6 girlfriends coming over for a b'day party! What can I serve with my budget?!
6 girlfriends coming over for a b'day party! What can I serve with my budget?
I want to invite 6 girlfriends over for a birthday dinner. Im on a very tight budget! Does anyone have any ideas???
I was thinking of possibly using my crock pot, or a casserole???
help me!!!
Answers:
I always think appetizers are fun. Buy a bunch of different types or make some.
lasagna
fried chiken now you kno how we roll or pancakes for other people.
Cookies, Chips and Dip, Fruit Tray, Crackers and Cheese, Pizza!!! ^.^
Quick and easy is spaghetti with garlic bread and a salad
and, of course, cake and ice cream for dessert!
Package of Grands! homestyle biscuts, jar of pizza sauce, grated mozzerella cheese, pepperoni slices. Roll out biscuts to make individual pizzas. Maybe get some other toppings like veggies and stuff and also serve a salad. Bake pizzasa t 450 for 15 minutes or so.
If you're going to do a roast in the crockpot, buy a box of Lipton's onion soup (2 or 3 packs to a box....it's in powder form). You don't have to do anything...just drop the roast in the crock pot, pour one pack of Lipton's onion soup over the top and let it cook. You can add sliced carrots, and potatoes (I add celery too) about one hour before it finishes cooking. I always get rave reviews when doing this and it's quick and inexpensive to prepare.
Spagetti with garlic bread and salad.
Or Fettecinie with Alfredo Sauce and shrimp. Buy the pasta at the grocery store, as well as a small bag of frozen shrimp, go to bulk food store and buy Alfredo sauce mix(much cheaper), also have salad and garlic bread-very good
make a goolash(not sure how to spell) its just pretty much baked pasta. make your own sauce for a special touch. a good appetizer that is filling is a crab dip. take 3-4 pkgs of cream cheese ,real or imitation crab, a bunch of long green onions. mix together, for ball and put in nice bown or plater. serve with wheat crackers or whole grain crackers. mmmmmmmmmmm!!!!
2 ideas:
Chicken is inexpensive and so is ground beef so you can either have:
Baked or fried chicken, salad, rice and beer
OR
Tacos , beans and get an $8 gallon of Carlo Rossi Sangria
Although you will not need a crock pot for either.
Happy Birthday !
I know exactly how you feel....I'm a college student (which equals POOR) and I love having my girlfriends over, but I'm too broke to buy expensive things. Here's a couple recipes I've used that are tasty, easy, and cheap. Hope you enjoy them :)
Appetizer Ideas
3 cups fresh basil leaves, washed, dried
1/3 cup KRAFT Classic Italian Vinaigrette Dressing
1/3 cup KRAFT 100% Grated Parmesan Cheese
32 baguette slices (1/4-inch thick), toasted
1 container (8 oz.) PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese Spread
1/4 cup KRAFT 100% Grated Parmesan Cheese
PLACE basil leaves, dressing and 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese in food processor or blender container; cover. Process until well blended.
SPREAD baguette slices evenly with cream cheese spread, then with pesto mixture.
SPRINKLE evenly with 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese.
Sweet Fruit Dip
4 oz. (1/2 of 8-oz. pkg.) PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, softened
1 cup whole berry cranberry sauce
1 cup thawed COOL WHIP Whipped Topping
BEAT cream cheese and cranberry sauce with electric mixer on medium speed until well blended. Gently stir in whipped topping; cover.
REFRIGERATE at least 1 hour or until ready to serve.
SERVE with strawberries, red and green grapes, pineapple, kiwi or pears, cut into bite-sized pieces for dipping.
Entrees
Layered Fiesta Casserole
1 lb. extra lean ground beef
1 medium green pepper, chopped
1 medium red pepper, chopped
1 jar (16 oz.) TACO BELL HOME ORIGINALS Thick 'N Chunky Salsa
1 can (14-1/2 oz.) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 pkg. (10 oz.) frozen corn, thawed
12 corn tortillas (6 inch)
1-1/2 cups KRAFT 2% Milk Shredded Reduced Fat Sharp Cheddar Cheese, divided
PREHEAT oven to 375°F. Brown meat with peppers in large skillet; drain. Return meat mixture to skillet. Stir in salsa, tomatoes and corn; bring to boil.
SPOON 1 cup meat mixture onto bottom of 13x9-inch baking dish. Top with 6 tortillas, overlapping as necessary. Spoon half of the remaining meat mixture over tortillas; top with 3/4 cup of the cheese. Top with remaining 6 tortillas and meat mixture. Cover with foil.
BAKE 25 to 30 min. or until heated through. Remove from oven; uncover. Sprinkle with remaining 3/4 cup cheese. Let stand 5 min. or until cheese is melted.
Penne with Chicken, Gorgonzola, and Onions
2 cups penne pasta, uncooked
2 tsp. olive oil
1/2 cup thin onion slices, separated into rings
1 tsp. sugar
1-1/2 cups chopped plum tomatoes
2 cups cut-up grilled chicken (1-inch pieces)
1-1/2 cups chicken broth
1/2 cup diagonally cut asparagus spears (1-inch pieces)
1/4 cup whipping cream
4 tsp. minced fresh garlic
1 pkg. (4 oz.) ATHENOS Crumbled Gorgonzola Cheese
1/2 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
COOK pasta as directed on package.
MEANWHILE, heat oil in small skillet on medium heat. Add onions and sugar; cook and stir 2 to 3 minutes or until onions are tender. Remove from heat; set aside.
DRAIN and rinse pasta. Place in large skillet. Add tomatoes; cook on medium heat 1 minute, stirring occasionally. Add chicken, broth, asparagus, cream and garlic; mix well. Cook and stir 5 minutes or until sauce is slightly thickened. Add onions, cheese and basil; mix well. Cook 2 minutes or until heated through, stirring occasionally.
Slow Cooker Chicken Curry
10 chicken thighs, skins removed (2-3/4 lb.)
1 jar (16 oz.) TACO BELL HOME ORIGINALS Salsa
1 medium onion, chopped
2 Tbsp. curry powder
1 cup BREAKSTONE'S FREE or KNUDSEN FREE Fat Free Sour Cream
PLACE chicken in slow cooker. Combine salsa, onions and curry powder; pour over chicken. Cover with lid.
COOK on LOW for 8 to 10 hours (or on HIGH for 5 hours).
REMOVE chicken to serving platter; cover to keep warm. Add sour cream to slow cooker; stir until well blended. Serve over the chicken.
Bruchetta Stuffed Chicken
1 can (14-1/2 oz.) Italian-style diced tomatoes, undrained
1-1/4 cups KRAFT Shredded Low-Moisture Part-Skim Mozzarella Cheese, divided
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
1 pkg. (6 oz.) STOVE TOP Stuffing Mix for Chicken
8 small boneless skinless chicken breast halves (2 lb.)
