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Cooking |
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| Boys, girls it doesn’t matter, kids love to
cook. Everyone can have a blast cooking and eating the fruits of their
labor. With organization, and a little help, this sort of party is very
manageable and very adjustable to the age of the group. Keep things
pretty simple for the younger ones. Let older kids do as much of their
own work as possible. CAUTION: do not let children near the hot stove or oven. An adult should handle any oven or stovetop chores. With supervision, children may use the microwave if needed. Finally, in terms of helpers, keep the size and age of the group in mind. If your guests are a handful of 10 year old girls, you can probably manage on your own, but if you have six or seven year olds you might want at least one extra adult (or teenage) helper. Ditto if the group includes any rambunctious ones. |
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Easy |
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| Buy invitations that have pictures of food or cooking utensils, etc. You may also hand write or buy very plain invitations and decorate them with different stickers such as cupcakes, chefs’ hats, rolling pins, etc. | ||||
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Moderate |
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Use your computer to make a side or tent fold invitation with appropriate graphics. A chef’s hat would look nice or some wooden spoons and a bowl, or a wire whisk (you get the idea). Some samples of text you might use for the inside are: Date: Time: Place: RSVP:
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Go All Out |
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Make invitations that look like restaurant
menus. This can be done on the computer or by hand. If you use the
computer a pretty calligraphy type font would look nice, but try a few
and see what you like. If you’re hand printing use a calligraphy felt
tip pen—they’re easy to use and make any handwriting look
nice. Julie’s
Birthday MENU
First Course, served on…………………[date] |
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 Decorations |
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| This
party will take place mainly in your kitchen and perhaps your dining or
family room if it’s adjacent to the kitchen. I highly recommend
keeping the decorations to a minimum. You don’t want anything getting
in the way or presenting any kind of hazard in the cooking area. Hence,
there is no “All Out” category for this party. HINT: if you need, as you probably will, to use your kitchen table as a work area, then have a separate table set up in another area or room where the kids can just sit and eat. Obviously, an older, taller group will be able to stand at the counter if you have enough space. |
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Easy |
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The eating table can be
covered with a pretty cloth and paper plates, etc. If you want to use
place cards, try attaching each one to a little cookie cutter or
mini-whisk (adorable). |
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Moderate |
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| If you like, you can add to the above some hanging
decorations such as chefs’ hats (available in paper), cookie cutters,
etc. ALTERNATIVE: use paper chefs’ hats instead of nametags. As guests arrive have them write their name with marker on the lower brim of the hat. They can wear them while they cook which will also help to keep hair out of the way. |
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Go All Out |
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| Set up an “apron” display; it could be on a mantle, or
a clothesline (especially good outside), or a coat rack, etc.
At a craft or fabric store buy some plain, undecorated aprons (if
you’re handy with the sewing machine you could make them instead), one
for each guest plus the birthday child. (Full aprons, with a top that
covers the chest, are better than half aprons.) Prior to the party use permanent marker, paint marker, or fabric paint to write each child’s name on the front of the apron. If you’re artistic add some additional illustrations (e.g. spoons, measuring cup, muffins), or just leave it at that. As guests arrive they can put on their aprons and be all set for cooking. The aprons then are taken home as a parting gift when the party is over. |
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 Entertainment/Crafts and Activities |
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| [IMPORTANT NOTE:
Since the primary activity at this party is going to be the cooking
itself, much of the material normally covered in the FOOD category is
