(NewsUSA) – Cooking with kids can be a challenge, but there’s no need to tackle hollandaise or souffles. When looking for a kid-friendly recipe, choose something that’s simple and hands-on. Sometimes a surprise taste can make for a welcome treat.

For example, the following recipe for Texas Reds in a Blanket involves spreading  cream cheese, folding refrigerated crescent roll dough and sprinkling cinnamon sugar, giving junior pastry chefs plenty to do. The accompanying sauce only requires the use of a microwave, though you should handle any hot bowls and cookie sheets yourself.

Use Texas Rio Star Grapefruit, which is sweeter than other varieties. The grapefruit season runs from October to May. When buying grapefruit, look for fruits that feel heavy for their size, as that indicates a juicy fruit.

Texas Reds in a Blanket

Texas Rio Star Grapefruit flavored dessert

Makes four servings

Ingredients:

  • 2 Texas Rio Star Grapefruit
  • 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 3 tablespoons cream cheese
  • 1 (8 ounce) roll refrigerated reduced fat crescent dinner rolls
  • 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.

2. Remove grapefruit segments; place on paper towels to remove excess moisture. Set aside.

3. In a small bowl, combine 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon and cream cheese spread.

4. Separate crescent dough into triangles, and lay on wax paper. Spread each with creamed cheese.

5. Place three grapefruit segments on wide end of each triangle; roll each triangle into
crescent shape enclosing grapefruit segments.

6. Combine 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon and 1 tablespoon sugar on waxed paper; roll grapefruit crescent in cinnamon sugar; Place on a parchment-lined cookie sheet.

7. Bake for 25 minutes or until golden brown.

8. Finely chop remaining grapefruit segments; place in small bowl with three tablespoons sugar, sour cream and maple syrup. Cook in microwave on high for about one to two minutes, or until
it starts to boil.

9. Drizzle sauce over crescents, or serve as a dipping sauce.