A Baker’s Dozen ofCreative Birthday Cake Ideas

by Jessica Fisherwww.l i feasmom.com

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Copyright © 2009 Jessica G. Fisher

All rights reserved. No portion of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the express written permission of the author and publisher. As the purchaser of this ebook, you have permission to print a copy for your personal use.

If you would like to purchase additional copies, please contact lifeasmom@sbcglobal.net or visit

www.lifeasMOM.com

All efforts have been made to present this information in an accurate and reasonable way. However, please use wisdom and common sense.

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I’ll never forget my favorite childhood birthday cake.

Two all beef patties, special sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickles, onions, on a sesame seed bun.

Yep, it was a Big Mac. My third birthday party, held at the local McDonalds, featured a great cake in the shape of a Big Mac. Truly, it was a sight to behold. And a memorable event, some thirty years later. That’s the stuff good birthday cakes are made of — dazzling moments in a child’s memory.

Creating a fun birthday cake is not difficult. Over the years it’s become one thing that my children look forward to on their special days. I’m not a trained professional, but I love to make something festive.

While pastry chefs and professional bakers spend years learning their craft, the home baker can still make a pretty cool cake without a whole lot of fuss or expense. Birthday cakes at our house are embellishments of simple, easy to use ingredients. And this book is here to show you how.

If you’ve got a boxed cake mix, a couple cans of frosting, some candy, and some toys, your kids will be dazzled by what you create. You can get more elaborate with some paste food coloring to tint the canned frosting, but that's an extra. Keep it simple and fun and you’ll have a great time.

And a pretty cool cake.

you can do this. yes, you can.

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5 The Basics

8 Surf’s Up!

10 May the Force Be With You

12 A Day in the Rainforest

14 Yo Ho Ho and a Bottle of Fun

16 Fun in the Sun

18 Can We Build It? Yes, We Can!

20 Indiana Jones

22 Super Mario and His Friends

24 What State Are You In?

26 A Birth-Day Cake

28 Friends, Romans, and Countrymen

30 So Fancy, That Nancy!

32 Breakfast is Served

34 About the Author

the basic recipe and a baker’s dozen of creative birthday cake ideas

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everything you need to know to make pretty. cool. cakes.

Here’s a basic formula to create simple, yet festive cakes:

WHAT YOU NEED:

Boxed cake mix — Feel free to make your cake from scratch, but since birthdays are usually really busy days for families, I recommend taking this shortcut. 1-2 boxes is sufficient for the cakes featured in this book.

Canned frosting — The same holds true for frosting. If your family really wants homemade buttercream, then go for it. Otherwise, Duncan Hines or Betty Crocker can help you out immensely here. 1-2 cans are sufficient.

Candy and sprinkles — I try to keep a variety of candy and sprinkles on hand for cakes. Often, I’ll stock up on them whenever I see a really good deal. Candy rocks and pebbles are a favorite with my children, so I try to have those for cake toppings as well.

If you have a special theme in mind, peruse a bulk candy store for novelty candies that fit your topic. My Breakfast is Served Cake on page 32 is a great example of using novelty candies to fit a certain theme.

Paste-type food coloring — This comes in small jars, available in a myriad of colors. It’s sold at Walmart, Michaels, or wherever you might find cake-decorating supplies. This type of food coloring is ideal for creating the vivid hues that you would associate with children’s birthday cakes. You won’t use much at one time, just enough to cover the tip of a knife. Simply dip a knife or toothpick into the jar and then mix into the frosting. You

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can add more if you want a deeper hue, but this food coloring is very potent.

Toys — Almost all my cakes incorporate a theme based on my children’s interests. Plastic toys and action figures, such as Playmobil, lend themselves very well to their chosen themes. Rather than hunting down a special cake topper, we just use the character toys. Sometimes we use what we have. Other times, we buy a new toy especially for the occasion. The birthday child gets to keep the new toy and that adds to the fun.

Cardboard cake boards — This is optional, but very handy to have so that you have something to place your cake on. You can find cake boards wherever cake decorating supplies are sold. I like to keep two basic sizes on hand: 10 x 14-inch rectangles for 9 x 13 cakes and 10 in. round boards for layer cakes. You can also use a large serving tray, cookie sheet, or cutting board instead.

