So, it’s time to throw a birthday party for your child. What to eat? What to eat? There’s certainly pizza or hot dogs, but that’s being done at other birthday parties; at the family picnics; family reunions, etc. Try some of these ideas to make the food more fun and memorable.

Fruit Sandwiches

1 can pineapple rings or slices, drained and patted dry
1/2 pound firm small red seedless grapes, washed, dried and sliced in half crosswise
1/2 cantaloupe, peeled and sliced
6 kiwi, peeled and sliced
2 cups colored mini-marshmallows, halved

On a heavier bread such as rye or pumpernickel spread a thin layer of the sweet cream cheese spread on one side of each bread slice. On one slice of each sandwich, top the cream cheese layer with a ring of pineapple, several seedless grape halves, two cantaloupe slices, several kiwi slices and a generous sprinkling of mini-marshmallow halves. Top with the other slice, cream cheese spread down, and serve.


Cream Cheese (Sweet) Spread:

8oz cream cheese, softened
Food coloring gel
2 teaspoons white sugar
1 teaspoon brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Mix softened cream cheese with sugars, lemon juice and cinnamon. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated. Then, add food coloring of your choice - two drops (or as many necessary to reach desired color). Use as spread for fruit sandwich or dip for whole fruits.


Cream Cheese Fruit Sandwich Filling

1 1/2 cups peanut butter, softened
1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
1-2 tablespoons honey
1 small apple, peeled, cored, and chopped
1 small pear, peeled, cored, and chopped
1/4 cup dried fruit, such as raisins, cranberries, blueberries, or chopped apricots

In a small mixing bowl, combine peanut butter, cream cheese, and honey. Mix well until thoroughly combined. Add fruit and stir gently until well mixed. Refrigerate until ready to use; allow to soften slightly for easier spreading.


PB&J PLUS Sandwiches

Cinnamon raisin bread slices
Strawberry or grape jam
peanut butter
Plus! banana slices or orange sections

1 to 1½ inch biscuit or cookie cutters to cut shapes or characters from each slice of bread.
Spread thin, even layer of peanut butter on one side of each bread shape.
Spread thin, even layer of jam on top of the layer of peanut butter.
Add two or three thin banana slices or orange sections and top the sandwich. Serve.

These are some of the sweet side sandwiches that are a healthier option from an adult point of view but more fun and eye-appealing for the younger set. The next article will introduce some of the delicious savory options for sandwiches you can serve. Enjoy!