Valentines Day treats for kids

[leightx]

I'm looking to make something for the kids Valentines party at schools (why do I do this to myself??? :rolleyes: ). I have little treat bags with hearts on them, and my original idea was to make rice crispy treats with red and pink sprinkles, and cut them out with heart cookie cutters. Then I decided that even that sounded like too much work (I would need at least 50 of them, for the 2 kids, teachers, etc - so a triple batch).

I'm thinking some kind of snack mix type thing would be good - something like that Halloween bark that Val posted. Could that somehow be adapted for Valentine's? I can't think of a candy that would take the place of the candy corn, and look sufficiently Valentiney. Any other ideas?

[caseyconor]

could you sub the necco hearts with sayings on them for the candy corn?

[acginkc]

I have grounded myself from the seasonal candy aisle this year because I can easily spend $20 on seasonal candy (God forbid I have to wait a whole year to get those taffy like mint things at christmas).

Anyways, if I remember correctly, if you go to a big store (target, etc) they have heart shaped candies that are a similar consistency to the candy corns (and I think they are made with real honey too). Also, some kids really like those little cinnamon hearts that are a V-day staple. Good luck and bless you for taking on this job.

[tamawrite]

I think Candy Corn has adapted. I seem to recall having seen red, pink, & white ones near V-Day last year...And green, pink, and yellow ones at Easter...And red, white, and green ones at Christmas...

Does anyone else remember this? Am I hallucinating?

[Kathy B]

This is a good snack mix for kids, and you could easily add Valentine M&M's to it or sub them for the chocolate chips. You can omit the nuts if you prefer.


S'more Mix

2 c. Golden Grahams
1 c. mini marshmallows
1 c. nuts (optional)
1/2 c. chocolate chips
1/2 c. raisins

Makes 4-5 cups

Easy to double or triple, and you can add seasonal M&M's to dress it up for a party.

[Chocolate Rose]

Originally posted by leightx
I can't think of a candy that would take the place of the candy corn, and look sufficiently Valentiney. Any other ideas?
Don't M&Ms have Valentines colors at this time of the year?? Or, maybe I'm hallucinating??

[Kathy B]

Originally posted by Chocolate Rose

Don't M&Ms have Valentines colors at this time of the year?? Or, maybe I'm hallucinating??

Yup, they do....

Valentine M&M's (http://us.mms.com/us/baking/holidays/)

[leightx]

That snack mix might just work - thanks Kathy.

I'd use other valentines candy (M&M's, candy hearts) for the Halloween bark, but I think the candy corn was kind of melty in there?? I don't know, as I haven't actually made it yet. I'll have to look at that recipe again...

Hmmm...now that I think about it, those pretzel rings with the rolos and M&M's on top would be really cute too...

[merley]

I saw the pink , white and red candy corn last week at the market. I almost bought it but I resisted. I'll only end up eating it if the kids don't.

You can also buy pink and white kisses, to make the pretzel things. The kisses are strawberry flavor. They have them at Target.

[annagins]

Leigh,

I think the Halloween bark would look really neat in your treat bags. Here's the recipe again with a few subs you could make.

For Oreos, use H.E.B. cherry sandwich cookies
Candy Corn, use the pink kind (if you can find it!)
Change sprinkle colors
For drizzle, use pink candy melts. Or vice versa. Use pink candy melts for the white chocolate and use white chocolate for the drizzle.



Howlin' Candy Corn Cookie Bark

Recipe By :
Serving Size : 20 Preparation Time :0:00
Categories : Desserts

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
16 Halloween oreos -- chopped SUB H.E.B. brand cherry sandwiches
1 1/2 cups mini pretzels broken in pieces
12 oz. white chocolate chips
2 c candy corn (or to taste) SUB pink candy corn
brown and orange colored sprinkles SUB valentine's colored sprinkles

Spread cookies and pretzels into a 13 x 9-inch rectangle on lightly greased baking sheet; set aside.

Place chocolate in small heavy saucepan on very low heat; stir constantly just until melted.