Aluminum foil — Again, this is optional. But, if you’d like to reuse your cake board or cover up a not so pretty or non-theme related serving tray, aluminum foil is a nice thing to have on hand.

Paper and toothpicks — On occasion we have delved into the scrapbook supplies in order to create embellishments for our cakes. Taping a paper illustration to a toothpick is an inexpensive alternative to buying a new toy.

Other optional supplies -- wax paper, offset spatula, cookies and cracker crumbs, brown sugar, toothpicks, scotch tape

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WHAT TO DO:(Remember to include the kids!)

1. Choose your theme. Include the birthday child in the decision and then brainstorm if there's a shape or a scene that you could depict using toys, action figures, and candy. We often build "diorama" type cakes, where the cake acts as a stage for the toy action. Your child may know the story, movie, or character better than you do, so ask lots of questions and look at drawn artwork for inspiration. As the parent, reserve creative license for yourself. While it’s wonderful to include your child in the design process, avoid letting it get out of hand.

2. Prepare and bake cake mix according to package directions and cool completely.

3. Choose a serving tray to use to hold the cake or get a cake board ready by covering it with foil.

4. Gather any toys you might use and wash and dry them well.

5. Assemble all the items that will go on your cake: frosting, food coloring, candies, toys, and candles. (We like number candles at our house for ease. No need to hunt down all the stray mini candles, just one candle with the age of the birthday child.)

6. Place the cake on your serving tray. If you’d like, surround it with strips of waxed paper. In this way, if you’re a little messy in your frosting stage, the drips will fall on the waxed paper which you can pull away when finished, leaving a clean surface behind.

7. Tint your frosting with the colors that suit your design. Frost your cake with a thin layer of frosting. This is called the crumb coat. It’s especially helpful when you’ve cut the cake and arranged it to form a fancy “stage.” Slip the cake in the refrigerator for a few minutes to allow the crumb coat to harden. When you add another coat, you won’t have pesky crumbs marring your finished product.

8. Once the frosting is covering the cake, place your toys and other embellishments.

9. Take a picture of the birthday child and his cake! Enjoy the moment.

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If surfing’s not your game, switch out the surfer for your water sport of choice.

WHAT YOU NEED:

a basic sheet cake, baked in a 9 x 13-inch pancake boardaluminum foil, optional2 tubs frosting: (1 white & 1 chocolate OR 2 white)blue and green sprinkles or colored sugarsblue and brown paste food coloringcandy rocks and pebblesassorted beach-themed toysa small tube of white frostingbrown sugargraham cracker crumbstoothpickpaper flag with child’s name on itscotch tapeNemo or other fish-shaped fruit snacks or Goldfish crackers

let’s go surfing now -everybody’s learning how.come on the surfari with me!

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WHAT TO DO:

First, gather all your supplies in one work space. Wash and dry the toys well. Make sure no water is present in the

nooks and crannies as this will mess up your frosting. Cover your cake board with aluminum foil, if desired. Center

your cooled cake on the board. Tint your frosting. If using only white frosting, color 1 tub ocean

blue using the blue paste food coloring and tint the other tub a light brown beach color. If using chocolate, that will serve as the base of your beach. Tint the white tub blue.

Lay out your beach line. You can mentally “eyeball” it or physically draw it with a knife. Leave more water than beach. Frost one side of the line with your brown, beach frosting and the other with the blue, ocean frosting.

With your knife or spreader, rough up your ocean a bit so that you've got some waves going. You want your surfer toys to be able to “catch a wave.”

Sprinkle blue and green sprinkles all over the blue "ocean". Sprinkle brown sugar or graham cracker crumbs over the brown

"beach" side. Place rocks along the shore line. If you don't have toy rocks, you

could use candy rocks sold in bulk candy stores. Using the small tube of white frosting, pipe some seafoam

where the ocean meets the shore. Pipe more along the tips of the breakers that you roughed up in the blue frosting.

Pack brown sugar into a small cylinder container (I used a cyclinder-like tablespoon). When you unmold this, it will be your sand castle.