covered here.] Your guest chefs can make dessert only, or make their lunch and then have a cake that you provide, or, if they’re older and you have the time, they can make the entire meal themselves (nice idea for a sleepover with older girls). On the other hand, you might want the kids to cook only non-edible things such as play-dough, and provide the real food yourself. The options are endless, which is one of the beauties of this party. The following are only some of the many ideas that you can use. If you have your own cooking specialty, from bread baking to chocolate making, by all means pass your skill on to the kids. It will be fun for all and especially gratifying to you. NOTE: for this type of party the ratings of “easy,” or “moderate,” are less relevant and have been omitted. What’s more important is to consider the age and ability of the children. You should determine up front whether you want to cook only treats or only lunch with the kids, and then keep the difficulty level for the kids in mind when selecting what items to make. The cooking tasks for a group of six-year-olds will necessarily be simpler than those for a group of ten-year-olds. However, none of this is written in stone. You should pick and choose what you’re comfortable with and what you think your guests will enjoy. Some older kids love to do the simplest things (e.g. dipping pretzels in chocolate) while younger ones may really enjoy the intricacy of baking a braided bread (go figure). Finally, some activities are particularly good for outdoor parties, as I’ve noted, but they can be done indoors if you like. |
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Sweet Treats |
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Make “Little
Dippers” out of pretzel rods. Have handy a few microwave proof
bowls, some wax or parchment paper, some milk or semi-sweet chocolate,
some white chocolate and some decorations such as colored sugar crystals
or rainbow sprinkles. Place each type of chocolate in a separate bowl and melt in the microwave. It may be easier to work with one type at a time. Pour the melted chocolate into a cylindrical container that is an inch or two shorter than the pretzel rods (A 2lb. Deli container would work). HINT: if you have microwave safe glasses (a 12-oz. size is great) you can melt the chocolate right in the glass. You may need to stop and stir a couple of times. The glass can then be used for dipping as well. Give each child a few pretzels and a piece of wax paper (or waxed paper plate). Pour some sprinkles and sugar into paper bowls or muffin cups and spread around the table. Each child holds his or her pretzel at one end and dips it into the chocolate. As they remove the pretzel wipe along edge so that excess drips back into the container. Place on wax paper, then sprinkle with decorations while turning the pretzel. Let cool on the paper while the child goes on to the next pretzel. It will help if you write each child’s name on the wax paper. Then, if you move them aside to cool and be eaten later, you’ll know whose is whose. Also, have plastic goody bags (and ribbon or twist ties) ready with each guest’s name so that uneaten treats can be sent home. The same procedure can be used to dip other items as well, such as almond cookies, sugar wafers or Oreo’s. Note: depending on the size of the cookies you may want to use a shallower, wider mouthed container (less fingers in the chocolate means less mess-- and less germs!) Here are some other “sweet” ideas. Have the kids make brownies (use a mix and bake in paper lined muffin tins; when cool let the kids decorate with frosting, M & M’s, sprinkles, etc.) Or, let the kids make S’mores, especially if the party is outside (you know, graham crackers, Hershey’s chocolate bars and toasted marshmallows). Another good outdoor, or indoor, idea is to make homemade ice cream with the kids to serve later with the birthday cake. An old-fashioned crank type machine that everyone can have a turn with is perfect. Kids will just love making their own crunchy chocolate bars—some to eat at the party and some to take home. In a large bowl place 4 cups of dry cereal such as Rice Krispies, Frosted Cheerios or a mixture of whatever you like. Grease the bottom and sides of a 12 x 7" baking pan with margarine (or use small individual foil pans). In a microwave safe bowl mix and melt 2 cups of mini marshmallows and 1 cup of chocolate chips on high for 30 seconds, then stir and zap again for 10-15 seconds. Pour the chocolate mixture over the cereal and stir with a wooden spoon until the cereal is coated. Press the mixture into the pan(s) (HINT: the kids can wear sandwich bag gloves for this part) then refrigerate while the party continues. If they’ve used individual tins, they can press in a design of M & M’s –initials would be nice. When the mixture is set, after about 1 hour, an adult with a sharp knife may cut the large pan into pieces or help release the individual pans. Make two batches if necessary and be sure to wrap at least one bar for each guest to take home. Of course, you can always make the, ever popular, cookies. Have cookie dough ready and have the kids roll it out, cut out shapes with a variety of cookie cutters, and then decorate after baking. |
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| As I said earlier, these are only some of the many things you can do. While treats are cooling and setting the kids can go ahead and eat their lunch (if being served), play some games (if there’s time), or the birthday child may open presents. | ||||
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Lunch Treats |
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| Give a Mexican flair to the fiesta (try a sombrero
centerpiece and a piñata) and have the kids make quesadillas. Buy flour
tortillas, shredded cheddar/jack cheese, refried beans (who knows!) and