1/3 cup KRAFT Roasted Red Pepper Italian with Parmesan Dressing
PREHEAT oven to 350°F. Combine tomatoes with their liquid, 1/2 cup of the cheese, the basil and dry stuffing mix; stir just until moistened.
PLACE 2 chicken breast halves in large freezer-weight resealable plastic bag. Pound chicken with side of heavy can, rolling pin or meat mallet until chicken is 1/4-inch thick. Repeat with remaining chicken breast halves, adding 2 at a time to bag. Place chicken, top-sides down, on large cutting board; spread evenly with stuffing mixture. Starting at one of the narrow ends, tightly roll up chicken. Place, seam-sides down, in 13x9-inch baking dish. Drizzle evenly with dressing.
BAKE 40 min. Sprinkle with remaining 3/4 cup cheese. Bake an additional 5 min. or until chicken is cooked through (170°F) and cheese is melted.
Dessert
Chocolate Berry No Bake Cheesecake
2 squares BAKER'S Semi-Sweet Baking Chocolate
2 pkg. (8 oz. each) PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, softened
1/3 cup sugar
2 cups thawed COOL WHIP Chocolate Whipped Topping
1 OREO Pie Crust (6 oz.)
1-1/2 cups halved strawberries
MICROWAVE chocolate in small microwaveable bowl on HIGH 1 min; stir until chocolate is completely melted. Set aside.
BEAT cream cheese and sugar in large bowl with electric mixer on medium speed until well blended. Add chocolate; mix well. Gently stir in whipped topping. Spoon into crust.
REFRIGERATE 3 hours or until set. Top with strawberries just before serving. Store leftover pie in refrigerator.
Creamy Layered Fruit Sensation
1 pkg. (9 oz.) angel food cake
3 Tbsp. orange juice
1/4 tsp. almond extract
2-1/2 cups fat free milk
2 pkg. (4-serving size each) JELL-O Vanilla Flavor Fat Free Sugar Free Instant Reduced Calorie Pudding & Pie Filling
1-1/2 cups thawed COOL WHIP LITE Whipped Topping, divided
2 pkg. (12 oz. each) frozen mixed berries, thawed, well drained (about 4 cups frozen or 2-1/2 cups thawed berries)
CUT cake into cubes; place in large bowl. Combine orange juice and almond extract. Drizzle over cake cubes; toss lightly.
POUR milk into another large bowl. Add dry pudding mixes. Beat with wire whisk 2 min. or until well blended. Gently stir in 1 cup of the whipped topping.
LAYER half the cake cubes in bottom of 2-qt. glass serving bowl or 2-qt. round baking dish. Reserve a few berries for garnish. Top with layers of half each of the remaining berries and pudding mixture. Repeat layers. Cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate 2 to 6 hours before serving. Top with remaining 1/2 cup whipped topping and reserved berries just before serving.
Champagne Celebration (serves 1)
? juice of 1/2 lime, freshly squeezed
? 1/2 oz. Cointreau
? 1/2 oz. brandy
? 1 sugar cube
? Peychaud bitters
? 4 oz. Champagne
Pour Cointreau and brandy into a Champagne flute. Saturate a sugar cube with bitters and add to flute. Fill flute with Champagne.
Non-Alcoholic - Sparkling cider, sparkling water
Party Recipes
Treat your guests to these fun-to-eat snacks! Many of our favorite recipes can be easily adapted to match the theme of your party.
Shark Bait
Every good fisherman knows that you need plenty of bait in order to catch some fish. Your little fishes will surely "bite" when they see these apples! For this recipe, you will need: peanut butter, jelly or jam, a package of gummy worms, and one apple for each guest. Remove the core from each apple, while leaving the bottom of each apple intact. If you accidentally puncture an apple all the way through and do not have extras, carefully plug the hole with a small piece of core. Combine 1 cup of peanut butter and 1 cup of jam in a bowl. Fill the center of each apple with the mixture. Place apples in a cupcake or muffin tin, and set the tin in a pan half full of water. Bake the apples at 350 degrees for 30 minutes, or until apples are tender. When cool, insert a gummy worm halfway into the hole, leaving half to dangle over the edge. Serve on individual plates.
Fish Bowl
For this fun snack, you will need a large, clear bowl, one package of blue or green Jell-O?, gummy fish, and a cup of low-fat whipped topping. Make Jell-O? according to package instructions. Pour into the bowl and set in the refrigerator. As Jell-O? thickens, (check after about an hour) insert the gummy fish into the "sea." When it is time to serve, spread whipped topping over the top to create the illusion of surf. Serve in cups or small bowls.
Banana Boats
For this cool tropical treat, you'll need 1 banana per child, ice cream, mini marshmallows and chocolate chips. To prepare, slit each banana open lengthwise. Put ice cream, mini marshmallows and chocolate chips in the slit. Add whip cream to the top, if you wish. Eat with a spoon straight out of the skin (boat). Enjoy!
Bugs on a Log
These "bugs" are here to add fun and a little silliness to your party. Cut celery into six-inch lengths and spread evenly with peanut butter. Put raisins (bugs) along the length of the celery in an uneven pattern. Bugs on a Log are fun for the birthday child to help prepare before the party. Or, leave the raisins off and let the children add "bugs" to their very own logs at snack time.
Silly-Face Pizza
Ingredients:
English muffins (one half per guest); pizza sauce; shredded American or mozzarella cheese; pizza toppings.
Directions:
1. Split English muffins in half and top with prepared pizza sauce and shredded American or mozzarella cheese.
2. Place a muffin half in front of each child and let them decorate their pizza with pepperoni, sliced olives, mushrooms, green peppers or other favorite pizza toppings to make a silly face or a design that matches the party theme.
3. Bake pizzas on a cookie sheet at 375?F. for 5-10 minutes, or until cheese melts.
Jell-O Jigglers?
Purchase several packages of your child's favorite flavors of Jell-O brand gelatin. Follow the directions on the package to make the popular Jell-O Jigglers. To make these treats even more fun to eat, use cookie cutters to create fun shapes that match your party theme. Display them on a platter and let the kids help themselves.
Crunchy Munchies
For an easy-to-grab snack, combine your favorite treats in a large bowl (M&M's? peanuts, licorice pieces, granola, pretzels, raisins, coconut, dried fruit, and any of your other favorites). Then, let your guests scoop out their own cupful of munchies to snack on.
Pigs in a Blanket
Your guests are sure to squeal over these delectable delights. Purchase your favorite brand of hot dogs, cheese, and refrigerator croissants. Slice hot dogs lengthwise and cut cheese into strips. Unroll croissants and stuff them with hot dogs and cheese. Roll croissants back up and bake as directed, or until golden brown.
These delicious treats are so good, your party guests will clean every last crumb from their plates. Don't be surprised if they make pigs of themselves and come back for more!