Tape your paper flag to the toothpick. Insert it into your sandcastle.

Place your other toys and candles. Place Nemo fruit snacks around the edge of the cake as fish

swimming in the sea.

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long, long ago, in a galaxy far, far away, there was a birthday cake that every jedi dreamed of…

Here is Star Wars fascination represented in sugar: the volcano scene from Episode III where Anakin and Obi-Wan duke it out. (Forget the fact that the fumes from the volcano would have killed them; this is George Lucas, right?)

You could easily remove the Star Wars guys and transform this volcano cake to another theme, such as dinosaurs.

WHAT YOU NEED:

2 cake mixes, prepared according to package directionsshortening or non-stick spraysmall Pyrex or other oven-safe mixing bowlround cake pan3 small loaf panscake boardaluminum foilcanned “spray” frosting in red2 tubs chocolate frostingcandy rocks and pebblesred hotsred sprinkleschocolate barsStar Wars action figures

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WHAT TO DO:

First, gather all your supplies in one work space. Grease the small pyrex mixing bowl, the three mini loaf pans,

and the round cake pan. Fill each 1/2 to 2/3 full with the prepared cake mix. Bake according to package directions. Since your cakes are differing sizes, check often for doneness, starting at 20 minutes and then every 10 minutes or so after that. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes once you’ve removed them from the oven. Remove from pans and cool completely.

Wash and dry the toys well. Make sure no water is present in the nooks and crannies as this will mess up your frosting.

Cover your cake board with aluminum foil, if desired. Place your cakes on the board. In one corner you will place the round cake layer. Cover with a thin layer of frosting and top with the cake baked in the small pyrex bowl. This will be your volcano. Scatter your loaf cakes around the board.

Frost your cakes with chocolate frosting. Spray red frosting from the top of the volcano down to the

ground. Spray red frosting around the board for “lava” and spread it

thinly with a knife or spatula. It doesn’t need to be perfectly smooth; it’s lava. Sprinkle red hots and red sprinkles over lava.

Scatter candy rocks and pebbles about. Kids love to do this! Place chocolate bars floating in the lava.

Place your fighting action figures.

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WHAT YOU NEED:

2 cake mixes, prepared according to package directionsshortening or non-stick sprayBundt cake pan9x13 baking pancake boardaluminum foil1 tub chocolate frosting1 tub white frostingblue paste food coloringcandy rocks and pebblesflaked coconuttropical animal and plant toysgreen pull and peel licorice

Welcome to the jungle!This theme works well for nature lovers, dinosaur fans, and any theme located in the jungle, like The Jungle Book, The Lion King, or George of the Jungle. Just change out the toys.

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WHAT TO DO:

First, gather all your supplies in one work space. Grease your pans and fill each with one prepared cake mix.

Bake according to package directions. Cool completely. Wash and dry the toys well. Make sure no water is present in the

nooks and crannies as this will mess up your frosting. Cover your cake board with aluminum foil, if desired. Place the

9 x 13-inch cake on the board. Cut the Bundt cake in half and place one half on the end of the sheet cake, lining up the straight edges. Use some frosting to secure it in place. The partial Bundt cake will be the mountain and waterfall. Reserve the second half of the Bundt cake for another use.

Tint your white frosting the appropriate shade of blue for your river. Line out your river down the middle of the mountain and over the rest of the sheet cake. Frost your river. Frost the rest of your cakes with chocolate frosting.

Scatter candy pebbles and rocks about. At the base of the waterfall, sprinkle flaked coconut to serve as

the foam of the river as it hits the rocks below. Place your toy trees, plants, and animals. Pull apart the green licorice and strew the “vines” all about the

cake.

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WHAT YOU NEED:

2 layer cakes, baked and cooledcake board or serving platealuminum foil (optional)1 tub coconut frosting1 tub white frostingblue and brown paste food coloringcandy pebblestoys: tropical plants, ocean animals, and pirate and his treasure

avast me hearties! ‘tis time for swashbuckling good fun!

