The Night of the Edible Planets
Last weekend was my oldest son's Blue and Gold Banquet . This is the annual celebration for a Cub Scout pack in which all the boys' achievements are celebrated. I was my son's proud "date" for the event. The theme was "Out Of This World", and they had told us ahead of time that they would be presenting a trophy to the boy whose parent could come up with the most creative, theme-oriented dessert. No pressure there, right?
We didn't win, but I thought I'd show off the clever little dessert we rigged up. (I'm usually the send-a-box-of-Little-Debbies mom, so when I do something like this, I want it documented for all to see!) It was actually pretty easy, and it could be adapted for a space-themed birthday party:
The sun is made from a 9" round pan, and the planets are cupcakes. Here are a couple of close-ups:
You should've seen the desserts that won: cookies made to look like Martian fingers and a 3-D solar system with gumball planets. Serious stuff.
I'm with you on the "send some Little Debbies". :) Or some Oreos. Everyone likes Oreos. Especially boy scouts.
But these look totaly awesome! Anyone who spends enough time in the kitchen to make an edible 3D solar system dessert deserves some kind of reward. Kudos to you!
Posted by: melnel | Tuesday, March 07, 2006 at 02:07 PM
Hi!
I've been lurking on your blog for a few days. Thank you so much for sharing this idea! My first-grade DS is studying astronomy in homeschool this year, and I'm planning an end-of-year celebration in a couple months. This will be a GREAT addition to the party!
Posted by: Jodi | Tuesday, March 07, 2006 at 02:10 PM
Okay. That is way too cool. If I had to do some planetary celebration thing, I'd probably end up buying the sun cake and setting the Oreo's around it.
All with the red swirlies for mercury.... You take the cake, Shannon!
Posted by: Carol | Tuesday, March 07, 2006 at 02:18 PM
I'm w/ melnel -- those definitely deserve an award!! Great idea -- thanks for posting it!
Posted by: Sarah | Tuesday, March 07, 2006 at 02:26 PM
That's freaking awesome! I love it for a b-day party!
Posted by: Rachelle | Tuesday, March 07, 2006 at 02:28 PM
That's a great idea! I'll have to remember that in case a need for sugary planets should arise.
Posted by: Nicki | Tuesday, March 07, 2006 at 02:31 PM
Mmmm, the solar system never looked so yummie! Ten points for you!
Posted by: Heth | Tuesday, March 07, 2006 at 03:16 PM
I go read a few books with my little guy, watch a video that I admittedly slept through some of, and look at what you did while I was gone!! These are beautiful. You get a gold star in my book, Miss Shannon! I'm usually the Little Debbie mom, too, so I admire your creativity greatly. Goodie for you!!
Posted by: peach | Tuesday, March 07, 2006 at 03:28 PM
I love this idea!
And it is absolutely true that we parents are really the creative force behind all the cooking... which is why my kids don't have a chance...
BTW, I love the new look!
Posted by: Shalee | Tuesday, March 07, 2006 at 03:42 PM
Earth looks very yummy! Can I have a bite??
:)
Posted by: Queen Beth | Tuesday, March 07, 2006 at 05:05 PM
I really like the new design. the coral color is sort of yummy looking. Very nice.
Posted by: Kathryn, The DYM | Tuesday, March 07, 2006 at 05:46 PM
I'm definintely stealing this idea.
Posted by: This One's For the Girls- Michelle | Tuesday, March 07, 2006 at 05:51 PM
Now that's a solar system I could sink my teeth into.
Posted by: Lauren | Tuesday, March 07, 2006 at 09:19 PM
These are so cute! Very good idea. And educational to boot!
Posted by: Susie | Tuesday, March 07, 2006 at 10:14 PM
Cool cake - sounds like the Pack had quite a wing-ding. By the way, if your son made rank, please pass on this Scoutmaster's congratulations.
Posted by: Joe Goodwin | Tuesday, March 07, 2006 at 10:30 PM
I love it!
Posted by: Perri | Tuesday, March 07, 2006 at 10:36 PM
YOU were ROBBED!! You totally should've won that award - your solar system is AWESOME!! It does, however, give me a great idea for my son's b-day preschool treat for next week (since he is in love with Disney's Little Einsteins and their rocket). Thanks for posting this....i love the everyday stuff.
Posted by: jenn v | Wednesday, March 08, 2006 at 08:38 AM
Obviously, it was some man judging the desserts, because if it was a woman, she would have given you an award just for the awesome use of color. Men don't understand how hard it is to get the right color on frosting with food coloring! Sheesh!
Posted by: GiBee | Wednesday, March 08, 2006 at 08:49 AM
What a great idea! I need to do a planet study SIMPLY so I can do that!
Posted by: Sheri | Wednesday, March 08, 2006 at 09:24 AM
3-d solar system with gumballs? Gumballs are not a desert. A cupcake solar system. That's good eating. I think you were robbed. :)
Posted by: Rhonda | Wednesday, March 08, 2006 at 10:37 AM
Shear brillance! Cupcakes and space lessons, all together, in one place? Bliss.
Posted by: Kim | Wednesday, March 08, 2006 at 11:46 AM
what a cute idea! this looks like fun.
Posted by: melissa stover | Wednesday, March 08, 2006 at 04:17 PM
Loved your idea. Wish I had thought of that for my son's Blue and Gold Banquet.
Posted by: Susan | Tuesday, May 23, 2006 at 09:06 AM