Kid-Friendly Kitchen Creations
By Nancy Finch, Food Columnist

And then the day comes in the summer when the wail is heard, "What can we do?"

Or, the family has gone to the beach or to a vacation cottage — maybe you’re in a camper — and it rains, it rains and it rains. Then the mother wails, "What am I to do?," aside from saying, "forget this, let’s go home!"

To the rescue: the kitchen!

Nana Pops are easy "make-your-own" popsicles. The trick was trying to find popsicle sticks. If you aren’t successful, use wooden skewers, two to a popsicle. They serve the purpose of a popsicle holder just fine, and they’re a lot easier to find.

And there is that old faithful many of us tried for a first "cooking" experience — Rice Krispie Candy. But we’re suggesting a new twist — colored and flavored.

Even little ones can dip marshmallows in chocolate to make Marshmallow Truffles, licking fingers all along the way.

Directions: Grease 15- by 10- by 1-inch pan. Microwave margarine in large microwavable bowl on high 45 seconds or until melted. Add miniature marshmallows. Toss to coat with margarine. Microwave on high 21/2 minutes or until smooth when stirred, stirring every minute. Stir in drink mix. Immediately add cereal, mix lightly until well-coated. Using greased spatula or waxed paper, press into prepared pan. Cool. Cut into squares or shapes with cookie cutters.

Top of Stove Method: Melt margarine in saucepan on low heat. Add marshmallows. Stir until marshmallows are melted and mixture is smooth. Remove from heat. Continue as directed.

Marshmallow Truffles
Ingredients

Directions: Arrange marshmallows on tray. Freeze 15 minutes. Microwave chips in microwavable bowl on high 2 to 21/2 minutes or until smooth when stirred, stirring every minute. Dip marshmallows into melted chocolate. Turn until coated. Roll in chopped nuts or sprinkles. Place on waxed paper-lined tray. Refrigerate or keep in cool, dry place. Makes about 3 dozen.