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Baby shower food suggestions


25 Perfect Baby Shower Food Ideas on a Budget – Instacart

Throwing a fun, memorable party to celebrate the new arrival in your life doesn’t have to break the bank. You can decorate a party or backyard and prepare a tasty menu affordably without compromising on quality—it just takes planning. If you’re stuck and don’t know where to start, these baby shower food ideas on a budget will get the ball rolling.

How to throw a baby shower on a budget

Before we get into baby shower food ideas, these are our cost-cutting tips for throwing a wonderful baby shower on a budget.

1. Don’t host at mealtimes

If you host a baby shower at mealtimes, you’ll have to serve full meals, which can be expensive. Instead, throw your baby shower between meals, so you can serve only appetizers and sweet snacks. 2 p.m. is a popular time for these events.

2. Keep a pared-down guest list

On average, guests eat around 5 pieces of food at baby showers. The more people you invite, the costlier the event will be.

3. Ask guests to bring food or drinks

If you still want a full party but can’t afford to feed everyone, ask your guests to bring over food or drinks. It will be a baby-shower-meets-potluck type of event, which can be a lot of fun.

4. Choose local, seasonal ingredients

The cheapest food for a baby shower is the one that’s local and in season. Research what fresh produce is cheapest, then come up with recipes using those ingredients.

Following a themed menu can help you pinch pennies. For example, if you’re using chicken for 1 appetizer, make sure to include it in another snack. This way, you don’t have to buy as many ingredients and end up saving money.

6. Ditch the fully stocked bar

Choose just 1 or 2 drinks to serve—preferably non-alcoholic for baby showers. No need to keep a handful of spirits and mixers on hand.

7. Make your own decorations

DIY the décor using things you already have at home. Visiting a thrift store can also help you throw a stylish baby shower for cheap.

Affordable appetizers for a baby shower

Plate up these tasty, budget-friendly appetizers for your guests.

1. Ham and cheese sliders

Ham and cheese sliders are simple, easy to make, and affordable.

2. Pulled pork buns

Pulled pork sliders are also a popular snack for baby showers. Don’t skip out on the barbecue sauce.

3. Turkey cheddar hot pinwheels

With pre-made pizza dough, deli turkey slices, and cheddar cheese, you can make this comforting finger food.

4. Tomato and broccoli mini quiches

Quiches are sophisticated but surprisingly cheap to make. For this version, use ripe sliced tomatoes and broccoli florets for the filling.

5. Hummus and roasted veg toast

Spread homemade or storebought hummus on toasted bread and top with an assortment of roasted veggies.

6. Build-your-own chili

If you’re looking for a more filling snack, chili is the way to go. Let your guests add their own toppings.

7.

Potato skins with bacon

Hollowed-out baked potatoes, bacon, and sour cream make the perfect appetizer. It’s easy to eat and packed with flavor.

8. Summer pasta salad

For something lighter, serve individual portions of pasta salad. Toss fusilli and whatever veggies are in season in olive oil and a pinch of salt.

9. Deep-fried pickles

Pickles are a popular satisfying snack among many moms-to-be. Set out a plate of deep-fried pickles with ranch dressing on the side.

10. Babies in a blanket

Give pigs in a blanket a twist. Wrap the dough around the sausage so it looks like a swaddled baby and add chocolate sprinkles for the eyes.

11. Grape jelly wieners

Toss smokies in a grape jelly and ketchup mixture, then serve on toothpicks.

12. Barbecue meatballs

Another hearty appetizer, meatballs doused in barbecue sauce are a crowd-pleaser.

13. Tater tot casserole

Tater tot casserole is pretty inexpensive to make. Use a blend of affordable cheeses to take this comfort food to the next level.

14. Chicken salad sandwiches

Spread chicken salad on soft white sandwich bread and serve with an olive and a toothpick on top.

15. Pesto chicken tea sandwiches

Grilled chicken and basil pesto is another great combination. Cut the sandwiches into quarters so they’re easier to eat.

16. Hamburger meat empanadas

Pie crust and hamburger meat can be turned into delicious empanadas. Salsa makes for a great dipping sauce.

17. Cheese pizza bites

Make finger food pizza bites using a cupcake tin, pizza dough, pizza sauce, and shredded cheese.

Cheap desserts and treats for baby showers

What’s a party without something sweet? These cheap recipes for a baby shower will satisfy your sweet tooth without going over budget.

1. Gendered rice crispy treats

Rice crispy treats are cheap to make. They only call for margarine, marshmallows, and puffed rice. Add red or blue food dye for a gendered twist.

2. Carrot cupcakes

Not into gender-themed desserts? You will probably love carrot cupcakes. Making your own is cheaper than getting it from the store—and surprisingly easy!

3. Fruit on a skewer

Pierce a skewer through pieces of fruit for a healthy snack. Grapes, banana, strawberry, apple—whatever is in season.

4. Caramel apples

In the fall, when apples are abundant, caramel apple slices hit the spot. 

5. Waffle bites

Waffle mix is inexpensive, so why not make waffle bites? Cut a waffle into fourths and top with fruits, caramel, or chocolate.