Shooting Star Sandwiches
Create star-shaped treats by making your child's favorite sandwiches and cutting them into star shapes using a cookie cutter. Or, serve triangular sandwiches laid out in a star-shaped arrangement. To do this, place the sandwiches in a circle with points facing towards the edge of the tray.
Brontosaurus Eggs
This hearty treat is only for guests with a ravenous appetite! Boil 4 eggs for 15 to 20 minutes, until they are hard-boiled. Run cold water over the eggs. Then crack and peel carefully. Divide 1/2 lb. ground breakfast sausage into 4 equal portions and flatten each into a round, 5-inch patty. Wrap a patty around each hard-boiled egg, covering the eggs completely.
Beat one raw egg thoroughly in a small bowl. Then, dip each sausage-wrapped egg in the raw egg mixture. Next, roll each egg in crushed saltine crackers, covering completely. Arrange the eggs in a shallow baking dish and bake 25 to 30 minutes, until sausage is no longer pink. Serve up these tasty brontosaurus eggs warm or cold.
Baby Dino Eggs
(Makes 3 dozen eggs)
Ingredients:
2 cups white vanilla chips; 1 (16-oz.) can Pillsbury? Creamy Supreme? Vanilla Frosting; 1/2 cup decorator sugar or cake decors.
Directions:
1. Melt vanilla chips in medium saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly. Remove from heat. Stir in frosting until well blended. Refrigerate 1 to 2 hours or until firm.
2. Place decorator sugar on small plate. (Use several plates if using more than one color.) With hands, shape frosting mixture into 1-1/2" egg shapes. Roll in decorator sugar to coat. Place in paper candy cups or miniature paper baking cups. Store in refrigerator.
Scooby Snacks
Combine 1/2 cup of each of the following ingredients in a large mixing bowl with one egg: margarine, peanut butter, white sugar, and brown sugar; mix until well blended. Add 1 1/4 cups all purpose flour, 1/2 tsp. baking powder, 3/4 tsp. baking soda and 1/4 tsp. salt; mix well. Stir in 1/2 cup English toffee pieces and 1/2 cup chocolate chips.
Chill dough for 1 hour. Roll dough into 1/2-inch balls and place 2 inches apart on a cookie sheet coated with nonstick cooking spray. Flatten each ball with a fork. Bake at 375? F. for 10 to 12 minutes, until lightly browned. Remove from oven, cool and serve in a bowl.
Moose Moss Crispy Squares
Mix 6 drops of green food coloring with 1 Tbs. water. Place 3 cups of shredded coconut into a one-quart container and add the green-colored mixture. Cover the container and shake vigorously until the coconut is evenly tinted; set aside.
Melt 1 cup butter or margarine in a large saucepan and add 4 cups of marshmallows. Stir over low heat until the marshmallows are melted and the mixture is smooth. Tint the mixture bright blue using several drops of food coloring.
Remove pan from the heat and add 8 cups of Rice Krispies? cereal. Stir until evenly coated. With buttered hands, place mixture in a 9 x 12-inch baking dish that has been sprayed with nonstick cooking spray. Cover the mixture with green coconut and press firmly into place, compressing slightly. Store in the refrigerator until about 1 hour before the party. Cut into squares and serve at room temperature.
Devilishly Green Eggs
To make 12 "green eggs," you'll need six hard-boiled eggs. Slice eggs in half and scoop out the yolk. Mix the yolks with 2 drops of blue food coloring and 1 drop of yellow. Then add 1 tsp. prepared mustard and 1 Tbs. mayonnaise. Mix with a fork until smooth. Scoop the yolk mixture into each egg white half. Serve on a platter and let your guests help themselves.
Cookie Wands
Make your favorite sugar cookie recipe or purchase refrigerated sugar cookie dough. Roll out dough and cut using a star-shaped cookie cutter; bake according to instructions. As soon as the cookies come out of the oven, and are still soft to the touch, carefully push a plastic straw between any two points of the star. This makes the handle for your wand.
Frost the cookies with glossy icing. To make glossy icing, simply sift confectioners' sugar into a bowl. Slowly add hot water, while mixing, until it becomes a smooth paste. Add a few drops of food coloring to make extra colorful treats. These wand cookies are somewhat fragile, but they're delicious and a lot of fun to eat!
Cinderella's Crunchy Vegetable Dip Coach
Just like in the magical fairy tale, your fancy coach turns back into a pumpkin (and can now be used to serve vegetable dip to your party guests). Scrape out the insides of a small pumpkin. If pumpkins are not in season, use a large butternut squash instead. Wash the pumpkin and then turn it upside down to dry. Fill it with your favorite dip and set it on a bed of lettuce. Arrange an assortment of freshly sliced vegetables on top of the lettuce. Place three small rubber mice near the pumpkin (to represent the former groomsmen who were turned back into mice at the stroke of midnight).
Speedy Sandwiches
For this recipe, you will need bread, pretzel sticks, your child's favorite sandwich fillers, and olives or gum drops to make wheels. First, build the cars by making triple decker sandwiches. Then, remove the crusts and cut the sandwiches in half. Place two halves together, holding them in place using two pretzel sticks for axles. If your sandwiches are made of meats and cheeses, place half an olive at the end of each pretzel stick for the wheels. If you're making peanut butter and jelly, use gum drops for the wheels. Make a raceway out of your platter, and place the cars in different positions so they appear to be racing around the serving dish!
Magic Wands
(Makes 16 Wands)
Ingredients:
1 cup Pillsbury? Creamy Supreme? Chocolate Fudge Frosting; 1 cup chocolate candy sprinkles; 16 pretzel rods; 1/4 cup Pillsbury? Creamy Supreme? Vanilla Frosting.
Directions:
1. Line cookie sheet with foil. Place chocolate frosting in microwave?safe 13x9?inch (3?quart) glass baking dish. Microwave on HIGH for 10 to 15 seconds or until melted; stir until smooth. Place candy sprinkles in shallow dish.
2. Dip each pretzel rod in melted frosting, turning to coat completely. Roll rods in candy sprinkles; place on foil?lined cookie sheet. Refrigerate 30 minutes or until frosting is set.
3. Place sheet of foil on work surface. Place vanilla frosting in small microwave?safe bowl. Microwave on HIGH for 10 to 15 seconds or until softened. Dip 1 inch of each coated pretzel in vanilla frosting; place wands on foil. Let stand about 4 hours or until frosting is set.
Magic Playing Card Treats
(Makes 8 treats)
Ingredients:
8 (4?section) graham crackers; 1 1/4 cups Pillsbury? Creamy Supreme? Vanilla Frosting; 10 drops red food color; 1/4 cup Pillsbury? Creamy Supreme? Chocolate Fudge Frosting.
Directions:
1. Remove 1 section from each graham cracker; reserve single sections for another use. Frost graham crackers with 1 cup of the vanilla frosting.