Drizzle melted chocolate immediately over cookie mixture, spreading with spatula to coat evenly. Top with candy corn and colored sprinkles. Lightly press candy into mixture.

Cool until firm. Break into pieces. Store in airtight container.


How To : Melt Chocolate in Microwave: Microwave white chocolate in microwavable bowl on HIGH 2 minutes. Remove from oven. Stir until completely melted.

[annagins]

One drawback about the bark is that in my experience, adults have liked it more than children. It hasn't been gobbled up like the other snacks. Same goes with a few other things I've tried involving pretzels and melted chocolate.

[MISSINDI]

I'm looking for ideas for treats to make for my son's (toddler) class as well. You might want to look here (http://familyfun.go.com/recipes/special/specialfeature/valentines_mgi_ms/) and here (http://familyfun.go.com/recipes/special/specialfeature/valentines_food_ms/) .

[MISSINDI]

Cute and easy.

http://familyfun.go.com/Resources/Features/recipes/special/0203_tiny_hearts.jpg

Love can be bitter, or love can be sweet. This valentine, a neatly packaged sentiment containing a handful of sugary treats, is most assuredly the latter. Designed, packaged, and labelled by FamilyFun readers (The Grahams) from Pleasant Grove, Utah, this card is perfect for classmates. For the labels, the Graham kids (Melody and Elise) use rubber stamps on card stock, then fill small plastic bags with valentine candies and staple them closed.

[MISSINDI]

Great, now I'm only making MY decision harder. How adorable are these?

http://familyfun.go.com/Resources/Features/recipes/special/0203_fudge.jpg

If your child's tongue-tied when it comes to expressing his feelings, let this microwave fudge do the talking. The recipe's simple enough for older kids to make themselves and yields 64 bite-size pieces--plenty for a classroom party.

1. Line an 8-inch square pan with aluminum foil. Set aside.

2. In a medium-size, microwave-safe bowl, combine the dark chocolate layer ingredients. Microwave the mixture on high at 30-second intervals until the chocolate is melted (about a minute), stirring at each interval. When the mixture's smooth, use a spatula to spread it evenly into the prepared pan.

3. In another medium-size microwave-safe bowl, combine the white chocolate layer ingredients. Repeat the melting process as described in step 2, but stir at 20-second intervals, as white chocolate tends to scorch easily. Spread the white chocolate evenly over the dark chocolate layer.

4. While the fudge is still warm, use a knife to gently score it into 1-inch squares, then put a candy heart on top of each square.

5. Chill the fudge uncovered in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or until firm. Lift the foil to remove the fudge from the pan and place the whole hunk of fudge on a cutting board. Use a large knife (a parent's job) to cut apart the squares, then peel off the foil from the bottom.

6. Place each fudge square into a foil bonbon cup or mini muffin cup. Center the cup on a cellophane square and wrap it as shown on page 53, using 1-inch pieces of pipe cleaner to secure the ends. Makes 64 bite-size pieces. Store at room temperature or in the refrigerator for added firmness.

[MISSINDI]

http://familyfun.go.com/Resources/craftimages/plane.jpg

Step 1: Thread the rubber band through the holes of two Life Savers, then balance the roll of Smarties between them, across the rubber band.

Step 2: For wings, balance the stick of gum on top, perpendicular to the Smarties, and pull the rubber band up and over each side of the gum to hold it all in place.

Step 3: Decorate the wings with tiny heart-shaped stickers or a message.

Tips:
If smaller fingers are having trouble with all that balancing and stretching, have one person hold the candy in place while another works the rubber band up and over the gum.

[MISSINDI]

http://familyfun.go.com/Resources/Features/recipes/special/0203_rocket.jpg

Blast-off Rocket Candy Card

Your child will lift his classmates' spirits into the stratosphere with this valentine made from a Hershey's Kiss and Life Savers candy. Cupid's Tip: Write the recipient's name on the flames shooting out the back.