6. Decorated sugar cookies

Take sugar cookies to the next level by decorating them. All you’ll need is icing, food dye, and a piping bag.

7. Ice cream sundaes

Sundaes are perfect for summer baby showers. Choose 1 ice cream flavor and let your guests pick their toppings—pretzels, caramel drizzle, and chocolate chips are just some of the options.

8. S’mores bar

Set up a s’mores bar for a DIY dessert. You’ll need graham crackers, chocolate bars, and marshmallows. Don’t forget skewers and a few candles.

Save time and money with a little help from a friend

You probably have a clearer picture of what you’ll serve at your budget-friendly baby shower, right? Now comes the fun part: creating invites, making a playlist, and decorating the space. What’s not so fun is doing the grocery runs—but, fortunately, you can leave that to Instacart. Order everything you need with just a few clicks and focus on the party. You may also want to check out current deals from our retailers.

Grab it now on Instacart:

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20 Easy-to-Make Baby Shower Food Ideas

Leave the guests wanting for more with these easy and tasty delicacies.

Image: Shutterstock

You cannot plan a baby shower without some finger-licking food. To help you plan a memorable event, we have some of the best baby shower food ideas to share with you. These food suggestions will leave your guests with delicious snack options and make you a loving host.

So, what are you waiting for? Check out our list to explore some delectable meal options for your guests, varying from finger foods to appetizing mains. Trust us; your guests will love them!

Easy Baby Shower Food Recipes

You need not pull off a Michelin-star restaurant menu to please your guests. Simple and easy, yet comfortingly delicious food can be enough to impress your guests. So, here are a few easy baby shower food ideas.

1. Lasagna grilled cheese bites

These bite-sized grilled cheese sandwiches have a tangy twist to them. This is one of the snacks your guests would not mind having a second and even third time.

Image: Shutterstock

You will need:

  • ¼ cup mayonnaise or butter
  • 8 slices sourdough bread
  • ½ jar of marinara sauce (26oz)
  • One container ricotta (14oz)
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella

How to:

  1. Spread mayonnaise or butter on one side of each bread slice.
  1. On the other side spread marinara sauce, add a dollop of ricotta and spread evenly, then sprinkle mozzarella on top of each slice.
  1. Now, close the sandwich by placing one slice over the other.
  1. Heat a cooking pan and add half a spoon of oil, and fry the sandwiches on both sides until crisp golden brown.
  1. Once they are cooled, cut into triangular pieces and serve them. If you wish to serve them later, then place them in an oven preheated to 200°C.
  1. It’s important to let it cool before cutting them else the ricotta and mayo will ooze out making a mess.

Serves: 24

Preparation time: 30min

2. Fruit kebabs

Image: Shutterstock

This vitamin packed snack is healthy, colorful and is a great refresher during summers. If there are kids among your guests, then impress them with fruits cut in different shapes, which they will love to eat.

You will need:

  • 10 raspberries
  • 10 hulled strawberries
  • 10 tangerine segments
  • 10 peeled, cubed mango
  • 10 peeled, cut pineapple chunks
  • 10 peeled and cut kiwis
  • 10 green grapes
  • 10 red grapes
  • 17 blueberries
  • Lemon juice (optional)

Serves: 10

Preparation time: 15min

How to:

  1. Take a wooden skewer and thread a raspberry, a hulled strawberry, a tangerine segment, a cube of peeled mango, a chunk of peeled pineapple, a chunk of peeled kiwi, a green grape, and a red grape.
  1. Thread all the skewers in a similar order, and put a bowl of lemon juice next to the skewers, for guests who wish to have something tangy.
  1. Arrange all the skewers in order and ask the guests to help themselves.

3. Italian pasta salad:

Image: Shutterstock

This salad is fresh, healthy, and colorful when you add a variety of vegetables. You can also add your choice of meat if you like. This dish is super easy to make and tastes better when prepared two hours before the guests arrive.

You will need:

  • 16 oz tri-color rotini pasta
  • ½ cup diced green bell peppers
  • ½ cup diced orange bell peppers
  • ½ cup red bell peppers
  • 1 pint halved grape tomatoes
  • ½ cup sliced black olives
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese
  • ⅓ cup diced red onions
  • 8oz chopped salami
  • 1 cup Italian vinaigrette dressing
  • ⅓ cup shredded parmesan cheese
  • 3 tbsps chopped fresh parsley
  • ½ tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste

How to:

  1. Cook the pasta and immediately transfer it into chilled water. This gives them a rich texture. Add salt and a little oil to boiling water.
  1. Add all the chopped ingredients in a large bowl, then add the dressing and toss well so that the ingredients are coated well with the salad dressing.
  1. Refrigerate the salad for two hours before serving.

Serves: 12

Preparation time: 20min

4. Cheesy pizza bombs

Image: iStock

There is a burst of flavor in each bite of these easy cheesy pizza bombs! It’s an excellent appetizer and easy to handle. Serve them to your guests and amaze them with this treat.

