Cookie Clay Flowers

[45 Minutes]

Your child will truly enjoy the tactile experience of working with this edible clay. And whatever you create is "yummy" to eat!

You'll need:

• 1/4 cup butter or margarine, melted • 1/4 cup peanut butter • 2 Tbsp. unsweetened cocoa powder • 1-1/2 cups quick-cooking oats • 1 tsp. vanilla • 1/2 cup honey • sesame seeds • dash of cinnamon • 1/3 cup non-fat dry milk powder • raisins • shredded coconut • chopped nuts • 1/2 cup toasted wheat germ • pretzel sticks • waxed paper • spoon • saucepan • bowl • measuring spoons and cups

What to do:

1. Invite your child to help you measure the butter or margarine.
2. Then melt the butter and add it to the peanut butter.
3. Together, measure and stir in the honey and vanilla.
4. Let your child help add the oats, wheat germ, milk powder, cocoa, and cinnamon. Stir the mix well to make a thick dough.
5. If the dough is too wet, add a bit more dry milk powder. If it is too dry, add a bit more honey.
6. Show your child how to roll and mold the dough into "flowers." She can roll the shapes in the nuts, sesame seeds, or coconut.
7. Encourage your child to decorate the "flowers" with raisins and more nuts and to use a pretzel as a stem.
8. Eat as snacks or give as gifts. Teach your child this rhyme:

   I have a "yummy" gift for you.
   It's made of clay you eat.
   It's sent from me to you with love
   For a sweet and happy treat!

Let's Talk: Ideas to Explore Together.

• How does the clay feel when you roll and shape it?
• What foods did you use to decorate your special flower?
• What else would you like to make with your cookie clay?

Useful information:

While you are having fun together, your child is developing small muscle skills, language skills, and pre-math skills.