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WHAT TO DO:

First, gather all your supplies in one work space. Wash and dry the toys well. Make sure no water is present in the

nooks and crannies as this will mess up your frosting. Tint your white frosting the appropriate shade of blue for your

ocean. Tint the coconut frosting a light brown, sand color. Cover your cake board with aluminum foil, if desired. Place the

first layer on the board. Frost the top of it with blue frosting. Place the second layer on top of the first. Frost the sides of the cake with blue frosting. Frost the top of the cake with the sand-colored frosting. This is your deserted island.

Coat most of the sides with candy pebbles. Insert ocean creatures in the side of the cake. Place your toy trees and plants on your beach. Add the pirate and his treasure.

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This is a simple chocolate layer cake, embellished with colored sprinkles for the waves on the beach and crushed graham crackers and nuts for the beach itself. My favorite touch was the brown sugar packed into the toy pail for a miniature "sand castle."

WHAT YOU NEED:

2 layer cakes, baked and cooledcake board or serving platealuminum foil (optional)1 tub chocolate frostingblue and green colored sugargraham cracker or sugar cookie crumbsfinely chopped nutsbrown sugartoys: tropical plants, ocean animals, and beach comber and his sand toys

Hosting a Summer-themed birthday party? Want a little beach time fun? Here’s the cake for you!

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WHAT TO DO:

First, gather all your supplies in one work space. Wash and dry the toys well. Make sure no water is present in the

nooks and crannies as this will mess up your frosting. Cover your cake board with aluminum foil, if desired. Place the

first layer on the board. Frost the top of it with frosting. Place the second layer on top of the first. Frost the sides and top of the cake.

Now create your beach scene. In a small mixing bowl, combine blue and green sugars. Spread these thickly over half the cake. This is your ocean. If you prefer, you can apply more colored sugar to the sides of the cake.

Spread the other half of the cake top with graham cracker crumbs. Sprinkle chopped nuts as pebbles.

Insert ocean creatures in the water and side of cake. Place your toy trees and plants on your beach. Add the beach comber and his sand toys. Pack brown sugar firmly into tiny toy pail. Unmold for an edible

sand castle. Place toy pail in sand.

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While Bob may not be every child’s favorite, this cake is a good example of taking the elements of a loved character and applying it to a birthday cake. Here, you see the bright colors of the road and grass that are ever-present in the Bob the Builder videos. You can recreate this idea using your child’s chosen theme.

WHAT YOU NEED:

1 9x13 cake, baked and cooledcake board or serving platealuminum foil (optional)1 tub chocolate frosting1 tub white frostingred and green paste food coloringchocolate cookie crumbscandy pebbles and rocksBob the Builder toys

yes, we can!join bob and his friends on a cake-building adventure.

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WHAT TO DO:

First, gather all your supplies in one work space. Wash and dry the toys well. Make sure no water is present in the

nooks and crannies as this will mess up your frosting. Divide your white frosting into two small bowls. Tint one half

pink and the other half green. Cover your cake board with aluminum foil, if desired. Place the

cake on the board. Frost a pink road down the center of the cake. Frost your green

grass on either side of the road. Frost the sides of the cake with chocolate frosting.

Line the road with candy pebbles. Scatter candy rocks and chocolate cookie crumbs down one side of the road.

Place your Bob the Builder toys as desired.

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WHAT YOU NEED:

shortening or non-stick spraysquare cake panloaf panmini loaf pancake mix, prepared according to package directionscake board or serving platealuminum foil (optional)1 tub chocolate frosting (OR 1 tub white frosting, tinted a light

brown with brown paste food coloring)graham crackers or shortbread cookiestoys: palm tree, plastic bush, Indiana Jones action figure

Every boy loves indy. And thanks to lego, they don’t have to watch the movies to know his story.

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WHAT TO DO:

First, gather all your supplies in one work space. Grease the mini loaf pan, the regular loaf pan and the 8-inch

square cake pan. Divide the prepared cake mix amongst the three pans. Bake according to package directions. Since your cakes are differing sizes, check often for doneness, starting at 20 minutes and then every 5 minutes or so after that. Allow to set for 10 minutes once you’ve removed them from the oven. Remove from pans and cool completely.

