by Michelle Ann Anderson

February is the perfect month to create special treats for (or with!) your little sweeties.

Cinnamon Crispies 

These crunchy little goodies are so easy to make even preschoolers will have fun making them. 

 Ingredients:

6-8 flour tortillas

cinnamon sugar

Directions:

Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan.  Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.  Coat a baking sheet with cooking spray; set aside.

Step 2: Cut Tortillas. Cut tortillas into chips using a heart sized cookie cutter.  Place in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.  Spray with cooking spray.  Bake for 7-10 minutes, flipping halfway through baking, or until crispy.

Step 3:  Season & Serve. Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar while still hot.  Serve immediately.

 Cook’s Note: These are terrific served with flavored whipped cream cheese for dipping.

Raspberry Soda 

This is a fun after school snack that’s super easy to make.

Ingredients:

1 cup frozen raspberries

1/4 cup water

1 tablespoon powdered sugar

2 cups vanilla ice cream

4 cups club soda

Directions:

Step 1: Puree Raspberries. Place raspberries, water and sugar in a blender; puree.

Step 2: Assemble and Serve. Place 1/2 cup ice cream into 4 tall glasses; top ice cream with an even amount of raspberry puree.  Fill glasses with club soda and serve.

Cook’s Note:  To make this an extra special treat, top with sweetened whipped cream, a few frozen raspberries and a sprig of mint.

Chocolate Dipped Cookie Pops 

Everyone’s favorite sandwich cookie gets special treatment in this recipe.

Ingredients:

8 popsicle sticks

8 double stuffed sandwich cookies

1 (12 ounce) bag milk chocolate chips

Possible Toppings:

Valentine’s Day sprinkles

Chopped nuts

Cinnamon hard candies

Cinnamon gummy candies

Shredded coconut

Directions:

Step 1: Prepare Pan. Cover a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil; set aside.

Step 2: Prepare Cookies. Insert a popsicle stick into each cookie; set aside.

Step 3: Melt Chocolate. Place chocolate chips in a microwave safe bowl; heat on high until chips are melted, for 1 minute or longer.  Stir until smooth.

Step 4: Dip Cookie Pops. Dip each cookie in the chocolate, turning until well-coated.  Sprinkle with your favorite toppings and place onto prepared pan; place in freezer until chocolate is firm.  Enjoy!

Cook’s Note:  Fill a clean flower pot with dried beans or rice and “plant” each cookie pop for a fun presentation.v

Besides her two favorite jobs of wife and mom, Michelle Ann Anderson is also a freelance writer, enjoys public speaking, writing cookbooks and sharing her love of food with those around her. (www.MichelleAnnAnderson.com)