Pavlova Christmas Wreath Dessert

If Santa ever needed a break from cookies, he’d definitely choose a pavlova Christmas wreath and the kids you care for will, too. Light as a snowflake, colorful as the Xmas tree, and sweeter than a holiday morning, this dessert is basically Christmas magic you can eat. It’s the one treat that gets little elves […]

Melting Plastic Cup Ornaments

Kids adore making crafts where an ordinary object becomes something exciting. Watching a simple plastic cup shrink in the oven turning it into an ornament gives children a sense of wonder and control over the creation process. Children also love rituals. So making Christmas ornaments gives them a seasonal tradition to look forward to every […]

Cranberry Upside-Down Cake

This week I made this super simple cranberry upside-down cake with the children in my care. The kids love cranberries and it makes a nice holiday dessert! Be sure to turn down the oven to 325 degrees F degrees after putting the cake in the oven so the cranberries and caramel sauce don’t burn. Flip the […]

Easy Gingerbread Cookies to Make with Kids

Baking with children is one of the sweetest ways to build memories — especially when the recipe is simple, hands-on, and smells like the holidays. These easy gingerbread cookies are perfect for little helpers, from mixing the dough to decorating the finished treats. Tips for Stress-Free Baking With Kids: • Use silicone mats for easier […]

“The Tree That’s Meant to Be” and Pine Cone Christmas Tree Craft 

In “The Tree That’s Meant to Be” by Yuval Zommer, a small, crooked fir tree is left all alone after the others near it in the forest are chosen by families as Christmas to bring home.  But when the forest animals gather around the lonely little tree to cheer it up and celebrate the season, […]

Crispy Angel Wings Polish Cookies 

I worked as a Nanny, Family Assistant, and Cook for a Polish family for 13 years. Every Christmas the Grandmother, Mother, and children make Chrusciki (Angel Wing Cookies). They are light and crispy. They are best served right away but can be stored at room temperature for several days on a large platter, separating the […]

Cardboard Embroidered Ornaments

I love saving money by doing projects with the kids with items found in their recycling bin. This week I traced some stars and circles onto recycled cardboard and allowed the children to use embroidery thread, ribbon, and yarn to decorate the cardboard shapes. Click here to see other cardboard ornaments to make with children. […]

Checkerboard Cookies

These are impressive, fun cookies to make with the kids for the holiday season I found on the fifteenspatulas web site. These whimsical cookies are soft, buttery, and crumbly, and are a fun addition to any holiday cookie spread. You Will Need: 3 cups all purpose flour1.5 tsp baking powder1/4 tsp salt1 cup unsalted butter […]

Easy Cranberry Christmas Cake

You don’t have to celebrate Christmas to love this super simple cranberry cake. Allow the children  to help you make the entire recipe from collecting the ingredients, measuring the flour, and cracking the eggs. I serve it in 2 inch squares for the kids and their guests to eat with their hands, one at a […]

3D Paper Snowflake Decorations and Ornaments

  Although a child in my care made this snowflake and used it as an ornament to hang on a Christmas tree, any child of any faith can just make a 3D paper snowflake to use as a winter decoration.  You Will Need: Paper of Choice (Butcher paper is a great choice) Snowflake Templates ScissorsGlue Gun or […]