MP’s Alien birthday cake

As far as I remember, I have always made MP’s birthday cake. So when MP told me he wanted a Ben10 party theme, I was a little sceptical that I could pull off such a complicated cartoon character. Must confess that I toyed with the idea of getting it catered it since it would have been much easier and probably nicer looking getting a professional to do it.

After surfing the internet for ideas, I decided that perhaps ominitrix cupcakes would be easiest for me.

It has been years since my last fumble with fondant. As you know when you don’t do something often enough, things not only get rusty but also memory fails. So had to ask for assistance and read up on how to handle fondant. Decided to use commercially bought fondant instead of making my own. Time was running out and with so many party activities planned (think I basically over planned and stretched myself a little, ha ha!!).

Omnitrix cupcake toppers.

Getting grey colour was not as difficult as getting 'black'. Had to add a lot of colouring (used chef master). I also mixed in some coffee emulco which helped a little and smelt great!!

Used corn flour when rolling out the fondant. Could have used icing sugar but was afraid it would be too sweet!

Only problem I had was trying to get rid of the excess cornflour - perhaps expert bakers could give me some advice here?

Idea was a simple one, cupcakes for the children and a small cake to share for the adults. Afterall, when it comes to eating birthday cakes, a lot of people seem to shy away and for some reason to be on a ‘diet’!!

Ta-da…..as long as Master Prince was happy with the cake, I’m happy too :)

Should have added his name but forgot the alphabet cutters and didn’t have time to get them.

This was actually Blackie’s 'opening debut' cake but don’t think I manage to do a good job (cake ended up slightly dense to me) since I wasn’t familiar with the machine. Halfway through, had to frantically pull out my trusty hand-held to help me finish mixing the cake properly. Thinking about it now, I think I used the wrong beater to start off. With the hand-held there was limited choice & function, compared to now. Ha ha

I followed Lucy's Chocolate Mint Cake. Made the cake a while back before and it turned out well (except when it counted, sigh!!). For the cupcake icing, I used equal parts of melted chocolate and condense milk. For the adult icing I use chocolate ganache so that it would not be too sweet.

Anyway, for the kids - the highlight was probably helping the birthday boy blow the candles out faster than he could!!

The Party Plan – Ben10 Theme

Master Prince's actual birthday date was smack right in the middle of exams. So we postponed his birthday celebrations one week later. If not, doubt any of his friends would be able to come to his party!! :(

Not sure how to structure this post so I'll just share the birthday party plan. Besides, like any other event, things never 100% really go to plan. Just have to go with the flow and the crowd that turn up that day!


Party theme invitation cards

Grab bags (for children to put their loot)
Mask


Omnitrix craft



Activities
Fishing - Idea is a simple one. Each child fishes out their own treat/loot.

Pin the omnitrix (black out masks for older kids)

Get the ping-pong balls onto the trays and get a prize!

Pinata


Games
Superhero
Pass parcel
Musical chairs or steps
Freeze dancing
Paper dancing
Drinking game with straw
Balloon blowing contest
Balloon bursting
Step in & out

Party bag gifts
Since I already have a piñata which will be filled with sweets, bubble gum and other treats, thought parents would appreciate less sugar-filled items.

Badges
Pencils
Rulers
Sharpener
Rubbers
Stickers
Notepad
Cute paper clips
Other smaller toys – clicker, yoyo, whistle
Homemade slime (didn’t get to do this but thought it was a good idea)

*************************************

Some thoughts.....

#1

I actually find it exciting planning a party especially for kids - its so fun. Finally realized that we do not really need to entertain a bunch of kids. They can actually entertain themselves very easily, if not even more creatively than adults. All you need is a few balloons and a playground!!! If I have to judge the success of a party by how loud the children were screaming, I think this one turned out pretty well. The noise from the playground was deafening and really had difficulty talking to other parents!!

#2

I don't think I am being anal but to avoid any misunderstanding, I really wish (out of reasonable politeness/courtesy) parents would properly note the RSVP date and also talk/communicate properly to the parent of the birthday child especially if they are coming or bringing along siblings. Was really put in a spot when two came 'unannounced' - well it seems that they did RSVP but somehow I never received any sms message or call. Being responsible adults, we should at least seek/insist on a sms response/reply back right(?) - after all it is fairly common that the sms could have gone astray, this includes voice mail messages. One or two additional friends is fine (more the merrier right?) but the main concern for the organizer is the sudden lack of party packs. Since I didn't want to nurse/store any leftovers, I only packed for the number of children that confirmed their attendance. I know that I could have probably packed aside some emergency party packs but didn't want to have the headache of keeping/disposing extras afterwards - so wasteful la.

Also, if your child is not able to go the party, it is only polite and courteous (IMHO) to let the invitor/organizer know this. Really helps the orgnizer from stressing or growing a long weary neck wondering - coming or not, coming?? No???? yes??

Haiseh- man...organizing the activities is one thing but actually trying to get RVSPs from the parents is the most difficult part!! Why-ah, so difficult meh?? *shakes head - even have to send reminders to some*