This month’s Book Club Play Date is focused on Big Red Barn, and I was charged with sharing a snack idea! When I was thinking about a farm theme preschool treat, I immediately thought of chocolate haystacks. They were a favorite of mine to “bake” as a kid, so I thought they’d be great to go along with this month’s book.
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Related: Little Red Hen Activities
haystacks make a delicious farm theme preschool snack
First, I’d like to point out that this is more of a treat than a snack! I’d probably serve it alongside some fruit to balance it out. Second, this is just a random “recipe” based on what we’ve made for ages and ages. We call them chocolate haystacks, but I know there are other haystack snacks out there!
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups quick oats
1/2 cup chocolate chips/chunks
2 or 3 tablespoons peanut butter
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
4 tablespoons butter
1 cup sugar
1/4 cup milk
Directions
Put the oats, peanut butter, chocolate chips, and vanilla into a bowl. Have your kiddo mix those ingredients up while you deal with a few minutes of stove top work.
Place the butter, sugar, and milk in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil, and let everything boil for about a minute.
Pour the stove top mixture over the oats and such in the bowl. Mix until the chocolate’s melted and everything’s combined.
Quickly make little “haystacks” using spoons or a cookie dough scoop. Place the haystacks on a tray or a plate that’s been covered with wax paper.
Let the haystacks cool, then let your little farmers in to try a few!
These directions can be modified depending on what works for your family. For instance, I like more peanut butter, so I add extra sometimes. My son likes semi-sweet chocolate chips, so we usually use those. We don’t usually have regular milk in the house, so we use almond milk. For kiddos allergic to peanut butter, maybe try another type of “butter” or an alternative haystack treat?
Would this little farm theme preschool snack be a hit or a dud at your home? Have you hosted a farm-themed book club for kids before? Do tell in the comments below!
Be sure to see check out some other ideas corresponding to Big Red Barn –
Big Red Barn Sensory Small World | Still Playing School
Big Red Barn Book Craft | Sugar Aunts
Farm Animal Ring Toss | Craftulate
How fun! My kids will LOVE to make these!