You will need:

  • 1 tube crescent roll dough
  • 2 sticks white string cheese (cut into 4 even pieces)
  • One jar pizza sauce
  • 32 slices of pepperoni
  • 2 tbsp dried Italian herbs
  • 8-Muffin tin

How to:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350° F.
  1. You can either spray the muffin tin with cooking spray or just apply melted butter with a brush so that it doesn’t stick.
  1. Use a roller pin to flatten the dough and cut it into eight small triangles that fit into the muffin mold.
  1. Place one triangle in each of the molds of the muffin tray.
  1. Now add a spoonful of Pizza sauce into each of the triangular pieces of the dough.
  1. Add two slices of pepperoni on top of the Pizza sauce, then add one string cheese slice and add two more pepperoni slices on top. Repeat the same for all the other pieces.
  1. Fold the dough ends to close it completely, like a dough ball.
  1. Sprinkle Italian herbs and cheese on top, and bake for 10 minutes.

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 12min

5. Guacamole deviled eggs

Image: Shutterstock

This is a common appetizer and can be made in many ways. Here is a recipe that combines guacamole and deviled eggs.

You will need:

  • 9 large eggs
  • 1 pitted and halved avocado (only ripe ones)
  • 2tbsp sour cream
  • 1 ½ tbsp lime juice
  • ⅓ cup finely chopped tomato
  • ¼ cup scallions
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Cilantro to taste
  • Jalapeno, diced and de-seeded

How to:

  1. Boil the eggs for 20 minutes, then shell them, cut into halves and remove the yolk.
  1. Add the yolk in a bowl, add the rest of the ingredients and mix until it forms a creamy texture.
  1. Transfer the mixture into a piping bag and top the egg halves.
  1. Serve the spicy, tangy deviled eggs to your guests.

Serves: 18

Preparation time: 30min

6. Sausage bites

Image: iStock

These bite-sized appetizers are easy to make, and your guests would simply love them.

You will need:

  • 1 tube pizza dough
  • 40 cocktail sausages
  • ¼th cup salt
  • 1 tbsp flaked salt

How to:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
  1. Take out the pizza dough and cut it into as many long strips as there are cocktail sausages.
  1. Now, wrap the sausages in the pizza dough stripes. Make sure you tuck or pinch the ends inside so that they do not open up.
  1. Take 4-6 cups of water in a pan, add salt, and let it come to a boil. Turn off the heat once done.
  1. Drop the wrapped sausages into the water and let them sit until they float on their own, later remove them and place them on a baking sheet. You can brush them with butter on either side.
  1. Bake the sausages for 10-12 minutes until they become golden brown and the sausage is cooked through.
  1. Once done, remove them from the oven, sprinkle flaked salt and serve.

Serves: 40

Preparation time: 30min

7. Bacon jalapeno poppers

These are addictive and make the perfect food for a baby shower party.

Image: Shutterstock

You will need:

  • 18 medium-sized jalapenos
  • One pack 8oz cream cheese
  • ½ cup shredded cheddar
  • 2 thinly sliced green onions
  • 18 slices of bacon (cut in half)
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp onion powder

How to:

  1. Crank up the oven to 325°F.
  1. Wash the jalapenos and remove the ends.
  1. Slice them into lengthwise halves and remove the seeds and membranes.
  1. In a bowl, mix the cream cheese, shredded cheese, green onions, garlic powder, and onion powder.
  1. Fill the jalapeno halves with the cheese mixture.
  1. Wrap the bacon around the jalapenos and secure it with toothpicks.
  1. Pop them into the oven and bake for one hour until bacon is crispy.

Serves: 36

Preparation time: 1hr 30min

Baby Shower Mini Food Recipes

Want to serve finger foods, but do not want to miss out on some of the mom-to-be’s favorite dishes? Here is how you can create the most interesting mini versions of them.

8. Mini banana cream pies

Image: Shutterstock

These no-bake pies are extremely easy to make and take less time to prepare and is super delicious too.

You will need:

  • 6 mini Graham cracker shells
  • 8oz whipping cream
  • 2 medium bananas
  • 2oz Graham cracker crumbs
  • 1 cup Banana instant pudding

How to:

  1. In a bowl, beat the whipping cream for about 4-6 minutes. And fill it into a piping bag.
  1. Add two tablespoons of the banana pudding into each Graham cracker shell, then line each shell with five slices of banana.
  1. Sprinkle Graham cracker crumbs on top, and pipe the cream in the center.
    1. Add an extra piece of banana on top and garnish with some more Graham crackers crumbs.
      1. You can top up with sweet shredded coconut for that extra flavor.

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 10min

9. Slider style mini burgers

Image: Shutterstock

These mini burgers are bite-sized and make the perfect appetizers for the baby shower.

