Sophie's 7th Birthday Unicorn Party - I believe in magic

Sophie's 7th birthday party was 'I believe in magic' inspired by magic, wishes, dreams and beautiful imaginations.

We had a fabulous entertainer and magician, a pony dressed as a unicorn, pretty fairyland decorated backyard and a dessert table with a wall mounted cake. Yup we kinda went big, you only turn 7 once :)

Dessert Table and party food

The party was on a weekday after school so I didn't go overboard on the dessert table. Ok maybe I should reword that 'cause y'know wall mounted cake.

What I should say is there were only a few things on the table and errr.. wall. I knew with all the activities there would only be a short window for eating so I didn't overload the table like I usually do.

There was a herd of unicorn cookies at the front of the table (Click here for DIY Unicorn Cookie Instructions). I popped them upright on some tiny glasses which wasn't the best solution on slippery sequins- in future I would probably make a cookie base and turn them into standing cookies. Alternately you could lay them down on plates :)

In the center under the cake were a couple of glass jars filled with pink and white marshmallows and pink raspberry Macarons (Click here for macaron recipe);

The actual birthday cake was a unicorn head that was wall mounted (I know I keep saying wall mounted, but I've never got to say it before and come on - it's kinda super cool). Um does that seem weird and slightly creepy. I've been seeing a lot of cute wall mounted animals for home decorating and it seemed kinda fabulous. That was until we were going to cut into it in front of the real live pony that it looked like. Anyhoo it was a great feat in cake construction and I'm in the process of doing up a you tube video on how I made it.

Sweet pink drinks that were decorated with pretty lace and 'wish' charms. Click here for a delicious Pink Lemonade recipe with no food colour). I do love these little bottles but seriously they are kinda small for 7 year olds. Make sure you have backup drinks on hand.

There were also cheese and fruit platters, lollies, fruit pop up drinks and chocolate and raspberry macarons for snacks and adults.

Party Entertainment

I'm not sure where she gets the energy but Super Steph manages to keeps the hoards of kids completely enthralled with her fabulous show. She is go, go, go which is great as all the parents can sit back have a rest and enjoy watching the kids delighted faces.

One of the mums remarked she had seen Super Steph 3 times in a year and each time her show was new and different. Steph is fun, vibrant and glowingly sparkly with just enough cheeky mixed in to keep the adults entertained as well, kinda like a Pixar movie ;)

We had a magic show that incorporated the new puppet show (which was kinda a ventriloquist for kids), a disco and a fun balloon hat making workshop.

If your looking for a Brisbane kids party entertainer I could honestly recommend Super Steph very highly.

hehe this picture reminds me of Jane and Lizzy from Pride and Prejudice for some reason, 

probably the formal looks and the fact we all just watched the BBC version together, 

except probably the personalities/ hair colours are swapped

Unicorn Rides

Unicorn rides, what else do you have at an 'I Believe in Magic' Party. Dragons are far too dangerous.

Our beautiful pony Misty was from Brisbane Pony Rides.

Backyard Decorations

These pictures don't really capture the feeling evoked by the decorations 

it felt pretty magical :)

My backyard is a bit tired and I was so lucky to have Carol from Creatively Bespoke Weddings come and decorate it. She (with the assistance of Daneve from Ah-Tissue) managed to transform it into a magical fairyland by covering the metal pegola poles with swarths of fabric and flowers, even adding an entrance surrounded by flowers and dripping with crystals and butterflies and generally glamming up everything.

Oh my goodness the large silk flowers she brought along were so amazingly pretty, I was a bit sad to pack everything up and see it all go.


Table Styling

The table had a pink tiered tablecloth (once again from Creatively Bespoke Weddings) topped with a fabulous gold sequin layer. The backdrop was pretty much the wall mounted cake which had an Ikea frame spray painted gold surrounding it. Not much extra was needed, but we did add a few wall mounted pink pom poms from Ah-Tissue with some pearls hanging down and some flowers in the center.
 

