Favorite and Easy Kids Party Recipes

We all want our kids' parties to be the best, but we don't all have the time needed to make plans for activities, food and fun. Over the years I have found that the best activities are the ones that keep the kids busy and give them the chance to be successful. Kids love to create, and when they can create something to eat it turns out to be a win-win situation for all. The expense of having a party at home instead of at a party room,-- you know the ones, they have jungle-gyms and video games,-- is minimal.

My first favorite activity works well with any number of guests. Using refrigerated biscuits, or refrigerated pizza dough which should be divided into fourths, we make pizzas! I have taken wooden dowels and had them cut into 8 inch lengths to be used as rolling pins and let the kids roll out the biscuits or the pizza dough themselves. No dowels? No problem. Just let the kids use their hands and 'smash' the biscuits or dough into large circles. (Also, at this point you may let them use cookie cutters to cut shapes for their pizzas too, such as hearts, Christmas Trees, different animal shapes, just about anything depending on type of party and time of year. Our favorite is a cow cookie cutter.)

In bowls have available toppings such as grated cheese, pepperoni, black olives, browned ground beef, or shredded chicken. Oh, and of course, pizza sauce (from a jar) and more cheese. As they finish decorating their pizza you will be in charge of placing them on a cookie sheet and baking them, most ovens hold two pans at a time, and usually you can get 4-6 pizzas on a pan. The kiddos get so excited waiting for their pizzas to get done its fun to just be able to listen to their conversations!

No party is complete without sweets! Before hand bake a batch or two of cupcakes. You can do this the day before, or a week before and freeze them - no one will know the difference. You will need confectioner's sugar, food coloring and any number of cans of white frosting, any brand will do but I am frugal and use the less expensive store brand and also, quart size plastic bags and baggie ties will be used as pastry bags to decorate the cupcakes. Allow 2 cupcakes per guest. Mix about one cup of the l0x sugar into each can of frosting to thicken it, making it easier to decorate with. If this seems too thick you may thin it a little with a drop or two of water. When I color the frosting I make a bunch of different colors, and different shades. It is amazing how one child will like dark pink, another light pink, and yet another orange. Make them all! Divide the can in halves, or thirds, and color each differently. Then spoon each color into a baggie, squeeze the frosting into one of the ends, and tie with baggie ties. Next, poke a small hole in the tip of the bag and watch the fun begin as each child creates their own cupcake masterpiece.

Oh, I almost forgot! Sprinkles!! You have to have sprinkles, candy hearts, M&M's, jelly candies, whatever you choose, to also decorate with.

Now, add a few games and beverages and your party will be a success. I have to tell all readers, I have done this exact thing with a group of 9 adults and they had a blast! You can not believe the creative designs that came out of men and women alike! I have been asked repeatedly to have the same party again soon, and I will, but first I have one scheduled for my grandkids this summer. Bon Appetite.