Wash and dry the toys well. Make sure no water is present in the nooks and crannies as this will mess up your frosting.

Cover your cake board with aluminum foil, if desired. Place square cake at one end of the board and frost top. Cut off

about 1 inch from the end of the regular size loaf cake to make it the same length as the square cake. Place smaller, cut-off piece in front of square cake for a "step." Place loaf cake on top of square cake near the back edge. Frost the top. Place mini loaf atop the regular loaf.

Frost your cakes completely with chocolate frosting. Reserve one cracker or cookie for a bridge. Put the rest in a

plastic, ziptop bag. Seal bag and crush cookies with rolling pin. Sprinkle cookie crumbs all over the surface of the cakes.

Place cookie for bridge, toy palm tree, toy bush, and action figure.

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Like the Bob the Builder Cake (see p.18 ), this is another good example of taking a simple cake, this time, a layer cake, and mimicking certain aspects of a character theme. The Mario video games are characterized by whimsical colors and architecture. So I made the frosting vibrant, light, and fun. Due to the difficulty of locating toys to match this theme, I simply printed color copies of the characters. This can be adapted to any interest your child might have.

WHAT YOU NEED:

2 layer cakes, baked and cooledcake board or serving platealuminum foil (optional)1 tub chocolate frosting1 tub white frostingblue and green paste food coloringcandy rockscolored sprinklescolor printed images of your favorite characterstoothpicksscotch tape

Whether it’s a tour around baby park or a game of Mario baseball that they enjoy, fans of all ages will love the Mario cake.

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WHAT TO DO:

First, gather all your supplies in one work space. Divide the white frosting into two small mixing bowls. Tint one

half bright green, the other half bright blue. Cover your cake board with aluminum foil, if desired. Place the

first layer on the board. Frost the top of it with chocolate frosting. Place the second layer on top of the first. Frost the top of the cake thickly with chocolate frosting. Frost the sides of the cake with the green and blue frostings as pictured. Swirl the frostings to make it “fun.”

Generously sprinkle colored sprinkles over the top of the cake. Place candy rocks here and there. Cut out each paper character and tape to a toothpick. Place your character “picks” about the cake, taller ones in

back, shorter ones in front.

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My husband shares his birthday with Kansas Day. Who knew? And when we found ourselves living in the Sunflower State, I knew a state-shaped cake was appropriate. One year I made him a Kansas cake, complete with crops, cattle, sunflowers and a pipe cleaner tornado. This sheet cake is the exact shape of the state, with a wee little bit cut out of the upper east corner.

Duplicate this for whatever state you’re in. Consider the crops, animals, sports teams, and activities of the state to use as toppers.

WHAT YOU NEED:

a basic sheet cake, baked in a 9 x 13-inch pancake boardaluminum foil, optional1 tub chocolate frosting OR 1 tub white frosting, tinted an

appropriate color for your statefor crops: colored sprinkles or sugars, chopped nuts, cookie crumbsstate postcardtoothpickscotch tapestate-themed toys and other appropriate toppers

Kids off to college, cross country travelers, sports fans, or just someone with a passion for his home state — all will enjoy an illustrated map cake.

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WHAT TO DO:

First, gather all your supplies in one work space. Wash and dry well any toys you will be using. Make sure no

water is present in the nooks and crannies as this will mess up your frosting.

Cover your cake board with aluminum foil, if desired. Cut your sheet cake into the shape of your state. Consult a map

to achieve the general boundaries and shape. Move cut-away pieces around if you need more “land” to work with.

Center your cooled cake on the board. Tint your frosting, if applicable. Frost sides and top of cake with

a thin layer of frosting. This is called the crumb coat. It’s especially helpful when you’ve cut the cake and arranged it to form a certain shape. Slip the cake in the refrigerator for a few minutes to allow the crumb coat to harden. Now, when you add another coat, you won’t have pesky crumbs marring your finished product.

With a toothpick, etch out a small grid for crops. Fill each “section” with a different crop.

Tape your postcard to the toothpick. Insert it into the cake Place your other toys and state-themed items.