some mild salsa. For each child, place a tortilla on a paper plate. Have
the various toppings set out with several serving spoons and let each
child create their own. When they’re done, you can either pop 1 or 2 directly into the microwave on their plates for 60 seconds, or transfer the tortillas to baking sheets and heat in a 350 degree oven until the cheese is melted. It gives a whole new meaning to “fast food.” Another fun idea is to make individual pizzas. You can either buy ready made pizza dough at the grocery (you’ll need to divide it into single portions, but the kids love to play with and shape it), or use pita bread (split open and have inside face up). Set out all the toppings (sauce, shredded mozzarella, mushroom slices, pepperoni, etc.) and let the kids make their own. Bake in a 350-degree oven until cheese is melted and (if using dough) crust looks brown. For variations, you can also use pizza dough to make stromboli (roll dough out in shape of rectangle, place filling of pepperoni or salami, cheese, etc., in center then fold up the ends to cover the filling and bake) or calzones (roll dough out in small circles, place filling of ricotta and mozzarella cheese in center--don’t overstuff—wet the edge of the circle with a little water then fold over turnover style, pinch tightly closed then bake). Your group may also enjoy making a salad to go along with lunch. They can dry and tear lettuce, cut peppers, cucumbers and carrots, etc. You’d be surprised how many kids love to eat salad, especially when they get to make it. |
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| Another fun lunch idea is to make hot
dog wraps. Use packaged crescent rolls, separate the triangles,
and let each child flatten the dough and wrap a hot dog. Place on a baking sheet and bake in a 350 degree oven for about 10 minutes or until the dough is puffed up and brown. If the weather is warm or you just don’t feel like using the oven, make sandwich wraps—the older (10 and up) girls love them. Use the large size flour tortillas, which are also available in a variety of flavors and colors. Set out a wide variety of fillings such as ham, turkey, grilled chicken, shredded cheeses, pepper slices, shredded lettuce, tomato slices, etc. Also, set out ketchup, mayo, mustard or other dressings. For less mess give each guest a square of tin foil that is slightly larger than the tortilla. Warm the tortillas slightly in the microwave, for easier rolling, and place one on each foil square. They can then fill their wrap with whatever combination of ingredients they enjoy, only being careful not to overstuff so that it can’t be rolled. Lift the edge and roll up the tortilla then roll the tin foil around it crimping the ends closed. Cut in half crosswise and voila! Just remember to tear the foil down as you eat—have you ever tasted tin foil? It’s worse than fingernails on the blackboard for setting the teeth on edge. |
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Savory Treats |
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| If you would like to do something other than lunch or sweets, there are
options for this as well. How about making bread? Use your
favorite recipe, it can be a yeast bread (in which case you’ll want to
do some advance preparation to allow for rising) or something like
zucchini bread which can be baked in individual foil loaf pans (break
out those cookbooks mom!) My personal favorite is Challah and I’ve never seen a child that didn’t enjoy making it, especially the braiding. It’s a soft, slightly sweet bread that kids love to eat. You can start it early on the morning of the party, to allow for rising, and then let the kids punch it down and knead it. If the group is older and you can allow plenty of time, let the kids do it all. Or, even better, how about a sleepover bakefest? The girls (okay, I’m assuming) can make dough and let it rise overnight, then get to work in the morning making their own delicious breakfast!! Mmmmm, can I come? If you have your own recipe by all means use it, here’s mine: |
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| [Be sure to note all rising and baking time requirements] | ||||
| Mix 2 packets of dry yeast with ½ cup of warm water and 1
tsp. of sugar. Let the mixture rest 5-10 minutes,
or until it begins to foam. In the meantime, in a large bowl mix about 4 cups unbleached all-purpose flour with ½ cup sugar, 2 tsp. salt and ½ cup margarine. Combine the ingredients (with a pastry blender, food processor, or even 2 knives) until it forms coarse crumbs. Add the yeast mixture, 1 cup of warm water and 3 large eggs. Beat the dough (it will be on the loose side) with a mixer or wooden spoon for about 3 minutes. By hand (or with your Kitchen-aid) slowly stir in additional flour (approx. 2-2 ½ cups) to form a soft, slightly sticky dough. Cover with plastic wrap and let rest for about 5 minutes. