape will not. unscented baby wipes are good for cleaning up all kinds of mess -- messy faces and hands, messy car seats, that bird poop on the picnic table.
the sunscreen is important for skin health, the mosquito repellent part means you can feel a little safer during the "five more minutes" plea bargaining.
neosporin antibacterial anti pain ointment works wonders, even on cat scratches (but you will still have to get the gravel out if you close enconter the ground when u dirt bike)
the refreezable ice stores well in the freezer, will help keep your drinks cold, won't leak all over the car if the kids forget to put the stopper back in the cooler, and if someone needs an ice pack,
wrap a few in a dampened absorber -- if u overheat, it feels good at the back of the neck/base of the skull. (on top of your head is not a good place for ice, nor is on your tummy or chest, people -- the cold shock can stress your heart)
okay why the absorber????
makes a great sports towel -- one small absorber will dry off the kids (wring out between kids), wipe up that spill (rinse and wring out), even survive the kids washing the car (rinse and wring out after use)
aaaaaaand absorbers come in their own little plastic tube -- which is great because when the noise from the backseat gets overwhelming, you pull it out of the tube ... it didn't dry out? this is good -- wipe your face and back of your neck, and let it cool you down before you lose it at the kids lol
and did i mention that it's smaller than a towel? which means that damp or not, you can pack it back in the tube and it's ready to go even when you're not. so it'll be handy when the kids just got out of the water and that's when they tell you someone left the towels on the table at home.
a little damp and it feels cool to the touch with noooo chemicals ... which is exactly what you want when a kid gets heat rash or over heats, or when you feel a headache coming on (because heat will do that to anyone)
do i sound like i'm advertising for them? i'm not. i got my first absorber ... OMGGGGGGGG over 20 years ago, and i've found what seems like a million uses for them ever since.
okay and then collapsed and decided it's time to regroup and get the summer schtuff ready to go:
the summer supplies list:
2 rolls stretchy gauze - not the plastic stuff
1 box each, 3" 4" and 5" gauze pads
1 roll waterproof tape (duct tape will do in a pinch)
1 box antibacterial wipes
1 plastic can unscented baby wipes
1 plastic bottle sunscreen with mosquito repellent (non deet)
2 tubes neosporin anti pain ointment
2 boxes refreezable ice (walmart carries these in camping equipment)
1 "the absorber" (brand name) synthetic chamois -- walmart auto dept -- look for the one in it's own plastic container (the container is important)
okay, here's the justifications:
the antibacterial wipes are good for cleaning cuts and scrapes when clean water isn't readily available. the stretchy gauze is good for wrapping and holding gauze pads in place -- the pastic stretchy stuff is not, especially if you sensitive skin issues. the waterproof tape will stick ... ouchless tape will not. unscented baby wipes are good for cleaning up all kinds of mess -- messy faces and hands, messy car seats, that bird poop on the picnic table.
the sunscreen is important for skin health, the mosquito repellent part means you can feel a little safer during the "five more minutes" plea bargaining.
neosporin antibacterial anti pain ointment works wonders, even on cat scratches (but you will still have to get the gravel out if you close enconter the ground when u dirt bike)
the refreezable ice stores well in the freezer, will help keep your drinks cold, won't leak all over the car if the kids forget to put the stopper back in the cooler, and if someone needs an ice pack,
wrap a few in a dampened absorber -- if u overheat, it feels good at the back of the neck/base of the skull. (on top of your head is not a good place for ice, nor is on your tummy or chest, people -- the cold shock can stress your heart)
okay why the absorber????
makes a great sports towel -- one small absorber will dry off the kids (wring out between kids), wipe up that spill (rinse and wring out), even survive the kids washing the car (rinse and wring out after use)
aaaaaaand absorbers come in their own little plastic tube -- which is great because when the noise from the backseat gets overwhelming, you pull it out of the tube ... it didn't dry out? this is good -- wipe your face and back of your neck, and let it cool you down before you lose it at the kids lol
and did i mention that it's smaller than a towel? which means that damp or not, you can pack it back in the tube and it's ready to go even when you're not. so it'll be handy when the kids just got out of the water and that's when they tell you someone left the towels on the table at home.
a little damp and it feels cool to the touch with noooo chemicals ... which is exactly what you want when a kid gets heat rash or over heats, or when you feel a headache coming on (because heat will do that to anyone)
do i sound like i'm advertising for them? i'm not. i got my first absorber ... OMGGGGGGGG over 20 years ago, and i've found what seems like a million uses for them ever since.
gelatin plastic
Gelatin Plastic
Ingredients:
3 Packages Unflavored Gelatin
9 Tablespoons or 75 ml. Water
3-5 Drops of Food Coloring
Materials:
plastic lids from coffee cans, ice cream buckets, etc.
cookie cutters
straw for punching holes
ice cream buckets and kitchen wipes
Directions:
In a small cooking pan mix the water and food coloring over low heat.