2. Place remaining 1/4 cup vanilla frosting in small resealable plastic bag; seal bag. Add red food color; squeeze bag until well blended. Cut off 1 bottom corner of bag to form small hole. Squeeze bag to pipe frosting onto 4 graham crackers in heart and diamond patterns.
3. Place chocolate frosting in another small resealable plastic bag; seal bag. Cut off 1 bottom corner of bag to form small hole. Squeeze bag to pipe frosting onto remaining 4 graham crackers in club and spade patterns.
Animal Cookies
Have your partygoers decorate their own animal cookies! Make your favorite sugar cookie recipe or purchase refrigerated sugar cookie dough, and create all the animals in the jungle using cookie cutters. Use as many different animal-shaped cookie cutters as you can find. To make glossy icing, sift confectioners' sugar into a bowl; slowly add hot water, while mixing, until it becomes a smooth paste. Add different colors of food coloring to bowls of icing and create an array of animal colors. Lay the cookies, bowls of icing, sprinkles, and other creative toppings on the table. Let the kids loose to decorate 2-3 of their very own animal cookies.
Crank Case Oil Sundaes
Ingredients:
Vanilla ice cream; chocolate syrup; chopped peanuts; toothpicks; red construction paper.
Directions:
1. Place one scoop of vanilla ice cream in each child's bowl and add chocolate syrup. Be sure to ask each guest if they would like chopped peanuts added to their sundae, in case someone is allergic to them.
2. Then add a toothpick with a homemade "stop sign" glued to the top. Your guests will love the extra special touch, but nothing will stop them from devouring these scrumptious sundaes.
Monster Truck Wheels
Ingredients:
1/2 English muffin for each child; hot dogs; 16 oz. can of baked beans; 2-3 cups shredded cheddar cheese.
Directions:
1. Split English muffins in half and arrange on a cookie sheet. Spread beans on top of the muffin halves and sprinkle cheese on top of the beans.
2. Cut hot dogs into thirds, then cut each lengthwise into four strips. Arrange 6 hot dog strips (for wheel spokes) on top of each muffin.
3. Bake at 375?F. for 10-12 minutes, or until cheese melts.
High-Flying Cloud in a Cup Meal
Even though your guests may be grounded on the tarmac, fool their tummies into thinking they're flying high in the sky with this tasty treat! (Makes 8 servings)
Cook one cup of macaroni until tender; drain and set aside. Next, saut? 1 small chopped onion in margarine until tender. Add 2 Tbs. cornstarch and 2 cups nonfat milk to the saut?ed onion; cook and stir until thick and bubbly. Reduce heat and cook 2 to 3 more minutes. Add 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese and 2 cups frozen corn to the onion mixture; stir until cheese melts. Remove from heat.
Separate 4 eggs. Beat egg yolks and slowly add them to the cheese mixture, stirring constantly. Fold in drained macaroni. Beat egg whites and 1/4 tsp. cream of tartar until stiff peaks form.
Fill 8 ovenproof mugs (coffee mugs work well), 1/4 full with the cheese and macaroni mixture. Top with a heaping spoonful of egg white to form clouds. Place mugs on a baking sheet and bake at 350?F. for 25 minutes, until golden brown.
Airline Lunch Box
Make each guest at your party feel special with an individual party snack packed in a box. These can be Chinese takeout boxes or other small boxes decorated with your own airline logo. Each can include: 1 ham or turkey sandwich in plastic wrap (make using 1 slice of meat and 1 slice of cheese on a dinner roll); 1 packet of mustard; carrot & celery sticks; 1 lunch-size bag of chips; 1 mini chocolate bar; 1 juice box.
Seaweed Slaw
Cook three 10 oz. packages of french-cut style green beans according to directions on the package. Drain and chill for two hours. Prepare dressing by combining 3/4 cup mayonnaise, 1 Tbs. lemon juice, 1 Tbs. sugar, 1/2 tsp. dry mustard, 1/2 tsp. salt, and 1 tsp. onion powder. Stir until smooth. Toss dressing with beans and chill for several hours, or overnight.
Rainbow Fruit Parfait
This refreshing treat is sure to hit the spot! In a parfait cup, layer: yogurt (any flavor), granola, and fresh fruit (pineapple, blueberries, strawberries and raspberries work well). Top it all off with whipped topping and serve with a long handled spoon.
Funfetti Unicorn Horns
(Makes 8 horns)
Ingredients:
1 (18.9-oz.) pkg. Pillsbury? Moist Supreme? Funfetti? Cake Mix; 1/3 cup oil; 2 eggs; 1/2 (15.6-oz.) can Pillsbury? Creamy Supreme? Funfetti? Pink Vanilla Frosting; 8 pointed ice cream cones; 1 cup candy-coated chocolate pieces.
Directions:
1. Heat oven to 375?F. In large bowl, combine cake mix, oil and eggs; stir with spoon until thoroughly moistened. Shape dough into 36 (1?inch) balls; place 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheets. With bottom of glass dipped in flour, flatten each to 1/4?inch thickness.
2. Bake at 375?F. for 6 to 8 minutes or until edges are light golden brown. Cool 1 minute; remove from cookie sheets. Cool 15 minutes or until completely cooled.
3. Spoon about 1 cup frosting into quart?sized resealable plastic bag; seal bag. Cut off 1 bottom corner of bag to form small hole.
4. Holding 1 ice cream cone in hand, spoon about 2 tablespoons candies into cone. Squeeze bag of frosting to pipe frosting around top edge of cone. Press rounded side of 1 cookie onto frosting. Place cookie, cone side up, on sheet of waxed paper. Repeat with 7 remaining cones and 7 cookies. Refrigerate 30 minutes or until frosting is set. Reserve remaining cookies for snacking.
5. Starting at pointed end of each cone, pipe spiral of frosting around each cone. Immediately sprinkle frosting with candy bits from frosting. If desired, add additional edible glitter or candy sprinkles.
HIGH ALTITUDE (ABOVE 3500 FEET): Add 1/2 cup flour to dry cake mix. Bake as directed on package.
Popcorn Ball Bags
Popcorn balls are easy and fun to make. To begin, pop 2 1/2 quarts of popcorn and set aside. Next, combine 1/2 cup corn syrup, 1/3 cup water, 1 cup sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a medium sauce pan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until sugar dissolves and mixture comes to a boil. Continue cooking until the mixture reaches a hard boil stage.
Remove mixture from heat and whisk in 1/4 cup butter and 1 teaspoon vanilla. If desired, add a few drops of food coloring; add slowly to determine the color. Pour mixture over popcorn and toss until popcorn is well coated.
Spread mixture on large baking sheets or pieces of waxed paper and let cool slightly before forming into balls. When cool enough to handle, form popcorn balls and set them on pieces of clear or colored cellophane. Gather excess cellophane at the top and tie with a ribbon.
