There's no trick to making treats

If you want to get your fingers into things that are good to eat, try making Mud Balls or Orange Balls. Both are pleasant surprises when you taste them. The mud balls have an interesting chewy texture and the orange balls a tart, tangy flavor. You're sure to want seconds right away.

If you make them alone at home, use the recipes as given. If you have a group of people participating, double the ingredients in the recipes so everyone can get involved in making them.

In a classroom or at home in a group, assign one person to read recipe directions. Another person can take care of the mixing. The rest of the group can be responsible for measuring out and dumping into the mixing bowl one ingredient each.

When all the ingredients are well blended, everyone can take part in making the balls. And, of course, eating them is the most fun of all.

A few mud balls or orange balls wrapped in aluminum foil, tied with a ribbon, or placed in a small plastic container or tin make an excellent gift. Orange Balls 1 12-ounce package vanilla wafers (Nabisco) 1 cup shredded coconut 1 cup confectioners' sugar 3/4 cup orange juice concentrate (unsweetened)

Crush wafers into fine crumbs by placing in a plastic bag and rolling over bag with a rolling pin. Takes about 3 batches to crumb them all.

Combine wafer crumbs, coconut, and confectioners' sugar in a medium-size bowl and mix with a wooden spoon if you have one.

Add orange juice concentrate and blend well.

Form into balls about the size of a walnut with the palms of hands. It will be sticky, so dip hands in confectioners' sugar to begin with.

Roll all of the mixture into balls. Then roll half the balls in confectioners' sugar and half in shredded coconut.

Arrange on a big dish or plate. Cover with plastic wrap and place in refrigerator overnight before serving so orange flavor will permeate. Makes about 3 dozen balls.

Keep in refrigerator until ready to serve. Mud Balls 3 cups uncooked quick-cooking oats 3 tablespoons cocoa 1/2 cup dry milk 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 cup dark seedless raisins 1/2 cup chunky peanut butter 1/2 cup honey 2 teaspoons vanilla

Put oats, cocoa, dry milk, and salt into a large bowl. Mix together with a large wooden spoon.

Add remaining ingredients and mix together with spoon, then use one hand and mix thoroughly. It will be sticky, but keep at it.

Pick up a tablespoonful at a time and roll into a ball with the palms of both hands.

Pile the balls onto a plate and serve.

Mud balls can be made ahead of time. They keep well stored in the refrigerator in a covered container, plastic or tin. They're great for lunch-box treats and TV snacks.