Ice Cream Party Dessert Bar Ideas and Desert Topping Recipes for Kids on New Year's Eve

New Year's Eve parties are going on all over the world and while all the adults are indulging in alcoholic beverages the kids could be serving up their favorites at their very own dessert bars.

To create a dessert bar is very simple, you will need a designated place where the children can create their dessert and not have to worry about making a mess. The best place for a dessert bar is the kitchen. There are no carpets in the kitchen most of the time and little fingers make big messes.

Place a plastic tablecloth on the dessert bar area. This area should work like a buffet service. Begin with one side of the table designated for bowls, cones, napkins and spoons.

You can purchase Sunday boats at most party supply and craft stores for an even more authentic dessert bar experience.

Add a container of milk to the table so everyone can have the option of having a milk shake. Be sure the cups you provide for this are large enough for mixing with a spoon.

Place containers of ice cream in a cooler filled with ice, keep this covered until ready to dispense, to prevent ice cream from melting too much.

You should have many different containers available for all the wonderful toppings that you will provide.

The following are suggested toppings:

Chopped nuts

Wet nuts

Sprinkles

Candy pieces

Cookie pieces

Sliced bananas

Sliced strawberries

Sliced pineapples

Maraschino cherries

Various sauces (see recipes below)

The following dessert topping recipes have been in my personal collection for three generations their origin is unknown.

Butterscotch Sauce

1 cup light brown sugar, packed

½ cup dark corn syrup

½ cup whipping cream

¼ cup butter

1 ½ teaspoons vanilla

In heavy saucepan, bring sugar, syrup, cram and butter to a boil; stir occasionally.

Remove from head and add vanilla.

Cool.

Serve warm or at room temperature

Makes 2 cups

Fudge Sauce

1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

2/3 cup sugar

½ cup light brown sugar, packed

1 cup whipping cream

½ cup butter

1 ½ teaspoons vanilla

In heavy saucepan, over medium heat, combine cocoa and sugars.

Add cream, butter and bring to a boil.

Reduce heat and simmer for 1 minute, stirring occasionally.

Remove from heat and add vanilla.

Cool.

Serve warm or at room temperature

Makes 3 cups

Carmelo Sauce

3 cups miniature marshmallows

1 ¼ cups light brown sugar, packed

1 cup whipping cream

¼ cup butter

1 ½ teaspoons vanilla

In heavy saucepan, bring marshmallows, sugar and cream to a boil, stirring until sugar dissolves. Insert a candy thermometer and boil to 224 F, stirring occasionally.

Remove from heat.

Add butter and vanilla.

Cool.

Serve warm or at room temperature.

Makes 2 cups

Providing your children with a dessert bar of their own is a great idea for any party or special occasion. Have fun and Happy New Year.