Oreo Cookie Suckers

so easy, and SO good!

You need:
Oreos - your favorite flavor
Candy melts
Sucker sticks
Decorations as needed

Melt candy melts as directed on package.
Carefully separate each cookie, then dip sucker stick in candy melts and place on cookie filling.  Replace the cookie top and set on wax-paper covered baking sheet to firm up.  Repeat with all cookies.
Dip cookie suckers into bowl of candy melts; allow excess candy to drip off, then place back on wax paper.  Immediately sprinkle with any decorations you want, or allow to cool if you're going to drizzle contrasting color over top.  Repeat with remaining cookie suckers.
Done!

These work well for any holiday, or for any activity you can think of.  So many endless combinations!

Red, White & Blue Trifle

this was super yummy!  adapted from a few recipes I saw online...

1 devil's food cake, prepared as directed on box and cooled completely, then cut into bite-sized chunks
1 small box of chocolate pudding, prepared as directed until set
2 tubs (8 ounces each) Cool Whip, thawed
1 pint blueberries, washed and dried
6-10 large strawberries, washed, hulled and dried

Layer ingredients in a trifle bowl as follows:
1. Half the cake pieces
2. Half the pudding
3. 1 tub of Cool Whip
4. Most of the blueberries
5. Remaining cake pieces (or less, depending on depth of trifle dish)
6. Remaining pudding
7. Remaining tub of Cool Whip
8. Remaining blueberries, placed as desired (I made a ring around the edge of the bowl)
9. Strawberries, placed as desired (I placed them inside the blueberry ring)

Enjoy!

Another Mexican Salad

I swear I come up with these all the time, but here's another one we love!  Fresh and easy, and flavorful!

Torn lettuce (we mix spring greens and spinach)
Black beans, drained and rinsed
Hard boiled eggs, chopped
Tomatoes, diced
Corn (thaw some frozen!)
Avocados, diced
Bell peppers, orange and red, diced
Dressing of your choice (I'm fond of cottage cheese, as it turns out)

Combine all ingredients and drizzle with dressing.  Easy peasy, as they say at our preschool!