Easter Cookie Cups

It's that time of year when Spring beckons me outdoors and I lose a lot of interest in baking.  I have had a lot of activities pop-up this week and was surprised with a request for a dessert to take to Church.  I remembered a little recipe idea from the March/April issue of INSPIRED MAGAZINE that my son picked up at the local grocery store. 

The cookie cups are festive and easy to make.  The only problem was that I didn't realize the cups needed to cool before removing them from the pan.  That added a little extra prep time, but overall these treats were simple and delicious.

The children all nodded their approval through frosted mouthfuls.  That seals the deal for me! 

To make these treats you will need:

• 1 pouch Betty Crocker sugar cookie mix
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1 egg
• 1 container Betty Crocker whipped vanilla frosting (I used a can of cream cheese icing)
• a bag of Easter or small candies

Follow these easy directions to create your own Easter delights:

1.  Heat oven to 375 degrees.  In large bowl, stir cookie mix, softened butter, and egg until soft dough forms.  I added a little nutmeg for spice, but that is not included in the original recipe.  Shape dough into small balls; place in ungreased mini muffin cups.

2.  Bake 9 to 11 minutes or until edges are light golden brown.  Immediately, press an indention into each with the end of a spoon.  I used my fingers, but beware that it might burn a little.  Cool completely in pan, about 30 minutes.  Remove from the pan.

3.  Spoon frosting or pipe into the cookie shells.  Decorate the cookies with candies!

I am going to use these for other holidays or special occasions.  What do you think about graduations or school functions where you use m&m's in the school colors?

KA-BLOOM!

Today is the first day of Spring!  CELEBRATE!

We have been anticipating this day since the Christmas garlands and bulbs were packed away.  A few snowflakes here and there were a delight, but the bitter cold seemed determined to stay and refused to go away.  Freezing was the only word to describe our weather in this part of Nebraska.

The children and I have been cooped up way too much and we have been counting down the days until it was officially Spring.  To embrace the change of seasons and express our gratitude for warmer days, we crafted with flower blooms.  It brings new meaning to the phrase "Flower Power". 

"Ka-Bloom Into Spring" was our mantra as we sifted through discarded artificial flowers and dotted our glue.  The children enjoyed this simple craft.  It brightened our day and cheered everyone up!

To make this fun craft, rummage through old artificial flowers or ask at a store if you can collect bits and pieces of flowers that fall in the aisle.  This technique works really well around Memorial Day when the stores are stuffed with flower arrangements.  I save them the effort of cleaning up and collect neat blooms to use for decorations or crafts. 

What are you doing to celebrate Spring?