On Saturday, June 5th, I taught my monthly Virtual Cooking Class at Rainbow Blossom Wellness Center. I taught how to make my version of “dirt” and “sand” cups. I was joined by new and familiar faces, which is always a joy! It was a busy day at the wellness center, and we had so much fun. I hang out a bit after the class to answer questions for anyone working or who happens to be shopping. Please subscribe to my website or check out Rainbow Blossom’s Events to keep up with my future classes.
Everyone with food allergies and a specialty diet deserves delicious food. This goes double for kids that don’t like to stand out from the crowd. I believe that inclusion starts at the table, and everyone deserves a plate. Have you been the person not eating at the table for fear of a reaction, or the friend with them? I made these recipes to help include everyone and have fun at the same time. Keep reading for the complete recipe.
Ingredients Needed for Dirt Cups
• 32 oz safe yogurt of choice *I use 32 oz vanilla or coconut flavored nondairy base yogurt *(Can use 32 oz of chocolate pudding if no issues with it)
• 8 oz of whipped cream or safe whipped topping
• 10 oz pkg of safe chocolate sandwich cookies, chocolate cookies, or chocolate chip cookies to be crushed
• Unsweet cocoa powder or carob powder approx ½ cup or more as desired
• 20 safe gummy candies or small plastic toys such as dinos, bugs, and sea animals.*Make sure they are age-appropriate for no choking hazard.*
• Optional: 4 oz blueberries, strawberries, or pineapple, etc.
Ingredients Needed for Sand Cups
• 32 oz safe yogurt of choice *I use 32 oz vanilla or coconut flavored nondairy base yogurt *(Can use 32 oz of vanilla pudding if no issues with it)
• 8 oz of whipped cream or safe whipped topping
• 10 oz pkg of safe vanilla wafers, animal crackers, graham crackers, or snickerdoodle cookies to be crushed
• 20 safe gummy candies or small plastic toys such as dinos, bugs, and sea animals.*Make sure they are age-appropriate for no choking hazard.* Even tiny cocktail umbrellas are fun.
• Optional: 4 oz blueberries, strawberries, or pineapple, etc.
Items You Need
16-20 clear 7 oz cups or little buckets, plastic bags or reusable bags, rolling pin or canned item to crush the cookies, measuring spoons, a couple spatulas/utensils, and two mixing bowls
Let’s Get Started!
The joy of these recipes is they don’t have to be exact measurements, and you can make as many layers as you want. Switch out items as you see fit; the only rule is to make sure the products you use are safe for your dietary needs.
To make the “dirt” cups combine the yogurt and chocolate mixture until combined in a large mixing bowl. Taste to see if you need to add more chocolate, depending on your preference. * Note if using regular chocolate pudding, you do not need to add the chocolate powder.*Next, incorporate the topping of your choice until well blended. Set aside.
Empty cookies into a large storage bag and crush the cookies with a rolling pin, can, bowl. You can make the kids do this while you mix the filling. You can also be super-efficient and use a food processor to crumb up the cookies.
Then layer the crumb “dirt”/”sand” cookie crumbs on the bottom in a thin layer, next add fruit (optional), then filling, more” dirt”/”sand” crumbs on the top layer. Next, top with candy or decorations as you see fit. For reference, see the picture above. Then eat!
To make the “sand” cups do the exact instructions for the “dirt” cups minus the chocolate powder.
These are great to be made for a party ahead of time or to have everyone get in on the fun and make their own. Please share this recipe and comment. I always love seeing pictures of your creations, so please send them to me or tag me on my social media. I hope this recipe helps to tame your Allergy Dragon. Most importantly, I wish you a Happy, Safe, and Delicious Summer!