Now that it’s summer, kids may be looking for creative projects to do. Here’s one that’s not only creative but delicious, too: chocolate-covered treats.

Just melt a bag of semisweet chocolate chips and “paint” some cookies, potato chips or lady fingers with the melted chocolate. For a prettier look, decorate them with rainbow sprinkles.

Since this involves working with a stove, be sure the kids have some adult supervision. Have fun!

Chocolate-Painted Cookies and Chips

• Water, for the double boiler
• 1 12-oz bag of semisweet chocolate chips (about 2 cups)
• Assorted cookies, potato chips and lady fingers
• Rainbow sprinkles

Prepare the double boiler: Pour about one cup water into the lower pan of the double boiler and heat it over the stove using low heat. Put the upper pan of the double boiler over the lower pan, making sure the water doesn’t touch the bottom of the upper pan.

Pour the chocolate chips into the upper pan of the double boiler and heat until the chocolate starts to melt, stirring constantly with heat-proof spatula or wooden spoon.

As soon as the chocolate is almost completely melted, remove the upper pan from the heat and continue stirring until the chocolate is smooth. Let cool slightly.

Use pastry brush or spatula to “paint” the cookies, potato chips and lady fingers with the chocolate. You can paint only half of each cookie, chip or lady finger or, if desired, cover them completely with chocolate. Decorate as desired with rainbow sprinkles.

Cook’s tips:

You can also use some cut fruits such as apples, bananas and strawberries.

If using cut fruits, you can thread them on barbecue skewers and just dip them in the melted chocolate instead of painting them with a pastry brush.

Make sure the upper pan of the double boiler and the spatula or wooden spoon for stirring the chocolate are completely dry. There should not be even a drop of water, or else the chocolate will harden and not melt completely.