Chocolate Dipped Strawberries
We recommend that you use both white and dark chocolate to make this treat especially sweet. Begin by heating either white or dark chocolate in a pan. The double boiler method works best because it keeps the chocolate from burning.
Taking one strawberry at a time, dip the fruit (with stems still attached) into the chocolate. Dip only half of each strawberry into the chocolate. Lay dipped strawberries on waxed paper to cool.
Arrange the strawberries on a fancy platter with a lace paper doily. Repeat the above steps with the other type of chocolate. We guarantee that your guests will feel oh so special when eating these delectable treats!
Magical Rabbit Ice Cream Balls
Scoop a large ice cream ball for each of your guests. Roll the balls in coconut flakes and set each on a flattened cupcake wrapper. Use black jelly beans for the rabbit's eyes and a red jelly bean for its nose. Cut out "ears" from pink construction paper, or use halved sugar cookies for the rabbit's ears. Store ice cream balls in the freezer until they are ready to be served. When it's time to serve, tell each guest to close his or her eyes and say "abra ca dabra." They'll be delighted when their rabbit magically appears in front of them!
Tea Pot Cake
Bake your child's favorite flavor of cake using a round ball cake pan. Purchase refrigerated sugar cookie dough from the grocery store, or make your own recipe at home. Roll cookie dough to the recommended thickness and cut in the shape of two tea pot handles and spouts. It's a good idea to make extra pieces, just in case the cookies break.
When the cookies have cooled, place frosting on one tea pot handle cookie and stick the other cookie to it. Do the same for the tea pot spout. (This makes the handle and spout stronger). After the cake has cooled, assemble it into a round ball. Then, carefully press the cookie handle and spout into the cake. Decorate your tea pot with white icing using a star-shaped frosting tip. To add a finishing touch, use colored frosting to pipe different colored flowers on your tea pot cake.
Carousel Cake
To make a carousel cake, bake one 12-inch and three 8-inch round cakes. You will also need to bake at least 7 unicorn-shaped cookies, and purchase the same number of candy sticks. In addition, you'll need frosting roses, ribbon, and one large candy stick for the center of the carousel.
A gingerbread house frosting is used to "glue" everything together. It's easiest to make it first, so it's ready when you need it. To make the frosting, mix the following ingredients together in a bowl: 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar, 1 lb. confectioners' sugar, and 3 egg whites. Blend ingredients for 7 minutes, and then refrigerate for 20 minutes. The frosting should be very thick and sticky like glue. If it's not thick, add more sugar.
Next, bake your cookies. Purchase refrigerated sugar cookie dough or use your own recipe. Roll the dough thicker than usual, about 1/4" or so. Be sure to bake extras in case some break. The extras will also be perfect to serve at your party. When the cookies have cooled, let the birthday girl decorate the cookies with different colors of frosting, sprinkles, and edible glitter. This will make the cake extra special.
When the cookies are finished, bake the cakes. After they've cooled, place the 12-inch cake on a platter and spread with white frosting. Then, place the three 8-inch round cakes on top, with frosting in between each layer. Frost the entire ensemble with white icing. Using a frosting tip, decorate the edges and sides of the cake, as well as the top, with garlands or any design that appeals to you.
Next, insert the large candy stick in the center of the top cake. Then, "glue" a candy stick to the back of each unicorn cookie with the gingerbread house frosting; let dry. When the frosting is dry, place the cookies and candy sticks around the 12" cake so it looks like a carousel.
Cut pieces of ribbon long enough to string between the large central candy stick and the candy sticks with cookies around the sides. Glue the ribbon to the top of each candy stick with a generous amount of gingerbread house frosting (under and on the top of the ribbon). Then, add a frosting rose or small piece of candy on top of each. Add frosting roses around the side of the 12-inch cake and you're all set. Enjoy!
Bugs on a Log
These "bugs" are here to add fun and a little silliness to your party. Cut celery into six inch lengths and fill the curve with peanut butter. Put raisins (bugs) the length of the celery in an uneven pattern. Bugs on a Log are fun for the birthday child to help prepare before the party.
Silly-Face Pizza
You will need:
# English muffins (one half per guest)
# Pizza sauce
# Shredded American or mozzarella cheese
# Pizza toppings
Split English muffins in half and top with prepared pizza sauce and shredded American or mozzarella cheese. Place a muffin half in front of each child and let them decorate their pizza with pepperoni, sliced olives, mushrooms, green peppers or other favorite pizza toppings to make a silly face or design. Bake pizzas on a cookie sheet at 375 degrees for 5-10 minutes, or until cheese melts.
Jell-O Jigglers?
Purchase several packages of your child's favorite flavors of Jell-O brand gelatin. Follow the directions on the package to make the popular Jell-O Jigglers. To make these treats even more fun to eat, use cookie cutters to create fun shapes and display them on a platter and let the kids help themselves.
Crunchy Munchies
For an easy-to-grab snack, combine your favorite treats in a large bowl (m&m candies? peanuts, licorice pieces, granola, pretzels, raisins, coconut, and dried fruit). Then have your guests scoop out their own cupful of munchies to snack on.
Pigs in a Blanket
Your guests are sure to squeal over these delectable delights. Purchase your favorite brand of hot dogs, cheese, and refrigerator croissants. Slice hot dogs lengthwise and cut cheese into strips. Unroll croissants and stuff them with hot dogs and cheese. Roll croissants back up and bake as directed, or until golden brown. Then sit back and watch as the kids clean every last crumb from their plates. Don't be surprised if they make pigs of themselves and come back for more!
Shooting Star Sandwiches
Create star-shaped treats by making your child's favorite sandwiches and cutting them into star shapes, using a cookie cutter. Or serve triangular-shaped sandwiches laid out in a star-shaped arrangement (by placing sandwiches in a circle with points facing towards the edge of the tray).
Brontosaurus Eggs
For guests with a ravenous appetite. Boil 4 eggs for 15 to 20 minutes, until they are hard-boiled. Run cold water over the eggs, then crack and peel carefully. Divide 1/2 pound of ground breakfast sausage into 4 equal portions and flatten each into about a 5-inch round patty. Wrap each patty around each of the hard-boiled eggs, covering the egg completely.
Beat one raw egg thoroughly in a small bowl. Roll each sausage-wrapped egg in the beaten egg mixture. Roll each egg in crushed saltine crackers, covering completely. Arrange eggs in a shallow baking dish and bake 25 to 30 minutes, until sausage is no longer pink. Serve up these tasty brontosaurus eggs warm or cold.
Scooby Snacks
Combine 1/2 cup of each of the following ingredients in a large mixing bowl: margarine, peanut butter, white sugar, brown sugar and one egg; mix until well blended. Add 1 1/4 cups all purpose flour, 1/2 tsp. baking powder, 3/4 tsp. baking soda and 1/4 tsp. salt; mix well. Mix in 1/2 cup English toffee pieces and 1/2 cup chocolate chips.
