Summarize the following:
Pinning game kits are available for purchase in retail stores - specifically those that specialize in party materials. The upside to buying a kit is that it may be more convenient and save time. Purchasing a full game kit, however, may also be more expensive and less personal than making one yourself. For a cheaper option, hand draw a donkey on poster board. You may also consider printing your image from a computer. Make the donkey at least 12 inches wide and 18 inches tall. Standard kit sizes average 18-24 inches x 24-30 inches. Use game preparation as a party activity.  Allow the children to draw or decorate a group donkey.  Art activities help keep children engaged and entertained.  Being the creators of the donkey makes it entirely "their game." Drawing the donkey together may allow for bonding and insight into worldly perceptions and imagination. Have each player make and decorate his or her own donkey tail.  Use a variety of materials, such as string, paper, and ribbon.  Get creative by adding beads or glitter as personal decoration.  Write each player's name or initials somewhere on the tail. If labeling is not possible, make sure that the tails are unique enough to know who placed each one. Push a pin through or attach adhesive tape to one end of the tail for pinning. Place the image at an appropriate height for all participants. Choose mounting equipment based on donkey durability and personal preference. Options include adhesive tape or putty, tacks, and push pins. Note that sharp tacks and pins may hold better but are more dangerous and will leave small holes. Draw an “X” on the picture where the tail would normally be placed, as a reference point for determining a "winner."

summary: Buy a Pin the Tail on the Donkey kit. Make your own donkey. Have the kids be creators. Personalize donkey tails. Mount the donkey image on a vertical surface, such as a wall. Mark your donkey.


Summarize the following:
When you squeeze it, a ripe apricot should indent slightly beneath your fingers, but it should not be overly soft. You can also smell near the fruit’s stem, since a ripe apricot will have a sweet scent.  Although the color of the fruit will depend on the variety, a ripe apricot should be uniform with no green patches.  Avoid fruit with large bruises, as these will be mushy and have no flavor. This rinse will help to remove any bacteria from the fruit. Rinse the apricots under cool running water and pat dry. Washing the apricots before you boil them keeps contaminants from cooking into the fruit. Bring a large stockpot of water to a boil, then drop the apricots into the water for between 30 seconds and 1 minute. This keeps the skins from becoming tough during the freezing process.  Do not overcook the apricots, especially if you are planning on freezing the fruit while it is fresh. If you are peeling the apricots, you don’t have to blanch them. However, it does make removing the peels easier. If you are freezing a large quantity of apricots, you may want to blanch them in smaller batches, depending on the size of your stock pot. After the apricots have boiled for 30-60 seconds, use a slotted spoon to remove the apricots from the boiling water. Plunge them into ice-cold water right away to immediately stop the cooking process, then drain them and pat them dry. If you blanched the apricots, or if they are especially ripe, you should be able to easily remove the skins with your fingers. Otherwise, you can use a sharp paring knife to peel the fruit. If you’re pureeing the apricots, you will need to remove the skins. Use a small paring knife to slice through the fruit, sliding it around the pit. Twist the halves of the apricot to separate it, then use your fingers or a spoon to scoop out the pit.  If you’re freezing the apricots fresh, you can leave them in halves, or you can cut them into quarters or slices if you prefer.

summary: Choose fruit that is fully ripe but still firm. Wash the apricots with a mixture of 3 parts water and 1 part vinegar. Blanch the apricots in boiling water if you are leaving the peels on. Dip the apricots in ice-cold water after you blanch them, then drain and dry. Peel the apricots unless you plan to leave the skins on. Slice the apricots in half and remove the pits.


Summarize the following:
Mix the 8 oz. package of softened cream cheese with the ½ cup of peanut butter in a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer. Mix until the ingredients become smooth. This mixing should take about 2-3 minutes. Add in the  3-3 ½ cups of powdered sugar. Add in the powdered sugar in gradually, making sure every addition is blended in well before adding the next bit of powder. This blending process should take about 3-5 minutes. Once the powdered sugar is well blended, add 1 teaspoon of vanilla. The vanilla shouldn't take very long to mix in with the rest of the ingredients, about 30 seconds. When you add the vanilla, make sure the electric mixer is still going. You want the mixer to be constantly mixing. Once all the frosting ingredients are mixed in, add in 2 tablespoon of either milk or cream to change the consistency of the frosting to your liking. If you’re looking for a low-fat option, you can try using skim milk or reduced fat cream, along with reduced fat cream cheese.
summary: Mix the cream cheese and butter. Add the powdered sugar. Add the vanilla. Blend to your desired consistency.