Dessert Sushi for Kids

I have decided to add a new category to my blog called "Kids in the Kitchen."  After working for 10 years in an elementary school, I discovered that there are a number of school age kids who love to be creative in the kitchen.  This new category will include kid-friendly recipes, tips, ideas and ways to encourage kids to get in the kitchen and create. 

When I was a child, my mom used to let me share the kitchen with her.  I started learning all about making breads, pies and cookies.  Soon I was trying to take over all of the dessert making duties.  I wanted to make dessert every day!

My daughter and I first made this dessert sushi recipe when she was younger.  It was always a hit with the kids at school.  This recipe is fast and requires no oven.  There are only 4 ingredients if you purchase the Rice Krispies Treats already made.  You can also make them yourself.  Here's how to make Kids Desserts Sushi:

 Tie-die colored fruit roll-ups
 Rice Krispie Treats from a package, or make your own
1 jar of flavored peanut butter, (I used Snicker's flavored)
1 bag of mini chocolate chips, or mini M&M baking chips

Open the individually wrapped fruit roll-ups and Rice Krispie Treats.  Lay the roll-up flat on the kitchen counter.  Center the Rice Krispie Treat on top of the roll-up.  Start pressing it with your fingers to flatten it out.  Try and get it as close to the edges as possible.  Next, take one or two tablespoons of the peanut butter and spread it evenly over the top.  Sprinkle a small handful of mini chocolate chips evenly over the peanut butter.  (This is one of those recipes where no real measuring is needed.  You can spread as much or as little of the peanut butter you want, and as many mini chips as you want).

Starting with the longer end, tightly roll up the sushi into a log.  Press firmly to make sure it's even all around.  The next step may require help from an adult.  Using a large serrated knife, cut a little bit of the ends off of each side of the sushi to help the pieces stand up.  Then cut the rest of the roll into about 1" pieces.  Continue making as many as you need.  Place them upright on a platter so that you can see all of the swirling layers inside.  You can serve them right away, or place them in a covered contained to store until later.  Kids love to bring these as a treat to school or for a party.

TIP:  If you are using the pre-packaged Rice Krispie Treats, microwave them a few seconds before trying to press them out.  This makes it easier for the kids to manage.  Homemade Rice Krispie Treats are soft enough to use right away.  Use only enough to cover the surface all the way to the ends.

Have fun with your kids in the kitchen!

Pam