Everyone knows the best element of any party isn’t the decor, the music or even the company. The best part of any festivity is the food. But adults and children don’t often see eye-to-eye on what makes a celebration a successful culinary extravaganza. Parents ooh and aah over delicate amuse bouches and authentic tapas while kids turn their noses up to anything that arrives outside of a pouch, jar or cardboard box. Trying to slip a salad, or anything green, into the service is also a likely exercise in futility.
Fortunately, you have options that are sure to impress any pint-sized partygoer. Not only are they finger-licking good, but these adorable kid friendly party foods are also surprisingly healthy. In fact, by last call (for apple juice), parents may find themselves pulling up a chair at the kids’ table at any soiree that serves these treats.
Appetizers for Picky Appetites
Making food fun to eat is the trick to feeding youngsters something nutritious. Colorful items that are playful or feature a recognizable character are always gobbled up with enthusiasm. For instance, some kids love fruit in any form while others need considerable coaxing. For the latter group, using cookie cutters to create entertaining shapes out of watermelon, cantaloupe, kiwis and bananas may make the difference between a mouthful of Vitamin C and scurvy. There are many examples of imaginative possibilities on the Web.
Fruit isn’t the only option for a big bash snack. Kebabs are great finger foods that are versatile, fast and a crowd-pleaser. Plus, they work as well for a main entree as they do for an appetizer; it’s just a matter of switching up ingredients and portions. A kebob spiked with mini raviolis, meatballs and zucchini bites makes for a healthy meal.
Mini Main Meals
For nosh that’s a bit more substantial but still easily enjoyed with little fingers, wraps cut into manageable pieces are a great choice. There are hundreds of different fillers to try, and overstressed hosts can encourage parents to bring some of their own if certain children are particularly picky.
Aside from wraps, two-bite savory cupcakes are an instant hit at most shindigs. Kids queue up to receive seconds and thirds of the easy-to-make morsels, and not only because their guardians are stealing bites. Made in mini cupcake or muffin tins, they feature either a biscuit or an egg base (such as a quiche) and an open assortment of flavors. Classic American options include cheeseburger, pot pie and chicken and broccoli. But more adventurous nibblers can whip up a Thai, Greek or Mexican version using their imaginations.
Pint-Sized Desserts
Depending on the type of celebration, there may already be a dessert in play, such as a birthday cake. If not, or if the hostess wants something with a higher cute factor, there are plenty of delicious options for the mouths of tiny sugar fiends. In hot weather, nothing trumps a cool, bright popsicle, and homemade styles require little effort and ensure a healthy product.
Any treat on a stick is whimsical and fun no matter what the season. Cake pops and mini cinnamon bun wheels are serious projects for overachievers aiming to impress. But moms with limited time or skill need not fret: Popping a chunk of apple, banana or even a marshmallow on the end of a stick and creating a toppings bar with honey, peanut butter, chocolate and marshmallow fluff is not only a way to create an interactive eating experience, it’s also fast and idiot-proof.
When it comes to designing the menu for a kid’s party, many grownups fuss over making separate recipes for youths and adults. But with smaller portion sizes and familiar flavors, it’s easy to provide an exciting and healthy spread everyone enjoys. Remember: Half the battle is presentation. Devote time to setting up a navigable space where guests of all ages and heights can roam and refill, customize their plates and snack with abandon. After all, the best aspect of any party is the food, so give them effortless access to the feast.
Samantha Hunt works at eInvite, an online retailer of wedding invitations, stationery, bar and bat mitzvah invitations, save-the-dates, birthday party invitations, and other custom paper goods.