My twin boys’ turned 4 and we invited 21 children. Every single one RSVP’d yes! Whoa. Last year we had 12 kids total and now we have 24 total. I had my work cut out. Actually the kids are the easy ones to feed. It’s the parents that I always seem to find more challenging.
Our menu this year was the following:
“Build your own rocket!”: Slider buns or butter lettuce cups, BBQ pulled jackfruit and soy, and homemade coleslaw
“Freeze Dried Astronaut Food”: homemade cinnamon applesauce in squeeze pouches
“Orbits” : Hummus and avocado rollups
“Jupiter Red Eye” : Watermelon balls
“Meteorites” : Potato salad bites
“Space Junk” : Pretzels
“Planets and Rockets” : Cucumber with dill cream cheese on crackers or bread
Well, of course, it wouldn’t be a great birthday party without a glitch. About an hour before the birthday party, I opened the fridge and wouldn’t you know. Food comes crashing off the shelves into a huge pile on the floor. Next thing I know, I’m running out the door in a frenzy picking up prepared food as quickly as I could! So, added to the buffet were a large fruit bowl, a veggie tray with a bowl of raspberry vinaigrette dipping sauce. Lastly, I added an assortment of beautiful sushi – all made with avocado, mango, carrots, cucumber. It was truly beautiful! So, even in a pinch, you can make it work!
For a birthday cake, I did a “rocket cake”. I made homemade rocket popsicles from pureed strawberries, oranges, and a little spinach (I couldn’t help myself). Even the parents were helping themselves – which made me so happy! I bought two sets of molds on Amazon and borrowed the remaining sets from neighbors and friends. I used the rind of the watermelon (leftover from the watermelon balls). I cut the rind in half and placed on a round pizza tray. I cut a couple holes in the rind and stuck a couple stars candles, a # 4 candle, a few silver star spray confettis, and then last, but not least, the rocket popsicle. My boys’ LOVED it!
Happy healthy eating!!