When the kids are home for Thanksgiving or winter break, why not get in the kitchen and whip up some holiday recipes together?
These are my ten favorite recipes for kids to make for the holidays.
1. Gingerbread Houses
Stephanie Gallagher
There's no need to bake gingerbread dough from scratch, cut out a template and wait overnight for your assembled house to dry.
These three easy options will give you the gingerbread house of your dreams without all the fuss.
2. Sugar Cookies
Stephanie Gallagher
They're the classic Christmas cookie -- and for good reason. These sugar cookies are as delicious as they are fun to make and decorate.
3. Candy Cane Cookies
Stephanie Gallagher
These cookies taste and smell like the holidays. And they're a snap to make, because they start with a sugar cookie mix.
4. Hot Chocolate
Stephanie Gallagher
Skip the powdered mixes and make your own hot chocolate. This recipe takes only five minutes, and it is so yummy!
5. Homemade Chocolate Chip Marshmallows
Stephanie Gallagher
You have never tasted a marshmallow until you've had a homemade marshmallow. And while regular homemade marshmallows are divine, these chocolate chip marshmallows take the whole experience to another level.
This recipe is surprisingly simple. Just make sure you have a good instant-read thermometer or candy thermometer.
Be aware: Kids need adult help with this recipe for pouring the sugar syrup into the mixing bowl.
6. Magic Reindeer Food
A two-minute recipe for a nice Christmas Eve snack for Rudolph and his friends. Even the littlest kids can whip this one up in minutes!7. Chocolate French Toast
Stephanie Gallagher
This recipe is the perfect way to start a relaxing day. Make this on Christmas morning, New Year's Day or anytime you want something extra special for breakfast.
8. Orange Creamsicle Smoothies
Stephanie Gallagher
Refreshing, quick, easy, healthy and delicious -- that's what these orange creamsicle smoothies are. They taste just like an orange creamsicle, and they're perfect to have for breakfast, a snack or dessert.
9. Mexican Wedding Cookies - Italian Wedding Cookies
Stephanie Gallagher
Who doesn't love playing with powdered sugar? With these Mexican wedding cakes (also sometimes called Russian tea cakes, Italian wedding cookies and snowballs), you can have your cakes and play with them, too!
(Okay, that was bad. Note to self: Go easy on the sugar before trying to write cute puns.)
10. Raspberry Cool Whip Jello Recipe
Stephanie Gallagher
Need something to take to a potluck or special dinner this holiday season? Bring these Cool Whip Jello dessert, and everyone will be dying to know the recipe. When you tell them the kids made it, they won't believe you.
If you're trying to avoid hydrogenated oils and trans fats, look for Tru-Whip -- an alternative to Cool Whip. It's available at Whole Foods Markets.