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This cake takes a little more time than the others, due to the construction of the “welcome” sign, but the sign itself becomes a keepsake for the baby, particularly if constructed with scrapbook safe supplies.

WHAT YOU NEED:

thin satin ribbontiny clothespinspaper “baby clothes,” each piece marked with a letter to spell

“Welcome” and Baby’s namegluea basic sheet cake, baked in a 9 x 13-inch pancake boardaluminum foil, optional1 tub white frostinggreen paste food coloringgreen colored sprinkleschopped nutsspringtime toys: four trees, bushes, flowers, and animals, such as

chickens or rabbits

at a Baby shower, hospital room celebration, or homecoming, this cake is a great way to celebrate a birth-day.

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WHAT TO DO:

First, gather all your supplies in one work space. Wash and dry the toys well. Make sure no water is present in the

nooks and crannies as this will mess up your frosting. Spread out your ribbon in two lengths long enough to stretch

across the cake and tie onto the trees. Spread out the clothing on each length, one length of ribbon for “Welcome,” the other for Baby’s name. Glue clothes to the ribbon. Allow to dry. Meanwhile, get the cake ready.

Cover your cake board with aluminum foil, if desired. Place the cake on the board.

Spoon a small amount of white frosting into a small mixing bowl. Tint this light green with the green paste food coloring.

Frost the top and sides of the cake with the white frosting. Thinly spread a little green frosting across the top. You want this to have a light and bright look to it.

Check your ribbon to make sure the glue is dry and that clothes will not be falling off the line. Attach each end to a tree. If possible, use the clothespins, otherwise, tie a knot.

Place your toy trees on the cake, placing them far enough apart that the clothes line is not pulled too tightly or too loosely.

Arrange the other toys about the cake. Embellish with green sprinkles for extra patches of grass and

chopped nuts for pebbles.

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WHAT YOU NEED:

a basic sheet cake, baked in a 9 x 13-inch pancake boardaluminum foil, optional1 tub chocolate frosting 1 tub white frosting, tinted grey if desiredchocolate graham crackerspowdered sugarRoman-themed toys: Caesar, his wife, soldier, gladiator, and

statues on pedastals. (These particular ones are made by Playmobil.)

Any interest your child has can be put on a cake, right down to historical reenactments.

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WHAT TO DO:

First, gather all your supplies in one work space. Wash and dry well any toys you will be using. Make sure no

water is present in the nooks and crannies as this will mess up your frosting.

Cover your cake board with aluminum foil, if desired. Cut off about a two inch section from one end of your sheet

cake. This will be the platform for your Roman dignitaries. Center the larger piece of cake on the board. Place the smaller, cutoff piece atop the back center of your

sheet cake, using a layer of frosting to help it stay in place. Tint your frosting, if applicable. Frost sides and top of cakes

with a thin layer of frosting. This is called the crumb coat. It’s especially helpful when you’ve cut the cake and arranged it to form a certain shape. Slip the cake in the refrigerator for a few minutes to allow the crumb coat to harden. Now, when you add another coat, you won’t have pesky crumbs marring your finished product. Finish frosting the cake.

Break the chocolate graham crackers into large pieces. Stick them into the frosting in front of the platform to form a type of cobblestone road. Sprinkle powdered sugar over to serve as dust.

Place statues and pedestals on either side of the platform. Place roman dignitaries on the platform. Using frosting, adhere gladiator and soldier to the cobblestone

street.

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WHAT YOU NEED:

one package sugar cookie dough1/4 cup purple hard candies, crushedone cake mix, prepared according to package directions and baked

in two loaf panscake board or serving traylarge piece aluminum foil, optional1 tub white frostingpaste food coloring in at least three colorssmall piece aluminum foil, cut into a circlewooden dowel or chopstickspice dropslong licorice whipsgold foil-covered chocolate coinscandy ring popscandy necklaces and bracelets

whether your little girl is interested in fancy nancy or simply in accessorizing, this edible purse will steal the show.

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WHAT TO DO:

First, gather all your supplies in one work space. Cover your cake board with aluminum foil, if desired. Roll out sugar cookie dough on lightly floured surface. Cut out

three shapes: sunglasses, star (for wand), and hand mirror. Just cut them out freehand with a knife in the general shape of each. Cut out the inside of the sunglasses to leave open frames.

