For kids

Rattle your friends by serving a "dirt" cake for dessert! The Old Farmer's Almanac for Kids, Volume 2, gives step-bystep instructions on how to prepare and present this delicious, fun treat.

Dirt Cake

1 package (1 pound 2 ounces) Oreo cookies

1/4 cup (1/2 stick) margarine

8 ounces cream cheese, softened

1 cup confectioner's sugar

3-1/2 cups milk

2 packages (3.4 ounces each) instant vanilla pudding mix 12 ounces Cool Whip or similar dessert topping (but not whipped cream)

Presentation

A clean, new, 8-inch, plastic flowerpot

Wax paper

Gummy worms, to mix in and for decoration

Aluminum foil

Plastic flowers and a clean, new, gardening tool

* Crush the Oreo cookies by hand or in a food processor or blender. Set the crumbs aside.

* Put the margarine, cream cheese, and sugar into a large bowl. With a spoon or electric beater, mix these ingredients until they are blended and creamy.

* In a separate bowl, add the milk, pudding, and dessert topping. Mix these ingredients until they are blended. Add this mixture to the large bowl.

* Stir or beat everything together. Mix in gummy worms if you wish.

* Line the bottom of the flowerpot with the dessert topping lid or wax paper.

* Add enough crushed cookies to make a 1-inch layer. Add a 1-inch layer of pudding mixture. Continue making layers, ending with crushed cookies.

* Decorate the pot with plastic flowers (wrap the stems inalu minumfoil before planting), gummy worms, and a garden ing tool.

Refrigerate for at least 4 hours.

* When it's time to eat, remove the flowers and serve with the tool.

* Put the pot back into the refrigerator after serving, if there is any "dirt" left over.

For more fun facts and projects on astronomy, pets, health, nature, sports, and weather, as well as a companion activity guide, go to Almanac4kids.com.