Let me describe two problematic scenarios for you:
#1: It’s a week away from Christmas, and your kids are already on break from school. Every day, fourteen times a day, they ask you, “When will it be Chriiiiiiistmas?” in a voice that matches those italics. And every day, fourteen times a day, you sigh loudly and ever-so-briefly consider letting them open up that “one liiiiiiiittle present.”
This is a problem.
#2: It’s a week away from Christmas, and your lawn looks like the exact opposite of a winter wonderland. In fact, it looks more like a water-buffalo wonderland, replete with mushy, brown grass and swampy patches of mud. You can’t even tell your kids (from scenario #1) to go outside and play because you know that would only mean a bunch of muddy laundry for you, which is the exact opposite of holiday cheer. You drearily stare out your window at the icy drizzle, grumpily mumbling “It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas.”
This too is a problem.
But I offer you a solution. Create your own (edible) snow. Entertain your children simultaneously. And as an added bonus, have something delicious to munch on with your afternoon coffee.
Solution: Tortilla Snowflakes.
These were so much fun (and so easy) to make. Remember those paper snowflakes you made in second grade, hanging from your classroom ceiling? That’s exactly what these are…only tortillas. You cut up your snowflakes, using scissors or a small paring knife, bake them briefly, and then coat them with cinnamon and powdered sugar snow. All in all, these take about 15 minutes from start to finish, perfect for distracting those eagerly awaiting for Christmas….and I can totally see myself making these with any littles at a holiday gathering.
Tortilla Snowflakes.
(Let it snow).
(recipe adapted from Parents Magazine ) (yields 4 snowflakes) These sweet tortilla snowflakes are made just like the paper ones...but then doused with powdered sugar and cinnamon for a sweet winter treat. These are easy and would be perfect to make with your kids! Ingredients four 6" flour tortillas (if you can't find 6", use the smallest size you can find)
3 tbsp. coconut oil, almond oil, or canola oil (I used coconut)
app. 2 tsp. cinnamon
app. 4 tbsp. powdered sugar
*parchment paper helpful but not necessary Instructions Warm each tortilla in the microwave for about 8 seconds on high to make pliable. They just need to be warmed slightly.
Fold tortilla in half, then in half again, then in half one more time, making a wedge.
Using scissors or a paring knife, cut shapes out of the edges (or the middle) to create your snowflake. Unfold gingerly.
Place tortillas on a greased or parchment-papered baking sheet.
Brush both sides with oil (if using coconut oil, melt first).
Bake in a 400* oven for 5-8 minutes, turning once during the baking time. You'll know they're done when they are just slightly golden-brown and crispy.
Immediately place on a cooling rack and sprinkle with cinnamon and powdered sugar (I used a sifter to sprinkle my powdered sugar but not necessary).
These are great eaten immediately while still warm but they also keep really well in a sealed plastic bag (they have kept their texture and crunchiness 2 days later!) If serving at a party, you can make these ahead of time and maybe just touch up the powdered sugar just before.
I think I can do these — yay! We might try them tonight or Friday before we leave for Iowa! Thank you, Liz!
I thought of you while making these…these might be fun to make with all those cousins!
What an adorable idea! I think my husband would love making these more than your kids! :)
Eric and I DEFINITELY enjoyed ourselves while making these. And eating these.
What a fun idea!!
How beautiful! And your photos are gorgeous!!
thanks! these were easy to photograph!
What a simple but interesting food project. The snowflakes are soooooo pretty!
Thanks! They were super simple. I just wish we had some littles around to make these wtih!
I don’t think any of the misfit snowflakes I cut out made it into the pictures. They kept coming out with an “Aztec Christmas” theme.