Fruit kebabs
Sit back a little at your child's island party and let the children make the snacks. Plan ahead by setting the stage before guests arrive. Have a clear idea of what guests will do, set out the ingredients and be ready to go. Decorate the working table with tropical fish and hibiscus flowers. For young children, an island party-themed snack can be as easy as skewering coconut covered marshmallows and chunks of pineapple to grill. Does this Spark an idea?
Polynesian Snack Mix
This island party snack is for younger children learning the basics of measuring and pouring. All cooking materials needed are individual snack containers and measuring cups. Put everything on a kitchen or dining room table. Lay a table cloth on the floor to catch any spills. Let them each create a combination of the following fruit and nuts: dried pineapple chunks, dried papaya chunks, dried pomegranate, dried guava, dried kiwi, persimmon and dried coconut. For nut selections, choose macadamia, Brazil or honey roasted almonds. Have each child combine their mixture with a spoon. Cover and store in the airtight containers on the counter for easy access.
Islander Bars
Gather at the kitchen table that has been prepped to create delicious Islander frozen bars. Ingredients are minimal and include per child: ½ banana, ¼ cup cashew, almond or soy nut butter, dash of cinnamon (optional), shredded coconut and one full graham cracker. Give each child a bowl and fork. Place each ingredient in a separate bowl at the center of the table. Have the children first mash the banana in the bowl with a fork until fairly smooth. Let them scoop the nut butter and add it to the banana. Sprinkle some cinnamon on top. Next, they must mix the ingredients together and spread on one half of their graham cracker. Let each children sprinkle on the desired amount of coconut. Have them place the other half of their graham cracker on top. Give each child saran wrap to up their islander frozen bar. Place all bars in the freezer, wash hands and play some games. Once frozen, about midway through the party, let them enjoy a chilly islander treat.
Macadamia Nut Bars
With adult help, kids can make this island treat. The bars will fill the house with a tropical aroma. It's quick to assemble and takes about 50 minutes to bake. The base of the bar is similar in texture to shortbread. Before the party, add to your grocery list the following: all-purpose flour, confectioner's sugar, brown sugar, canned coconut cream, heavy cream, lemon, sweetened flaked coconut and macadamia nuts. The recipe makes approximately 40 brownie size bars (see Resources).
Tags: each child, graham cracker, chunks dried, cracker Give, cracker Give each, Give each