Add 3 packages of unflavored gelatin
Stir continuously and cook for 30 seconds until thickened.
Pour the mixture into a plastic lid or flat mold, push the bubbles to the edge and let it set for 45 minutes. The gelatin will be soft.
Use cookie cutters to cut shapes, a scissors to cut spirals, and a straw to cut holes.
Keep scraps, because you can use them all after they dry.
Dry the shapes. They'll be hard as plastic in 2-3 days.
To prevent curling:
Take an ice cream bucket, put a kitchen wipe or clean cloth over the top and put your cut-out on the cloth.
Cut the center out of a lid that fits the bucket, put another wipe over the top of the gelatin shape, then press the lid tightly over the top.
Ingredients:
3 Packages Unflavored Gelatin
9 Tablespoons or 75 ml. Water
3-5 Drops of Food Coloring
Materials:
plastic lids from coffee cans, ice cream buckets, etc.
cookie cutters
straw for punching holes
ice cream buckets and kitchen wipes
Directions:
In a small cooking pan mix the water and food coloring over low heat.
Add 3 packages of unflavored gelatin
Stir continuously and cook for 30 seconds until thickened.
Pour the mixture into a plastic lid or flat mold, push the bubbles to the edge and let it set for 45 minutes. The gelatin will be soft.
Use cookie cutters to cut shapes, a scissors to cut spirals, and a straw to cut holes.
Keep scraps, because you can use them all after they dry.
Dry the shapes. They'll be hard as plastic in 2-3 days.
To prevent curling:
Take an ice cream bucket, put a kitchen wipe or clean cloth over the top and put your cut-out on the cloth.
Cut the center out of a lid that fits the bucket, put another wipe over the top of the gelatin shape, then press the lid tightly over the top.
nonedible play clay
Baking Soda and Cornstarch play clay
Ingredients:
1 cup cornstarch
2 cups baking soda
1 -1/4 cups water
Directions:
Combine ingredients into a saucepan.
Cook over low heat, stirring constantly for about 15 minutes.
After mixture begins to resemble mashed potatoes, remove from the stove.
Put the clay in a large bowl and cool to comfortable touch before making shapes and free form creatures.
Place all your creations on a cooling rack for 24 hours to harden.
Creative Tips:
When making shapes of fruits:
To make realistic indentations in strawberries or oranges, roll the molded shapes up the fine-shred side of a cheese grater.
For apple or pear stems, use a real stick or twig.
To make hair for a goofy face, squeeze the clay through a garlic press.
After drying for 24 hours, use acrylic tube paints to give your creations personality.
To color the dough, add a few drops of candy color which can be purchased at a craft store (do not use food coloring).
If your creations should happen to come apart after they are dry, use household glue to re-attach the parts.
Ingredients:
1 cup cornstarch
2 cups baking soda
1 -1/4 cups water
Directions:
Combine ingredients into a saucepan.
Cook over low heat, stirring constantly for about 15 minutes.
After mixture begins to resemble mashed potatoes, remove from the stove.
Put the clay in a large bowl and cool to comfortable touch before making shapes and free form creatures.
Place all your creations on a cooling rack for 24 hours to harden.
Creative Tips:
When making shapes of fruits:
To make realistic indentations in strawberries or oranges, roll the molded shapes up the fine-shred side of a cheese grater.
For apple or pear stems, use a real stick or twig.
To make hair for a goofy face, squeeze the clay through a garlic press.
After drying for 24 hours, use acrylic tube paints to give your creations personality.
To color the dough, add a few drops of candy color which can be purchased at a craft store (do not use food coloring).
If your creations should happen to come apart after they are dry, use household glue to re-attach the parts.
leftover school supplies and other OMG it's summer! projects
Glorax (Flubber) Recipe
Put 3 T. of water into a ziploc bag.
Add 1 T. of white glue.
Add 2 heaping T. of Borax (laundry detergent). It must be Borax.*
Shape into a ball. If the mixture is too sticky, roll the ball in a little bit of Borax. Enjoy stretching this elastic substance.
Silly Putty Recipe
This will bounce and pick up pictures from the paper just like the name-brand stuff.
Add: 1/2 cup water to 1/2 cup Elmers Glue (Do not use Washable, School Glue or Gel!)
Mix and add 3 drops of food coloring (optional)
Make Borax solution: Take 2 tablespoons borax (You can buy this at a grocery store or online) and add to 1 cup of water and stir.
Add 1/2 cup of Borax solution to water and glue mixture
Stir and store in a plastic bag
Mix well. Add food coloring if you wish. Let it dry about an hour. When ready, it will be smooth and rubber-like. Store in an airtight container.
