Kids in the Kitchen

Doggy in the Window

Cut one leg from a pair of lady’s tights and fill it with rice. Leave enough room to tie the open end into a tight knot.



For a tail, apply fabric glue across the base of a felt triangle (about 2½ inches wide and 7 inches tall) and sandwich it around the knot. Apply more glue to the sides and then fold the felt in half. Secure the tail with paper clips until the glue dries.

Glue on googly eyes. Attach felt ears by draping each one over the head, as shown, and then sewing the base in place. This way, when you flop the ear down, the stitching won’t show.


For the finishing touches, sew on felt feet and a button nose (a triangular shank button looks cute). Then use your hands to shape the nose and body. Don’t forget a collar: an old belt trimmed to fit, or even a bracelet.

Pecan Caramel Cluster
(Yield: about 2 pounds)

• 1 package (14 ounces) caramels
• 2 tablespoons water
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 cups coarsely chopped pecans
• 4 ounces white candy coating, coarsely chopped
• 4 ounces semisweet chocolate candy coating, coarsely chopped

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the caramels, water, and butter. Microwave, uncovered, on high for 3 to 3½ minutes, stirring every 30 seconds. Stir in pecans. Drop by tablespoonfuls onto greased baking sheets. Freeze for 15-20 minutes or until set. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine candy coatings. Microwave, uncovered, on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring every 15 seconds; stir until smooth. Dip caramel clusters in coating; place on waxed paper-lined baking sheets. Chill until firm.