Chill dough for 1 hour. Roll dough into 1/2 inch balls and place 2 inches apart on a cookie sheet sprayed with nonstick cooking spray. Flatten each ball with a fork. Bake at 375? for 10 to 12 minutes, until lightly browned. Remove from oven, cool and serve in a bowl.
Moose Moss Crispy Squares
Mix 6 drops of green food coloring with 1 Tbs. water. Place 3 cups of shredded coconut into a one-quart container and add the green-colored mixture. Cover the container and shake vigorously until the coconut is evenly tinted; set aside. Melt 1 cup butter or margarine in a large saucepan and add 4 cups of marshmallows. Stir over low heat until the marshmallows are melted and the mixture is smooth. Tint the mixture bright blue using several drops of food coloring.
Remove pan from the heat and add 8 cups of Rice Krispies Cereal?. Stir until evenly coated. With buttered hands, place mixture in a 9 x 12-inch baking dish that has been sprayed with nonstick cooking spray. Cover the mixture with green coconut and press firmly into place, compressing slightly. Store in the refrigerator until about 1 hour before the party. Cut into squares and serve at room temperature.
Devilishly Green Eggs
To make 12 "green eggs," you'll need six hard-boiled eggs. Slice eggs in half and scoop out the yolk. Mix the yolks with 2 drops of blue food coloring and 1 drop of yellow; then add 1 tsp. prepared mustard and 1 Tbs. mayonnaise. Mix with a fork until smooth. Scoop the yolk mixture into each egg white half. Serve on a platter and let your guests help themselves.
Magic Wand Cookies
Make your favorite sugar cookies using a star-shaped cookie cutter. As soon as the cookies come out of the oven and are still soft to the touch, carefully push a plastic straw between any two points of the star. This makes the handle for your wand. Frost the cookies with glossy icing. Glossy icing is easy to make: Simply sift confectioners' sugar into a bowl, slowly adding hot water while mixing, until it becomes a smooth paste. Add a few drops of food coloring to make extra colorful treats. These wand cookies are somewhat fragile, but they're delicious and a lot of fun to eat!
Cinderella's Crunchy Vegetable Dip Coach
Just like in the magical fairy tale, your fancy coach turns back into a pumpkin (and can now be used to serve vegetable dip to your party guests). Scrape out the insides of a small pumpkin. If pumpkins are not in season, use a large butternut squash instead. Wash the pumpkin and then turn it upside down to dry. Fill it with your favorite dip and set it on a bed of lettuce. Arrange an assortment of freshly sliced vegetables on top of the lettuce. Place three small rubber mice near the pumpkin (to serve as the former groomsmen who were turned back into mice at the stroke of midnight).
Speedy Sandwiches
You will need: Bread, pretzel sticks, your child's favorite sandwich fillers, and olives or gum drops for the wheels. Build cars by making triple decker sandwiches. Remove crusts and cut sandwiches in half. Place two halves together, holding them in place using two pretzel sticks for axles. If your sandwiches are made of meats and cheeses, place half an olive at the end of each pretzel stick, for the wheels. If you're using peanut butter and jelly, use gum drops for the wheels. Make a raceway out of your platter, and place the cars in different positions so they appear to be racing around the platter.
Animal Cookies
Have your partygoers decorate their own animal cookies! Make your favorite sugar cookie recipe and create all the animals in the jungle using cookie cutters. Use as many different animal-shaped cookie cutters as you can find. To make glossy icing, sift confectioners' sugar into a bowl and slowly add hot water while mixing until it becomes a smooth paste. Add different color food coloring to bowls of icing to create an array of animal colors. Lay the cookies, bowls of icing, sprinkles, and other creative toppings on the table and let the kids loose to decorate 2-3 of their very own animal cookies.
Crank Case Oil Sundaes
# You will need: Vanilla ice cream
# Chocolate syrup
# Chopped peanuts
# Toothpicks
# Red construction paper.
Place one scoop of vanilla ice cream in each guests' bowl and add chocolate syrup. Be sure to ask each guest if they would like chopped peanuts added to their sundae. Then add a toothpick with a homemade "stop sign" glued to the top. Your guests will love that extra special touch, but nothing will stop them from devouring these scrumptious sundaes.
Monster Truck Wheels
# You will need: 1/2 English muffin for each child
# Hot dogs
# 16 oz. can of baked beans
# 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Split English muffins in half and arrange on a cookie sheet. Spread beans on top of the muffin halves and sprinkle cheese on top of the beans. Cut hot dogs into thirds, then cut each lengthwise into four strips. Arrange 6 hot dog strips (for wheel spokes) on top of each muffin. Bake at 375 degrees for 10-12 minutes, or until cheese melts.
High-Flying Cloud in a Cup Meal
Even though your guests may be grounded on the tarmac, fool their tummies into thinking they're flying high in the sky with this tasty treat. Cook one cup of macaroni until tender; drain. Saute 1 small chopped onion in margarine until tender. Add 2 Tbs. cornstarch and 2 cups nonfat milk; cook and stir until thick and bubbly. Reduce heat and cook 2 to 3 minutes more.
Add 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese and 2 cups frozen corn to the onion mixture, stir until cheese melts. Remove from heat. Separate 4 eggs. Beat egg yolks and slowly add the cheese mixture, stirring constantly. Fold in drained macaroni. Beat egg whites and 1/4 tsp. cream of tartar until stiff peaks form. Fill 8 ovenproof mugs (coffee mugs work well), 1/4 full with the cheese and macaroni mixture. Top with a heaping spoonful of egg white to form clouds. Place mugs on a baking sheet and bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes, until golden brown.
Airline Lunch Box
Make each guest an individual party snack packed in a box. These can be Chinese takeout boxes or other small boxes decorated with your own airline logo. Each can include: 1 Ham or Turkey sandwich in plastic wrap (Make using 1 slice of meat and 1 slice of cheese on a dinner roll). 1 packet of mustard, carrot & celery sticks, 1 lunch-size bag of chips, 1 mini chocolate bar and 1 juice box.
Seaweed Slaw
Cook three 10 oz. packages of french-cut style green beans according to directions on the package. Drain and chill for two hours. Prepare dressing by combining 3/4 cup mayonnaise, 1 Tbs. lemon juice, 1 Tbs. sugar, 1/2 tsp. dry mustard, 1/2 tsp. salt, and 1 tsp. onion powder. Stir until smooth. Toss dressing with beans and chill for several hours, or overnight.
Rainbow Fruit Parfait
This refreshing treat is sure to hit the spot! In a parfait cup, layer: yogurt (any flavor), granola, fresh fruit (pineapple, blueberries, strawberries and raspberries work well). Top it all off with whipped topping and serve with a long handled spoon.
