A tradition we started many years ago is to have the children decorate mini birthday cakes after Christmas dinner, to light them with birthday candles (what else?) and sing, "Happy Birthday" to Jesus. Birthdays are something children relate to and this is a fun way to make the connection between Christmas and Jesus' birth. Here are some pictures from a few years ago:
You can make a cake "from scratch" as our daughter did (below) or you can do as we did this year and use a quick mix. In fact, I was able to find a gluten-free cake in a box, which I found to be most convenient.
It is fun to serve the icing and sprinkles in individual containers so children can serve themselves (this is part of the fun!).
The children in our family enjoy decorating their very own cake
Here is an easy recipe for chocolate frosting that comes from Everyday Food. It should cover about 12 cupcakes.
In a food processor combine 1 cup icing sugar, 1/4 cup cocoa powder, 1/8 tsp. salt. Add 1/2 cup softened butter and 1/2 tsp. vanilla. Process until combined. Add up to two Tb. milk if necessary.
Put into container and refrigerate until ready to use.
I like using a food processor for this as it limits the mess. Also, you can put the butter into the bowl and leave it until it is softened (just walk away and process later). I'm sure you have other things to do while you waiting :)
Lovely 🙂! B.
ReplyDelete