The light pink risers on the table that the flowers are sitting on were from Lilli's recent birthday party on a budget (CLICK HERE).

 
Our local florist has closed down so the flowers are actually a few bunches from the supermarket that I rearranged myself.

Loot Bags

We had a selection of lollies and candy in the party favour bags. The pretty pink stripe bags were provided by Creatively Bespoke Weddings and they were decorated with a pretty pom by Ah-Tissue. My favourite candy in the bag was the sour grape liquorice from Sweet and Sour I actually don't normally eat stuff like this but I am in love with quite a few of the flavours and may be a tad addicted.

Party Vendor details


Cake, cookies, macarons and party table - Linda Vandermeer (Bubble and Sweet)
Magic Show, Disco and Balloon Hat Workshop - Super Steph
Decorations provided by Creatively Bespoke Weddings
Paper Pom poms - Australian Hand Made by Ah Tissue
Photography - Terri Vandermeer
Cake stand construction Andrew McCubbin
Pony dressed as unicorn - Brisbane Pony Parties
Sophie's outfit (previous seasons)
           top - Stevie and Me
           skirt - Heavenly Creatures
 Lilli's outfit (previous seasons)
           top - Forever New
           skirt - Tea Princess

 Party loot bags - Paper Eskimo
Pink tiered tablecloth - Creatively Bespoke Weddings
Gold sequin material for tablecloth - Spotlight
Pink stripe Party Loot Bags - Paper Eskimo

Linda Vandermeer is a blogger, baker, maker and author of the cookbook ' Sweets on a Stick': More than 150 kid friendly recipes for cakes, candies, cookies and pies on the go!. Published in the US the book is available at most online book stores:

Link to Amazon:

Sweets on a Stick: More Than 150 Kid-Friendly Recipes for Cakes, Candies, Cookies, and Pies on the Go! 

Or at Fishpond (free shipping Australia)

 

Disclosure: Super Steph provided this party free of charge in exchange for the ability to record and take photo's of her new puppet show, balloon hat workshop and disco. However the opinions stated in this post are my own and if fact I have previously engaged and paid Super Steph to provide entertainment for my children's party.

Snickers fudge and more Father's day ideas

 It's Father's day this weekend around these parts and I needed to make up a batch of treats for the Kindi day stall.

Earlier in the year I made up sweet pink fudge with hearts for mother's day so I thought some peanut caramel fudge would be a great idea for father's day. I had seen some delish looking Snickers fudge on pintrest and it inspired the snickers fudge (recipe below) you see here.

If your looking for some other yummy home made Father's day treats check out these (link to recipe by clicking on the names below picture):

1. Sugar Spice Cranberry Popcorn,
2. Totally Boss Chocolate Malt Macarons,
3. Peppermint Cookie Fudge, 
4. Mini Caramel Cheesecake.

Snickers Fudge makes 1 large tray or about 60 pieces (depending on the size you cut) conversions are approximate. Inspired by Snickers Fudge from Somewhere in the Middle.

Chocolate layers
450 grams milk chocolate (16 oz semi sweet) split into 2 lots of 225g (7oz)
120 grams smooth peanut butter (4 1/2oz) split into 2 lots of 60g (2 1/4oz)

Peanut fudge layer
55 grams unsalted butter (2 oz)
200 grams sugar (7oz)
65 grams evaporated milk (2 1/4oz)
200grams white marshmallows (7oz)
60g (21/4oz) peanut butter
55g (2oz) white chocolate
1 tsp vanilla

200grams (7oz) salted roasted shelled peanuts

Carmel Layer
400 grams hard caramels (14oz) (like pascal columbines)
50 grams cream (1 3/4oz heavy cream)

Instructions
Prepare a 20cm X 30cm (around 9" X 13") tray by lining with aluminium foil.