You will need:

      • 2lb ground beef
      • 1.25oz onion soup mix
      • 2tsp cooking oil
      • ½ cup mayonnaise
      • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
      • 24 dinner rolls split equally into two
      • ½ cup sliced pickles

How to:

      1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
      1. Heat a large skillet and add two teaspoons of cooking oil, now add the ground beef and onion soup mix and stir until the beef cooks to evenly brown.
      1. Drain the excess grease if any and take it off heat. Add the mayonnaise and cheddar cheese and mix well.
      1. On a baking tray, spread the baking sheet and arrange the bottom portion of the dinner rolls.
      1. Spread the beef and cheese mixture on the dinner rolls, and cover it with the other half. Now, cover all the burgers with an aluminum foil and bake for about 30 minutes.
      1. Once the burgers are baked and the cheese melts, add the sliced pickles and serve.

Serves: 24

Preparation time: 50min

10. Mini mac and cheese bites

Image: Shutterstock

Convert the good old Mac and Cheese into bite-sized appetizers and see them disappear in seconds.

You will need:

      • 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
      • 1 cup seasoned bread crumbs
      • 2tbsp butter
      • 2tbsp all-purpose flour
      • ½tsp onion powder
      • ½tsp garlic powder
      • ½tsp salt
      • 1-¾ cup milk
      • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
      • 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
      • ¾th cup baking mix
      • 2 large eggs (beaten)

How to:

      1. Preheat the oven to 425°F.
      1. Take a muffin tray and sprinkle bread crumbs in each of the muffin tins.
      1. In a skillet add butter, flour, onion, garlic powder, and salt and mix well.
      1. Now, add the milk while stirring continuously, let the mixture boil for 3 minutes.
      1. Add the cheddar and Swiss cheese and mix until all the ingredients come together.
      1. Remove it from heat and add the biscuit mix, eggs, and bread crumbs mix and then add the elbow macaroni.
      1. Now take a spoonful of this mixture and add them into the muffin tray, and add some cheddar cheese and bread crumbs on the top.
      1. Bake them for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown and serve hot.
      2. You can tailor these bites by adding jalapenos, herbs, and spices of your choice or mashed bacon.

Serves: 36

Preparation time: 45min

11. Mini cinnamon rolls

Image: Shutterstock

These mini Cinnamon rolls are the best if you are planning a tea-time baby shower.

You will need:

      • ⅔ cup whole milk
      • ⅓ cup maple syrup
      • ⅓ cup softened butter
      • 1 large egg
      • ¾ tsp salt
      • 3 cups bread flour
      • ¼ ounce active dry yeast

Topping

      1. ½ cup packed brown sugar
      1. 2tbsp bread flour
      1. 4tsp ground cinnamon
      1. 6tbsp cold butter

Maple icing

      • 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
      • 3tbsp melted butter
      • 3tbsp maple syrup
      • 1-2tsp whole milk

How to:

      1. Place the first seven ingredients in a bread machine and knead.
      1. Once done, place the dough onto a floured surface and roll it into two 12×7 rectangles.
      1. Mix brown sugar, flour, cinnamon powder, and cold butter and mix until it resembles coarse crumbs.
      1. Sprinkle half of the mixture over the two triangles and roll them up in jelly-roll style and pinch to seal the ends.
      1. Now, cut each roll into 12 slices each. Put them on a greased baking pan, cover and leave for about 20 minutes.
      1. Place the tray in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes.
      1. In another small bowl add all the ingredients of maple icing and spread it over the warm rolls.

Serves: 24

Preparation time: 60min

12. Mini phyllo cups

Image: Shutterstock

These taco seasoned beef filled cups will be a surefire hit at your party.

You will need:

      • 1lb lean ground beef
      • ½ cup finely chopped onion
      • 1oz taco seasoning
      • ¾th cup of water
      • 1-¼ cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
      • 2 packs of frozen phyllo tart shells

How to:

      1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
      1. In a skillet, cook the beef and onion over medium heat until and drain any excess grease.
      1. Now stir in the taco seasoning, add water and bring it to a boil.
      1. Reduce the heat and let it cook for 5 minutes, uncovered.
      1. Remove from the heat and add the cheese blend and mix thoroughly.
      1. Take a baking pan and place the phyllo shells on it and fill each with a spoonful of the beef mixture.
      1. Place the tray in the oven and bake them for 6 minutes.
      1. Add some more cheese blend on top and bake for 2-3 minutes.

Serves: 30

Preparation time: 40min

13. Mini chicken pot pies

Image: Shutterstock

These mini pot pies are easy to make, and they are so good that your guests would want some more.

You will need:

      • 1½ cups cubed cooked chicken
      • 1 can condensed cream of chicken soup
      • 16oz chopped mixed vegetables (onions, mushrooms, carrots, garlic, potatoes, celery, and cauliflower florets)
      • All-purpose flour to roll the biscuits
      • 12oz refrigerated biscuits
      • ½ cup shredded cheese

How to:

      1. Heat the oven to 350°F and grease a muffin tray with butter.
      1. In a medium-sized bowl, mix all the vegetables and the soup and chicken.
      1. On a flat surface, flatten the biscuits and place them in the muffin mold of the tray and press the sides to form a cup.
      1. Fill one-third of each cup with the chicken and vegetable mixture, press gently so that it settles, add two teaspoons of cheese on top of each.
      1. Place them in the oven and bake for 15 minutes.

