Ingredients

• 400g/14oz Christmas cake/chocolate cake/Vanilla cake
• 100g/3½oz Dark Chocolate
• 100g/3½oz White Chocolate
• Sprinkles and all things good for decorations

Preparation method

1. Break the Cake into pieces then whizz in the food processor for a few minutes to turn into crumbs.
2. Divide the mix into 12 and shape into balls. Place in the fridge for a couple of hours to firm up.
3. Melt the chocolates in separate bowls, over pans of simmering water or in a microwave.
4. Make a hole in each ball with a lolly stick, then dip the end of the stick in the melted chocolate and place back in the hole. Repeat with the other sticks and leave to set for about 30 minutes.
5. Re-melt the chocolate if necessary, then, using a teaspoon pour the chocolate over a cake pop, holding it over the bowl. Work quickly to get a smooth finish. Tap the cake pop on the side of the bowl to get rid of the excess chocolate, then stick into a piece of polystyrene or upturned colander while you coat the rest of the pops.
6. Once the chocolate has set slightly, but is still sticky, coat in sprinkles then leave to set completely.
7. Hand out to all Christmas visitors and watch the smiles on their faces as both adults and children enjoy this chocolatey treat!

Ingredients

• 125g/4½oz butter, softened
• 175g/6oz caster sugar
• 2 free-range eggs
• 200g/7oz self raising flour
• 2 tbsp cocoa powder
• 100ml/3½fl oz milk
• 100g/3½oz dark 70% cocoa solids chocolate, melted
• 2 tbsp Irish cream liqueur (optional for adults only!)

For the chocolate icing

• 50g dark chocolate, chopped
• 3 tbsp double cream

To decorate

• giant chocolate buttons
• coated chocolates (such as Smarties or M&Ms)
• mini pretzels
• black writing icing
• mini marshmallows, sliced

Preparation method

1. Preheat the oven to 170C/325F/Gas 3. Line a 12-hole muffin tray with paper cases.
2. Beat the butter and sugar together until light and creamy. Gradually beat in the eggs until well combined. Sift in the flour and cocoa powder and mix until combined. Fold in the milk, melted chocolate and Irish cream liqueur, if using.
3. Spoon the mixture into the muffin cases and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until well risen and lightly firm to the touch. Remove the cakes from the tin and set aside to cool on a cooling rack.
4. For the icing, heat the chocolate and cream in a saucepan over a low heat until the chocolate has melted. Whisk the mixture until smooth and set aside to cool slightly.
5. To decorate the cupcakes, spread the icing over the top of the cupcakes. Spoon the remaining icing into an icing bag fitted with a small nozzle.
6. Press a chocolate button onto the cake as a nose, then stick a crisp-coated chocolate on top using a little icing. Stick on two slices of marshmallows as the eyes, and use the black writing icing for the pupils. Stick on the pretzels as the ears.
7. AND ENJOY!

This Christmas to prevent boredom over the holiday season try making some Christmas themed decorations! By using hands and feet you can create friendly Christmas characters to decorate the house with….

Reindeer: To create a reindeer you will need…
1.      Card (two different colours)
2.      Large Googly Eyes
3.      Pom Poms
4.      Scissors
5.      Glitter

6.      And some Volunteers!

Step 1:

Start by making the reindeers head, cut the brown card, the shape should be a peanut shape, that’s slightly larger at the antler end.

Step 2:

Now you will need to borrow your children’s hands to make the reindeer antlers. Draw round your children’s hands onto a different colored card to form the antlers. Then cut out the hand shapes and glue them to the head of the reindeer. For a messier option you could use paint! Paint your chosen colour onto your children’s hands and print these onto card then cut out and stick to the reindeer head.

Step 3:

Finally customise your reindeer with pom poms for a nose and a pair of googly eyes. To take it to the next level add glitter glue and sequins

Now you can make lots of Christmas decorations, that document your children’s growth and creativity. Try making Christmas trees, turkeys, snowmen and of course Farther Christmas!