Place cookie shapes on baking sheet. Fill sunglass frames with crushed candies. Bake according to cookie dough package directions.

Meanwhile, divide and tint your frosting in three to four colors: large amount for purse and small amounts for the star, the sunglasses, and the mirror.

After the cookies have baked and cooled, frost them with their appropriate colored frostings. Place small aluminum foil circle in the middle of the hand mirror cookie. It should stick well to the frosting. Sprinkle cookies with corresponding colored sugars.

Attach the wooden dowel to the star with a small amount of frosting. Refrigerate until firm.

Cut off the domed top of one loaf cake so that the cake is a flat surface. This will be the bottom layer of the purse. Cut a wedge in the top of the second loaf. This will be the opening at the top of the purse.

Center the bottom layer on the cake board. Apply frosting to the top of the cake. Place the second loaf cake on top of the first. Frost the entire “purse.” Decorate the purse with the spice drops. Insert licorice whips for purse handles.

Fill the purse with candy bracelets, necklaces, rings, and coins Arrange extra coins, candy jewelry, and cookies on serving tray

or cake board.

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WHAT YOU NEED:

cake board or serving trayaluminum foil2 egg whites3/4 cup sugar2 1/4 cup shredded coconut1/4 teaspoon vanilla1/8 teaspoon salt2 cups shredded or flaked coconutone cake mix, prepared according to package directions shortening or non-stick spraypie plate9 x 13 baking sheetone tub white frostingblue paste food coloringone can green spray frostingone muffin or cupcakecool whip or whipped creamcinnamonsmall piece cinnamon stickbubble gum hot dogsgummy candy popcornfork

What do you do when your kid stumps you with his theme of choice? get creative and hunt for novelty candy.

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WHAT TO DO:

First, gather all your supplies in one work space. Cover your cake board with aluminum foil, if desired. Prepare the coconut hashbrowns (recipe below). Grease pie plate and 9 x 13 pan. Divide prepared cake mix

between the two pans, filling pie plate about 1/2 full and pouring the rest of the batter into the rectangular pan. Bake according to package directions, about 20 minutes. Remove from pans and cool completely.

Divide frosting into two small bowls. Tint one half blue. Leave the remainder white.

Center the sheet cake on the cake board. This will be your “placemat.” Frost it with the blue frosting. With the green spray frosting, frost polka dots on the placemat.

Frost the pie-shaped cake with white frosting. This will be your “plate.” Place the cake on the left side of the placemat.

Frost the bottom half of the muffin with white icing. This will be your mug. Using the spray frosting, draw a zigzag border or other design around the rim. Place the mug in the upper right corner of the placemat. Cover the top of the mug with Cool Whip. Sprinkle with cinnamon and insert the cinnamon stick in the top.

Place the candy popcorn as your scrambled eggs, the bubble gum hot dogs for sausages, and one coconut “hashbrown” on the plate. Place the fork on the plate.

Coconut Hashbrowns, makes 82 eggs whites3/4 cup sugar1/4 teaspoon vanilla1/8 teaspoon salt2 1/4 cups shredded coconut, divided.

Heat oven to 325°. In large mixing bowl, beat egg whites on high speed until foamy. Gradually beat in sugar. Continue beating mixture until stiff and glossy. Stir in vanilla, salt, and 1 3/4 cups coconut. Spread mixture into eight rectangular shapes on parchment paper or light greased baking sheet. Sprinkle with remaining coconut. Bake until set and delicate brown, about 20 minutes. Immediately remove from baking surface. Cool. Trim edges of each to make them straight.

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Jessica Fisher, also known as FishMama, makes her home near San Diego, CA. She spends her days wiping noses, changing diapers, and corralling six lively children. A high school teacher by training, a homeschooling, homemaking mom by choice, she also enjoys writing for parenting publications and the internet.

Her mission for motherhood is to do it with a good attitude. And she wants to equip other moms to do the same. On her blog, www.lifeasmom.com, she shares her journey to Joyful Motherhood.

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