| Finding the right balance of healthy food that kids | | | | You can add cheese to muffins (you can make |
| will eat at parties can be quite a challenge, | | | | these gluten free) and place them under the grill. |
| particularly with the popularity and brand | | | | Try placing some fruit and shredded zucchini |
| recognition of fast foods. However, with a bit of | | | | (courgette) inside them also. You can also make |
| creativity and effort you can make healthy food | | | | them into little pizzas and get the party boy/girl |
| look appetizing and fun to eat and here are a few | | | | to help you make them.o Waffles are also |
| tips. | | | | another good idea (these may not be gluten free |
| Instead of serving bread with hundreds and | | | | though) and you can add all sorts of things, for |
| thousands/sprinkles on it, make a variety of | | | | example pureed fruits as a sweet alternative or |
| sandwiches with different fillings, for example | | | | freshly cooked beans as a savory topping.o Tofu |
| cheese, ham, tuna, egg, cheese and tomato or | | | | (bean curd) can also be used, although to make |
| tuna and sweet corn. Small, quality sausages, such | | | | this attractive to children, you will need to ensure |
| as chipolatas are also an excellent addition to any | | | | that you serve it in an interesting way. One way |
| party and popular with children. The children are | | | | to do this is to slice the tofu finely and then dip it |
| more likely to eat these if you present them in a | | | | into some beaten up egg. Then add some |
| fun way. | | | | sesame seeds and shallow fry it, serving it hot. |
| Instead of lots of chocolate, place dried fruit on | | | | The adults may prefer this but nothing ventured |
| toothpicks, ensuring that you use a variety off | | | | nothing gained!o Home made pizzas cut into small |
| different colors to make it look fun. You can also | | | | rectangles, so that the children can eat them |
| have muesli bars and you can buy carob coated | | | | easily. You can add all sorts of different flavors |
| rice cakes. You could also make carob coated | | | | and pineapple and cheese, tomato and cheese, or |
| chocolate rice krispies treats. You can use | | | | grated vegetables and cheese are excellent |
| cornflakes as a wheat free alternative but please | | | | vegetarian choices. If you have someone at the |
| ensure that you check the package in case of | | | | party who cannot eat wheat or is a strict vegan, |
| children with allergies. | | | | you can then add soya cheese and use wheat |
| If you want to offer vegetarian, dairy free or | | | | free dough. You can ask the party girl/boy to |
| wheat/gluten free party food, then here are a | | | | help you make them into funny faces. Getting the |
| few different ideas for you to try:-o If you are | | | | children involved with what you are doing is |
| able to locate them, Scottish oatcakes (some | | | | always a great idea, since they will then enjoy |
| oatcakes may contain wheat or gluten - check | | | | their party more as they have participated in the |
| the packages for further details) are an excellent | | | | food preparation.o You can also offer a variety of |
| choice served with tuna and sweet corn.o For a | | | | foods on a stick, for example cheese or fruit |
| sweet idea, rice cakes with a carob chocolate | | | | cubes.o Falafels (a Lebanese delicacy made with |
| topping or for a savory idea, you could add some | | | | chick peas).o Rice crackers or pitta bread served |
| cheese, pineapple, aubergine (eggplant) or a | | | | with hummous and avocado dip, with carrot, |
| variety of pureed vegetables. Make sure that | | | | zucchini and celery. |
| these are colorful to attract the children's eye.o | | | | |