Two Reciepes that Will ROCK YOUR KIDS PARTY THIS SUMMER

As a single mom, nothing makes me prouder than when the boys ask, "Can I Help, Mommy?" And nothing makes them happier than to brag about what they got to do. Summer is just around the corner and whether you are planning a family get together or a full blown kiddie bash, here are two recipes I had that can keep almost any kid happy! *

#1) Sprinkles on a Stick Cookies (or as my kids call them Colorful Cookie-pops)
(yields 20 -if the kids actually let you finish making them before they dig in!)

You will need the following:

Supplies-
wax paper, a cookie sheet (or two depending on size), a butter knife (plastic works well if kids are helping), a spoon, 20 ice cream/Popsicle sticks,and a microwave safe dish/bowl

Ingredients-
40 unbroken 'Nilla Wafer style cookies, 1 ready made can of frosting(flavor of your choice), multicolored ice cream sprinkles, & 8-12 oz of chocolate chips

How it's done:
Step one: Place wax paper over cookie sheet(s) - you'll be thanking me for that later
Step two: Take 1 of the cookies and spread/dab frosting on to the FLAT side.
Step three: Press the Popsicle stick into frosting and place a second cookie FLAT side down over it.
(If done correctly it should look like a cookie lollipop, hence why my children call them cookie-pops)
Step four: Repeat steps 2 & 3 until you have 20 "cookie-pops"
(while doing this step you can save time by also doing step 5)
Step five: Place chocolate chips in microwave safe dish/bowl and "nuke" until melted, stir with spoon until nice and creamy smooth.
Step six: Dip the cookie sides of each "pop" in the chocolate until completely covered.
Step seven: Place each "pop" on cookie sheet (now you understand the wax paper) leaving a small space between them. Once placed sprinkle each with the multi-colored sprinkles.
(while the kids LOVE this part, I suggest saving yourself some time and before you place the first "pop" cover the cookie sheet with sprinkles. these aren't the easiest things to flip over!)
Step eight: After they are all "decorated", refrigerate for at least 10 minutes before serving.
(this hardens the chocolate "sticking" the sprinkles in place.)

This chilled treat is perfect for any style party, but really great for a summer kid calmer!

#2 Deep Sea Party Dogs ( or as the boys call them "Killer Cool Octopus")
(yields 8 servings)

You will need the following:

Supplies-
a cutting board (or flat cutting surface), a knife, can opener, and 2 sauce pans.

Ingredients-
8 thawed but uncooked bun length hot dogs, 1-28oz can of baked beans (or pork & beans), 8 large lettuce or spinach leaves, mustard, and your favorite kind of goldfish crackers (we lean toward the colored or the pretzel)

How it's done:
Step one: Lay one uncooked hot dog on cutting surface, leaving about an inch at one end slice the rest in half length wise, turn a 1/4 turn and starting from roughly same spot, slice again. ( you should have 4 "dangler's" as my kids call them)
Step two: Slice each dangler in half in the same manner (creating eight legs)
Step three: Repeat steps 1 & 2 until all eight hot dogs are sliced
Step four: Using sauce pans cook hot dogs and beans as per normal package directions. (do not use microwave if you can help it. The results are just not as good.)
Step five: Place 1 lettuce (or spinach) leaf on the bottom of each serving plate, ( this creates a nice base and you can think of it as sea foam, or the ocean floor.)
Step six: Spread an equal helping of beans over each leaf ( tip: small mounds are helpful)
Step seven: Drain hot hogs.
Step eight: Sprinkle goldfish crackers over plate, beans & all
Step nine: Arrange one hot dog per plate, so that the "legs" spread in a fanned circle and the "head" is sticking up toward the ceiling. ( use the "small bean mounds" I mentioned to aid with this. It creates a cool 3D effect for your "killer cool octopus" )
Step ten: Using the mustard place two eyes on the "head" and serve!

This summer recipe is a real hit at kid's pool parties, or a "Deep Sea" or even "Sponge Bob" theme parties!

Summer is a great time to treat the kids to a little fun, and to tell you the truth, I know a few "grown-ups" who like these tasty treats too!

*These 2 recipes came from my personal collection of "kid friendly recipes". I claim no right to the recipes themselves, as I was not the originator. The wrinkled and stained papers/index cards they were gifted to me on (over the past 6 years) did not name a source, or copyright.