How to cook for a kid’s birthday party

Do not fear cooking for a kid’s birthday party. Consider preparing kid-friendly foods served in individual portions that kids can eat with their hands. This lets the children serve themselves at the party instead of having to wait for an adult to cut a cake or slice a pizza, and you will not need to provide utensils. Know the age of the kids at the party to serve age-appropriate foods. While 12 year old children can eat hot dogs safely, younger kids could choke on them. Remember that birthday parties come only once a year, so make this year’s a special occasion by cooking food the kids will enjoy. These instructions make enough food for 12 children; adjust the amounts as needed.

1. Prepare the cakes mix according to package directions.
2. Place a cupcake liner into each of the wells of the muffin tin.
3. Fill each of the liners two-thirds full with cake batter and bake per package instructions for cupcakes.
4. Let the cupcakes cool completely in the pan after baking.
5. Remove the cooled cupcakes from the baking pan, leaving the liners on the cupcakes.
6. Spread one tbsp. icing on each cupcake with a spatula.
7. Set out spaghetti sauce, pepperoni, English muffins and mozzarella cheese on a table to let the children make their own pizzas by putting sauce, cheese and pepperoni on each half of a split English muffin.
8. Place the children’s prepared pizzas on a baking sheet and heat in the oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for eight to 10 minutes or until the cheese melts.
9. Alternatively, create a taco bar. Make taco meat by browning 2 lbs. hamburger meat in a skillet with 2 tbsp. taco seasoning mix. Arrange this prepared meat in a bowl with shredded cheese, lettuce and salsa or taco sauce. Let the children fill one to two flour tortillas with meat, cheese, lettuce and sauce for custom tacos.