Homemade Slime Recipe
1 Tbsp Borax
¼ cup White Glue
Water
Food Coloring (optional)
Ziploc bag
1. Take a cup of water and add to it 1 Tbs. of borax (approx 4% solution). Stir until completely dissolved.
2. Make a 50% water 50% white glue solution. Take 1/4 cup of each and mix thoroughly.
3. In a ziploc bag, add equal parts of the borax solution to equal parts of the glue solution. 1/2 cup of each will make a cup of slime.
4. Add a couple drops of food coloring.
5. Seal bag and knead the mixture.
Dig in and have fun. Remember to wash your hands after playing. Keep your slime in the sealed bag in the refrigerator when not playing with it to keep it longer. Unfortunately it may eventually dry out or grow mold. Just throw it out and start again!
Explanation:
The borax is the crosslinking agent or "connector" for the glue (polyvinyl acetate) molecules. Once the glue molecules join together to form even larger molecules called polymers, you get a thickened gel very similar to slime.
Put 3 T. of water into a ziploc bag.
Add 1 T. of white glue.
Add 2 heaping T. of Borax (laundry detergent). It must be Borax.*
Shape into a ball. If the mixture is too sticky, roll the ball in a little bit of Borax. Enjoy stretching this elastic substance.
Silly Putty Recipe
This will bounce and pick up pictures from the paper just like the name-brand stuff.
Add: 1/2 cup water to 1/2 cup Elmers Glue (Do not use Washable, School Glue or Gel!)
Mix and add 3 drops of food coloring (optional)
Make Borax solution: Take 2 tablespoons borax (You can buy this at a grocery store or online) and add to 1 cup of water and stir.
Add 1/2 cup of Borax solution to water and glue mixture
Stir and store in a plastic bag
Mix well. Add food coloring if you wish. Let it dry about an hour. When ready, it will be smooth and rubber-like. Store in an airtight container.
Homemade Slime Recipe
1 Tbsp Borax
¼ cup White Glue
Water
Food Coloring (optional)
Ziploc bag
1. Take a cup of water and add to it 1 Tbs. of borax (approx 4% solution). Stir until completely dissolved.
2. Make a 50% water 50% white glue solution. Take 1/4 cup of each and mix thoroughly.
3. In a ziploc bag, add equal parts of the borax solution to equal parts of the glue solution. 1/2 cup of each will make a cup of slime.
4. Add a couple drops of food coloring.
5. Seal bag and knead the mixture.
Dig in and have fun. Remember to wash your hands after playing. Keep your slime in the sealed bag in the refrigerator when not playing with it to keep it longer. Unfortunately it may eventually dry out or grow mold. Just throw it out and start again!
Explanation:
The borax is the crosslinking agent or "connector" for the glue (polyvinyl acetate) molecules. Once the glue molecules join together to form even larger molecules called polymers, you get a thickened gel very similar to slime.
coolwhip saves the day
i just looooooooove when people drop in ... NOT
but just in case my daughter decides to grace us with her presence, we keep a box or two of instant pudding, a tub or two of coolwhip, and assorted schtuff ... amazing what you can do ...
GUMMY DIRT CUPS:
the dirt is made by crushing filled cookies (those last couple oreo's, the generic vanilla creme sandwiches the kids wouldn't eat, the oatmeal cremes you thought you'd like and ... well ... didn't.)
the mud of course is instant pudding made with skim milk (the no sugar no fat instant pudding works just as well and nobody seems to notice the missing fat and calories)
wait ... if it's a dirt cup, you need to throw in a couple gummy worms.
and if you mixed crushed oreo, vanilla and other creme filled cookies ... it looks even more like dirt. ewwwwwwwwwwwwwww
JELLO FISHING:
blue jello (some colours just don't work well with the idea)
gummy fish or other gummy sea things
prepare the jello as per instructions on the box, except use ice cubes instead of cold water to chill it down ...
this means it will start setting faster, which is what you want since you want it sort of the consistency of the oatmeal mom used to make ... so the gummy candy doesn't sink to the bottom. wait ... not everyone's mum used to make oatmeal ... okay, how about .... so that when you tilt a spoonful of it, it drops in globs rather than pours out ????
if you are really artistic with an icing gun, use the leaf point to make coolwhip waves. if you're not real confident, do what i do ... mix a tablespoon of the jello with a cup of coolwhip, then swirl it through and tell the kids it's supposed to be water currents?
ICE CREAM COOKIE SANDWICHES ...
i love em, but i don't like how generic most of them taste ...
