Do you remember making sand art as a kid?
And do you remember those Fun Dip candies that your mom would only let you eat outside?
Today’s crafty recipe is a mashup of those two childhood throwbacks.
Sweet and sour edible sand art made with Kool-Aid!
We served up a tasty palette of colors and flavors at our backyard beach bash.
The kids loved making their “sand” art creations in miniature mason jars and snacking on the tart, Kool-Aid flavored sugar.
It’s a cinch to make your own edible sand art.
You only need three ingredients: sugar, water and Kool-Aid.
Start by mixing a packet of Kool-Aid with 1 tablespoon of water. You want just enough water to dissolve the powdered drink, but no more.
Pour a cup of sugar into a zippered sandwich bag, then add in the Kool-Aid water.
Seal the bag and squeeze it until the Kool-Aid is fully incorporated in the sugar.
Pour the colored, flavored sugar into a baking dish lined with parchment paper. Use a pastry cutter or butter knifes to spread the sugar into a thin layer on the parchment paper.
Preheat your oven to its lowest setting. (Mine was 170 degrees F.) Put the colored sugar into the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, just long enough to dry out the sugar mixture without melting it.
If your oven’s lowest temperature is hotter than 170 degrees, reduce the cooking time. Be sure to watch the sugar carefully and remove it before it melts or caramelizes.
Allow sugar to cool and break up any clumps with a rolling pin. Transfer to a dry, airtight container, like a mason jar. Shake before using to break up any clumps that have formed.
Once your kids are finished playing with the sand art, you can make a pitcher of Kool-Aid with any leftover “sand.” Just add one cup of “sand” to two quarts of water.
If your kids are really crazy or adventurous, mix up a pitcher of Kool-Aid using one of their rainbow-colored sand art creations. That’s sure to be one wacky flavor and color blend!
I’ve created some fun, free printables that you can use to create an edible sand art station at your next party.
Click here to download a non-watermarked 8X10 Edible Sand Art Station sign
Click here to download 2-inch round Edible Sand Art labels for your jar lids
Click here to download two 4X6 table signs for an Edible Sand Art Station and a Make Your Own Sno-Cone Station
Be sure to check out my recipe for homemade sno-cone syrup, also made with Kool-Aid.
Get the scoop on how to make this easy no-sew beach towel party banner. too.
And if regular sand art is more your speed, check out this patriotic mason jar sand art you can make with your kids.
autumn brown
Trying this with my daycare kids but can you make the “sand” a day or two in advance?
Atta Girl Amy
You should be able to make it a few days in advance with no issues. Hope you and the kiddos have a lot of fun!
Melissa Vera
What a cool way to get ready for summer. I never would have thought to make edible sand. Thanks for linking up this week on the #HomeMattersParty. Looking forward to seeing what you link up next week.
Rhonda Gales
I’ve never heard of sand art, but I love this idea. I also love that you make a picture of Kool-Aid with the end result. Thanks for sharing on Sunday’s Best.
Rhonda Gales
That’s “pitcher of Kool-Aid”, lol
Nicole
Wow, this is fantastic! What a great idea and I love the presentation of it. Found you on the #weekendwinddown link up. Thanks for sharing!
Jerusha (@TheDisneyChef)
I am totally swiping this for our upcoming Little Mermaid party! Thank you so much for sharing!
Lisa @ Fun Money Mom
What a cute idea! Any kid would LOVE this kind of art! Thanks so much for linking up with #ShareTheWealthSunday!
xoxo
Lisa
All that's Jas
Oh, how fun! They can play safely, but I wouldn’t tell them they could eat it. Some parents wouldn’t appreciate their kids high on sugar, lol. Thanks for sharing at Thursday Favorite Things!
Kristina & Millie
ohh too fun! anytime you can play with your food and have something totally cool to show for it, is awesome! I thought why not just mix the koolaid dry into the sugar but realized you wouldn’t get such bold and beautiful colors that way! Love it 😉 and the banner! Thanks for linking to Snickerdoodle Sunday!!
Cucicucicoo: Ecological Living
What a great idea! I’ll bet the kids LOVE this! 🙂 Lisa
Carmia
This is so cool! I had no idea you could make edible “sand” 🙂 Looks fun, too! Thank you for linking up at Lovely Little Link Party!
Kaylene @ The Links Site
Wow what a wonderful idea, would be great for a kids summertime party!
Rachel
Edible sand art looks fun and delicious. It would make a fun kid’s gift too. Thanks for sharing on the Small Victories Sunday linkup.