(BPT) - 'Tis the season for baking and crafting — the perfect ways to feel festive and bond with loved ones of all ages. From trying new recipes to creating crafts that will be cherished for years to come, plan a date for some holiday fun and let the memory-making with friends and family begin!
These five festive projects will inspire laughter and good cheer while helping you mark the season with togetherness:
PEEPS Snowy S’mores
Classic s'mores get a holiday makeover with a tasty and adorable twist thanks to PEEPS(R) marshmallow and its fun seasonal shapes. Just follow the simple instructions and everyone will enjoy a delicious treat. Don't forget to make a few extras to give away! See instructions below:
Curated by Good Housekeeping magazine on behalf of PEEPS(R)
Servings: 3 Prep time: 5 minutes Cook time: less than 1 minute
Ingredients
9 ct. pack of PEEPS(R) Marshmallow Snowmen
9 graham cracker squares
1 pack of mini candy canes
6 chocolate squares
Directions
1. Turn on the oven broiler and place the oven rack in the center of the oven. Line a baking sheet with foil.
2. Break the graham cracker and the chocolate bars into squares.
3. Arrange six graham cracker squares on the baking sheet and top each with a square of chocolate. Place a PEEPS(R) Marshmallow Snowman on top of each chocolate.
4. Place the tray in the oven for 35 seconds. Check to see how toasted the Snowmen are — they should be slightly puffed, looked melted around the sides, and begin to form a golden-brown crust on top. If they don't look melted enough, leave them in for another 5 to 10 seconds. Keep a very close eye on them and use extreme caution when broiling PEEPS(R) and pulling them out of the hot oven.
5. Remove the tray from the oven and immediately begin to build the PEEPS(R) Snowy S’mores by stacking two melted PEEPS(R) topped graham crackers.
6. Finish off with a clean graham cracker and top off with a PEEPS(R) Marshmallow Snowman. Adhere the Snowman to the top of the graham cracker with a dab of melted chocolate, and then adhere the candy cane to his hand with chocolate — to appear as if the Snowman is holding the candy cane.
7. Break up a candy cane and sprinkle bits to the melted chocolate and PEEPS(R) Marshmallow Snowman.
8. Make sure to enjoy while the treat is still warm!
Gratitude tree
The family tree gets a thoughtful update in this project that serves as a reminder of what matters most during the holiday season. Use cardboard or poster board to cut out a tree trunk and branches to hang on the wall. Then cut out leaf shapes with construction paper and ask each person to write down what they are grateful for. Then share with each other before adhering the leaves on the branches to create a one-of-a-kind family tree. For a holiday theme, place an evergreen tree on the wall and decorate with paper ornaments with notations of gratitude instead.
Hand-print wreath
Every person is unique and so is the size and shape of their hand. Outline each person's hand on green felt and cut out individually. Then use glue to adhere the hands together in a circle shape to create a wreath, adding in a few red circles for berries or a bow if you desire. Alternatively get a white canvas and green acrylic paint from the local craft store. Gather everyone and paint the palms and underside of fingers and press each family member's hand firmly on the canvas to create various prints in a beautiful wreath shape.
Cup of joy
Want a simple project that is as much fun to create as it is to give? From neighbors and the mail-carrier to teachers and school friends, it's easy to show you care when you create a treat that lets everyone enjoy a cup of joy. Simply get packets of classic hot chocolate and PEEPS(R) marshmallow in seasonal shapes like gingerbread men, snowmen and holiday trees. Tie together with a bow and add a tag with a holiday greeting or fun saying like, "You're our favorite 'PEEP'le, thanks for being great neighbors!"
Salt-dough ornaments
Kids love to play with clay, so they certainly will enjoy creating salt-dough ornaments. All you need is flour, salt and water to get started. Look up "salt dough ornament recipe" on the internet and you'll find quick and easy recipes. Traditionally, you'll roll out dough and cut with cookie cutters before baking and painting. You can also make three-dimensional ornaments like snowmen or people, too. Get creative by using household utensils like a garlic press to create hair or beards.
Spending time with loved ones is the best part of the holidays. Let these five DIY activities inspire your friends and family to get together and feel the joy of the season.
