Making Gifts with Kids

Perfect for teachers, coaches and tutors, these gifts are a great way for you and your kids to say thank you.

Gifts don’t get much sweeter than a box of homemade candy. Perfect for teachers, coaches and tutors, these gifts are a great way for you and your kids to say thank you. One stop at the supermarket will supply everything you need. Assemble bowls of ingredients on the table and let the kids go. Pack the finished confections in festive tins or boxes. The hardest part is not nibbling away at the goodies.

Sugarplums
Place 1 cup each of dried date pieces and golden raisins in a food processor. Add ½ cup each dried cherries, apricots, white chocolate chips and walnuts. Pulse several times to chop coarsely. Add 1 tablespoon orange juice and pulse until mixture holds together. Form into 1-inch balls and roll in 1⁄3 cup granulated or turbinado sugar. Cover and refrigerate until firm. Makes 36 balls.

Peppermint Bark
Line a large baking sheet with foil. Place 2 cups of semisweet chocolate chips in a small heatproof bowl set on top of a pot of hot water. Melt chocolate, stirring often. Spread over foil about ¼-inch thick. Refrigerate until firm. Place 2 cups of white chocolate chips in a small heatproof bowl set on top of a pot of hot water. Melt chocolate, stirring often. Pour over chilled dark chocolate. Sprinkle ½ cup crushed peppermint candy on top. Refrigerate until firm. Break into irregular pieces. Makes about 24 pieces.

Dipped Delights
Place 1 cup of white or dark chocolate chips in a small heatproof bowl set on top of a pot of hot water. Melt chocolate, stirring often. Dip a selection of cookies, pretzels, dried apricots, dates and figs into the chocolate. Place on baking sheet lined with wax paper. While the chocolate is still soft, dip in chopped pistachios or toasted walnuts. Let cool.

Helen Wolt is a freelance food writer in Colorado Springs, Colo.

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