Quick Pumpkin Spice Dessert - Fantastic

I got this note from my daughter and granddaughter this evening and couldn't wait to share it. I haven't tried it yet but know how wonderful it must be because I know the original recipe it's based on and will make it as soon as I get to the store for ingredients. (The original recipe follows Cindy's note.)

Mother,

Hannah and I came up with a delicious holiday dessert that you might use on your blog. It's a take-off from our "Chocolate Chip Cooler". We used Ginger Snaps in place of the chocolate chip cookies. Then folded together a prepared box of Jell-O Pumpkin Spice Pudding with a bowl of Cool Whip. Dunk the cookies quickly in milk and layer just like the cooler. If you fold the pudding and cool whip gently, not thoroughly, it makes a "marbled" look which can be swirled into decorative patterns on the top. It's beautiful and delicious! I've attached a "Mother's Blog" style picture!! :-) Love you!

Original Chocolate Chip Cooler
1 bag Chips Ahoy Chocolate Chip Cookies
1 lg. container of Cool Whip
1 c. Milk

Put the milk in a bowl large enough to hold a cookie. Using 1/2 of the cookies, dip each one quickly in the milk and layer them in 9" X 13" casserole. Spread 1/2 of the Cool Whip over the layer. Repeat with second half of the cookies and Cool Whip. Refrigerate at least 1 hour before serving. Spoon into bowls or onto dessert plates and enjoy.

Soda Can Carolers

Go from this

to this

with very little time and even less money.

Make a bunch to decorate an entire tree, give as gifts, tie onto packages or use as favors for guests leaving a party...or even better, after an evening of caroling.

INSTRUCTIONS: Wash cans, remove pull-rings, tuck the tabs tight to the underside of the lid. Note: there will be a small semi-circle of pull-ring metal remaining around the "nose" button. This can easily be removed by grabbing it with pliers and pulling. Allow to dry completely. Paint a solid background color on the can sides, rim and bottom using spray paint, interior latex wall paint, even craft paint. Pre-sanding may be done but is not absolutely necessary (I don't). Paint your decorations on the can sides using ordinary craft paint. After everything is painted except the face, crush the cans. Inside the mouth can either be painted black or a small piece of black felt can be inserted and secured with a dot of glue. Paint the face simply. Remember that craft paint can be mixed with latex wall paint for color variations. I add a little brown craft paint to white wall paint to get a flesh color for painting the faces. This can be as light or dark as you like. Add decorations: pom poms, bells or bows to the hats...pipe cleaner "fur" around their faces, bits of greenery or berries salvaged from years past or thrift store bargains. 

Attach hooks and hang on tree or other decorations.

Snowmen Centerpiece

These little snowmen add a touch of whimsy to any table during the holidays. They are quick, easy and inexpensive to make and (the best part) they are edible.

They made their first appearance here as Halloween Ghosts and are made by dipping pears into Almond Bark. Click HERE for instructions.