Magic Reindeer Food

Who says Santa is the only one who gets treats Christmas Eve? What about the reindeer...they are the ones having to haul all the loot roof to roof. That's a hard job. I only haul three kids and I struggle with that myself. 

Magic Reindeer food is a very cheap and easy project you can do at home with the kids or for a class project. I have done this project with my kids classes since preschool and its always a big hit. You can also teach measurements and counting while having fun. Easy way to get your little ones learning in the kitchen!

All it contains is raw rolled oats, sprinkles, and marshmallows. Some recipes call for glitter, but we prefer not to give indigestion to birds and rabbits who will most likely eat the leftovers....so we stick with sprinkles. I think they can handle a sugar high better than the bloat (or death)...there really is no ratios to do this...it all depends on how much food you want to leave the reindeer. We feel a small handful does the job...no one wants Blizten so fat he can't fly and I hear Comet has a bad case of flatulence. 

1/2 cup rolled oats

1 tablespoon sprinkles of your choice

9 marshmallows or M&M's (one for each reindeer)

ziplock bags

*For a classroom, you can print the graphic above to place on the bags. 

Fun with Cinnamon

This is a craft project I do with the kids each year. Not only is it insanely easy, but the smell it creates is sure to put you into the spirit of Christmas. It's also an inexpensive gift for children to give to teachers and friends or decorate the top of packages. You can also decorate them with glitter pant and place them in a dish or bowl to give your home the wonderful festive scent of holiday baking.  Another ideas are to decorate your tree, garland or attach them on your front door wreath to greet guest as the come into your home with their appealing aroma. When not in use, store them in an air tight container and they can last for years, smelling just as fresh as the day they were made. 

 

Applesauce Cinnamon Ornaments 

(makes 10 ornaments)

1/2 cup of warm applesauce

3/4 cup of ground cinnamon

1 tsp nutmeg (or apple pie spice)

2 tbs white school glue

Mix all ingredients into mixing bowl. The dough should be very stiff but not crumbly. Chill for an hour. Place dough between two sheets of parchment paper and roll until 1/4 in thick. Cut out with cookie cutters. Using a straw make a hole near the top for hanging with ribbons. Place ornaments on a flat surface (such as a baking sheet or card board piece) and let dry. Depending on humidity, the drying period may vary. You may have to flip them to make sure they dry thoroughly. 

***Be careful letting children handle the dough with bare hands for extended periods of time. Cinnamon can burn the skin with prolonged contact.