Serves: 5

Preparation time: 40min

14. Chocolate dipped S’mores

Image: Shutterstock

These s’mores are dipped in chocolate and will take your guests into a state of euphoria.

You will need:

      • 2 cups milk chocolate chips
      • ½ cup heavy whipping cream
      • 1 pack of graham crackers (quartered)
      • 1 cup marshmallow creme
      • 14oz milk chocolate for dipping

How to:

      1. In a saucepan, add whipping cream and boil it. Add it to the milk chocolate chips. Stir it until it forms a smooth mixture.
      1. Melt marshmallows in a bowl. Now spread the chocolate mixture on half of the graham crackers and marshmallow creme on the other half.
      1. Place the chocolate crackers on the top of the marshmallow crackers.
      1. Dip one end of the combined crackers into a bowl of melted milk chocolate and place it on a baking sheet until the chocolate settles.

Serves: 43

Preparation time: 55min

Budget Baby Shower Food Recipes

Can’t spend on an exorbitant menu for the shower? Here are some budget options you may like.

15. Veggies and black bean dip

Image: Shutterstock

This is not only light on the pocket but also one of the best options for health conscious guests and refreshing and easy to make. You can either serve veggies, nachos, or pita bread with this dip.

You will need:

      • Assorted vegetables of your choice (chopped into long pieces)

Black bean dip

      • 2¼oz cans of black beans
      • ¾th cup of salsa
      • 4 garlic cloves (minced)
      • 2tsp fresh lime juice
      • 1tsp ground cumin
      • 1tsp water
      • ⅛tsp salt
      • ¼ cup chopped cilantro

How to:

      1. In a food processor, add all the ingredients but cilantro, and blend into a smooth paste.
      1. Now add the chopped cilantro and pulse until it is just mixed.
      1. Serve this yummy dip with your assorted vegetables.

Serves: 2 cups

Preparation time: 15min

16. Pink brownies

Image: Shutterstock

These are the perfect addition to a pink or flamingo themed baby shower.

You will need:

      • 1 box strawberry cake mix
      • 2 large eggs
      • ⅓ cup vegetable or canola oil
      • ½-¾ cup white chocolate chips

How to:

      1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
      1. In a larger bowl add the cake mix, eggs, and oil and mix until it becomes a smooth paste.
      1. Then add chocolate chips and stir well.
      1. Spread the mixture evenly on a baking tray lined with greased parchment paper.
      1. Bake for 15 minutes, or until a toothpick comes off with a few crumbs.
      1. Once it is cooled, refrigerate for some time and then cut into bars and serve.

Serve: 10

Preparation time: 20min

17. Vegetable chili

Image: Shutterstock

This is the vegetarian version of the famous chili.

You will need

      • 2tbsp olive oil
      • 2 bell peppers (diced)
      • 1½ cup medium yellow onion
      • 1 cup peeled and diced carrots
      • 1½ cups zucchini chopped
      • 1½ cup corn
      • 1 can dark red kidney beans (drained and rinsed)
      • 1 can black beans (drained and rinsed)
      • 1½tbsp minced garlic
      • 1 can diced tomatoes
      • 1 can tomato sauce
      • 1 can vegetable broth
      • 2tbsp chilli powder
      • 2tsp ground cumin
      • ½tsp ground coriander
      • ¼tsp cayenne pepper
      • Salt and black pepper

How to:

      1. In a large pot, add olive oil and heat it on medium-high flame.
      1. Add the chopped onions, bell peppers, and carrots and sauté for three minutes.
      1. Next, add the garlic and sauté for two more minutes, now add the tomatoes, tomato sauce, broth, chili powder, cumin, coriander, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.
      1. Bing the mixture to boil and reduce the flame to medium-low, cover and let it simmer for 10 minutes.
      1. Add the Zucchini and simmer for ten minutes. Next add corn, kidney beans, and black beans and let it boil for two more minutes.
      1. If it thickens, add some more broth and adjust the consistency.
      1. Serve hot with the toppings of your choice.

Serves: 7

Preparation time: 45min

18. Waffle ice cream sandwiches

Image: Shutterstock

These are delicious, and you can serve a variety of toppings like decorative candies, sprinkles, crushed nuts, coconut, granola, etc., within your budget.

You will need:

      • One 28oz box waffle mix
      • Waffle iron
      • 1 tub vanilla ice cream

Toppings

      • Maple syrup
      • Roasted nuts
      • Fresh berries

How to:

      1. Take a large bowl, add the waffle mix, make it into a smooth batter by adding water.
      1. Pour the batter into the sections of the waffle iron and cook until they are golden brown and set them aside.
      1. Open the tub of ice cream and dump the block of ice cream and cut it into 1- inch thick slices.
      1. Once the waffles cool down, cut them into desired shapes and sandwich the ice cream between two waffles.
      1. Press the sides of the sandwich into your favorite toppings and serve them chilled to your guests.

Serves: 14

Preparation time: 30min

19. Tortilla pinwheels

Image: Shutterstock

With this recipe, you can serve a large crowd, and within the budget too.

