Chocolate Bread Men

In anticipation of my sons upcoming birthday party in August I have started to prepare.  I came across this chocolate bread men recipe which turned out to be a nice alternative to gingerbread men.  I hope you enjoy. xxx

Ingredients

Bakers flour 1kg

Butter 420g

Sugar 360g

Egg yolk 80g

Bicarbonate of soda 15g

Cocoa powder 40g

Golden syrup 180g

Method

Preheat oven to 200 degrees.  Beat the eggs, sugar and butter in a large bowl until creamy.  Add all other ingredients and mix for 10 minutes.  Tip the dough onto a floured bench top and shape into a ball.  Briefly knead the dough and then let rest for 10 minutes.  Toll out he dough until it is 5 millimetres thick.  Cut into the desire shapes, place onto a baking tray and bake for 15-20 minutes.  Cool on wire rack.  Enjoy plain or top your chocolate bread men with your favourite icings and candy decorations.

From Wallaby Bakers Flour

Play dough

One of the best and cheapest activities for kids is play dough.  I know it was something I loved as a child and it is something my son loves.  Play dough is something very cheap and easy to make and lasts for a long time if stored correctly.  Relive some of your childhood memories by making a batch or two.

PS It also makes a great party activity or take home gift.

Play Dough

2 cups of plain flour

4 tbs cream of tartar

2 tbs cooking oil

1 cup of salt

food colouring

2 cups of water

Mix the ingredients in a saucepan, stir over medium heat for 3-5 minutes or until the mixture congeals.
Store in airtight containers or bags and place in the fridge when not in use.

Sock Toys

I am a fan of making toys for my kids but have to admit that my toys normally consist of glue, paint etc because I can not use a sewing machine.  However when I was watching The Martha Stewart Show the other day I came across Knitwits.  These are sock toys made by New York based Quentin Webb.  They are very cute each with their own character and are easy to make.  I might have to get my needle and thred out and give it a go.  Go to Martha Stewart for instructions.  Let your imagination run wild!
On the same theme of sock fun, if you would like to start slow and make sock MP3 holders go to Little Miss Matched for full instructions.