[cocotbo]

My son is at an age where he needs to reach out and touch everything and inevitably put it into his mouth. I realize that this is a developmental issue and that he’s just trying to learn more about his world. Since I don’t want to stifle that learning, I'd like to make my Christmas Tree decorations edible and toddler-safe.

I'm going to make Gingerbread Men, but I'd like to make it interesting with a little more variety in shapes and textures. Has anyone ever done this before? Do you have suggestions on other ornaments I might create?

[irishgal63]

that is a GREAT idea ! I had seen an article in a magazine quite awhile ago,
that in years past, 'they' used to put lighted candles on the Christmas tree ---
(& the occasional fire) ! I'm so glad 'we' don't do that anymore !

[cocotbo]

You know, some people still do that! Scary, isn't it?
So many homes burn down around the holidays - it really makes you count your blessings and watch your candles.

[irishgal63]

it is scary,but yet when I think about---I kinda get the urge
to laugh ! What also scares me, is the reports I've heard
about small appliances(on timers) that have caused house
fires !(coffeemakers,etc.)

[cocotbo]

I had another brainstorm for another edible ornament on the tree this year!
Rice Krispie Treat Snowballs! I'll make Ricke Krispie Treat balls and roll them in coconut. Still safe and nothing my little on can choke on! - and it should mix things up a little with those gingerbread men.

[irishgal63]

sound GOOD ! I've always loved anything with coconut !
Is it possible to add red or green food coloring to this recipe ?
(by the way---I also really like dark chocolate) !

[cocotbo]

Originally Posted by irishgal63

sound GOOD ! I've always loved anything with coconut ! Is it possible to add red or green food coloring to this recipe ? (by the way---I also really like dark chocolate) !

I think food coloring in the coconut could really liven things up. I was also thinking of using Fruity Pebbles (colorful version of Rice Krispies) to make some ball ornaments too.

I thought about dipping the Rice Krispie balls in chocolate. Although it would be yummaliscious for adults, my son would make a crazy mess with it.

That isn't a bad idea for a fun food gift though:
Make small Rice Krispie Treat balls, like the size of a golf ball and jazz them up with drizzled dark, milk and white chocolate. Rice Krispie Truffles!!!

[irishgal63]

making the golf ball size seems like a great idea !
I think I'm gonna try your recipe this year !
Thanks for the tip !

[cocotbo]

I tried using Christmas Cookies cutters to cut shapes from Fruit Roll-ups. My thought was to cut two identical pieces and press a loop of thread in between the two to hang the edible ornament from the tree. A star cut out very easily, stuck together great and will make a colorful addition to the other edible ornaments I have planned! This year's Christmas tree is going to be so much fun!

(I've already arranged for my friends with kids to stop by after Christmas to eat the leftover ornaments. They're pretty excited about it!)

[cocotbo]

OK, this is Phase I of my Edible Christmas Tree. The Rice Krispie Treat & Fruity Pebbles balls came out great. (The lower branches are a bit empty. My son has enjoyed a few snacks off the tree!)