Hostess Jo: Snow Day

It is supposed to snow today here in Alabama! That means the whole state shuts down. And that means children are out of school. Before the snow arrives you might be looking for ways to entertain the young ones. Here are a few to help you out.

Crafts are always a fun way to pass the time. This snowman craft won't melt away when the other snow does.

Melty the Snowman

Materials

White and colored felt
Tacky glue
White pom-pom
Black puffy paint
Craft foam (for nose)
Twigs (for arms)

Instructions

Cut a puddle shape from white felt and use tacky glue to attach a white pom-pom to the top.
With black puffy paint, add eyes, a mouth, and buttons. Glue on a craft foam nose and twig arms.
Wrap a felt scarf around Melty's neck and glue it in place.

Treats are another way to get creative and entertain the kids. There are several cute snowman recipes on the web. Here is one of my faves.

Snowman Cups

2 pkg. (3.9 oz. each) JELL-O Chocolate Instant Pudding

1 qt. (4 cups) cold milk

20 OREO Cookies, crushed (about 2 cups), divided

2 cups thawed COOL WHIP Whipped Topping

Assorted decorating gels

BEAT pudding mixes and milk with whisk 2 min. Let stand 5 min. Stir in 1 cup cookie crumbs.

SPOON remaining cookie crumbs into 10 (6- to 7-oz.) paper or plastic cups; cover with pudding mixture.

DROP spoonfuls of **COOL WHIP onto desserts to resemble snowmen. Decorate with gels for the eyes, noses and scarves.

**Instead of cool whip, you could also use marshmallows**

You can't have a snow day without everyone's favorite winter beverage: hot chocolate! Here is a delicious twist on the original.

Hot Caramel Chocolate

Ingredients

1/3 cup sugar
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/3 cup water
6 milk-chocolate-covered round caramels
6 cups milk, half-and-half, or light cream
Whipped cream (optional)
Milk chocolate-covered and/or candy-coated round caramels (optional)

Directions

In a large saucepan combine sugar, cocoa powder, and water. Cook and stir over medium heat until sugar is dissolved. Add candies; cook and stir until melted. Stir in milk. Heat through. Pour into mugs; top with whipped cream and additional caramel candies. Makes 6 servings.

Hope you are keeping warm wherever you are!