1 cup very cold milk (skim works just fine)
1 box instant pudding - a flavour YOU like
1 tub coolwhip
graham cracker squares
ice cream sprinkles (or chocolate chips and crushed macadamia nuts, if you're nuts like me)
blend the milk and pudding. slowly add the coolwhip (or, if you're like me, blob it all in and mix really well)
spoon the stuff onto a graham cracker square. add another square on top, lightly push down to make it even.
use a butter knife to trim the sides even to the edges of the graham crackers, then roll the edges in a dish of sprinkles.
best to wrap singly in waxed paper or plastic wrap before freezing.
the filling is what makes the graham crackers softer, like ice cream sandwiches.
you could eat them right away, but the graham crackers would still be kind of crunchy. freezing these makes it more like ice cream.
COCONUT ICE CREAM PIE
that graham cracker crust (2 cups graham cracker crumbs, 1/2 cup sugar, 1/2 cup melted butter) i babbled about earlier
1 box instant coconut cream pudding
1 cup cold milk
1 tub coolwhip (reserve 1 cup)
2 squares baker's chocolate
press the graham cracker stuff into a crust ... or get lazy -- put it into a springform pan, put a straight sided glass in a baggie, and ask the kids to press the stuff along the bottom and edges
prepare the pudding with the cold milk and coolwhip. spoon it into the crust and smooth it down. (doesn't have to be perfect)
microwave the reserved coolwhip and the baker's chocolate ... HEY! MICRO ON LOW (50% is good, for about 90 seconds)
stir until well blended. pour in a ribbon over the pudding mix, and use a butter knife to ribbon it in a little (don't cut into the crust though)
toss on some milk chocolate chips, chopped nuts, ice cream sprinkles ... or get excessive like i do, and put these in dishes for the kids to add when you serve it.
if you find, as i did, that the stupid pan you used is too big to fit in your freezer, don't worry ... it kept very well in the refrigerator ... which is good since i forgot i made it and it sat in there for two days. *sigh*
but just in case my daughter decides to grace us with her presence, we keep a box or two of instant pudding, a tub or two of coolwhip, and assorted schtuff ... amazing what you can do ...
GUMMY DIRT CUPS:
the dirt is made by crushing filled cookies (those last couple oreo's, the generic vanilla creme sandwiches the kids wouldn't eat, the oatmeal cremes you thought you'd like and ... well ... didn't.)
the mud of course is instant pudding made with skim milk (the no sugar no fat instant pudding works just as well and nobody seems to notice the missing fat and calories)
wait ... if it's a dirt cup, you need to throw in a couple gummy worms.
and if you mixed crushed oreo, vanilla and other creme filled cookies ... it looks even more like dirt. ewwwwwwwwwwwwwww
JELLO FISHING:
blue jello (some colours just don't work well with the idea)
gummy fish or other gummy sea things
prepare the jello as per instructions on the box, except use ice cubes instead of cold water to chill it down ...
this means it will start setting faster, which is what you want since you want it sort of the consistency of the oatmeal mom used to make ... so the gummy candy doesn't sink to the bottom. wait ... not everyone's mum used to make oatmeal ... okay, how about .... so that when you tilt a spoonful of it, it drops in globs rather than pours out ????
if you are really artistic with an icing gun, use the leaf point to make coolwhip waves. if you're not real confident, do what i do ... mix a tablespoon of the jello with a cup of coolwhip, then swirl it through and tell the kids it's supposed to be water currents?
ICE CREAM COOKIE SANDWICHES ...
i love em, but i don't like how generic most of them taste ...
1 cup very cold milk (skim works just fine)
1 box instant pudding - a flavour YOU like
1 tub coolwhip
graham cracker squares
ice cream sprinkles (or chocolate chips and crushed macadamia nuts, if you're nuts like me)
blend the milk and pudding. slowly add the coolwhip (or, if you're like me, blob it all in and mix really well)
spoon the stuff onto a graham cracker square. add another square on top, lightly push down to make it even.
use a butter knife to trim the sides even to the edges of the graham crackers, then roll the edges in a dish of sprinkles.
best to wrap singly in waxed paper or plastic wrap before freezing.
the filling is what makes the graham crackers softer, like ice cream sandwiches.
you could eat them right away, but the graham crackers would still be kind of crunchy. freezing these makes it more like ice cream.
