HOW TO PLAN TIIE PERFECT SIJMMER PARTY

As a chef, restauranteur, and a father above all, I have thrown my fair share of parties over the last few decades! From intimate gatherings to large-scale events to birthday extravaganzas, I have seen it all. These experiences have allowed me to deeply understand how meaningful these events can be, especially for our children. Many of us have memories of our favorite childhood parties, and often times, those events stand out for a simple reason: they were creative! Creativity does not have to mean extravaganee.

with Chef Richard Sandoval

Trust me when I say you can throw an incredible event for your children without breaking the bank.

As Colorado residents, why not take advantage of the perfect summer event space that's right in your backyards? With the stunning mountain backdrops, warm sunshine and plenty of parks and open space to choose from, Boulder County makes for the perfect destination to throw an outdoor party that will be remembered for years to come.

With location in mind, here are some ideas to help you get started on activities:

Have a salsa-making contest: For a fun and engaging activity that doubles as a tasty treat, consider setting up a salsa-making station. Simply provide a selection of fresh ingredients like tomatoes, onions, cilantro, different types of fruit and lime juice, and let the kids get creative with their own unique salsa recipes. Host a friendly competition to see whose salsa reigns supreme. Offer prizes for the winners, and enjoy the delicious salsas with a side of chips or tacos.

Keep an eye on the weather!

Of course, if you are planning anything outdoors, make sure to have a backup plan in case of inclement weather. This is Colorado, after a11! Consider renting a tent or having an indoor backup location in case of rain or extreme heat.

Make ice cube pinatas: Start by freezing small toys or candy into ice cubes. Kids can then use toy hammers or utensils to break open the ice cubes and discover the hidden treasures inside. This is a fun and unique activity that will keep kids entertained and cool at the same time.

0Create your own photo backdrop: Create a DIV photo backdrop by hanging streamers, balloons or a colorful sheet as a background in a well-lit area. You can also add props like hats, glasses or mustaches for the kids to use in their photos. Make sure to have a camera or smartphone ready to capture all the fun memories!

By incorporating these ideas into your party planning, you can create a celebration that both kids and adults will love. I am passionate about helping families create unforgettable experiences, and with Boulder's stunning natural beauty and warm summer weather, the possibilities for an amazing outdoor party are endless!

Horciiata

Ingredients (Serves 4) l (14oz) can sweetened condensed milk l (12oz) can evaporated milk

2 tablespoons raw long-grain rice

2 tablespoons almond flour

4 (3in) cinnamon sticks

Ground cinnamon, for garnish

Preparation:

1.Whisk the condensed milk, evaporated milk, and 2/3 cup water together in a pitcher, making sure to completely combine the two canned milks.Add the rice and almond flour & whisk again.Add the cinnamon sticks, cover & refrigerate for at least 12 hours and up to 24 hours.

2.Strain into a bowl, pressing hard on the solids. Discard the solids. Return the milk mixture to the pitcher. Divide among four taII ice filied glasses and sprinkle each with ground cinnamon.

Preparation:

Use this as an appetizer, or have kids build their own nachos with different kinds of meats, veggies and toppings!

Ingredients (Serves 4-6) l tablespoon canola oil

1/2 cup finely chopped yellow onion l small plum tomato (seeded & diced into½ inch pieces)

3/4 cup heavy cream

8 oz pasteurized cheese product, such as Velveeta, coarsely chopped

2 tablespoons finely chopped cilantro

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Ingredients (Serves 4)

4 ounce water l 3/4 ounce butter

1/2 tablespoon sugar

1/4 tablespoon to 1/2 tablespoon of salt

1/2 tablespoon vanilla extract

2 tablespoon 3/4 ounces all purpose flour

2 tablespoon eggs

Preparation

1.Bring water, butter, sugar, salt, and vanilla extract to a boil

2.Stir in flour all at once.

3.Cook until paste comes together and pulls away from the pot.

4.Place dough in a mixing bowl; using the paddle attachment, combine eggs slowly, one at a time.

5.Use a pastry tip (#867 star) to pipe four churros onto parchment paper.

6.Drop into hot oil and cook until golden brown.

7.Once finished, roll in cinnamon and sugar.

8.Serve with melted chocolate, dufee de leche or on their own!

1. Heat the oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat.Add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until it is translucent, about 4 minutes.

2.Add the tomato and cook until the tomato is beginning to soften, about 2 minutes more.

3.Add the cream and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to very low. In batches, add the cheese product, stirring until it melts. Stir in cilantro. Keep covered. (You can also make this in a crackpot, or transfer to a crackpot to keep warm if you're outside. This queso can be refrigerated for up to one day. Just reheat over very low heat, stirring often)

Homemade Lava Lamps

What you need:

• Empty recycled plastic bottle with cap

• Oil - the clearer the oil, the better the food coloring will work (baby oil is a great option!}

• Food coloring - any colors you like

• Funnel for pouring

• Antacid tablet (Alka Seltzer works!}

• Super glue

What you do:

1.Pour water into bottle until it's about 1/3 full.

2.Add oil until your bottle is 2 inches from full

3.Add 5-6 drops of food coloring.The food coloring will not mix with the oil, but will mix with the water below.Try mixing the primary colors to create more colors!

4.Break up an antacid tablet and drop into the bottle.Watch how the chemical reaction creates "lava" bubbles that rise to the oil!

5.Dry the rim and cap of your recycled bottle and add super clue to the inside of the cap before screwing it on to prevent messes!

Sweet Rainbows

What you need:

• At least l pipe cleaner

•l box Fruit Loops (mini box is fine for fewer people)

• At least 2 jumbo marshmallows

What you do:

1.Sort your Fruit Loops into different color groups

2.Slide Fruit Loops onto pipe cleaner by following the colors of the rainbow: Red, Yellow, Orange, Green, Blue, Violet.Or feel free to order them however you want! Leave about l cm left on both ends of the pipe cleaner.

3.Take your 2 jumbo marshmallows and stick them on the ends of the pipe cleaner to make clouds!