Popcorn Ball Bags
Popcorn balls are easy and fun to make. To begin, pop 2 1/2 quarts of popcorn and set aside. Combine 1/2 cup corn syrup, 1/3 cup water, 1 cup sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a medium sauce pan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until sugar dissolves and mixture comes to a boil. Continue cooking until the mixture reaches a hard-boil stage (525 degrees F). Use a candy thermometer to check the temperature. Whisk in 1/4 cup butter and 1 teaspoon vanilla. If desired, add food coloring, a few drops at a time to determine color. Pour mixture over popcorn and toss until popcorn is well coated. Spread mixture on large baking sheets or pieces of waxed paper and let cool slightly before forming into balls. Lay popcorn balls on pieces of clear or colored cellophane, gather excess cellophane at the top and tie with a ribbon.
Madeline Cake Recipe
MADELINE CAKE DIRECTIONS
Before undertaking this project, read through all four recipes, and plan out a schedule to complete each one. Allow yourself plenty of time, so that you do not have to rush at the last minute. The following recipes are listed in order of assembly for the party day, however, some steps can be completed a few days beforehand and stored. Note: The rolled fondant icing can be made well in advance and frozen or refrigerated until the party day. The Madeline cake hat decorations can also be made a day or two before the party. With these two steps out of the way, preparation of the cake on the party day will be much simpler.
EASY YELLOW BUTTER CAKE
The easiest way to begin making the Madeline cake is to purchase cake mix at the store, follow package directions, and bake it in two round cake pans. However, if you prefer to make a home-made cake, follow the simple cake recipe below for ?Easy Yellow Butter Cake.?
# Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour
# 4 teaspoons baking powder
# 1/2 teaspoon salt
# 1 1/2 cups sugar
# 1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened
# 1 cup milk
# 1 teaspoon vanilla
# 3 eggs
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour two 8 or 9-inch round cake pans, or grease and line with waxed paper. Sift dry ingredients (flour, baking powder and salt) together in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, cream the sugar and the butter together. Add eggs, milk and vanilla to the butter mixture and beat well with an electric mixer. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing well. Pour batter into prepared cake pans and bake for 35-40 minutes, until wooden pick inserted into the center of each cake comes out clean. Cool the cakes in the pan for 10 -15 minutes. Loosen cake edges from the pan, invert them on a cooling rack, remove waxed paper, and cool completely (45-55 minutes) before decorating.
QUICK BUTTER FROSTING
Ready-made frosting is the simplest way to frost the cake. However, if you prefer to make your own frosting you?ll have plenty of time while the cake is cooling. If you don?t have a favorite frosting recipe, try one of the ?Quick Butter Frosting? variations provided:
Ingredients:
# 1/3 cup butter or margarine
# 4 ? cups sifted powdered sugar
# ? cup milk
# 1 ? tsp. Vanilla
Directions:
In a bowl, beat butter or margarine until fluffy. Gradually add 2 cups of powdered sugar, beating well. Slowly beat in the milk and vanilla. Slowly beat in the remaining sugar. Add additional milk, if needed, to make the frosting of spreading consistency. Tint with food coloring, if desired. Frosts tops and sides of two 8 or 9-inch cake layers.
Chocolate Butter Frosting - Prepare as above, except beat in ? cup unsweetened cocoa powder into butter or margarine. Mocha Butter Frosting - Prepare as above, except beat in ? cup unsweetened cocoa powder into butter or margarine. Add 1 tablespoon instant coffee crystals to the milk, and stir well before adding to the frosting mixture. Lemon or Orange Butter Frosting - Prepare as above, except substitute fresh lemon juice or orange juice for the milk and add ? teaspoon finely shredded lemon peel or 1 teaspoon finely shredded orange peel with the juice. Peanut-Butter Frosting - Prepare as above, except substitute creamy peanut butter for the butter or margarine.
After you?ve chosen and made your frosting, cover a large tray or platter with foil or waxed paper for easy cleanup. Set the first cake layer on the tray and spread a layer of frosting on it. Carefully stack the second layer on the first, so that it is evenly balanced. Spread the top and sides of the cake with frosting. It is not necessary to apply a thick layer of frosting (unless desired) because the rolled fondant icing will conceal the frosting when it is draped over the cake.
ROLLED FONDANT ICING (uncooked) There are cooked versions of fondant that are more complex, but this uncooked version is easier, and works just as well. Uncooked fondant can be well-wrapped and refrigerated overnight, or frozen for several weeks. Bring to room temperature before using. Makes about 2 cups. Double recipe for extra decorations, if necessary.
Ingredients:
# 1/4 cup butter or margarine, softened
# 5 cups sifted powdered sugar (unsifted powdered sugar will result in lumpy fondant)
# 1/4 cup evaporated milk
# 1 teaspoon vanilla
Directions:
Beat butter or margarine in a medium bowl until light and fluffy. Sift powdered sugar and gradually beat it into the butter mixture. Beat in milk and vanilla. If the fondant seems too sticky, gradually add small amounts of powdered sugar. If, after adding additional sugar, it is still too sticky to work with, set it aside for 2-3 hours. Fondant will become much more manageable the longer it sits. (Making fondant well in advance of the party will avoid this frustration.)
1. When the fondant is ready, sprinkle your kneading surface and your hands with powdered sugar. Knead the fondant (like bread dough) until it becomes smooth and glossy. Divide in half and knead in blue paste color (or added drops of food coloring). When the color looks evenly distributed, roll fondant out with a rolling pin into a circular shape about 16 inches in diameter. (Thickness should be 1/8 - 1/4 inch.) Carefully drape rolled fondant over the cake like a tablecover. If the circle is too large, cut away excess and gently press edges down at the base of the cake. You can use the excess to form a tube-like ring at the base of the cake, if desired.
2. Take the second portion of the fondant and color with blue (or other) coloring as before. (Even if the shade is not exactly the same as the first, the cake will still look wonderful.) Roll out into a circle about 10-11 inches in diameter, and 1/8-1/4 inch thick. Find the center of the circle, and cut a plus sign (two perpendicular lines about 3 inches long each.) Then, cut an ?X? through the plus sign, so that you have 8 equal sections coming together in a point (this is where the Madeline centerpiece will stand). Then, lay the fondant over the cake, making sure to center it. Fold the 8 sections up and out in a flower-like display. Pattern the edges of the fondant hanging over the side of the cake any way you like. (This can be done before or after you lay it on the cake.) Use your finger, or the handle of a thick wooden spoon, to form a wavy look. Lastly, don?t forget to place your Madeline centerpiece on top!
