Foods for the kids in the Christmas party

CEBU, Philippines - A saying goes: "Christmas is for little children." Perhaps no one would argue about that. Everyone has a dear little one to cheer up in the merry season.

Kids, therefore, have to be primarily considered in planning the menu for the Christmas party - whether it's simply a dinner among family members or a banquet to gather all the neighbors far and near.  The fare has to include dishes that kids like - and desserts and more desserts. It's certainly not going to be a merry Christmas to have bored little faces around in the corner while the grownups are having fun.

And so there's need for fun, quick and easy party foods, especially intended for little hands. These have to look nice and taste nice to kids; otherwise they won't pick it up. Those in charge of the food preparation must keep in mind bright colors and sweetness generally appeal to kids.

Certain item may be made ready ahead of time. There are kiddie treats that can be made days or weeks before the big day and can be tucked away in the freezer. Some of these can even keep by itself. Think homemade frozen gelatin candies, fruit ice bars, dried mixed fruits, fruit jams, nougats etc.

Another Christmas recipe that can be made weeks before the day is, of course, the classic Christmas cake. Some people say they make theirs three months in advance and leave it to 'mature' for a much greater taste. Other make the basic cake, pop it into the freezer and leave it there until they're in the mood or have the time for decorating it.

Most Filipino kids have acquired the taste for spaghetti pasta. In fact, no children's party nowadays will do without it (thanks to the vigorous advertising by fast-food companies). The big favorite is the type with a sweet sauce, which is probably the thing that made the thing attractive to children. Needless to say, this one has to be in the menu for the kids in the party.

And since chicken has become very popular with kids too, it is also a must-have in the menu. Again, the popularity of chicken - particularly fried chicken - among Filipino kids is the result of good advertising by fast-food companies that have chicken in their menu. So the chicken dish the kids' party menu shall approximate the one served at the fast-food stores. It is a good idea to have it in pieces that the kids can conveniently hold in their hands. Chicken Lollipops would be interesting to children as well.

Most of the recipes that delight the kids are simple and easy to make. Thus, the kids in the host home could even help to make these. The kids are sure to brag their 'creations' to their guests.

Okay, so what if it’s a kids’ party with grownups accompanying the kids? For sure the host home would not want to have the grownups around yawning all the while as the kids party. And so having a few nibbles to pass round is a good idea, so no one goes hungry.

Sandwiches fit the bill. Each sandwich may be cut in bite-size, creative shapes interesting, so it will also interest the kids. A variety of sandwich fillings may be chosen for the pieces, so there's sure to one to capture anyone's fancy.

For the drinks, the same principle applies - colorful and sweet. Powdered fruit drinks are easy to prepare from packs available at supermarkets. A good twist would be to include real fruit to enhance the taste of the drink.

The kids' Christmas party is sure to turn out a success if the kids have fun - and the grownups spearheading the preparation and running the proceedings witness how the little guests love what they are served. It would be a merry Christmas for all, no doubt. (FREEMAN)