Chocolate Layer
Chop 225 g (8oz) chocolate into fine pieces and microwave at medium heat for 2 minutes. Stir or whisk and then heat for another 1 minute at medium heat. The chocolate should be smooth and lump free (if not continue to microwave for 30 second bursts) add 60g (2 1/4oz) the peanut butter and mix until smooth.

Pour into the prepared tray and smooth evenly over bottom of tray with the back of a spoon and place in fridge until set.

Peanut Fudge Layer
Place sugar, evaporated milk, butter and marshmallows into a saucepan and heat on medium low heat until the marshmallows are melted. Heat for 5 minutes stirring continuously without allowing the mixture to boil. Remove from heat and add the peanut butter, white chocolate and vanilla.
 

Stir until combined and the mixture is smooth. Pour into the prepared tray over the chocolate layer.

Sprinkle the peanuts over the fudge and gently press into place, place in fridge until set.

Caramel Layer*
Place ingredients into microwave safe dish and microwave at high for 1 minute, stir and microwave for further 30 seconds at high. Pour over peanuts and gently spread with knife to make even. Place into fridge to set.

*note the caramel will be very very hot - do not get any on you, use an oven glove or something similar to handle and do not not even think about licking the spoon while it is hot, seriously, no mater how tempting it seems.

Final chocolate layer
Follow instructions for the first chocolate layer as above and pour over the caramel layer, using the back of a spoon to spread evenly in place. Pop into the fridge to set.

Once set turn out of tray onto a cutting board and cut into squares using a sharp knife. For clean cuts run the knife under hot water and dry between each cut.

Linda Vandermeer is a blogger, baker, maker and author of the cookbook ' Sweets on a Stick': More than 150 kid friendly recipes for cakes, candies, cookies and pies on the go!. Published in the US the book is available at most online book stores:

Link to Amazon:

Sweets on a Stick: More Than 150 Kid-Friendly Recipes for Cakes, Candies, Cookies, and Pies on the Go! 

Or at Fishpond (free shipping Australia)

 

Naked cake balls

I'm having a pajama day today.

Yup still in my pj's and slippers, although that doesn't mean I haven't done a few loads of washing, cleaned the house and done all that other stuff that needs to be done every day around here.

I'm just being a bit relaxed about it, so to tie in with the relaxed theme I decided to make naked cake balls.

I had a whole stack of cake sitting around that I carved off'a my unicorn cake, so I just scrunched that up and with the ganache that was already layered in the cake I didn't need to add any extra frosting or ganache.

Then I grabbed some mini macarons I had left over, some raspberries, whipped up some chocolate ganache sauce and I had an instant dessert.

I made a video tutorial as well, yup sadly in my pajamas and I haven't combed my hair since yesterday morning, anyhoo I know you guys won't mind, just focus on the cake balls :)

Click here for the video of me making the naked cake balls

To make naked cake balls you need a cake and some frosting. Any type you like it can be home made, packed mix or store bought. Like I said I used chocolate mud cake and chocolate ganache.

(these ones in the picture are the actual cake balls I made up in the you tube video and popped on the plate, I just added a couple of extra raspberries and some flowers)

Place the cake into a large bowl and scrunch it up with your hands until it's crumbly, then add the frosting about 1/4 cup at a time until the cake becomes moist and will hold together into a ball shape.Scrunch or roll the mixture into ball shapes.

You can serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the fridge. If the cake is fresh it should last for 3 days. Otherwise you can freeze the cake balls wrapped in plastic wrap and in an airtight container for a couple of months, just defrost in the fridge and then bring to room temperature before serving.

To make up chocolate ganache melt around 120 g with 60 g cream  (or around 4oz chocolate to 2 oz cream) in a microwave on high for 1 minute.

