If your kids are like mine, Mother’s Day means breakfast in bed, and Father’s Day means … quite probably another tie, and Dad “gets” to take the family out to dinner.

Help the kids treat Dad like the king he is by making something special in the kitchen. Scotcheroos are a family favorite — one that kids enjoy making and Dad never tires of. Plus, these classic no-bake bars help children practice great kitchen skills, including melting, measuring, stirring and layering. Plan to have plenty of ingredients on hand: The kids might want to make one batch as a trial run, and another for Dad.

Next give the kids craft ideas for special Father’s Day gifts-from-the-heart:

• Make Dad “season tickets” to watch ball games on TV together all season. The kids can make the popcorn.
• Have kids write Dad a letter and let him know what they’ve learned from him.
• Scan old and new photos into the computer and put them on a CD for Dad.
• Create a memory jar. Write special or funny memories on slips of paper and place the slips in a jar. Dad can pull one out each day and have fun reminiscing with the kids.

Let kids know that Dad would love just spending a little time together, doing what Dad likes to do — even if it means washing the car or watching golf.

Scotcheroos are only the beginning! Plenty of kid-friendly, no-bake treats can be found at www.VeryBestBaking.com. You’ll have all summer to search and bake your favorite.!

SCOTCHEROOS
(Makes 30 bars)

1 1/2 cups creamy peanut butter
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup light corn syrup
6 cups toasted rice cereal
1 2/3 cups (11-ounce package) Nestlé Toll House Butterscotch Flavored Morsels
1 cup (6 ounces) Nestlé Toll House Semi-Sweet Chocolate Morsels

COAT 13 x 9-inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray.
COMBINE peanut butter, sugar and corn syrup in large saucepan. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until melted. Remove from heat. Add cereal; stir until thoroughly coated. Press onto bottom of prepared baking pan.
MICROWAVE butterscotch morsels and semi-sweet chocolate morsels in large, uncovered, microwave-safe bowl on HIGH (100%) power 1 minute; stir. Morsels may retain some of their original shape. If necessary, microwave at additional 10- to 15-second intervals, stirring just until smooth. Spread over cereal mixture.
REFRIGERATE 15 to 20 minutes or until chocolate is firm. Cut into bars.

Nutrition Information per Serving: 260 calories; 120 calories from fat; 13g total fat; 5g saturated fat; 0mg cholesterol; 130mg sodium; 34g carbohydrate; 1g fiber; 28g sugars; 4g protein