Munchkin Mania

I am culinarily challenged! I try hard, I really do, but I just don't have it. My first issue is that I like to try things as I am cooking. It's not just that I am curious as to how things are coming along, it also a lack of self control. This is especially true when making desserts!

Today we held our Valentine's Day parties at school. Really, nothing is more exciting than spending this loving holiday with a pack of 25 sugar rushed 10-year olds. Oddly enough, I actually mean it. They bring excitement and innocence to all of the holidays, an excitement that is lost when boys lose their squeaky voices, and an innocence that makes Valentine's Day completely about friendship and not an ounce about love. And, besides friendship, it is about food! Lots of it!

As if all that sugar wasn't enough, I decided last night that I needed to add to the mix. I like to have something to give to my students besides the traditional valentine and heart covered pencil. So, I tried this cute little recipe I found. The cooking rating on it was "easy." Not quite sure who rates these things! I imagine these little critters would be easy for the Cake Boss chefs to make, but not some kitchenary challenged person like myself.

So, in my grand attempt, I bought a box of 25 doughnut holes. Perfect for my class of 25. I lay out all the necessary "tools" on the countertop and begin to build a strategy of the best way to create these adorable little frosting covered munchkin balls. My brother, Nick, walked through the front door, home from work, and started up some casual conversation. In doing so, he walked over and popped a few munchkins into his mouth. I watched him and continued the conversation. Then it struck me. What the heck are you doing? You are eating my munchkins! I only have 25 of them, and there are 25 kids in my class! Dragging my brother away from the munchkins, now two shy of the actual number I need, I do not have the good sense to realize that I have unmanned my food station. Not a good idea with a hungry, 75 pound yellow lab lurking.

As nature tells him to do, he jumped up and grabbed what he could off the counter. Luckily, I have cat-like reflexes and was able to dive at him just as his shark sized teeth sank into a glazed munchkin. He took just a little knick out of it. Not too much damage! Once I returned Shea to the ground and scolded him, Nick had his hand back in the Dunkin Donuts box. Really, Nick? His reasoning, quite legit I suppose, was that I already didn't have enough, he might as well have more.

So, in between another trip to Dunkin Doughnuts, I somehow finished my masterpieces. Actually, they were so far from masterpieces, I considered not even bringing them to school. Then, I remember my target audience. Children! Children who love sugar. There is no way that they aren't going to love something with frosting and sprinkles on it. Even if they do look a hot mess!

Just like the recipe, huh? Oh well, the kids still loved them! I vowed to Jeff to become a better chef during our time apart. With at least half of our time past, I am failing miserably!