Exciting recipes and treats for kids

Apple Caramel Monsters

• 1 14-ounce bag individually wrapped caramel candies (about 50)
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 4 to 6 medium apples
• Craft sticks
• Assorted candies

1. Place the unwrapped caramels in a shallow microwave-safe bowl.
2. Mix in the milk and microwave on high for 2 minutes, stirring after 1 minute (the caramels will keep their shape as they soften, so be sure to stir them).
3. When the caramels are melted, remove the dish from the microwave with pot holders and stir the sauce until smooth. Set aside to cool slightly.
4. To thoroughly coat an apple, roll it in the caramel sauce, then hold it upright so the sauce slides down the sides.
5. Generously butter a baking sheet. Twist off the apple stems and spear each fruit with a craft stick.
6. Roll one apple in the caramel sauce until it's thoroughly coated. Place it, stick pointing up, on the baking sheet.
7. Workings quickly, coat the remaining apples in the caramel sauce. The caramel coating will be gooey, so refrigerate the apple for 15 minutes or until the caramel is slightly hardened.
8. Holding the apple by the stick, use candy to turn it into a monster.
9. Refrigerate again until the caramel is hardened and the candy is set. Makes 4 to 6.

Carrot Buds

• 1 kg carrots
• 2 tablespoon butter
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 teaspoon water

1. Peel the carrots, then slice each one into round pieces.. Place the carrot coins in a microwave-safe bowl, cover them with water, and cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Microwave for 6 to 7 minutes or until the carrots are tender but not mushy. Drain the water and set the carrots aside.
2. In a small frying pan, melt the butter, stir in the brown sugar and water, and cook for 1 minute. Add the carrot coins and toss to coat with the brown sugar mixture. Cook on low for 3 to 4 minutes or until the carrots are thoroughly glazed. Serves 4.

Festive Icecream Treats

• 2 pints premium ice cream
• 4 Popsicle sticks
• Assorted mini candies, colored sugars, and gumdrops

1. Chill 4 small plates and a baking sheet lined with waxed paper in the freezer for 10 minutes. Then set each pint of ice cream on its side and slice it in half without removing the container (a parent's job). Transfer each disk (with the carton still attached) to a chilled plate and quickly place it in the freezer until you're ready for the next step. Tip: To slice a pint of ice cream in half, use a serrated knife to lightly score the container around the middle. Then warm the knife under hot water and slice through the ice cream.
2. Working with one ice-cream disk at a time, cut or peel away the container and insert a Popsicle stick halfway in on one side. If the ice cream is too solid, use a butter knife that's been dipped in warm water to start a hole for the Popsicle stick.
3. Using a warmed butter knife, your child can now trim the disk into a tree shape with the stick as the trunk. As soon as she's done, she should transfer each tree to the baking sheet and keep it in the freezer until the ice cream is very firm. Tip: To make smooth cuts when trimming the ice cream into a tree shape, use a butter knife dipped in hot water. Freeze the cut-away portions in an airtight container to serve on another occasion.
4. Now your child can use the assorted candies to decorate the trees any way she likes, again placing them on individual cold plates and keeping them in the freezer until serving time. Makes 4.