If you like you can serve naked cake balls with peanut butter, nutella, cream, fruit and pretty much anything you like. They're kinda easy and kinda yummy and use up any extra cake you have sitting around

Linda Vandermeer is a blogger, baker, maker and author of the cookbook ' Sweets on a Stick': More than 150 kid friendly recipes for cakes, candies, cookies and pies on the go!. Published in the US the book is available at most online book stores:

Link to Amazon:

Sweets on a Stick: More Than 150 Kid-Friendly Recipes for Cakes, Candies, Cookies, and Pies on the Go! 

Or at Fishpond (free shipping Australia)

 

Mounted Unicorn Head Cake - sneak peek

Here is a quick sneak peek of the mounted unicorn head cake that Sweet had at her birthday party on the weekend.

Yes this is the cake,

and it's mounted on a wall and it's really kinda fabulous.

Watch this blog space ;) There are lots of ways to follow me on the right hand side.

I'll have all the pictures of the party which is even MORE fabulous and more about the cake here on the Bubble and Sweet blog when I get more photos.

Edit update 25/2/14 I have uploaded a you tube video of me making the cake



Edit update 2/9/13 we have had the party CLICK HERE for more pictures of the I believe in magic Unicorn Party

Mounted Unicorn Head Cake by Linda Vandermeer @ Bubble and Sweet
Photography by Terri Vandermeer
Special thanks to Andrew McCubbin

Linda Vandermeer is a blogger, baker, maker and author of the cookbook ' Sweets on a Stick': More than 150 kid friendly recipes for cakes, candies, cookies and pies on the go!. Published in the US the book is available at most online book stores:

Link to Amazon:

Sweets on a Stick: More Than 150 Kid-Friendly Recipes for Cakes, Candies, Cookies, and Pies on the Go! 

Or at Fishpond (free shipping Australia)

 

Chocolate Mousse in a jar Betty Crocker Irresistibles range

OK I have no self control. I admit it and it seems the packaging was right, this Chocolate Mousse cake is irresistible :)

I was going to wait until the end of the Sunbeam mixer competition to whip up one of the new Irresistibles cake mixes that Betty Crocker sent me, and start off with what y'all voted to be your favorite.

Anyhoo that just didn't work out for me, it wasn't really fair to expect me to wait a whole month.

Umm...Irresistible remember.

In fact once my resolve was broken, I didn't have to wait long at all as it literally took me a few minutes of mixing and they were ready to eat (plus baking time but I never count that).

We used all that extra time I saved cooking and cleaning to pop down to the park for some family time. I packed up the Chocolate Mousse Jar Cakes and we had a sweet picnic with the cakes and some left over pink lemonade.

The kids ate, and twirled and pulled some gunky stuff out of the pond and I enjoyed watching the kids having fun, took some deep breaths and a few pictures.

Jar Cake Instructions, made with Betty Crocker Chocolate Mousse Irresistibles, ingredients recommended on the package and extra raspberries

Spoon the made up chocolate cake mixture into some clean recycled glass jars*. Mine were various sizes that I had sitting around and I found that it worked out best if I filled the jars around a third full.

Place the filled jars onto a sturdy oven tray and bake in a preheated oven (as per packet directions) for 25 minutes.You'll know that the cakes are done when a skewer inserted into the cakes comes out clean.

Once the cakes cool down you can mix up the chocolate mousse mixture and spoon onto the top. I added some fresh raspberries, but you can leave as is or add any fresh fruit you like.

I made up 10 chocolate mousse jar cakes from 1 box of Irresistibles Chocolate Mousse cake mix.

* make sure the jars are clean, have no cracks or chips and have only previously been used for food safe ingredients.

Hmmmm wonder how long I will be able to hold out before I try out the Molten Lava Cakes and the Chocolate Mud Cake.

Linda Vandermeer is a blogger, baker, maker and author of the cookbook ' Sweets on a Stick': More than 150 kid friendly recipes for cakes, candies, cookies and pies on the go!. Published in the US the book is available at most online book stores:

Disclosure: the ideas, words and opinions in this post are my own however this post was sponsored by General Mills.