DIY Monster Party: Not-As-Messy Toddler Finger Foods

I've seen a wide range of foods served at one-year-old parties, from chips and cookies to cucumber sandwiches and watermelon lemonade. For Dexter's party, I wanted to have toddler-friendly finger foods that a) won't make a huge mess and b) are things that I really like to eat! Who cares that they're not monster-themed as long as they taste good. :)

All of my favorite party foods (drool)

Here's the full list of the snacks and beverages at the party (and how to make them):

• Fruit salad (the secret ingredient is vanilla pudding powder)
• Pigs in the blanket (by far the most popular food; we had to make more halfway through the party!)
• Salted brown butter crispy treats (best Rice Krispies treats ever)
• Annie's Bunny Grahams (because they come in a box and I don't have to make them)
• M&M's (not exactly toddler-safe, but they were leftover from the cupcakes)
• Peach cool brewed iced tea
• K's grandma's special punch

(Source: Chef in Training)

I wasn't quite sure what to call the last one, but it's a yummy, yummy punch that K's family traditionally makes for Thanksgiving (they have another one for Christmas). All you have to do is mix together the following ingredients:

Pineapple Sherbet Punch

• 12 oz can of frozen orange juice
• 12 oz can of frozen lemonade
• 16 to 32 oz of pineapple juice
• 2 two-liter bottles of 7 Up
• 1/2 gallon of pineapple sherbet (float it on the top)

Next time, I'll show you the birthday cupcakes, which actually are monster-themed because of some creative, edible decorations. :)