Fun Food Ideas & Resources?

Question

My daughter's 4th birthday party is this weekend. It's at an indoor playground, so there won't be much activity planning. But, I can pour my creative energy into food planning instead. :)

I remember as a kid we had some book w/ fun ideas on food that kids could make & love eating... like deviled egg sailboats & things w/ happy faces. I've thought about doing strawberry shortcake for dessert instead of cake. (Less sugar & more fun if it's homemade. :) ) Celery & peanut butter. Melon & cheese cut into shapes w/ cookie cutters.

Does anyone have any other fun ideas for kid food? Something that will add a special touch without being tons of work and still be relatively healthy? It would be great if you can point me to a web-site w/ lots of ideas & pictures.

I don't have time to order a book from Amazon. But, if you know of a good kids cookbook maybe I can find it at the local bookstore / library or save it for the future.

Thanks in advance for any ideas!!!

P.S. I'm looking for low sugar, minimally processed food ideas. I remember the hot dog octopus thing from when I was a kid. It's a cute idea. But, we're pescatarians (like a vegetarian who eats fish & seafood). So, no meat for us! I forgot to mention that part! :)

Answer 1

I am not sure of any books but, depending on how crafty you are.. you could do a fruit flower basket.. cut the watermelon into a basket and fill it with little balls of watermelon, canteloupe, pices of apple, grapes and strawberries... decorate the edges with her fav color of flower (real or fake).... and If you freeze the grapes it will help keep it cooler since the party is outside...
You could also do a punch for drink... most are pretty easy.. here in NC we use pineapple juice and equal parts Cheerwine and Gingerale.....but you can mix most any combo you like of fruit juice and to make it "sparking" you add a bit of gingerale or sierre mist to it... good luck

Answer 2

I love using betty crockers website I have 3 kids all under 6 and there a hand full.They like the things I make like for a birthday there is a ice cream cone cake your make it with what ever cake mix and pour the batter in the cupcake pan and then you get ice cream cones and put on top put in the oven and bake....when there done there so cool you just get them out and ice using sprinkles and other things...I used this and had an assembly center for them to make there own "ICE CREAM" Find the recipe at betty crocker.But on a different outlook for just a lunch my kids love this too...its octopus mac/chez..get a hot dog and cut the bottom of the hot dog and make 8 legs then get a tooth pick and punch 2 eyes and boil the hot dog the legs look cool when its done and then make your mac/chez and put in a plate with the octopus on top.

Answer 3

I'm vegetarian and they do make veggie hot dogs now.

if you cut up a melon into slices then stick a straw on for a mast, and slip a quarter of an orange on the straw you will have some great boats. That are very healthy. The stripey water melons are the best since they are virtually seedless.

Pasta with some tomato cooking sauce with chopped peppers, tomatoes, onions, is a great and easy idea for kids and adults aswell. You can eat it hot and cold! Plus it's cheap to make.

Good luck with your party.

Answer 4

I like http://www.familyfun.go.com it has a lot of great selections i use for all kinds of activities. Birthdays, Girl Scouts, get togethers, etc....

Answer 5

Use bagels or English muffins or biscuit dough to make little pizzas. You can make smiley faces on them with the toppings.

Answer 6

http://www.activitiesforkids.com/birthday/food.htm