My grandmother taught me how to make “Orange Balls” at a young age. She would roll them into perfectly shaped one inch balls, and carefully coat each one with powdered sugar. They were mouthwatering!

I recently experimented with this recipe by making different sizes of balls, (I can hear my grandmother gasping in shock) and even created “orange ball snowmen." Whatever shapes, sizes, or creatures you decide to make with this recipe, it’s perfect for your young chef.

Ingredients:

- 1 box of vanilla wafers (crushed)
- ¾ cup grated coconut
- ¾ cup powdered sugar (any variety)
- ½ cup frozen orange juice (undiluted)

Steps:

1. Place wafers in a large plastic bag (if you have more than one young chef helping, divide the wafers into individual plastic bags). Make sure the bags are sealed tightly.

2. Crumble the vanilla wafers by lightly pounding on the bag, or by squishing the bag between your fingers.

3. Mix the vanilla wafer crumbs, coconut and powdered sugar in large bowl.

4. Add the undiluted frozen orange juice and mix well.

5. Let your child form balls (1 inch or so is great if you are making this for a party. However, if your children are making the balls, let the creativity begin)!

6. Roll the orange balls in powdered sugar.

You can get really creative by making your own snowman orange balls. Simply make three balls for each part of the snowman just like you’d do in the snow.

Use items from your pantry to help make the face and arms. Pretzel sticks are great for arms, raisons for eyes, etc.

Keep in closed container in the fridge.

Tips for this Recipe:

- Going to a cookie exchange this year, but don’t have time to bake four dozen cookies? This recipe is your answer! By making the balls around one inch, you will quickly have all of the cookies you need without standing over the oven. Once they have chilled, arrange on a pretty holiday platter or pate, and then you are set!

- Another idea for this recipe is to wrap a dozen or so orange balls in plastic wrap and place in a small holiday tin or box. Keep in the fridge for any last minute gifts you might need.

- Have you ever seen those cookie dough combinations (usually in jars) where all you have to do is add a few ingredients? If you’d like to surprise someone with a new twist on that favorite, follow these steps:

1. Combine the vanilla wafers, coconut, and orange juice.

2. Place mixture in a pretty holiday container, and put in fridge until you are ready to deliver your gift.

3. Pour powdered sugar in an identical tin. I like to fill the tin up, as it makes it a bit more festive.

4. Wrap both with a ribbon (or place in gift bag).

5. Include a card that explains the rest of the instructions (forming the balls and rolling them in the sugar).

Enjoy!