COCONUT ICE CREAM PIE
that graham cracker crust (2 cups graham cracker crumbs, 1/2 cup sugar, 1/2 cup melted butter) i babbled about earlier
1 box instant coconut cream pudding
1 cup cold milk
1 tub coolwhip (reserve 1 cup)
2 squares baker's chocolate
press the graham cracker stuff into a crust ... or get lazy -- put it into a springform pan, put a straight sided glass in a baggie, and ask the kids to press the stuff along the bottom and edges
prepare the pudding with the cold milk and coolwhip. spoon it into the crust and smooth it down. (doesn't have to be perfect)
microwave the reserved coolwhip and the baker's chocolate ... HEY! MICRO ON LOW (50% is good, for about 90 seconds)
stir until well blended. pour in a ribbon over the pudding mix, and use a butter knife to ribbon it in a little (don't cut into the crust though)
toss on some milk chocolate chips, chopped nuts, ice cream sprinkles ... or get excessive like i do, and put these in dishes for the kids to add when you serve it.
if you find, as i did, that the stupid pan you used is too big to fit in your freezer, don't worry ... it kept very well in the refrigerator ... which is good since i forgot i made it and it sat in there for two days. *sigh*
jello 1-2-3
remember jello 1-2-3 ??? ohhhhhh boy is my age showing??? lol
simplest way to get that taste and texture you remember:
1 box jello
1½ cups water (rolling boil)
1 8oz tub coolwhip
in a deep bowl, dissolve the jello into the boiling water. reserve 1 Tbsp of the liquid.
reserve 1 cup coolwhip (set aside) then add the rest of the coolwhip to the jello in the bowl. mix really well - until all the blobs of cool whip are gone and it's smoothly blended. it will NOT look like it's going to jell ... as a matter of fact, it actually looks a little gross.
pour into small cups or, if you really feel lazy, into a glass bowl. chill until the jello begins to set (about 20 minutes in a COLD refrigerator, longer if you keep compulsively checking to see if it's jelling). it will begin separating into two layers -- DON'T STIR THAT -- you WANT the layers lol
once it's jelled enough to support another layer, blend the remaining 1 cup coolwhip with the tablespoon of reserved jello mix ... use the same deep bowl (i know you forgot to rinse it, and in this case that's okay)
once it's well blended, spoon carefully onto the chilled jello. if you're chicken, loading it into an icing gun works well too.
... if you plan to add sprinkles and other schtuff, just remember ... they are going to run (bleed color) if they get wet so make sure no moisture has collected on the lid of the container/s/ you put the jello in.
ummmmmmmm ... did i mention that a covered glass casserole is GREAT for this dessert?
additional notes ...
if you really really really need a crust for this ...
2 cups graham cracker crumbs, 1/2 cup sugar and 1/2 cup melted butter ... mix until crumbly, press firmly THEN do the whole jello thing on top. personally, i'd save this crust thing for the pudding boxes you just found in the pantry
simplest way to get that taste and texture you remember:
1 box jello
1½ cups water (rolling boil)
1 8oz tub coolwhip
in a deep bowl, dissolve the jello into the boiling water. reserve 1 Tbsp of the liquid.
reserve 1 cup coolwhip (set aside) then add the rest of the coolwhip to the jello in the bowl. mix really well - until all the blobs of cool whip are gone and it's smoothly blended. it will NOT look like it's going to jell ... as a matter of fact, it actually looks a little gross.
pour into small cups or, if you really feel lazy, into a glass bowl. chill until the jello begins to set (about 20 minutes in a COLD refrigerator, longer if you keep compulsively checking to see if it's jelling). it will begin separating into two layers -- DON'T STIR THAT -- you WANT the layers lol
once it's jelled enough to support another layer, blend the remaining 1 cup coolwhip with the tablespoon of reserved jello mix ... use the same deep bowl (i know you forgot to rinse it, and in this case that's okay)
once it's well blended, spoon carefully onto the chilled jello. if you're chicken, loading it into an icing gun works well too.
... if you plan to add sprinkles and other schtuff, just remember ... they are going to run (bleed color) if they get wet so make sure no moisture has collected on the lid of the container/s/ you put the jello in.
ummmmmmmm ... did i mention that a covered glass casserole is GREAT for this dessert?
additional notes ...
if you really really really need a crust for this ...
2 cups graham cracker crumbs, 1/2 cup sugar and 1/2 cup melted butter ... mix until crumbly, press firmly THEN do the whole jello thing on top. personally, i'd save this crust thing for the pudding boxes you just found in the pantry
20090517
manners
other day a kid said "i really like how you say please, and thank you. it's like you really mean it."
OMG
how to explain to this little one that i really do mean it? that this is the way i was raised? that i really wish not just kids, but all ppl remembered to use manners?
i try very hard to recognize good in each person. yeah ... everyone has rough spots so to speak ... those mannerisms that just irritate the schtuff out of u when ur having one of those moments ... but each person also brings to a situation abilities that u might not have, as well.
i can crochet a pretty cute bootie ... but make an exactly matching pair??? not to save my life.
i can look at an origami pattern and create something else ... but follow that pattern???? ummmmmmmmmmmm .....
i can do things at work like pick up some of the slack ... do things that seem to have been forgotten in the rush ... plan things, prep things ... but run things? been there, done that, survived it ... that said, fool me once shame on u ... fool me twice and doesn't that say something about me??? LOL
i don't know. manners. awesome manners. i just love people who have good manners and aren't afraid to use them.