**Some novelty stores sell pre-made fondant, but it is not a common supermarket item.
MADELINE HAT CAKE DECORATIONS
Create a finishing touch with these cute yellow Madeline hats! Candy Melts come in a variety of colors and flavors (vanilla, chocolate, butterscotch, etc.) Choose white candy melts for this recipe, so you can color the hats yellow with food coloring. If you choose white chocolate candy melts, it is best to chop or flake it into pieces before heating. White chocolate will turn into a solid, grainy mass if overheated, so monitor it carefully when melting it.
Ingredients:
# 14 oz. bag of Candy Melts (available at craft stores)
# 1/3 cup light corn syrup
# Yellow food coloring & tube of black decorating gel
Directions:
Melt Candy Melts following package directions. Add 4 drops of food coloring; stir to blend. Add corn syrup; stir to blend. Place mixture on a cookie sheet lined with waxed paper; let set at room temperature to dry (overnight). Wrap and store at room temperature until needed.
# To Use: Mixture will start out hard; knead a small portion at a time until workable. If mixture gets too soft, refrigerate briefly. When rolling out mixture, place ? cup-size amount between two pieces of waxed paper; roll to approx. 1/8" thickness.
# To Form Hats: Use the bottom of a Birthday Express.com cup to cut out circles; set aside. Roll a small amount of mixture on a flat surface to form a ball. Place ball in the center of each circle and press down gently; use your fingers to adjust shape. With black decorating gel, draw a bow on the brim of each hat and circle the inside rim.
Cookie Cards
Make your favorite sugar cookie recipe or purchase ready-made dough at your grocery store. Roll dough onto a floured cutting board and, using a knife, cut 2" x 3" rectangles. Bake according to directions, and when cool, coat with a layer of white icing. Decorate the cookies with red and black icing, using a real deck of cards as your model. Place cookies on a platter to look like a fanned out deck of playing cards!
Tea Pot Cake
Bake your favorite flavor of cake using a round ball cake pan. Purchase ready-made cookie dough from your grocery store, or make your own favorite sugar cookie recipe at home. Roll cookie dough to the recommended thickness and cut in the shape of two tea pot handles and spouts. It's a good idea to make extra pieces, just in case the cookies break.
When the cookies have cooled, place frosting on one tea pot handle cookie and stick the other cookie to it. Do the same for the tea pot spout. (This makes the handle and spout stronger). After the cake has cooled, carefully press the cookie handle and spout into the cake. Then, decorate your tea pot with white icing by using a star-shaped frosting tip. To add the finishing touch, use colored frosting to add different colored flowers to your tea pot cake.
Chocolate Dipped Strawberries
We recommend that you use both white and dark chocolate to make this treat especially sweet. Begin by heating either white or dark chocolate in a pan. The double boiler method works best because it keeps the chocolate from burning. Taking one strawberry at a time, dip the fruit (with stems still attached) into the chocolate. Dip only half of each strawberry into the chocolate. Lay dipped strawberries on waxed paper, to cool. Arrange the strawberries on a fancy platter with a lace paper doily. Repeat the above steps with the other type of chocolate. We guarantee that your guests will feel oh so special when eating these delectable treats!
Magical Rabbit Ice Cream Balls
Scoop a large ice cream ball for each of your guests. Roll ball in coconut flakes and set on a flattened cupcake wrapper. Use black jelly beans for the rabbit's eyes, a red jelly bean for its nose, and cut out "ears" from pink construction paper, or use halved sugar cookies for the ears. Store ice cream balls in the freezer until they are ready to be served. Have each guest close their eyes and say "abra ca dabra" before their rabbit magically appears in front of them.
Carousel Cake
To make a carousel cake, bake one 12-inch and three 8-inch round cakes. You will also bake at least 7 unicorn-shaped cookies, and purchase the same number of candy sticks. You will also need one large candy stick for the center of the carousel, frosting roses, and ribbon. A gingerbread house frosting is used to "glue" everything together. Gingerbread house frosting: 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar, 1 lb. confectioners' sugar & 3 egg whites.
Blend ingredients for 7 minutes, then refrigerate for 20 minutes. Frosting should be very thick and set up like glue. If it's not thick, add more sugar. Begin by baking your cookies. Use your favorite sugar cookie recipe, and bake extras in case some break. Bake the cookies extra thick, 1/4" or so. The extras will be perfect to serve at your party. Your cake will be even more special when your birthday girl decorates the cookies with different colors of frosting, sprinkles, and edible glitter. Next, bake the cakes. After they've cooled, place the 12-inch cake on a platter and decorate with white frosting. Place the three 8-inch round cakes on top, with frosting in between each layer, and frost with white icing.
Using a frosting tip, decorate the edges and sides of the cake, as well as the top, with garlands or any design that appeals to you. Next, place the large candy stick in the center of the top cake. mWith the gingerbread house frosting, "glue" a candy stick to the back of each unicorn cookie, and let dry. When frosting is dry, place the cookies and candy sticks around the 12" cake so it looks like a carousel. Cut pieces of ribbon long enough to string between the candy stick in the center of the cake and the other candy sticks. Glue the ribbon to the top of each with a generous amount of gingerbread house frosting (under and on the top of the ribbon), and add a frosting rose or small piece of candy on top of each. Add frosting roses around the side of the 12-inch cake and you're all set. Enjoy!
Yeah, what Irina and d157 said!!!
lol wots a crock pot...soz i am from uk...rather than a dinner...why not do a buffet and then u can have more time chatting drinking n dancing n stuff..then u can eat when u want it...thats wot i do with friends....cheese n onion sandwiches ..cheese n pinapple sticks...nuts...cocktail sausages.etc but lots of wine good music..n kareoke..lots of fun.or if they know u r on a budget do wot me n my m8s do n all bring a plate n perhaps have an ann summers party ..wot a giggle
Make sloppy joes, then put into crock. Make them with ground TURKEY, to save more money and fat/calories. Serve with chips, or make a simple macaroni salad. Deviled eggs & pickles, and a cake, of course!
Okay, instead of buying a cake, bake one and frost it yourself.
Spaghetti and meatballs is a yummy and relatively inexpensive meal to make. All you need is a few boxes of pasta, some sauce and ground beef. Serve this with garlic bread either frozen or make it yourself (for best results use real butter and fresh garlic).
If you wanted to do appetizers crackers and cheese is good maybe with some pepperoni?
To drink, i would get a few bottles of inexpensive wine. Not sure where you are, but there is a wine called Crane Lake that is inexpensive and very tasty!!
Campbells has these things called Supper Bakes you can make like a casserole you just add chicken and they come with rice & seasonings. Like $3.99 for a box + chicken.
You could do a variety of salads, like pasta salad & macaroni salad & lettuce salad & chicken salad or whatever you like.
Also a roast chicken is cheap and surprisingly easy to make
A tri tip or a pork loin from Safeway is around $10-12, you can pair that with some side dishes like rice or potatoes.
If all else fails...Make it a potluck!!! :D
get them all to bring a favourite dish and you supply the drinks and nibblies