MATERIALS
Scissors
Lightweight colored paper for the body and the flame (we used a 3 1/4-inch pink square for the body and a 3-inch orange square for the flame)
Double-stick tape
A roll of round candies (we used Life Savers candy)
A foil-wrapped Hershey's Kiss
Marker

DIRECTIONS
1. For the body, cut the paper to fit around the roll of candy, including a bit of overlap. Tape the paper to the roll.

2. Cut the tail flames and include a 1/4-inch tab, as shown below. Snip the tab in half along the solid line, fold the 2 flaps in opposite directions, and tape the flame to one end of the candy roll.

3. Tape a wrapped chocolate kiss to the other end.

4. Use a marker to write your message on the rocket or the flames.

[MISSINDI]

http://familyfun.go.com/Resources/Features/recipes/special/0203_krispy.jpg

Sweet Hearts
This colorful new twist on a classic treat is a great gift for your child to give to anyone she's sweet on this February 14.

1. To begin, lightly coat a 10- by 15-inch baking sheet with cooking spray and set it aside.

2. Melt the margarine in a large pot over low heat. Add the marshmallows, stirring them continuously until they melt. Remove the pan from the heat. Stir in drops of red food coloring until the color receives a thumbs-up from the chef.

3. Add the Rice Krispies, stirring until they are evenly coated with marshmallow. Spoon the mixture onto the baking sheet.

4. With waxed paper (or lightly buttered hands), smooth out the mixture, spreading it to an even thickness.

5. Cut out hearts with the cookie cutter. Place each heart in a clear plastic bag, tie on a yarn bow, and they're ready for giving. Makes seven 5-inch hearts.

[MISSINDI]

http://familyfun.go.com/Resources/Cakes/recipes/special/ff0205-ej-cupid-cupcake.jpg

Step 1:
Frost a cupcake (baked from your favorite recipe) with pink- or peach-tinted frosting.

Step 2:
For wings, use kitchen shears to cut a large marshmallow in half vertically, then snip each half widthwise a few times for a feathery look. Press a thin pretzel stick against the sticky side of each marshmallow half, then stick the pretzels into the cupcake.

Step 3:
Press a handful of crisped rice cereal along the top of the cupcake for Cupid's curly locks, then add a decorators' gel mouth and eyes. Finally, set a candy heart in place and pipe on frosting fingers, if you like.

[Tiger]

Originally posted by annagins
One drawback about the bark is that in my experience, adults have liked it more than children.

I've found that too. Not really a big hit with kids for some reason. Now I only make it when I know there will be adults there that will gobble it up. ;)

I think I'm just going to do rice krispy treats with pink food coloring in the marshmallow part. Add some valentine M&M's also. If you double the recipe and use a large jelly roll pan and a small heart cookiecutter you can make plenty. Last year Rice Krispy's had a seasonal cereal that was 1/2 pink krispys.

Also last year my son's friend and I got sick eating the "leftovers" so be careful! :D

[imloulou]

Remember the pretzel treats from Christmas? (The ones from FamilyFun magazine):

Pretzel Treats (http://jas.family.go.com/Family/cookbook.app?&page=ShowRecipe&recipeID=41019)

There are Valentine M&M's out now and Hershey's has a Strawberry and Creme Kiss out.

I wonder if the Strawberry kiss would taste as good as the chocolate or hugs? These were a big hit at Christmas.

[Tizzylish]

My DD is in kindergarten, so we are going to either glue these little gnomes to all of the Valentine envelopes, or make the lollipops, quick and easy! I wanted to do the brownies, but since they are having a party and brownies will be there already, I'll do a little candy attached to the card. :D

http://familyfun.go.com/Resources/craftimages/0105_gnomekiss_main.gif

http://jas.familyfun.go.com/crafts?page=CraftDisplay&craftid=11163

http://familyfun.go.com/Resources/craftimages/lolliflower.jpg

http://jas.familyfun.go.com/crafts?page=CraftDisplay&craftid=10520

http://www.brightideas.com/valentines/images/large_481.jpg

http://www.brightideas.com/valentines/recipes/r_481_1.jsp

[leightx]

Originally posted by imloulou
Remember the pretzel treats from Christmas? (The ones from FamilyFun magazine):

Pretzel Treats (http://jas.family.go.com/Family/cookbook.app?&page=ShowRecipe&recipeID=41019)

There are Valentine M&M's out now and Hershey's has a Strawberry and Creme Kiss out.

