Easter Crafts for the busy MOM!

Some great alternatives to creating the most amazing easter baskets that are sure to delight the sugar plums they await. They are fast, fun, and festive and they aren't filled with sugar and junk but they are filled with lots of love!

Here's to creating baskets that have all the makings of fun without the sugar rush...

Goody Pails that can be found at your local craft stores such as Michaels can instantly be turned into a great Easter Basket. These pails are already decorated so all you have to do is fill them up. Some great things to fill them with - rubber duckies, stuffed animals, chalk, hand painted eggs, playing cards, baby gardening tools, stickers, hair bows, or socks! Check out www.potterybarnkids.com for 30% off on personalized Easter pails, baskets, and buckets. Great idea for next year!

Another favorite is to decorate a basket and fill it with color eggs, add a little jelly beans and your done! One two three but it's bright colorful and very festive!

The best to do if your kids don't want to skip out on the sugar is bake some COOKIES. Make them in the shape of EASTER EGGS! Arrange in a basket or even an egg carton and they will be great.

Here is a recipe:

1 - cup all purpose flour
1 - pkg sugar cookie dough
1 - box confections
2 tbs powdered egg whites
5 tbs water assorted icing colors

Heat oven to 35o f while kneading flour dough. On a floured surface roll dough to 1/4 thickness. Cut out egg shaped cookies using a 3" cookie cutter. Place on baking sheet. Bake 20 minutes, until lightly browned. Cool 5 minutes. Transfer to wire rack to cool completely and redo first step if making more!

In a bow, with a mixer, beat sugar, egg whites, and water until combines. Beat on high until stiff peaks form. Thin icing with water, 1 tsp at a time, until its thick cream. Using the tip of your index finger, ice cookies. Let dry completely.

Cuta new kichen sponge into 1/2" pieces. Dampen pieces and squeeze a few drops of icing color onto sponge peice and pat tops of cookies. Repeat with other colors and sponge pieces. Let dry completely. This should make about 3 - 4 dozen.