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead, adding little bits of flour if needed to prevent sticking, for about 10 minutes until it is very smooth and silky. Put the dough into an oiled bowl and turn it so the entire outside is oiled. Cover the bowl loosely with plastic wrap and then a dishtowel to keep it moist and dark. Let the dough rise until it doubles in bulk, 1 to 2 hours depending on how warm the room is. HINT: up to this point the recipe can be prepared before the party begins. Once the guests have arrived, donned their aprons or hats, and washed their hands, have them punch down the dough and knead it a few times to remove any air bubbles. Divide the dough into equal pieces, one for each child. If you have more than six or seven kids make additional batches of dough. Divide each child’s portion of dough into 3 strands (or more if you think they can manage it), cover them loosely with plastic wrap, and let them rest for about 10 minutes (fill the time with a short game if you like). Then, working on a floured surface, the kids should “braid” their bread. Pinch the 3 strands of dough together at the top then braid just as you would a person’s hair. Place the loaves a few inches apart on a well-greased or nonstick baking sheet. Have the kids gently rub the outside of the loaves with a little oil to keep them from drying out. Cover loosely with wax paper and let them rise at room temperature until doubled in size (about 20-30 minutes, depending on size). HINT: this would be an ideal time to play a game (see suggestions under OTHER GAMES/ACTIVITIES), open presents, or make butter (see below). Finally, brush the loaves with an egg glaze (1 egg yolk beaten with 1 tsp. of water). Bake in a preheated 375-degree oven until the crust is browned and the bottom of each loaf sounds hollow when tapped (about 20 minutes depending on the size and number of loaves.) If the loaves are browning too quickly cover them loosely with tin foil. When done, remove the loaves and allow them to cool on wire racks. |
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| Variations:
Instead of braided loaves, try some other shapes or try individual, filled loaves. For these,
have the kids press out their portion of dough into a 3 x 6”
rectangle. HINT: for younger children have the dough portions wrapped ahead of time in a large piece of plastic wrap. Before the party cut out some 3 x 6” rectangles from construction paper. Give one to each child to use as a “pattern.” They can open their dough package on top of the paper and then press out the dough on the plastic wrap until it matches the paper visible beneath. Next, have them spread a small amount of very soft margarine on their rectangles and then sprinkle with brown sugar (granulated works best) and a little cinnamon. Set out a variety of other fillings such as raisins, chocolate chips, coconut, poppy seeds or chopped nuts (check for nut allergies). Let each child add the filling(s) they like—just not too much. Help the kids roll up the rectangles jelly roll style starting with a longer side. With the seam on the inside bring the ends around to form a doughnut shape and pinch the ends together very securely. Use well-greased disposable muffin tins, placing one loaf in each cup, and with a permanent marker place each child’s initials next to their loaf). Let the loaves rise as described above (about 20-30 minutes), then bake and cool. If you like the kids can ice them (2 Tbsp. Confectioner’s sugar, 1-2 drops vanilla extract, and water) and add sprinkles. WOW, what a treat! |
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| A wonderful accompaniment to any fresh baked bread is
homemade butter. Butter making is fun and easy for all ages. Save up some yogurt or other small containers with tight fitting lids. There should be one for each child, marked with his or her name. Buy enough heavy cream for each child to get 4-6 oz. and keep it very well chilled. When you’re ready to start, pour some cream into each child’s container, add a pinch of salt, cover tightly and start shaking. HINT: a great time to do this is when the bread is going through its last rising before baking or, in the case of non-yeast breads, while it is baking. Play some music and the shaking is even more fun! When the butter solidifies, strain it in a sieve lined with cheesecloth and return it to the plastic container. Keep all the containers in a large bowl with some ice in it. Each child can use his or her own butter with the bread for a heavenly treat. If there is any butter left over put the lid on the container and send it home. |
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Inedibles |
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| There are some fun things to cook at a party that are not for eating and
this may be an easier route to take with younger children. They can make
something, have fun playing with it, but eat whatever food and treats
you wish to provide. One thing kids never seem to get tired of playing with is Play Dough—and it’s easy to make your own. For each color, have the kids mix 1 cup flour, ¼ cup salt and 2 Tbsp. cream of tartar in a medium size pot, then add 1 cup water, food coloring “to taste” or should I say “to eye,” and 1 Tbsp. vegetable oil. An adult should then stir the mixture over a medium heat (it’ll be messy at first) until it turns into dough and forms a ball in the center of the pot (3-5 minutes). Carefully remove from the pot (it’s hot) and place on a floured surface. Let it cool a little and then have the kids start kneading. They can squeeze it, punch it and generally have a good time! Depending on the size of your stove and the number of adult helpers you can make a few colors at a time. Let the kids have some time to play and make things, then put some dough into a plastic sandwich bag for each child to take home. Instant goody bag! |
