As you know, we entertain a lot. And regardless of the event or occasion, I put as much time and energy into making our house as warm and welcoming as possible for EVERYONE.
So when I had 40 x 17-year old teenagers descend on my house for a Birthday Party here is what I did to create a festive feast without the STRESS! Here’s my teenage birthday party menu!
ENTRÉE
Teenage Friendly Grazing Platter
Corn chips
Layered Mexican Dip
BBQ Toasted Corn
French Onion Dip
Fresh Veggie Sticks
Sliced Apples drizzled with fresh lime juice
Bowl of Allen’s RETRO PARTY MIX Lollies (YES … they were the first to disappear!)
MAIN
I popped a large 2.5kg piece of Topside in the slowcooker with a sachet of Taco mix, a chopped onion and 1 cup water. Lid on. Turn to LOW. Cook for 8 hours. SHRED.
Makes sensational BEEF TACOS.
I served on mini-tortillas with shredded lettuce, grated cheese, Salsa and sour cream.
OMG … The kids LOVED them!
DESSERT
I was selling tickets in a brand new BMW X1 at Maleny all morning the day of the party. By the time I finished it was around 1pm, so I ducked into Maleny IGA for inspiration and found a 2 pack of Sponge Cakes on sale for $5 (WOWZERS!)
When home, I made a simple Strawberry Buttercream Frosting.
- 6 large ripe, red strawberries, mashed
- 2 cups icing sugar
- 4 tbsp. softened butter
- 2 tbsp. cream
I mixed them altogether in a bowl with a spoon until nice and creamy.
DECORATING
I added a layer of raspberry jam to the lid of both sponges, then placed one on the other on a pretty round serving plate.
Using a knife, I spread the Strawberry Buttercream Frosting over the lids and sides to completely cover.
I then sliced a punnet of strawberries and starting from the outside decorated by laying concentric rings of strawberries; ensuring to overlap each ring.
The overlap helps add height and dimension to the cake.
I ended with a solid strawberry in the middle, and scattered the base with a punnet of blueberries.
WHAT A HIT … !!!!
Teenage years are precarious (I remember them well myself) but I love that we have a house they all feel safe and welcomed in. They know our rules and 99% of the time they are respectful of them.
TOGETHER (but mainly them) we all had a tonne of FUN!