... but i carry excedrin for those times when i have close encounters with the rest of the planet.
OMG
how to explain to this little one that i really do mean it? that this is the way i was raised? that i really wish not just kids, but all ppl remembered to use manners?
i try very hard to recognize good in each person. yeah ... everyone has rough spots so to speak ... those mannerisms that just irritate the schtuff out of u when ur having one of those moments ... but each person also brings to a situation abilities that u might not have, as well.
i can crochet a pretty cute bootie ... but make an exactly matching pair??? not to save my life.
i can look at an origami pattern and create something else ... but follow that pattern???? ummmmmmmmmmmm .....
i can do things at work like pick up some of the slack ... do things that seem to have been forgotten in the rush ... plan things, prep things ... but run things? been there, done that, survived it ... that said, fool me once shame on u ... fool me twice and doesn't that say something about me??? LOL
i don't know. manners. awesome manners. i just love people who have good manners and aren't afraid to use them.
... but i carry excedrin for those times when i have close encounters with the rest of the planet.
cake mix notes
ever look at a box of cake mix in the store and think .....HMMMMMM .......
unfortunately, i get a little carried away (ummmmm kk so i get a LOT carried away when i bake). so i'm blogging my DON'T FORGET notes.
with my oven, it kind of works out to ... lower the temp by 5 degrees for each 1 cup additional ingredients u kinda just thought might go well ... and get a bigger pan LOL
for instance: take a plain old milk chocolate cake mix you mix with the usual ingredients .... if u add 2 cups mini chocolate chips, 2 cups mini marshmallows, and 1 cup toffee bits BEFORE baking, this makes it a rocky road cake but you'll need to bake it in a 13x9 cake pan and lower the temp to 325
if u take a devils food cake mix, add 1 cup nonfat mayo, change the liquid (usually milk or water) to strongly brewed chocolate velvet coffee, and toss in about 1 tsp cinnamon .... suddenly it's a really rich mocha cake ... if u toss in a bunch of mini chocolate chips, that makes it even better .... but again, u have to grab a bigger (13x9) cake pan and lower that temp to 325
stupid oven
feeling lemony? lemon cake mix with the usual suspects is pretty good .... blend in a box of lemon jello before you bake it and it's even more lemony .... clearly i need a life ... yeah yeah yeah but did u know that if u screwed up and used two NORMAL cake pans to bake the lemon cake, u can glue em together with a can of lemon pie filling? and u can frost the monster by blending a thawed tub of coolwhip with lemon pudding mix (forgetting to add the milk to the pudding mix means the schtuff if thick enough to break out the frosting gun)
speaking of jello ... i'm toying with an idea for rainbow swirls ... as in, standard white cake mix, 3-4 boxes of different (somewhat compatible flavours) jello ... mix the cake as directed, pour into a greased baking pan, then use that trusty silicon spatula to swirl dry jello mixes through the cake batter before baking
oh yeah ...
i hate greased cake pans (think they look gross) so i spray the cake pan then toss around a 1/2 cup of graham cracker crumbs before i pour the batter in
btw ... those silicon pans are AWESOME ... don't have to grease them ... just have to remember that the stupid things are REALLY REALLY flexible so ... ummmm ... don't try to just flip the cake over without a plate .... unless of course you MEANT to break the cake up ...
wait ....
isn't that what pudding is for????? LOL
unfortunately, i get a little carried away (ummmmm kk so i get a LOT carried away when i bake). so i'm blogging my DON'T FORGET notes.
with my oven, it kind of works out to ... lower the temp by 5 degrees for each 1 cup additional ingredients u kinda just thought might go well ... and get a bigger pan LOL
for instance: take a plain old milk chocolate cake mix you mix with the usual ingredients .... if u add 2 cups mini chocolate chips, 2 cups mini marshmallows, and 1 cup toffee bits BEFORE baking, this makes it a rocky road cake but you'll need to bake it in a 13x9 cake pan and lower the temp to 325
if u take a devils food cake mix, add 1 cup nonfat mayo, change the liquid (usually milk or water) to strongly brewed chocolate velvet coffee, and toss in about 1 tsp cinnamon .... suddenly it's a really rich mocha cake ... if u toss in a bunch of mini chocolate chips, that makes it even better .... but again, u have to grab a bigger (13x9) cake pan and lower that temp to 325
stupid oven
feeling lemony? lemon cake mix with the usual suspects is pretty good .... blend in a box of lemon jello before you bake it and it's even more lemony .... clearly i need a life ... yeah yeah yeah but did u know that if u screwed up and used two NORMAL cake pans to bake the lemon cake, u can glue em together with a can of lemon pie filling? and u can frost the monster by blending a thawed tub of coolwhip with lemon pudding mix (forgetting to add the milk to the pudding mix means the schtuff if thick enough to break out the frosting gun)
speaking of jello ... i'm toying with an idea for rainbow swirls ... as in, standard white cake mix, 3-4 boxes of different (somewhat compatible flavours) jello ... mix the cake as directed, pour into a greased baking pan, then use that trusty silicon spatula to swirl dry jello mixes through the cake batter before baking
oh yeah ...