I wonder if the Strawberry kiss would taste as good as the chocolate or hugs? These were a big hit at Christmas.

Yep - I saw those at Target today, and picked up a bag. Hopefully they're good! I'm thinking those, with the valentines M&M's on top would be really cute.

[Apricot]

This is a great place to start but does anyone have other cute ideas to add to this thread? I'll watch with great interest as I'm making treats for 2 preschool classrooms and I'd like to put something cute in with the cards (given that I have enough time-my son's bday is the day after and we'll be having guests the week of).

[leightx]

Gee - I'd love to help but can't remember what the heck I wound up making!! :rolleyes: :p I know we made digital scrapbooky valentines with the kids' pictures.

Family Fun has all kinds of cute ideas, but this year my kids just wanted to do plain store-bought valentines. Sheesh. I thought I raised them better than that!

[misskitty100]

Another idea similar to rice crispy treats would be popcorn balls. You could tint the syrup pink or instead just add little pink/red candies. You could also make a popcorn cake too.

[misskitty100]

Another idea would be to buy various Valentine-ish gummy candy from the bulk candy area of the store and thread them onto skewers. Put one skewer into a cellophane bag and tie with a ribbon.

[southjerseymom]

We have a state mandated nutrition policy in effect and are very limited to what we can provide as treats. Valentine's Day is tough! There are so many cute treat ideas. There are healthy snacks like fruit and dip but come on! It's one day! I love to be creative with the Valentines, but we're not allowed! Anybody have suggestions? I'm in a slump. No licorice, taffy, smarties, gummy bears or candy corn type candy is permitted at all.

[slknight]

For anyone thinking about using marshmallows for treats and adding food coloring, you don't need to do that anymore. They now sell pink marshmallows. I saw them at Target yesterday. Very cute!

Southjerseymom - there are a couple of cute ideas on the Family Fun website that are not food. There's one where you make heart-shaped home-made playdough. There's another where you melt down crayon pieces into heart-shapes. I can find the links for you later if you want.There's also one where you wrap up bananas.

ETA: here are some links:

Banana Valentine (http://jas.familyfun.go.com/arts-and-crafts?page=CraftDisplay&craftid=11582)

Crayone Hearts (http://jas.familyfun.go.com/arts-and-crafts?page=CraftDisplay&craftid=11585)

I can add more links later.

[misskitty100]

Hmmm.....I don't know about the banana:p but that crayon heart is really cute!!

southjerseymom - I know how hard it can be! DS school does not allow candy, anything frosted or anything homemade. I think I will try to do the crayon hearts if I can get a heart shaped muffin tin before the 14th.

[leightx]

Our school had the same policy for half the year last school year, and it made things really tricky. It might have been a state-wide thing, I'm not sure. Either way, it was changed half-way through the year, and we're now able to celebrate birthdays and holidays with something other than fruit. :rolleyes:

I understand the logic, but birthday fruit kabobs just don't hold the same appeal.

[patissac]

I'm looking to make something for the kids Valentines party at schools (why do I do this to myself??? :rolleyes: ). I have little treat bags with hearts on them, and my original idea was to make rice crispy treats with red and pink sprinkles, and cut them out with heart cookie cutters. Then I decided that even that sounded like too much work (I would need at least 50 of them, for the 2 kids, teachers, etc - so a triple batch).

I'm thinking some kind of snack mix type thing would be good - something like that Halloween bark that Val posted. Could that somehow be adapted for Valentine's? I can't think of a candy that would take the place of the candy corn, and look sufficiently Valentiney. Any other ideas?

I'm surprised no one's mentioned that Rice Crispies has 2 new berry flavors. I bought both kinds since they were on sale and kept them in mind for Valentines day. One has dehydrated strawberries in them, giving it nice flecks of pink. The other has a triple berry flavor that has purple,pink and white colored crispies.

