December 16, 2009

Truly simple homemade apple-cinnamon ornaments

The word “homemade” this close to Christmas usually makes me run away screaming.

There’s just too much to get done before the 25th to home-make anything, right?
But alas, not when it comes to these yummy smelling homemade ornaments.

I have made these several times with my boys and in my pre-school classroom. The really are a snap. Plus, they smell divine and you can use them to trim a small tree for your kids, give them as present toppers for family gifts, or hang them in a window, bathroom or anywhere you want the scent of apple-cinnamon to linger.
And your kids can do every part of this themselves.

Here’s what you’ll need:

8 oz. jar of cinnamon.
1 jar of applesauce, (I buy the giant one because it never goes to waste in my house.)
waxed paper
cookie cutters
toothpicks

Pour half of the cinnamon into a bowl. (I start small and then see if attention span warrants making more.)

Add several tablespoons of applesauce & blend with a mixing spoon.
Continue adding more applesauce by tablespoons until you get a thick dough. Do not let it get too wet! It should be the consistency of sugar cookie dough.

Lightly dust a piece of waxed paper and the rolling pin with cinnamon.
Place the ball of dough in center of waxed paper and roll out to about 1/4 inch thick.

Cut out the designs with your cutters, dust spatula with cinnamon, and carefully lift designs and place on another piece of waxed paper.

Use a toothpick to create a hole.

Make sure the hole is big enough to run a piece of string through.

You can also use the toothpick to “write” the year, children’s names, or draw decorative elements onto the ornaments. Don’t try and drag the toothpick through the dough. Use dots to make any decorations or letters.

Let the ornaments dry for at least 24 hours or bake in a low oven to help them dry out.

And there ya have it.
A fun way to spend a freezing cold afternoon with your kiddos.
Now go buy some cinnamon!