Cooking project to turn little lions into lambs

In like a lion and out like a lamb.  This old saying might have been referring to the rapid weather change in March but in my house I think it’s more like the mood of my children.  With March break hurtling towards us, my 7-year old is hopping around like crazy with anticipation of 19 (yes19) glorious school-free days.  I on the other hand am hopping around trying to figure out just what I am going to do with him.  
Like all extended school breaks the first few days will be filled with excitement and noise (this is where the roar of the lion comes in) but then it will soon peter off to the whine of the lamb, "I’m bored.  There’s nothing to do."  In my house this is the time to pull out all the stops; arts and crafts, library visits, dress up time and of course kitchen creations.  
My two boys and I will head into the kitchen and make "snacktivities".  We get creative and playful with our food and for once don’t worry about the mess we make.  Snacktivities eat up lots of time, reinforces good eating habits and also continues their appreciation of making their own meals.  
Here’s one of my son’s favourites that you can try with your little lions. Enjoy!

SAILBOAT EGGS
 Special Equipment:
Toothpicks for masts, scissors, and paper for sails
Ingredients:
4 hard-boiled eggs
1 tablespoon mayonnaise
1 teaspoon mustard
1 cup diced green peppers (or red, or yellow)
Carrot sticks
Celery sticks
Chopped pickles
Lettuce leaves
1. Peel the hard-boiled eggs and discard shells.
2. Cut the eggs in half lengthwise.
3. Remove the yolks and place them in a bowl with the mayonnaise and mustard and mash together.
4. Spoon the mixture back into the egg white sections.
5. Decorate the egg sections with the celery sticks, carrot sticks and chopped pickles.
6. Cut paper into small sail shapes and attaché to the toothpicks with glue or tape.  Decorate eggs with sails.
7. Place the lettuce on a serving plate and put the eggs on top like ships floating in the sea. Makes 8 sailboats  
*Recipe adapted from Cooking Art- MaryAnn F.Kohl and Jean Potter

Nadine Hughes is the owner of The Cook’s Companion, which offers lifestyle cooking and entertaining classes for adults, teens and private at home classes.  She is also a food writer and a television presenter.  Visit www.thecookscompanion.ca for details.