It is traditional in most western countries, to celebrate a birthday with some sort of feast. The most celebrated item is of course cake. After all if there is no cake, it’s not a birthday party!

Ok, now when we think of a birthday cake we most often think of something that has been baked. But there are many other alternatives that can add interest, appeal, excitement, fun and most important of all….the yum factor.

Where I live, we have lots of hot weather….and what do kids love on a hot day…Ice-cream of course.

So what types of wonderfully exciting ice-cream cakes can we make?

You need to decide just how much time, effort and money you want invest in it. You could make ice-cream or just buy it; you can do it yourself or delegate it. You could get kids to help. Whatever you do, you must give some thought to what guests will enjoy.

Personally, my time is very limited, so quick and easy really appeals.

Here is easiest recipe I know.

Choc Cherry Challenge (The challenge is to work quickly enough so that you do not have liquid icecream….the other challenge is not to eat it all by yourself)

You will need: 1-2 cans of preserved, pitted cherries, drained well, reserve juice Gelatine powder 1 tub of vanilla ice-cream, softened slightly. Your favorite chocolate sauce (how much is entirely up to you)

Method

Feeding kids is a battle most parents know about. How do you get them to eat good healthy food

The important thing is not to stress when they don’t want to eat. Small children, in particular, follow their instincts when it comes to eating. Sometimes they need a lot; sometimes they just don’t need much. Trying to bribe them with things that aren’t a normal part of their diet, in long run, will do more harm than good.

Food can soon become a source of power for young child, a way of getting what they want, a way of manipulating you. Never use food as a bribe.

When offering different foods to a child, just so they will eat something, idea of not listening to your bodies needs is introduced. We are on our way to developing fussy eaters. A vicious cycle has begun.

I have heard of many different eating patterns of children, and it is obvious where these eating patterns have begun. One family, children wouldn’t eat vegetables unless they were smothered in honey. You must ask “Where did they get idea of putting honey on their vegetables in first place?” Other kids won’t eat anything but junk food; they have to have their daily supply of chips and/or lollies.