Through 5 years of preschool, and now 3 years of elementary school, we have had the tradition of making frogs for our birthday snack. They are a compromise when it comes to what is acceptable to bring to school. Since no real baking or cooking is required, only assembling, I haven't met with any objections to the boys bringing these for snack. In fact, they seem to be a huge hit!
I usually make enough for two per classmate and several extras for teachers. So I made a batch of 62 frogs and here is what we needed. We used two packages of Oreos, and Nolan picked out the double stuf, but the regular work fine too. And one package of everything else you see above in the photos, plus I tablespoon of butter per square of chocolate you use.
I melted 5 squares of the semi sweet chocolate with 5 tablespoons of butter. (However, I think you could just use premade chocolate frosting or plain melted chocolate too. Its a very forgiving recipe.)
Next, on wax paper, Nolan set out the pretzels for the legs. Place them with the widest part or the two bows of the pretzel facing outward so that they have a small space in between them.
Then we take about a teaspoon of the sunbutter or peanut butter and spread it on the bottom of the Oreo cookie. Then dip the sunbuttered side of the cookie in the melted chocolate. Place the dipped cookie on the center of the legs (pretzels) and press down.
We leave the eyes for the last step. I use a toothpick to put two small dots of chocolate on the front of the cookie and place two mini-M & Ms on for the eyes. We leave them sit and harden and then carefully package them up for school!
The frogs this year were mostly done by Nolan. So they perhaps look a little messier than usual, but he was so proud of his work. He said he left a trail of frogs everywhere he went yesterday in school. The bucket came home empty, much like it does every year!
Those are so cute! [and even more fun cuz Nolan can make them himself!!!] I'm surprised they let you use peanut butter, though... that's a big no-no at the schools around here. And you know, it's HARD to find stuff without peanut butter in it!!!
ReplyDeleteHey Gitz, we used Sunbutter :) I guess I didn't explain that part of it very well. Its made from sunflower seeds and so far has been approved.
ReplyDeleteBut I think you could even make these for a kids snack, or a playdate project to keep kiddos entertained.
Nolan was really cute telling his dad last night the both Sara and Riley wished him a happy day :) He was beaming.
These are so cute!! AH! haha
ReplyDeleteI read the story about Nolan and the Sunburn from the previous post out loud to my older brothers. They thought it was adorable. Your son sounds like a truly unique little boy, you are so lucky to have him in your life.
Ummmm YUM! We can't bring homeade treats anymore at school though...how do you get around that? Is it b/c it's made with store stuff?? How fun! Kate wants a "frog" theme party--long story--but these would be fun for school.
ReplyDeleteBonnie, I haven't had a problem at all. All three of Nolan's teachers have been fine with the fact that its really just assembling store bought items more than anything. But definitely ask the teacher first :) That is so funny that Kate wants a frog party, these would even be a cute party activity, making frogs :)
ReplyDeleteSerendipity,
ReplyDeleteThats so funny you read it to your brothers :) Yep, that Nolan is one of a kind. And we are very blessed!
Nolan did a wonderful job!!! Congrats Nolan!! I just think those frogs are the greatest!!!
ReplyDeleteI hope no one kissed one cause you never know, it might turn into a beautiful Princess and then Nolan, or the person who kissed the frog, would have to marry her lol
Sheesh!
We used to have hot lunch day at school where they gave soup, a hot dog, with chips and donut.We'd also have fund raisers with picnic food you could buy. Then they passed some laws and now we are not allowed anything cooked at home. I guess all store bought products are fine. It sure puts a damper on the fun stuff at school.
We used to have food fests where people would bring their intl dishes and they would bring in tons of money but now it's all stopped.
Now we need new ideas.:)
Vic, I couldn't agree more. I too fear we will be unable to bring anything at all for snacks to share at some point, but I do know how pervasive allergies are these days. So you can't be too careful. We do need to think of some new ideas!
ReplyDeleteTHOSE ARE THE COOLEST!! Great job!
ReplyDeleteThanks Robynn!
ReplyDeleteMy grammas tulips were 2 - 21/2 feet deep to keep them from the frost and they came out every year looking so beautiful But I didn't plant mine that deep because here it isn't cold. I figured 12 inches should do it but the little guys smelled them out.lol
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea! I was just looking for an idea for Tucker's class on Friday! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteMy grand kids will love these. Thanks for the idea!!!
ReplyDeleteMissy, I hope you try them, they really do go over well, but you may have to ask at school first to be sure its okay :)
ReplyDeleteLibby, yes I bet the grandkids would love them :)
Oh, how fun! We will try these soon. Thanks so much for sharing. Happy Birthday to your little guy!
ReplyDeleteThanks Jill! Please do try them, they're so fun.
ReplyDeleteSoooo cute, Vicky. I think this counts as an "arts and crafts" project. :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks Julie. Sadly this is the extent of my crafting abilities, but I admire those that do craft so well :)
ReplyDelete2 birthdays so close. My goodness you must be a busy mum this time of year.
ReplyDeletethese frogs look great!!
Liss, Yup, way too busy :)
ReplyDelete