| When you are planning the menu for your child's | | | | 5 mashed bananas |
| party, it is important to remember that the drinks are | | | | 1 can frozen orange juice |
| just as important as the food. If the party is held on | | | | 1 can frozen lemonade |
| a hot summer day you want a cooling beverage and | | | | 1 can pineapple juice |
| if it's during the winter something warming is called | | | | 2 quarts 7-Up soda (should be room temperature) |
| for. | | | | Boil water and sugar for three minutes. Let cool. |
| The choices you make should be related to the age | | | | Mix juices, following the instructions on each can. |
| of the children who will be attending the event. | | | | Mix together the bananas and all of the prepared |
| Although, you will find that many beverages are | | | | juices. Add sugar and water mixture. Freeze. |
| suitable for any age group. | | | | To serve: thaw punch for two to three hours. Slowly |
| If you will be serving an older crowd, consider | | | | add 7-UP. This punch is best served when it is still |
| non-alcoholic versions of drinks such as piña | | | | slushy. |
| colada's and flavored daiquiris, such as strawberry. | | | | Any punch can be kept cold with a decorative ice |
| These can easily be made without the addition of | | | | mold. Fill a small bowl with about an inch of water |
| alcohol. You have the option of buying the 'pre-mixed' | | | | then freeze. Place a few lemon or lime slices on the |
| drink mix or making them from scratch. Give them | | | | frozen layer and cover with another inch of water. |
| different names than the alcoholic version so when | | | | Repeat until the bowl is full. Add to the punch when |
| they tell their parents about the party they won't | | | | serving as the ice bowl melts it releases the lemon |
| mention they had marguerites but lime slushies. | | | | and lime slices into the punch. |
| Fruit smoothies are a good option and can be made | | | | For a cold day serve a warm punch. Use apple juice |
| ahead. An easy to remember recipe is a half gallon of | | | | as the base or green tea. Heat to nearly boiling. Add |
| juice to one large container of yogurt and ½ | | | | sliced lemons, oranges, cloves and cinnamon sticks. |
| pound of fruit. Add ingredients in batches and blend | | | | Strain before serving. |
| well. Store refrigerated until party time, then shake | | | | And of course there is the old standby of hot |
| well before serving. You could garnish each glass with | | | | chocolate. If your party guests are at least grade |
| a slice of the fruit you used in the smoothie. | | | | school age consider a hot chocolate beverage bar. Fill |
| If you have your heart set on serving punch, there | | | | a Styrofoam cup about two thirds full of your |
| are thousands of recipes to choose from. If you are | | | | favorite hot chocolate. Offer an array of condiments |
| expecting a crowd, serving punch is very economical. | | | | for the guests to add themselves such as mini |
| The following recipe for 'Banana Party Punch' is a | | | | marshmallows, small peppermint candy canes, |
| refreshing change from traditional red fruit punch. | | | | chocolate chips, fresh raspberries, orange slices, |
| (Makes approximately 30 servings.) | | | | caramel ice cream topping and of course whipped |
| 4 cups sugar | | | | topping. |
| 6 cups water | | | | |