i hate greased cake pans (think they look gross) so i spray the cake pan then toss around a 1/2 cup of graham cracker crumbs before i pour the batter in
btw ... those silicon pans are AWESOME ... don't have to grease them ... just have to remember that the stupid things are REALLY REALLY flexible so ... ummmm ... don't try to just flip the cake over without a plate .... unless of course you MEANT to break the cake up ...
wait ....
isn't that what pudding is for????? LOL
20080504
origami and beyond
i've written a little about origami here, and thought i'd post the address to a WONDERFUL website of origami creativity ... even if you're not a young one, this is still an awesome site to tour. It's called ORILAND, the creation of Yuri and Katrin Shumakov. You've got to allot some intense online time to touring through this site ... including the photo's of some of their exhibitions!
http://www.oriland.com/index.asp
http://www.oriland.com/index.asp
20080411
origami recycling at the school breakfast program
our school breakfast program includes those individual bowl packs of cereal. have you ever looked at them? the paper label/seal is just about square.
how it works:
each child carefully peels the seal off his or her cereal bowl. the child brings the seal to me when he or she clears their breakfast things. i take them home, spray them with sanitizer spray (i'm rather phobic about germs), and fold them into origami. the child can exchange a new seal for an origami at his or her next school breakfast.
yes, this is rather time consuming, so why do it?
how it works:
each child carefully peels the seal off his or her cereal bowl. the child brings the seal to me when he or she clears their breakfast things. i take them home, spray them with sanitizer spray (i'm rather phobic about germs), and fold them into origami. the child can exchange a new seal for an origami at his or her next school breakfast.
yes, this is rather time consuming, so why do it?
- firstly, it shows children by example that environmental consciousness is a positive thing ... it reduces some of the waste by re-using something they would otherwise just throw away, and recycles.
- secondly, origami is a wonderful way to teach math. take a look at your child's math book some time. then compare some of the geometry lessons to origami. symmetry. lines and angles. geometric shapes. wow.
- thirdly, origami is also a tool for promoting learning. how? we start off the year with simple origami (the cup, the samurai hat ... patterns a child can replicate with a square of paper). we progress through the year with more intricate designs. at present, the designs include owls, penguins, tulips, hapi coats, inflatable rabbits ... i don't push the kids to learn, and i rarely demonstrate. i simply tell them that they can find books on origami in the library (oohhh a boost for reading!) and praise them when they come up with a design they folded themselves. it teaches children to seek the information, and learn it on their own, rather than expecting mom or dad to buy it at the store.
- finally, origami was popular in my house when i was a child. why? because all six kids were dyslexic, and small motor development was a challenge. origami is a great way to develop small motor skills ... not to mention that it was self-reinforcing, since the reward was in folding something really neat out of a plain square of paper.
birthday treats
healthy treats:
- carrot sticks and curls ... much easier for kids to eat than baby carrots, because they're not quite as hard to bite when you have a loose tooth. packed in snack baggies with small dixie cups of fat free ranch seemed to be a real hit, especially if the sticks and curls are cut thin. (to make curls, use a vegetable peeler to peel strips from carrots. chill the carrot peels in cold water and they'll curl)
- if there are no peanut allergies, ants on a log are also pretty cool and easy -- put the peanut butter in a ziploc bag. snip off a small corner, squeeze onto celery sticks and decorate with raisins (those are the ants). dried currants or dried craisins (cranberries) also worked.
- jello. several flavors layered in clear cups are a rainbow in a cup. adding two packets of knox gelatin to a box of jello makes it stiff enough to cut with cookie cutters, or in simple stackable blocks. and blue jello with a couple gummy fish make a nifty edible aquarium.
- water. 6-12 oz bottles of water, chilled.
