Candyland Forests!

I hosted the last kids' baking class this past Monday. With the holidays just around the corner, I decided that we should get into the festive season and create "Candyland Forests." It's a fun and easy culinary craft for kids of all ages. Younger children will enjoy sticking candy on pre-iced cones while older children can really get into the design and a more elaborate execution. 

The kids that created the masterpieces below range from ages 7-10. 

Now grab some ice cream cones, royal icing and candy and have fun!


What you will need:

Ice cream cones (either sugar or regular)

Assortment of candy

Assortment of sprinkles

Coconut, shredded

Coarse Sugar

Royal icing (see recipe below)

How to make your own Candyland Forest:

1. Make the royal icing and tint it any colour you choose by using food colouring or leave it white.
2. Spread the royal icing over the entire surface of the ice cream cone. You'll want to add your sprinkles as soon as possible so they will stick.
3. Let stand 10-15 minutes to allow the base coat of icing to harden slightly.
4. Adhere your selection of candies to the “tree” by using additional royal icing, either by piping or using a knife. 
5. Continue decorating more trees as desired.
6. To create the forest, stick the decorated trees to a cake board or a foil-covered plate by using royal icing piped along the bottom of the tree.
7. Pipe additional royal icing between the trees and sprinkle with shredded coconut and/or coarse sugar to create snow.
8. Let dry overnight.

Royal Icing
You can find ready made royal icing at cake decorating stores or you can make your own…

Ingredients

3 tablespoons meringue powder

1/3 cup of water

3 2/3 cup icing sugar

1 tsp vanilla

In bowl, beat meringue powder with water until foamy, about 2 minutes. Add sugar; beat until stiff, about 6 minutes. Cover with damp cloth to prevent drying out. 

Happy Creating!
Rosie