Whether it's for a party, playgroup or family dinner, create cool desserts kids will love. The key is to make treats that look as good as they taste. With a little creativity, you can add personality to some old favorites for a new twist on classic desserts.
Cupcakes
Cupcakes are kid-sized dessert that requires no cutting or utensils. The possibilities are almost endless, and kids can help put papers into the pan or decorate the treats when they are cool. Use sprinkles, candies or colorful icing to make them creative and bright. With a little practice, you can turn cupcakes into flowers or animals by using different tips with your frosting bag--it's easier than you think. See Martha Stewart's "Kids' Favorite Cupcakes" for recipes (see Resources).
Ice Treats
You can make icy treats out of almost anything liquid or creamy. Simply pour juice, yogurt or other liquids into a cup, insert a stick or bamboo skewer in the top, and freeze. When your treat is frozen solid, remove the cup, turn it upside down and enjoy. For something more colorful, layer different flavors of ice cream or yogurt in a cup. For a healthier twist, skewer a banana, dip it in melted chocolate and then sprinkles or nuts, and freeze. If you have ice pop molds, pour fruit juice into the molds, then drop fresh fruit in and freeze for about three hours. See "Parents" magazine's "Pop Art: Summer Treats" for more recipes (see Resources).
Cookies
Go beyond ordinary chocolate chip by adding candy, such as peanut butter cups or candy-coated chocolate pieces. Create your own twist on Oreos: make thin sugar cookies, add bright hues to white frosting with food coloring, and then spread the frosting between two cookies. Whip up a batch of your favorite cookies and stamp your child's initials on top by pressing with a letter cookie cutter before baking. Two-toned cookies are simple; just dip baked cookies halfway into melted dark or white chocolate. Instead of spreading icing on top of cookies, try using an icing bag with a small round tip or put icing into a plastic bag and snip off one corner. Then pipe stripes, designs or letters onto each cookie.
Ice Cream
Ice cream becomes a special treat with a little ingenuity. Use shot glasses or small clear plastic cups to make mini sundaes. Layer ice cream with your choice of toppings--fudge, caramel, fruit--and top with whipped cream and a cherry. Set up a sundae bar with toppings and sprinkles and let kids choose their own creations. Create your own ice cream sandwiches with your favorite cookies and ice cream. Root beer floats or milk shakes are another option; serve in tall glasses with fancy straws.
Healthy and Fun
Add nutrition to sweets is by "hiding" vegetables. Grate carrots or finely chop spinach and stir into cake batter. You can also add fruit, which tastes sweet but is loaded with vitamins and minerals. Stir mashed banana into cupcake batter or use applesauce instead of oil or butter. Use whole-grain flour instead of white flour to increase fiber. See "Parents" magazine's "Let Them Eat Cupcakes" for recipes (see Resources). For a simple, healthy and delicious dessert, dip fresh strawberries in melted chocolate. Serve sliced fruit with chilled or frozen yogurt and top with granola for added fiber. Defrost frozen mixed berries in the microwave and pour over angel food cake for a treat that's also high in vitamins and antioxidants.
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