I do agree that the bark might be a bit too much or perhaps too rich for the kids? If you do choose to go that route, out of desperation last week I made some "Everything but the Kitchen sink" bark. I melted semi sweet chocolate and white bark (you can dye that red or pink come to think of it) then I added teddy grahams,rasinis,pretzels,peanuts, and marshmellows into the dark chocolate. Layed it out on a wax paper and swirled in the melted white bark...mmmmm good!

Also one thing that came to mind was and don't ban me....but Sandra Lee on FDTV has these amazing Boston Creme cupcakes. It has a ganache frosting and you can top each one with a conversation heart. I did those for Christmas but used little gingerbread men from Wilton.

One more thing! I made some chocolate and white chocolate covered pretzel wands for a party recently. I sprinkled little candies and hearts on them. I got the hearts in the $1 section at Target. They were so cute and the kids loved them. I did find the pretzel rod wrappers on ebay for dirt cheap too.

[patissac]

Hmmm.....I don't know about the banana:p but that crayon heart is really cute!!

southjerseymom - I know how hard it can be! DS school does not allow candy, anything frosted or anything homemade. I think I will try to do the crayon hearts if I can get a heart shaped muffin tin before the 14th.


Same here, DD's school does not allow homemade treats to be given to the kids. So I have to be creative with what I can get. I do actually like the banana idea, thats cute.

[lwright]

I also live in Southern New Jersey, where we are not permitted to bring anything to school parties that has sugar (or a derivative) as the first ingredient. I'm struggling to think of some ideas for this year that the kids won't leave on their plates.

What I've come up with so far:
a cereal or snack mix, with a few Valentine M and M's mixed in
sugar-free angel food cake with (or without) fruit
red grapes
strawberries dipped in a little bit of chocolate

I also decided to bring a goodie bag for the Halloween party last year. The kids enjoyed that. I went to the dollar store and bought whatever came cheap and in multi-packs...Halloween pencils, erasers, stencils, stickers, etc. You could do the same for Valentine's Day.

[patissac]

I also live in Southern New Jersey, where we are not permitted to bring anything to school parties that has sugar (or a derivative) as the first ingredient. I'm struggling to think of some ideas for this year that the kids won't leave on their plates.

What I've come up with so far:
a cereal or snack mix, with a few Valentine M and M's mixed in
sugar-free angel food cake with (or without) fruit
red grapes
strawberries dipped in a little bit of chocolate

I also decided to bring a goodie bag for the Halloween party last year. The kids enjoyed that. I went to the dollar store and bought whatever came cheap and in multi-packs...Halloween pencils, erasers, stencils, stickers, etc. You could do the same for Valentine's Day.

I too brought in goodie bags for Halloween. I made these little coffins out of Black paper bags (off the Martha Stewart website) and filled them with play dough, coupons for Mcdonalds(for apple dippers and cookies), microwave popcorn and stickers.

[southjerseymom]

Thanks so much for the suggestions, everyone! LOVE the link to Family Fun. I'm going to print a copy of the fruit favors for the school nurse and some of the other teachers. What a great idea!!! Went to Target today. For $6.99 I got 35 little tubs of play-doh that my DD will pass out as Valentines. It comes with To/From stickers you can fill out and stick on the lid.

For the party we're going to play Valentine's Bingo( I'm using the fruity cheerios with 25% less sugar, as markers) and playing a game, "Throw a Smile". The kids sit in a circle, one child is "It". "It" is the only one who can smile. Everyone else must remain expressionless. Anyone who smiles or laughs is out. "It" looks around the circle and says, " I'm throwing my smile to ----", and then that child becomes the next "it", and so forth until it's down to one person or we tire of it. I thought it sounded cute for first graders. Everyone will get a Valentine themed eraser for a prize.

For food it's fruit, pretzels, some sort of treat and Juicy Juice juice boxes.

I think that's all we'll have time for. This is a fun party to plan. Just a little more challenging with the food restriction!