A rainy day like today definitely calls for some hot chocolate and major cuddle time on the couch with my kiddos and of course you can’t have hot chocolate without some yummy marshmallows to put into it.  Pinterest comes to the rescue again!  This recipe for homemade snowflake marshmallows looks like such a fun activity to do with the family.  I’m thinking instead of just snowflakes, I will let the kids do whatever shapes they want.  Thanks for the wonderful idea Martha Stewart!

Here’s what you need to do to make this:

• 2 envelopes (each 1 scant tablespoon) unflavored gelatin
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 2/3 cup light corn syrup
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• Vegetable-oil cooking spray (Use lots to cover everything from the utensils you use, to the cookie cutters, to the mixing bowl.  This mixture is really sticky!)

Here’s how to make it -> Snowflake Marshmallows Tutorial

There are just a few more days left in my kid’s winter break from school and they are so bored.  It is too cold and rainy to go outside and play which leaves them stuck in the house all day long.  If I have to break up one more fight I just might run away!   I need something to entertain them and maybe educate them a little along the way.  This sparkly explosion looks super fun.  They aren’t actually going to be cooking but they will still be practicing measuring and mixing while also learning about acids and bases and what sorts of things cause explosions.  Thanks for the idea Preschool Powol Packets!

Here’s the supplies you need:

• vase
• baking soda
• vinegar
• food coloring (we used neon red)
• blue glitter (this is very important, though you can use any color)
• pan to contain the mess

Here’s how to do it -> Sparkly Explosion Tutorial

Santa brought the kids a trampoline for Christmas, but the below freezing temperatures have kept the kiddos indoors most of the day.  With just over a week left on our Christmas break, I am in desperate need of some indoor activities to keep my kids entertained.  This glow in the dark silly putty just might do the trick!  Not only is it a great cooking experience, but it will also provide hours of fun.  Thanks for the idea Play at Home Mom!

Here’s what you need to make this:

• Glue
• Glow in the dark paint… we tried several.  So far glo away by Plaid gave the best glow.
• Liquid starch

Here’s how to make it -> Glow in the Dark Silly Putty

See more cooking with kids recipe ideas here–> Cooking with Kids Thursday