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| Here’s one
that kids, but not every mom, will love—finger paints. If your
game, buy some finger painting paper (available everywhere) and have
fun. HINT: have some extra
old shirts handy for smocks, cover the painting table with a disposable
plastic tablecloth, cover the floor underneath the table with newspaper
or other type of drop cloth, and have plenty of soap, water and paper
towels handy. For the paint, mix 6 Tbsp. sugar and 1-cup cornstarch in a saucepan, then add 4 cups water and mix some more. Cook, stirring constantly, over a low heat until well blended (about 5 minutes). Remove from stove, cool and pour into 8 individual paper or plastic cups. Add a little food coloring to each cup (mix to make some green or purple) and then add a few drops of dishwashing detergent to each cup (hand detergent, not the kind for the dishwasher.) Let the kids paint away, just be sure to leave time for the artwork to dry so you can send the masterpieces home. |
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Other Games/Activities |
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| You know those aprons I mentioned under
“Decorations”? Well,
you can have the guests decorate their own if you’ll still have enough
time to cook whatever you have planned. The same holds true for making
place mats (decorate paper with markers and stickers, then cover with
clear contact paper). For the most part though, you’ll only need some easy games to help fill in the time. Keep it simple and as preparation free as possible, for sanity’s sake. Some ideas include, freeze pop dancing (if the party’s outside give everyone ice pops at the end), pin the pepperoni on the pizza (draw pizza outline on poster board, use small circles of red paper for pepperoni), musical “doughnuts” (instead of chairs use inflatable swim tubes), a food hunt (i.e. a treasure hunt for small treats) or food charades (make slips of paper in advance, each with the name of a different food item, then kids select and act out such items as “hot dog” or “ice cream” or “tuna fish.”) |
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 Food |
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| If
you’re serving, but not cooking the lunch, keep it simple, especially
if you’re using the oven for something else. Order in pizza or make
some sandwiches. If the party is not at lunch or dinnertime then the treats the guests have made, plus some ice cream or birthday cake will probably be more than enough. If you are baking bread you might serve along with it some butter (homemade or not), cream cheese, a selection of jams or whatever else you think the kids would enjoy. |
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 The Cake |
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Easy |
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| If your guests are making sweets or cupcakes you really don’t need a cake. Put a special candle (number or sparkler) in the birthday child’s cupcake and that’s it. If you want to you can buy a cake or an ice cream cake. | ||||
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Moderate |
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| Bake a giant chocolate chip cookie (the ready- to- bake ones are great) and write “Happy Birthday Julie” on it. Add candles and make a wish. | ||||
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Go All Out |
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| Make a “rolling pin” cake. Buy a log style cake, or bake your own (use a mix you like, bake in a jellyroll pan, cover with jam or pudding and roll up starting at a long end.) Frost the outside in a light brown color to resemble wood. For the handles, use yodels that have been frosted with a slightly darker brown frosting. Attach them with a little extra frosting as “glue.” Impressive, but not that difficult—now that’s a cake! | ||||
 Goody Bags |
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| Mainly the goody bags can consist of treats that have been
made during the party. In addition, guests may take home the aprons and
the chefs’ hats, if you used those ideas. If the plan calls for guests to “eat the profits,” or you just want some extra parting gifts, here are some additional ideas. Give each child a recipe box with some colored index cards. Fill in some cards with recipes used at the party and leave the rest blank for future recipes. Or, give each child one of those vinyl place mats with an outlined drawing that can be colored in, then wiped off and colored again (available at many stores). Or, how about refrigerator magnets (perhaps the picture frame type with a Polaroid snap of each child?) Finally, take a walk down the aisles of a cooking supply store (especially the sale and small item aisles) and see if anything strikes your fancy (like mini cookie cutters or cookie stamps, etc.) |
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| Partying Words | ||||
| The key to this party is to stay flexible and to go with what you know. You can adapt all kinds of ideas if you just keep an open mind. Having an adult helper (or two) is a great idea, there are even people you can hire to come to your home and run the party. Have fun and keep on cooking! | ||||