You will need:

      • 6 spinach tortilla wraps
      • 6 tomato tortilla wraps
      • ½ pound jalapeno turkey, thinly sliced
      • ½ pound roast beef, thinly sliced
      • 7½oz chive onion cream cheese
      • 7½oz jalapeno cream cheese
      • 6oz baby spinach

How to:

      1. Take one tortilla wrap and spread the cream cheese evenly on it.
      1. Arrange the meat all over the tortilla wrap, and sprinkle the greens on the top.
      1. Start from one end and tightly roll the tortilla to form a log, wrap it, and let it set.
      1. When your guests arrive, take out the rolls, slice them, and serve.

Serves: 20

Preparation time: 30 min

20. Vegetable fried rice:

Image: Shutterstock

This is another recipe which you can make at once and serve a large number of guests.

You will need:

      • 3 tbsp vegetable oil
      • 3 cups cooked rice
      • 12oz packed, frozen stir-fry vegetables
      • ½ cup water
      • 2tbsp soy sauce
      • 1tbsp sesame oil
      • A pinch of sugar
      • 1-2 eggs (beaten)

How to:

      1. Heat the oil in a large skillet and add the cooked rice and fry it for five minutes, until each grain is separated and fried.
      1. Next, add the vegetables and stir for 19 minutes, until the vegetables are half-cooked.
      1. In a small bowl, combine water, soy sauce, sesame oil, and sugar. Add this mixture to the rice and mix.
      1. In another pan, add a spoon of oil, and the beaten eggs and scramble them, with some seasoning if you prefer.
      1. Now add the scrambled eggs to the rice and mix so that it gets evenly distributed.
      1. You can serve this rice while hot.
      2. You can add mushroom, bell peppers, french beans, carrots, etc., according to your taste, availability.

The list of baby shower food ideas has many refreshing and quirky dishes with their presentations. These recipes include various appetizers, main courses, desserts, and finger foods to offer your guests. However, you may want to replace certain food items with suitable alternatives to suit your dietary choices based on your requirements. So either create a simple meal plan or design an elaborate one that suits your ideas and the guests’ requirements for the party.

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Food for joy: foods that are guaranteed to improve your mood

July 20, 2015FoodLife

Do you know a universal solution for all occasions? It fits into two simple words: "I'll go eat." But food is not only a way to escape from unpleasant deeds and a reward for righteous labors. Some foods can really boost your mood and solve health problems. Magic? Just chemistry. Read the article and remember what you need to eat when everything is decaying around.

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It's not just those who want to lose or gain weight who need to follow their diet. Food provides us with the energy we need to grow and recover, as well as affect mood and activity levels. So, if you feel sleepy after dinner, this is normal. Eating raises blood sugar levels, which suppresses the production of orexin, a hormone that is responsible for alertness. When we want to eat, the sugar level drops. The brain does not really like this, so it takes cruel revenge by making us irritable and aggressive. Fluctuations in sugar levels, and with it moods, are only a small part of the complex relationship between food and well-being. What gives strength to our body also nourishes the brain, and also affects the production of neurotransmitters - chemicals that determine what mood we are in.

During the day we all experience nervous tension and mood swings. Proper nutrition has a beneficial effect on our behavior and reduces the destructive effects of stress. The choice of food is almost like choosing a life path: you can give preference to food that is poor in essential substances, or you can eat something that will give the brain energy and help clean up the head. Food can become a real medicine for the soul and body, and this is not an exaggeration at all. Here are some examples of foods that each of us should add to our diet in order to always be healthy, cheerful and happy.

Excitement and nervous tension: chocolate

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When we are very worried about something, healthy food is the last thing we want to think about. Under conditions of ongoing stress, it is very difficult to control what we eat. You know, when the head is full of urgent matters of varying degrees of trouble, the soul doesn’t lie to a healthy salad at all. But hardly anyone will refuse a chocolate bar. And rightly so, because fats and sugar increase the levels of serotonin and endorphin, the so-called hormones of happiness. Cocoa is a rich source of polyphenols and flavonoids that improve mood and restore clarity of thought. To minimize the amount of unnecessary fast carbohydrates, give preference to high-quality dark chocolate with a cocoa content of at least 75%. And do not overdo it, because cocoa and chocolate are not only mood-improving magnesium, but also caffeine, and it can quite excite the nervous system.

Concentration problems: coffee

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The effect of this drink is known to everyone - even one cup instantly brings you to life and provides a crystal clear mind. But be careful: caffeine can cause addiction, and its excess will sooner or later respond with depression, insomnia and, oddly enough, a deterioration in concentration. Therefore, the same advice as with chocolate: without fanaticism, please. In addition, the quality of the drink is very important. There is no benefit from cheap soluble swill. Opt for organic coffee, and instead of milk or cream, try adding some coconut oil. It sounds strange, but it really works - healthy fats will provide the necessary energy boost for the whole day.