20070903
chain maille or quilting?
to chain or not to chain? aye, that is the question. and a good one. it seems that as my world expands with new creativity ... new inspiration ..................
my world also contracts with the limitations of aging. age is a very unforgiving companion. at 25 i loved golfing, biking, swimming, sewing, crochet, knitting, painting (pictures, walls, etc), crafts, sculpture, hyperactive little kids ....
i'm twice that age now. and have less than half the enthusiasm and energy lol
i no longer golf. bikes scare me. ride a motorcycle now? i don't even like to drive a car at night. sewing? i no longer sew dolls and wardrobes. i no longer create costumes. i am limited to crocheting baby booties (still can't follow a pattern worth a darn either). i rarely attempt to knit now. i can still paint a wall ... a painting? well, .... no. fewer crafts. no sculpture. and hyperactive little kids ...
... well ...
the nice thing about working at a school is, you get to spend time with kids and then go home to take a nap.
my world also contracts with the limitations of aging. age is a very unforgiving companion. at 25 i loved golfing, biking, swimming, sewing, crochet, knitting, painting (pictures, walls, etc), crafts, sculpture, hyperactive little kids ....
i'm twice that age now. and have less than half the enthusiasm and energy lol
i no longer golf. bikes scare me. ride a motorcycle now? i don't even like to drive a car at night. sewing? i no longer sew dolls and wardrobes. i no longer create costumes. i am limited to crocheting baby booties (still can't follow a pattern worth a darn either). i rarely attempt to knit now. i can still paint a wall ... a painting? well, .... no. fewer crafts. no sculpture. and hyperactive little kids ...
... well ...
the nice thing about working at a school is, you get to spend time with kids and then go home to take a nap.
20070714
edible play clay
this is a snack recipe that we developed at home. before making this, review the materials -- be aware that kids with food allergies cannot make this because of the ingredients.
Materials: see notes below regarding amounts
Materials: see notes below regarding amounts
- 1 cup nonfat powdered milk
- 1 cup instant "quick" oats
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 3/4 cup honey
- 1cinnamon, raisins, craisins, shelled nuts, sunflower seeds, etc. keep it healthy!
in a medium mixing bowl, combine the powdered milk and oats.
in a large measuring cup, measure the honey, then add peanut butter to make 1-3/4 cups. mix well.
slowly add the honey and peanut butter mix to the powdered milk and oats. mix well.
make sure the kids' hands are washed well, and dry. have them take turns mixing the play clay with their hands.
divide the play clay equally between the kids (dont forget to save some for yourself). have fun making shapes and decorating them with the "extra" ingredients!
Notes:
- the amounts will vary with temperature and humidity. if the clay seems too sticky, gradually add more powdered milk and oats. if it is too dry, gradually add peanut butter. if it gets too crumbly, add honey sparingly -- too much honey will make it sticky and hard to clean up.
- you can eat this as is. it does not have to be cooked, baked, or anything else. if it is NOT going to be eaten right away, make sure you bag it.
silly putty - homemade
this recipe started out as a science experiment to make therapeutic putty for kids. warning: you need to make it very clear to young kids that this is a chemical compound -- it should not be used on porous surfaces (it's tough to get it out of fabric!) and it is not for consumption.
Materials:
Materials:
- ziploc freezer bag
- 1/2 cup elmer's all purpose glue (washable or school glue won't work)
- 1/2 cup water
- about 1 cup staflo liquid starch (this stuff is blue, but it won't make the putty blue)
pour the glue and water into the ziploc bag. squeeze out most of the air, close the bag, and rub it between your hands to mix the water and glue.
when this is well mixed, carefully open the bag and add about 1/4 cup of the liquid starch. again, close the bag, and rub it between your hands. the mixture in the bag will start to look runny and stringy. don't worry -- just keep rubbing the bag between your hands to mix it.
gradually add liquid starch, closing the bag and mixing as you go, until it is the consistancy you wanted.
NOTES:
- for more liquidy, runny putty (the kind the kids call "snot"), add more water to the glue mix. you can add more water later, as needed, too.
- colour? you want colour??? try food colouring in very small increments -- one drop at a time, mixing well. keep in mind that the food colouring leaches out -- onto skin, clothing, etc. so you might want to stick to the basic white.
- the amount of liquid starch you need will vary -- it seriously depends on temperature and humidity.
- if you're doing this as a kid project, make sure you have plenty of adult supervision.
- time: allow approximately 15 minutes (really energetic kids) to 45 minutes (we had one child whine about having to work so hard). allow an additional half hour to experiment with the stuff.
- mixing this in one giant batch is not a good idea. it gets awfully messy. the individual ziplocs seem to work best for mixing, and eliminates storage issues.
Challenges:
- Stretch it! this works best with the runnier stuff. one kid was able to stretch this thin enough to cover an entire 8' x 4' table with no holes. another kids stretched his batch enough to write his entire name in cursive.
- Bubble it! glob it together in a ball, stick a plastic straw in, and gently blow. the record so far, is a bubble almost 24 wide.
- Bounce it! the thicker it is, the better it bounces!
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