McDonald's Happy Meal Magic Snack Maker was a popular toy and food set that was available in McDonald's Happy Meals in the 1990s. It allowed children to make their own snacks using various ingredients and molds. The Magic Snack Maker came with a base unit, molds, and different packets of ingredients. The base unit was a plastic tray with compartments for the molds and a heating element. It required a power source, usually two AA batteries, to function. To make a snack, children would choose a mold from the set that included shapes like hamburgers, chicken nuggets, and french fries.
The Muse in the Mirror
To make a snack, children would choose a mold from the set that included shapes like hamburgers, chicken nuggets, and french fries. They would place the mold onto the base unit and fill it with the desired ingredients from the packets. For example, if they wanted to make a hamburger, they would use a mixture of ground meat, bread crumbs, and seasonings.
Using creativity to rekindle a reverence for our precious planet
Twas the Night before Yuletide
Posted on December 14, 2014 March 6, 2022 by Emma TuzzioAn enchanting Yuletide poem to remind us of the true reason for the season,
written by C.C Wiliford.
©Emily Balivet ‘Snow Queen Yule Winter Solstice Goddess’ http://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/EmilyBalivet
Twas the night before Yuletide and all through the glen
Not a creature was stirring, not a fox, not a hen.
A mantle of snow shone brightly that night
As it lay on the ground, reflecting moonlight.
The faeries were nestled all snug in their trees,
Unmindful of flurries and a chilly north breeze.
The elves and the gnomes were down in their burrows,
Sleeping like babes in their soft earthen furrows.
When lo! The earth moved with a thunderous quake,
Causing chairs to fall over and dishes to break.
The Little Folk scrambled to get on their feet
Then raced to the river where they usually meet.
“What happened?” they wondered, they questioned, they probed,
As they shivered in night clothes, some bare-armed, some robed.
“What caused the earth’s shudder? What caused her to shiver?”
They all spoke at once as they stood by the river.
Then what to their wondering eyes should appear
But a shining gold light in the shape of a sphere.
It blinked and it twinkled, it winked like an eye,
Then it flew straight up and was lost in the sky.
Before they could murmur, before they could bustle,
There emerged from the crowd, with a swish and a rustle,
A stately old crone with her hand on a cane,
Resplendent in green with a flowing white mane.
As she passed by them the old crone’s perfume,
Smelling of meadows and flowers abloom,
Made each of the fey folk think of the spring
When the earth wakes from slumber and the birds start to sing.
“My name is Gaia,” the old crone proclaimed
in a voice that at once was both wild and tamed,
“I’ve come to remind you, for you seem to forget,
that Yule is the time of re-birth, and yet…”
“I see no hearth fires, hear no music, no bells,
The air isn’t filled with rich fragrant smells
Of baking and roasting, and simmering stews,
Of cider that’s mulled or other hot brews.”
“There aren’t any children at play in the snow,
Or houses lit up by candles’ glow.
Have you forgotten, my children, the fun
Of celebrating the rebirth of the sun?”
She looked at the fey folk, her eyes going round,
As they shuffled their feet and stared at the ground.
Then she smiled the smile that brings light to the day,
“Come, my children,” she said, “Let’s play.”
They gathered the mistletoe, gathered the holly,
Threw off the drab and drew on the jolly.
They lit a big bonfire, and they danced and they sang.
They brought out the bells and clapped when they rang.
They strung lights on the trees, and bows, oh so merry,
In colors of cranberry, bayberry, cherry.
They built giant snowmen and adorned them with hats,
Then surrounded them with snow birds, and snow cats and bats.
Then just before dawn, at the end of their fest,
Before they went homeward to seek out their rest,
The fey folk they gathered ‘round their favorite oak tree
And welcomed the sun ‘neath the tree’s finery.
They were just reaching home when it suddenly came,
The gold light returned like an arrow-shot flame.
It lit on the tree top where they could see from afar
The golden-like sphere turned into a star.
The old crone just smiled at the beautiful sight,
“Happy Yuletide, my children,” she whispered. “Good night.”
Author: C.C Wiliford
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Pagan yule poem
There’s a crisp hint of magic in the air. And a sense of warmth and comfort fills our homes. Stockings are hung at the mantle and mama’s baking cookies in the kitchen. Face it. Winter Solstice, aka. Yule, is one of the most enchanting times of the years. It’s a time of giving and receiving. And what better way to express your gratitude and love to others than offering Yule Blessings? Here you’ll find just that. PLUS some beautiful, cozy Winter Solstice poems and quotes to save and share all Winter season.
After filling the mold, children would press down on a lever to close it. The heating element would then heat up, cooking the snack inside the mold. Depending on the snack, the cooking process could take a few minutes. Once the snack was cooked, children would release the lever and open the mold. They would then have a perfectly shaped snack that resembled a McDonald's menu item. Kids could then add their own toppings or condiments to customize their snack. The Magic Snack Maker provided children with a fun and interactive way to make their own treats. It allowed them to feel like they were in control and gave them a sense of accomplishment. It also encouraged creativity and experimentation as they could try different combinations of ingredients and molds to create unique snacks. However, due to safety concerns and changing regulations, the Magic Snack Maker was eventually discontinued. While it may no longer be available, it remains a nostalgic and cherished memory for many who grew up in the '90s..
Reviews for "Creating Magic: How McDonald's Happy Meal Snacks Cast a Spell on Kids"
1. Susan - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with the McDonald's happy meal magic snack maker. The packaging made it look so fun and interactive, but the reality was quite different. The instructions were confusing and the machine itself was poorly made. The snacks it produced were bland and didn't taste like anything special. Overall, it was a waste of money and I wouldn't recommend it to anyone.
2. John - 1 star - I cannot express how disappointed I am with the McDonald's happy meal magic snack maker. It was such a letdown. The machine didn't work properly from the beginning, and even when it did, the snacks it made were tasteless and not enjoyable at all. The whole concept of the magic snack maker seemed promising, but the execution fell flat. I will never purchase another product like this from McDonald's again.
3. Emily - 2 stars - The McDonald's happy meal magic snack maker was a complete waste of money. The snacks it produced were strange and unappetizing. The machine itself was poorly designed and difficult to use. It was supposed to be a fun activity for my kids, but it ended up being frustrating and disappointing. I would not recommend this product to anyone looking for an enjoyable snack-making experience.
4. Mike - 1 star - The McDonald's happy meal magic snack maker was a huge disappointment. The machine was flimsy and broke within minutes of using it. The snacks it produced were tasteless and lacked any sort of creativity. It felt like a cheap gimmick to get kids excited about eating at McDonald's. I regret purchasing this product and would advise others to avoid it as well.