CARAMEL APPLE DIP

This recipe is so easy and when you dip apples in it, it really does taste like a caramel apple (without the hassle of trying to eat a whole apple off a stick without getting sticky sweet caramel all over yourself--not that that has ever happened to me). To make this yummy fruit dip you will need: 1 8oz. package of cream cheese, softened (I used 1/3 reduced fat cream cheese) 1/2 cup of your favorite caramel sauce, room temp Whip the cream cheese and caramel sauce together in a bowl with a hand mixer (you can use a stand mixer if you want, but I find you have to scrape the bottom far too many times and still hand mix some unless you use a hand mixer). Serve with sliced apples, or any other fruit you have on hand. I am also a huge fan of this dip with sliced pears! Store in the refrigerator in a sealed container (if you happen to have some leftovers). One of my favorite parts about this dip is that it is still creamy and usable right out of the fridge, while a regular caramel sauce hardens and needs to be heated. Gotta love the magical powers of cream cheese!

Skiing Buddies

These cute penguins were made out of fruit cups (any brand) usually they come in (4-pack) that were inverted. The top cup was one glued to the bottom and the bodies were painted white and black to look like penguins. Then I painted on colorful scarves and sewed little caps from Christmas socks and the skis were made from pieces of cardboard that were drawn into a oval shape, painted and glitter was used for a shimmer effect. I really enjoyed making these "skiing buddies" as I call them.