Lack of sleep and overeating: proteins and healthy fats

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Who sleeps little, eats a lot. This is a scientific fact. An exhausted brain needs emergency nourishment, which is why it forces you to drag any carbohydrate nonsense into your mouth. Instead, include protein sources in your diet: eggs, chicken, beef and sea fish. You can also add flax and pumpkin seeds, green vegetables and avocados. Many of these foods contain omega-3 fatty acids that help the body produce serotonin. As we remember from the first point, serotonin is a hormone of joy, and if the brain is happy, then everything is fine with us.

Fatigue and depression: hazelnuts and tea

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Nuts not only charge our body with energy, but also supply it with a large number of important nutrients - monounsaturated fatty acids and minerals: manganese, potassium, calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, zinc and selenium. Nuts also contain a lot of dietary fiber, which contributes to the production of neurotransmitters.

The use of tea has long been associated with relaxation and increased concentration, as well as improved mood. Research shows that when we are in a good mood, we are better at solving problems that require ingenuity and ingenuity. So if you want to think faster, drink tea, and both black and herbal tea will be beneficial.

We eat and don't worry

There is a direct relationship between diet and mood. A bad mood changes our eating habits, so often what we see on our plate is there due to success or failure in work and personal life. Stop, and who is in charge here: us or some kind of stress? Since we are, then the right of choice is ours. In addition, food rich in vitamins and minerals helps the body produce the aforementioned neurotransmitters, which will drive away melancholy in no time.

In addition to proper nutrition, be sure to use relaxation techniques such as meditation or self-talk. Just five minutes a day will relieve a fair amount of anxiety and stress. Almost immediately, you will feel a surge of strength and will be able to choose useful things during the day, and not what longing and a lousy mood want.

And finally, try to observe how different foods affect your mood. We promise the results will be interesting.

10 tips for parents on how to make a good day in kindergarten Anna

In today's world, there are a lot of offers for parents. Which kindergarten should I send my child to? Where will he be better, more interesting, safer and more comfortable? Each parent sets himself his own goals in the search for a children's institution in which his child, in his opinion, will be better.

There are a lot of offers for parents. Kindergartens according to the method of Maria Montessori, Waldorf kindergartens, private kindergartens with different developmental biases, multilingual, standard (post-Soviet), etc.

Each family has its own requirements for kindergartens and is looking for a kindergarten that will meet these requirements. And this is the most correct way - after all, the less the parents' anxiety about whether the kindergarten is suitable, the calmer the child himself will adapt to the new place.

At preschool age, a child has basic developmental needs:

  • security needs,
  • need for movement,
  • need for acceptance,
  • need for play and communication,
  • the need for new information about the surrounding world.

If dad and mom are happy with their choice, their parental experiences are minimal, which means that the child has confidence and disposition towards new changes in his life.

As a matter of fact, the kindergarten is the first step of the child into an independent life in the big world, where he is introduced into the society. By the age of 3-4, one can observe how children have a need to communicate with other children, how they learn from each other, how they copy the emotions and behavior of other children. All this happens when the child's social "I" matures. That is, there is an urgent need to communicate with peers and internal questions arise about who I am among them. what I can and what I can.

How can you help your child have a positive first experience in kindergarten?

Kindergarten parent introduction

Carefully research all possible suitable kindergarten options. Look at the room itself, where the child will directly play, sleep, eat. If you like the atmosphere and comfort, then your baby will like all this. If you are in doubt about something, do your best to change or correct it.

Sharing my experience as a mother. When the parents and I agreed on the issue of comfort in the group, we brought the teachers children's pictures on the wall, colorful colorful pillows for sitting on the rug during group classes. All these details create a general mood and disposition of the child to a pleasant environment and tranquility. Children's world is bright, fragrant and cozy. Try to look at the situation through the eyes of a child, and if you yourself like it, then there is every chance that your baby will like it too.

Getting to know caregivers

The same careful approach should be applied to people who will be in contact with children during the day. The human factor is one of the most important in choosing a kindergarten. Which teacher will spend time with children can indicate a positive attitude and desire to attend kindergarten. As parents, you have the intuition to feel if the teacher can "pick up the key" to your child.

As a rule, people who sincerely love children and know how to get along with them can be seen right away, so listen to what your parental heart tells you. Try to establish contact with the teacher through human communication, during the conversation, tell the teachers about the characteristics of your child’s character, what he likes, what he doesn’t like, what can calm him down, and what can upset him. Give some hint of your parental observations of the child and how to deal with different situations.

Introducing the child to kindergarten

For a child of preschool age, innovations in his life can be a stressful factor, and if this is also marked by separation from his mother for a whole day, then the child will find a large number of reasons for concern. Therefore, it is better to prepare the baby in advance for the first visit to the kindergarten. Try to come to the territory of the kindergarten several times as an introductory walk to talk about what this place is, why the children come here and what they do here.

Tell the child about the function of the educator and about his tasks, focus the child's attention on that. that he will always be helped in any matters and the adults nearby will always provide him with protection. In this way, you will form confidence in a new place in a child.

