Menu for a Springtime birthday

Our house celebrated a special 2 year birthday, with kiddies and loads of parents too. With the piles and piles of snow, the inspiration was the coming springtime. With a little planning (and help from a lovely mother-in-law), the menu and party went off without a hitch.

These cupcake toppers are printed clip art images pasted to wooden party forks

Along with Buttermilk cupcakes with orange and raspberry Cream cheese frosting, we had an array of tea sandwiches. Think dainty two-bite size bundles of flavour between soft, fresh bread. Not only are they simple to prepare, but are great for feeding a crowd, and perfect for little hands to hold and munch on.

First, the cupcakes: along with regular sized cupcakes, miniature cakes were prepared just for the little ones. Mini muffin pans are easy to find at kitchen supply stores these days, along with little cup liners. Using the recipe for buttermilk cupcakes, simply fill the paper liners with about a 1/4 inch left at the top, and bake for approximately 11 minutes. The recipe allowed for about 18 regular cupcakes and 20 miniature cupcakes.

For kiddies and adults alike, cupcakes rule!

For the icing, the biggest hit of the two flavours was raspberry. Not only can you get a wonderful berry flavour, but you will have a frosting that's a lovely shade of pink without having to use artificial colour. To the frosting, slowly add coulis (mixing constantly), until shade of pink required is attained. Remember to chill the frostings before using!

Raspberry Coulis
1- 11 oz package frozen raspberries
1 tablespoon confectioners sugar

• In pan, heat raspberries and sugar on low for approximately 5-8 minutes until broken down
• Pour mixture through a fine sieve, pressing on solids (the solids make a delicious jam!)

Below are links to the various tea sandwiches prepared for the party - all were hits! In order to get everything prepared on time, a little planning was needed. 

• All spreads were prepared the day before
• Thinly sliced vegetables were done with a Japanese mandolin cutter - an essential kitchen tool!
• Pre-ordered bread from bakery (of course not necessary!), but a good way to get what you want the day of your party
• Have helping hands to do an assembly-line preparation of sandwiches, Henry Ford had it right

Moroccan carrot with Tapenade and Goat Cheese

Goat Cheese and Watercress

Cucumber Mint

Minted Radish with Lemon Mayonnaise