By: Jodie Shield, RD

Blast Off To the Moon

Kids love pretending they are aliens from outer space.  Here are some ideas to help you launch an out-of-this world space party.  Play lots of adventure game to burn calories and use reduced-fat frosting to trim them from the cake.  This party works well for kids between the ages of five and eight.  When your birthday party mission is accomplished, will you report back with your findings?

Rocket Ship Cake

Makes 12 servings

Ingredients:

1 pre-made jelly roll cake from your bakery

1 package of vanilla reduced-fat frosting

red food coloring

1 ice cream sugar cone

6 wafer cookies

red or black stands of licorice

assorted round or square candy for details

Directions:

Add the red food coloring to one-third of the frosting.  Cover the ice cream cone with the red frosting, and set aside.  Stand the jelly roll upright.  If necessary, trim the bottom end of the jelly roll to make it even.

Spread the remaining frosting all over the jelly roll cake.  Add the ice cream cone to the top of the cake.  Slice the wafers diagonally, and place them around the bottom of the cake to look like wings.  Decorate the rest of the rocket with the licorice and candy.  Dismantle the rocket, and turn the cake on its side before cutting and servings.

Party Tips:

1. Rent an inflatable play tent (Moon Walk) for your guests to bounce around an play in.
2. Come up with your own variations on popular party games, like Pin the Planet on the Galaxy.
3. Create an intergalactic space mural by letting everyone draw a picture of their favorite alien.