Christus Health: The Children's Hospital of San Antonio

To learn more about Child Life Services at the Children's Hospital of San Antonio, visit chofsa.org/childlife. BUNNY BASKET In just a few steps, you can transform paper plates into an Easter basket for some-bunny special. SUPPLIES • Three paper plates • Ribbon, 12 inches long • Markers or crayons (optional) • Hole punch • Stapler • Scissors DIRECTIONS Cut two pointed bunny ear shapes from one paper plate. Cut a half-moon shape from the upper third of the second paper plate. Place second and third paper plates together, with bottoms facing outward. Staple the two plates together around the edges. Staple ears to top of uncut plate. Fill opening with tissue or Easter grass. To add ribbon handle, punch a hole on each side of basket just below opening. Thread a ribbon through the holes and knot the ends. If desired, use markers or crayons to draw a bunny face on the front of the uncut plate. MINI CHEESECAKE EASTER BASKETS These fancy-looking (but easy to make) baskets will be the hit of any Easter gathering. INGREDIENTS Filling: Two 8-ounce packages reduced fat cream cheese, softened 1/2 cup sucralose (sugar substitute) 1/2 teaspoon vanilla Two large eggs Paper muffin cup liners 12 reduced fat vanilla wafers Decorative toppings: One 1/2 cups unsweetened flaked coconut Green food coloring 36 small sugar-free jelly beans 12 4-inch pieces shoestring licorice DIRECTIONS Beat cream cheese, sugar substitute, and vanilla together. Add eggs and beat until just blended. Line muffin tin with paper cups. Place one vanilla wafer in the bottom of each cup. Spoon cream cheese mixture evenly into cups. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes, or until the centers are nearly set. Let cool, then refrigerate for two hours. TO DECORATE: Place coconut in a zip-top plastic bag. Add a few drops of green food coloring. Shake the bag gently until coconut is evenly tinted. Sprinkle coconut on each cheesecake to resemble a nest. Top each nest with three jelly bean "eggs." For handles, bend licorice into a "U" and insert the ends on either side of each cheesecake. NUTRITION INFORMATION PER SERVING Makes 12 servings Calories: 319 Fat: 26g Cholesterol: 57mg Sodium: 153mg Carbohydrates: 18g Protein: 7g Fiber: 7g Famous for egg hunts, chocolate bunnies, and new church outfits, Easter can be a great opportunity to stir your child's creativity with some simple, fun projects. As you can see from the photos, our kids at the Children's Hospital of San Antonio agree. "We provide activities for children to support their development, give them an alternative focus during treatment, promote their creativity, stir their senses, encourage exploration, and help them feel more at home." — Riley Hammond, certified child life specialist at the Children's Hospital of San Antonio 11 Forever First | Spring 2014 • To find a doctor, call 1.877.250.DOCS. For more healthy and fun recipes, visit chofsa.org/recipes.

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