Graduation party recipes Graduation gift guide

There is no question that graduating from high school is a special occasion, and what is a good celebration without good food? With graduation coming, grad party planning is a priority for seniors. While decorations and invitations are important, the food is the great uniter for your guests. These recipes are proven crowd pleasers with plenty of variability and personalization to be made to fit any theme. Recipes written by Ben Stavnezer.

Ina Garten’s sheet pan cake

Ina Garten’s sheet pan cake is perfect for a large gathering, with plenty of space to decorate.

It is important to follow the room temperature instructions to keep the cake moist and ingredients mixable.

For the Cake:

18 tablespoons (2-1/4 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature

3 cups sugar

6 extra-large eggs, at room temperature

1 cup sour cream, at room temperature

1-1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

3 cups all-purpose flour

1/3 cup cornstarch

1 teaspoon kosher salt

1 teaspoon baking soda

For the Icing:

1 pound (4 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature

1-1/2 pounds cream cheese, at room temperature

1 pound confectioners’ sugar, sifted

1-1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

Heat the oven to 350 degrees. Butter and flour an 18 x 12 x 1 1/2 sheet pan.

Cream the butter and sugar in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment for three minutes on medium speed, until light and fluffy. On medium-low speed, add the eggs, two at a time, then add the sour cream and vanilla. Scrape down the sides and stir

Fruit Pizza

For a treat that is visually striking, try this fruit pizza. You can use the crust recipe or a premade dough, like Pillsbury . The combination of a soft sugar cookie crust with sweet cream cheese frosting and colorful fresh fruit makes this dessert stand out both visually and taste. Choose your favorite fruits to customize this classic summertime dessert.

Sugar Cookie Crust

1 and 1/2 cups (188g) all-purpose flour (spoon & leveled)

1 and 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature

3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar

1 large egg, at room temperature

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Topping

8 oz (224g) full-fat block-style

7 Layer Dip is one of the best party appetizers. It is a quick and easy dip that is always the first thing gone at a party. I recommend putting it in a clear container so the different layers show like a tasty rainbow.

Ingredients

1 16 oz can refried beans or black beans

1 10 oz can diced tomatoes

1 to 2 tbsp taco seasoning

3 medium avocados cream cheese, softened to room temperature

3 Tablespoons (45g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature

1 and 1/4 cups (150g) confectioners’ sugar

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

3 cups (about 400g) assorted sliced fresh fruit

Make the crust: Whisk the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt together in a medium bowl. In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together on medium-high speed until combined and creamy. Beat in the egg and vanilla. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed.

Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and beat on low speed until combined. Once completely combined, cover the dough tightly and chill in the refrigerator for 20 minutes and up to one day.

Seven Layer Dip

1 lime, juiced (about 1 1/2 tbsp)

1/4 cup cilantro, chopped

1 tsp garlic salt

1 1/2 cups sour cream

2 cups cheddar cheese, finely shredded

1/3 cup black olives, sliced

3/4 cup Roma tomatoes, diced

1/3 cup green onions, sliced until smooth. Sift together the flour, cornstarch, salt, and baking soda in a bowl. With the mixer on low, add the flour mixture and mix until just combined. Stir the batter with a rubber spatula and pour into the prepared pan. Smooth the top and bake in the center of the oven for 20 to 30 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool to room temperature. ing seniors that plan on attending college or if they are living alone. HelloFresh has many options on what your preferences are, how many meals you want and how many people are eating the food. Plans can cost a minimum of $60 and a maximum of $230 depending on what is chosen.

Combine the refried beans, diced tomatoes and taco seasoning in a bowl and whisk until combined. Spread into an even layer in a 7"x11" casserole dish.

For the icing, combine the butter, cream cheese, and vanilla in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment and mix on medium speed until very smooth. Add the confectioners’ sugar and mix on low speed. Stir with a rubber spatula to be sure the icing is well mixed.

The year is almost over, which means graduation parties are coming up. Although everyone needs money and coupons after graduation, what if you want to give the senior more than just money? If so, this guide is just for you.

A travel bag is essential for adult life. Whether they plan on traveling, going to college, or straight into the workforce after graduation a travel bag is a perfect gift. There are many options: a duffle bag, a backpack, a purse and more that can all be helpful during daily life. Travel bags can range from about ten dollars to over a hundred dollars depending on the brand.

Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease a 12-inch pizza pan with nonstick spray (even if it’s a nonstick pan). Remove chilled cookie dough from the refrigerator and press onto the pizza pan in a 9–10inch circle, about 1/3-inch thick. Bake for 17–19 minutes or until the edges are very lightly browned. Avoid over-baking. Cool crust completely before decorating.

Make the frosting: In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together on medium speed until smooth, about 2 minutes. Add the confectioners’ sugar and vanilla. Beat for 1 minute or until creamy and combined. Spread a thick layer over the cooled sugar cookie crust and decorate it with fruit. Cut into slices and serve. Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to three days

In a separate bowl combine the avocado, lime juice, cilantro and garlic salt. Mash until your \ desired consistency is reached and then spread into an even layer over the beans.

Stir the sour cream until nice and smooth, then spread into an even layer over the guacamole.

Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top of the sour cream, then top with the diced tomatoes, black olives and green onions. Cover with plastic wrap and keep chilled until ready to serve.

Both college students and non-college students can enjoy a coffee maker after graduation. Classes and work can be exhausting and a great way to regain that energy is by drinking some coffee. Plus having a coffee maker at home means you do not have to run out and spend money on coffee from a store. An affordable coffee maker is the Hamilton Beach Programmable Coffee Maker Model 49465R which costs thirty nine dollars at Walmart. Good quality makers can cost anywhere from $20 to $100.

College can be very stressful and students should not have to worry about what they are going to eat that day. That is why a HelloFresh plan is a great gift for any graduat-

Depending on the college you attend, the dorm beds they have could be uncomfortable to some people. A mattress topper can provide extra comfort and is easier to clean crumbs and stains off. The standard college bed size is Twin XL. A mattress topper helps with sleep and gives the student more energy for their lessons. Many stores sell mattress toppers like Target, Home Depot, Walmart, Amazon and more. The price range for mattress toppers is around $20 to $500.

Living in a dorm room with roommates can be very noisy when trying to study for classes. Noise canceling headphones help get rid of this noise and improves the students focus. It can also be used in the library or just to listen to some music on the way to their classes. Best buy has many noise canceling headphones options the cheapest being around $7 and the most expensive option is over $1,000.