Dairy
Mini Fruit Fondue
**Editor's note:**This recipe is reprinted from Rose Hammick's and Charlotte Packer's book Great Parties for Kids. For Hammick's and Packer's tips on throwing a kids' summer party, click here.
Make the fruit kabobs a day in advance and keep them in the fridge. The sauces can also be made ahead of time and kept in the fridge for 2 days.
By Rose Hammick and Charlotte Packer
Homemade Popsicles
**Editor's note:**This recipe is reprinted from Rose Hammick's and Charlotte Packer's book Great Parties for Kids. For Hammick's and Packer's tips on throwing a kids' summer party, click here.
Kids love Popsicles, and when made from fruit and yogurt, they are healthy as well as delicious. Popsicle molds are available from kitchen or department stores. If you're short of time, you can also make popsicles from ready-made smoothies.
By Rose Hammick and Charlotte Packer
Hot Dog Howlers
**Editor's note:**This recipe is reprinted from Rose Hammick's and Charlotte Packer's book Great Parties for Kids. For Hammick's and Packer's tips on throwing a kids' summer party, click here.
Children love hot dogs. The sauce freezes well and can be made in advance.
By Rose Hammick and Charlotte Packer
Crudites and Dips
**Editor's note:**This recipe is reprinted from Rose Hammick's and Charlotte Packer's book Great Parties for Kids. For Hammick's and Packer's tips on throwing a kids' summer party, click here.
Hummus and guacamole served with breadsticks and veggie sticks make great finger foods for toddlers. Older children love these too, but make sure you offer a selection of breadsticks, chips, and pita bread for those few kids who turn up their noses at the sight of raw vegetables, however sweet and juicy they are.
By Rose Hammick and Charlotte Packer
Surprise Burgers
Editor's note: This recipe is reprinted from Rose Hammick and Charlotte Packer's book Great Parties for Kids. For their tips on throwing a kids' summer party, click here.
Kids will enjoy helping to make these burgers — let them squelch the mixture into patties and hide a piece of cheese in the center. The burgers can be made and frozen well ahead of time — just remember to defrost them well before cooking.
By Rose Hammick and Charlotte Packer
Burgers with Mozzarella and Spinach-Arugula Pesto
The pesto is also great on portobello mushroom burgers, chicken burgers, and turkey burgers.
Mint-Marinated Shrimp with Tabbouleh, Tomatoes, and Feta
Shrimp transforms a Middle Eastern salad into a light yet satisfying main course.
Tomato-Watermelon Salad with Feta and Toasted Almonds
For variety, use both yellow and red watermelon in the salad.
Chilled Honey-Roasted Peach and Cardamom Soup with Vanilla Cream
Serve this slightly sweet soup as a cooling first course or a light dessert.
Grilled Peaches with Vin Santo and Anise Biscotti
This rustic dessert is great served with a glass of Vin Santo, a sweet Italian white wine.
By Melissa Kelly
Carrots with Horseradish
Carote Al Rafano
The handmade bowls crafted by Italian ceramic artist Siglinda Scarpa are the perfect vessel for these vibrant carrots mixed with tangy yogurt, smooth cream, and snappy horseradish.
By Siglinda Scarpa
Fresh Figs with Goat Cheese and Peppered Honey
Adding pepper to the honey makes this classic Mediterranean dish new.
Potato and Boursin Frittata
Here, the old trick of moistening scrambled eggs with cream cheese is elevated with Boursin, which also adds flavor. This makes a good brunch dish or, when served with a salad, a satisfying light supper.
Potato-Parmesan Pancakes with Creamed Spinach Dip
These tasty treats were inspired by steakhouse flavors. For those who observe the kosher prohibition against serving meat and dairy together, they're delicious on their own. If you don't keep kosher, try them alongside grilled and roasted poultry and meat.
By Andrew Friedman