I am not in favor of telling children that kindergarten is work. Many families comment on the child’s going to kindergarten with the following words: “My dad and I go to work in the morning and you also go to kindergarten for your work.” I don’t think these are soothing words for a child’s soul. Since the main leading activity of a child is up to 7 -8 years old is a game, it is better to explain to the child his going to the kindergarten with the following words: “You go to the kindergarten to play and make friends with other children, and the teachers teach you interesting things.”

First visits to kindergarten – time to adjust

It is better to start the first visits to kindergarten with a small number of hours. If possible, try to pick up the child for the first few days before daytime sleep. Why is it so important? To form a child's interest in attending kindergarten, you need to make this event as positive as possible. When the child makes new acquaintances, gets used to the caregivers, feels safe, his fear and anxiety will fade away and he will be able to better perceive the organizational issues and the requirements of discipline in the children's group.

When a child becomes motivated and willing to come to a kindergarten group where friends and teachers are waiting for you, then his inner tension decreases, the feeling of sadness from separation from his mother is replaced by new emotions and new experiences of communicating with peers. This means that the child can plunge into games with peers and classes with educators throughout the day.

Why do children cry when they come to kindergarten

The appearance of a child in a kindergarten is always a new system of coordinates and rules, in which it is not always easy for a child to navigate. In the home environment, the child was calmer, safer and more predictable. Close people surround with care and help, the atmosphere is familiar and studied. What happens when a child becomes part of society in his children's group? He does not always feel safe, he does not have the opportunity to turn to his parents for help, he does not always know how to solve problems that arise in the process of communication, he makes efforts on himself and manifests himself independently in a peer group, he must independently control his emotions without HELP of relatives, he must declare himself among children, that is, learn to arouse interest in himself in order to find, relatively speaking, "a place in the sun" and make friends and consolidate this communication.

For a child of preschool age and even primary school age, this is indeed a very difficult task, which at first causes a lot of anxiety and fear. But gradually receiving family support, help and accompaniment of educators, as well as revealing their own personal potential, the child masters communication skills and the ability to benefit and enjoy this communication.

Separation with parents throughout the day in the kindergarten is always a difficult stage for children, because all the best and most pleasant in their children's world is connected with the family, and the future is still foggy and unknown. But gradually, step by step, the child learns to build new interests, contacts and important events in his kindergarten in order to further reveal the strengths of his personality and develop his human qualities.

It's important to realize that the crying of a child when they leave their parents in kindergarten does not necessarily reflect how they feel in kindergarten for the rest of the day!

But there are a number of factors that affect the mental well-being of the child throughout the day spent in kindergarten. After making sure that the child had enough rest and sleep, the food on the eve was sufficient and balanced, the morning started positively, parents can confidently assume that his day in kindergarten will pass on a positive wave. All of the above will sooner or later become good life habits for your child.

Now I want to share with you 10 tips to help your child have a good day at kindergarten

1. Make sure your child is well rested. If the child is tired, he is likely to be moody and it will be difficult for him to concentrate in a group. Sleep is very important for a child's mood and physical development.

2. The child's breakfast should be balanced. Even for an adult it is very difficult to concentrate if he is hungry. Food is a very important component for a good active day.

3. Try to create a quiet and calm morning. In most cases, morning preparations are a cocktail of haste, screams, nerves, etc. Teach your child the night before to prepare some of his personal things that he will take with him to kindergarten tomorrow. Speak with him questions that are important to him so that he does not forget anything and this does not upset him. The goal is to make your morning as crazy as possible. If you are tense and nervous, your child will feel the same way.

4. Come early to kindergarten. Try to bring your child before the class starts. This solves several problems at once: together you can calmly say goodbye to each other and thus reduce stress, your child will feel calmer and will be able to familiarize himself with the situation in the group, find a comfortable activity for himself and communicate with other children.

5. On the way to the kindergarten, talk about what he will do today, with whom he wants to play on the playground, what he liked in class yesterday. Reflections on these topics give stimulus and interest in anticipation of a new day in the kindergarten.

6. Allow your child to bring a toy to the kindergarten, which will remind him of home and reduce his anxiety about separation from his family.

7. Be sure to tell your child before leaving kindergarten “Goodbye! I'll be waiting for our meeting!". Many educators suggest that parents simply sneak out of the kindergarten locker room unnoticed. But such actions can be devastating for a child when mom or dad suddenly disappears. It is very important to say goodbye and reassure your baby that you will come back for him, even if the initial "Goodbye" makes him cry.

8. Create your own morning ritual with your child. For example, drink tea together to your favorite song. Put secret notes with your drawings (smiles, hearts, etc.) in the pocket of your child's clothes.

Make up a short poem for the whole family about the coming day, for example:

Dad and mom go to work,
Our child is going to the garden.
Let us wish and believe,
The day of smile will bring!

Add more physical contact with the baby, gentle hugs and kisses will give confidence and create a good mood for the whole family.

9. Involve educators. Your child will be more ready to leave you and enter the kindergarten group if there is a caring teacher nearby. A teacher who knows how to involve a child in an interesting conversation will be able to distract the child's attention from the care of mom and dad.

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