Kids Party Menus

Age and Tastes

The age group of the kids at the party will give you a good idea of what foods to serve. Party menus have to have food that will appeal to the age group or the food will go uneaten. Also, keep in mind that some foods are just more popular than others. Depending on the age of your kids you may want to just ask them what food they want at the party. In general you will want to have plenty of snacks (and the healthier the better). However, let's not lose sight of the fact it is a party and fun food will always be the most popular. Keep in mind that unless part of your party fun is cooking the food with the kids, you will want to pre-cook and prepare as much as possible so you spend less time in the kitchen and more time playing and enjoying the festivities.

Pizza Rules the Party

Everybody loves pizza and it should have a place on every kids party menu. If you will have guests that are old enough to design their own pizzas, you may want to have the kids get involved with their preparation. However, since kids should not be playing around with the oven, parents should do the cooking. The kids could have the freedom to decide what toppings would go on their pizzas. I would also suggest you check out the frozen food section of your local market and see if they have frozen pizza shells (that’s what a pre-rolled out pizza with no toppings is called) or you can look for Boboli or small uncooked focaccia breads if you prefer thicker crusts. If really pressed for pizza bases you can go with bagels. Most kids would find them just as fun and just as tasty. For pizza sauce I’m sure you could find some in a jar, but you may want to try this:

• 4 ounces of olive oil
• 6 cloves of garlic minced
• 1 large onion chopped
• 1 quart of tomato sauce
• 1 ½ tablespoons of dried oregano
• 1 ½ tablespoons dried basil
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon ground pepper
• 4 ounces of tomato paste

In a medium saucepan, sauté garlic and onions in olive oil until tender. Add seasonings and continue cooking a few more minutes. Stir in tomato sauce, and then tomato paste. Simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes. Makes about 6 cups.

Now all you need to do is get the toppings ready. A couple of bowls of shredded mozzarella cheese and some bowls of pre-sliced toppings like mushrooms, pepperoni, tomatoes, or anything else you think kids would like to put on their pizzas. Then just put some sauce on the pizza and let the kids have fun.

Cupcakes are Mandatory

Cupcakes are very popular with everyone so it deserves a spot on any kids party menu. Any cake recipe can be used to make cupcakes - all you have to do is change the cooking time. If you are making the cakes from scratch then preheat your oven to 385 degrees Fahrenheit and test them with a toothpick after 18-20 minutes. If you are going with a mix from a box, check it for baking times and temperature you will need. If you like, you can pick up a couple of cans of pre-made frosting and cake decorations from the store and let the kids decorate their own cupcakes.

Kids Party Menus

Let's never lose sight this is a kids party and they will probably be more interested in the games and playing then in the food. If you make the food part of the game then you can get them to eat while partying. If adults will be staying as part of the party, you may want to add some grown-up food to the kids party menu. If you find that you are stuck for ideas Love To Know Kids is an excellent source of information. And be sure to over estimate the amount of food you will need. Kids will often show up with brothers, sisters, neighbors, etc.

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