Busy Bee Lifestyle » Desserts for Kids’ Parties

Fun Cupcake Sleeves

Host Bee — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 14:02:01 +0000

Look What I Found - Roundabouts Cupcake Sleeves!

Cupcakes are so popular right now and bakers everywhere are creating beautiful cupcakes for every occasion. But, if you’re not an expert baker or just short on time, Roundabouts Cupcake Sleeves are perfect!

These innovative sleeves are self-adhesive wrappers that are placed over the base of a homemade or store bought cupcake and each set of wrappers arrives with ideas for decorating using easy to find toppings.

There are specialty wrappers for just about any holiday or party theme! For example, you can celebrate a movie night with an Oscar style trophy award, box of popcorn or movie film reel! (Reel Fun Cupcake Sleeves, package of 12 for $8.99)

My Favorites

Each set of twelve Roundabouts sleeves arrives in a storage package along with a convenient quick reference hanging tag and a second card with tips and suggestions. Some of my favorites include:

Turn ordinary cupcakes into the highlight of your celebration with Roundabouts Cupcake Sleeves!

Valentine’s Day Treats for School Parties!

Host Bee — Sat, 02 Jan 2010 16:04:04 +0000

Valentine’s Day Treats for School Parties!

Coming up with new ideas for class party snacks is tough! As parents, we all want to bring in something fun and creative, but sometimes the trickiest treats are too much work or aren’t enjoyed by the kids.

Another challenge that parents might face is a school district enforcing the policy that “sugar” cannot be the first ingredient in a class room snack! So, with all of this in mind, here are some suggestions that might put you at the head of the class!

Pink Heart Shaped Bagels

My local bagel shop makes these every February! Make sure that you preorder these special bagels and request that they are precut. Serve with butter and cream cheese.

Red Jello

Don’t overlook this old favorite! You can make the traditional version or sugar free and if time is short, purchase Jello that is prepackaged in snack sized containers. Whipped cream optional!

Heart Shaped Cupcakes

I saw this clever idea in an issue of Family Fun magazine. Line your regular cupcake pans with baking papers, fill half way with batter and then (here’s the tricky part!) insert a 1/2” ball of aluminum foil between the liner and the side of the pan. While the cupcakes are baking, the foil ball will push the side of the cupcake into a heart shape! You can also try this trick with muffin batter for a healthier snack.

Pick up some cute Cupcake Wrappers, pictured at top, or Vintage Inspired Valentine Picks from Cupcake Swirl for the perfect finishing touch!

Other Heart Shaped and Fun Valentine’s Treat Ideas

With a cookie cutter or kitchen scissors, you can turn many fun foods into Valentine hearts! Consider brownies, rice krispie treats, pizza, sugar cookies, sandwiches, and more! To make the cute Valentines on a Stick pictured at right, see pillsbury.com.

I hope that these ideas give you a quick and easy solution to the class room snack dilemma! If you’ve come up with a great idea for a Valentine’s Day treat for school, I’d love to hear!

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Tags: valentine’s day treats for school parties, valentines, snacks, healthy treats, sugar free treats, easy, fun, unique

2-in-1 Party Dessert Stand

Tip Tuesday – A Sparkling Summer Dessert!

Host Bee — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 22:46:34 +0000

Tip Tuesday – A Sparkling Summer Dessert!

This week I came across a fun new idea for a summer dessert: a popsicle and soda bar! This cool treat is easily pulled together by assembling an assortment of “skinny” ice pops in a variety of fruit flavors, along with carbonated sodas and sparkling flavored waters. Invite guests to mix and match popsicles and drinks, using the popsicles as “stirrers.” My family tested this sunny day specialty in our kitchen and the kids loved it!

Consider purchasing red, white and blue ice pops and serving this dessert at your Fourth of July celebration! And for more creative and doable ideas for your next summer picnic, head to “Celebrate the Fourth of July with Patriotic Panache!”

Don’t miss out! For more fun and quick tips, come follow me on Twitter – you’ll have to join but it’s EASY and free!

P.S. thanks to Southern Living and Rachel Ray magazines for inspiring this tip!

Fabulous Hot Chocolate Bar

Host Bee — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 01:29:45 +0000

Tip of the Week: Warm up the Winter with a Hot Chocolate Bar!

During the cold winter months, it’s nice to entertain guests who, like you, might be suffering from a bit of cabin fever! And adding a hot chocolate bar to any winter gathering will be a welcome addition! Here are some ideas for delicious hot chocolate and an assortment of toppings that will bring out the kid in everyone!

Hot Chocolate

I’ve come across a few recipes for home made hot chocolate that are worth the effort, especially if you’ve gone to the trouble of gathering those garnishes!

From Giada De Laurentis

Ingredients:

4 1/2 cups whole milk
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa
1/4 cup sugar

Preparation:

In a medium saucepan, heat 4 cups of the milk over low heat, being very careful not to let the milk boil. In a small bowl, mix together the cocoa, sugar, and the remaining 1/2 cup milk. Add the cocoa mixture to the warm milk, and continue to warm the cocoa until hot. Serves 4.

From Epicurious

Ingredients:

12 ounces semisweet chocolate (chips or chopped bars are both fine)
2 quarts milk (8 cups)

Preparation:

1. Combine the chocolate and milk in a heavy saucepan. Place over medium heat until bubbles form, reduce the heat slightly, and simmer until the chocolate melts, whisking constantly.
2. Before serving, raise the heat until the chocolate just boils, still whisking. Serves 8.

From Barefoot Contessa

Your easiest option – a rich and smooth hot chocolate mix made with the finest chocolate! (Sinful Hot Chocolate Mix)

Toppings

Pick one, two or all to complete the hot chocolate bar!

Candy

Crumbled toffee candy, like Heathbar
Crushed peppermints or candy canes
Peanut brittle bits
Mini chocolate chips/peanut butter chips/white chocolate chips
Chopped thin crème de mint candies, like Andes

Marshmallows

Mini marshmallows
Marshmallow topping, like Fluff (remember that?)
Make your own with a kit from the Barefoot Contessa! (Homemade Marshmallow Mix)

Stirrers

Chocolate dipped candy sticks (Reception Sticks Assorted Flavors)
Cinnamon sticks
Candy canes
Rock candy sticks (Demitasse Sticks)
Party Spoons (Whipped Topping Dollops On Spoons)

Adults Only!

Kahlua
Grand Marnier
Crème de Mint
Bailey’s

I hope that these suggestions for a Hot Chocolate Bar will add a warm and cozy menu addition at your next get together! Did I miss a fabulous topping? Just let me know!

Please visit this week’s fabulous sponsor, Ciucci Couture!

And for more fun and quick tips, come follow me on Twitter – you’ll have to join but it’s easy and free!

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S’mores Bars

Host Bee — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 18:50:57 +0000

S’mores Bars Recipe

Ingredients:

8 – 10 whole graham crackers
1 package fudge brownie mix (for a 13″ X 9″ pan)
2 c. mini marshmallows
1 c. semisweet chocolate chips
2/3 c. chopped peanuts (optional)

Directions:

Arrange graham crackers in a single layer in a greased 13″ x 9″ baking pan.
Prepare the brownie batter according to package directions.
Spread over crackers.
Bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean.
Sprinkle with marshmallows, chocolate chips and peanuts.
Bake 5 minutes longer or until marshmallows are slightly puffed and golden brown.
Cool on a wire rack before cutting.

Makes 24 bars

Compliments of “Taste of Home”

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[tags] s’mores bars, smores, reci

pe, fun kids dessert, childrens party dessert, camping recipes [/tags]