With fall in full swing and the holidays fast approaching, thoughts swirl around like leaves. Do we have candy for trick or treaters? Are we decorating this year? Is Aunt Jo coming down for Thanksgiving? Who’s house are we going to for dinner? Are we bringing the same thing we did last year? Which day is Black Friday, again? Who’s in charge of Christmas present shopping? Are we picking anyone up from the airport?
Logistics are often a mess, and self-care drops off the surface of the planet. Fortunately, any sort of repetitive task can serve as an incognito meditation, a break from the hustle and bustle. With news like this, relaxation can slip into the to-do list here and there without missing a beat. Even more fun than doing dishes and less conspicuous than stopping the world to go get a massage, baking or assembling treats in the kitchen fits the bill entirely.
Truly, making treats seems like the last priority on the list, especially with all of the news about physical health slipping further and further away in America. Cardiovascular disease, respiratory issues, and other complications are as common as a cold, it seems. Finding time for physical activity is imperative especially for children, it’s true. Along with this comes balance. As long as kids are moving, they may also find comfort in letting creativity run free in the kitchen. The following are just a few ideas to get your creative juices flowing.
Chocolate turtle apple slices combine fruit, chocolate, nuts, and caramel to produce a sweet lollipop-style alternative to plain old apples dipped in chocolate. Large fuji apples are sliced horizontally and dipped in chocolate. A popsicle stick is inserted into the apple slice for easy eating, especially when it comes to little fingers. When they’re dry, the apples are drizzled with caramel and sprinkled with nuts. Delish! No bake, no fuss, and all the aesthetic appeal.
Apple Donuts are the cutest thing you ever did see. First, apples are sliced top-down into rings with a hole in the middle of each slice. Then, cream cheese is dyed into any fun colors of the chef’s choice. Though the recipe leaves it out, you could certainly include any sort of natural thickener, like carrageenan or cornstarch. Orange, yellow, and red are fun color options for fall. Cream cheese is spread onto apple slices (maintaining the hole) and sprinkles are added on top.
Candy Corn Marshmallow Pops are all the fun of candy corn, magnified. Marshmallows are dipped in melted orange, yellow, and white chocolate candies, left to dry, and skewered onto sticks. Easy to make and requiring little dexterity, these are sure to be a hit with all family members. A pure white chocolate background with orange and yellow sprinkles is another fun alternative.
Apple Pie Bites are all the deliciousness of apple pie rolled up into bite sized pieces. Crescent rolls are separated into triangles and laid out on a cookie sheet. They’re sprinkled with spices like cinnamon and nutmeg and nuts before a wedge of apple is placed on top. Triangles are rolled up around the apple into mini-croissants and baked. Be careful with these; they may just turn into a new holiday classic.
Chocolate dipped rice krispies treats for Thanksgiving are as easy to make as they are to buy. Popsicle sticks are inserted into rice krispies treats before they’re dipped in chocolate and decorated with eyes, beaks, and feathers in various forms of candy. Truly opportunities to use imagination, these little birds are adorable.
Looking for more holiday treat ideas? Don’t be afraid to utilize your time in the kitchen with family as an outlet for stress this holiday season. Mental health and physical health balance to create just the right atmosphere for fall. Who knows, you may even invent some original masterpieces of your own.
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