Graduation is a rite of passage for Kindergartners, eighth graders transitioning into high school, and for college and high school seniors. Having a graduation party is a great way to express joy and pride in the student's hard work and perseverance.
While there are many recipes that children typically want at their parties, from chicken fingers and honey mustard to buffalo wings with hot, spicy sauce for dipping, these recipes are the desserts du jour for kids aged five to 22. Simple to make, fun to eat, these chocolate masterpieces will disappear quickly at any graduation party.
Dark Chocolate Fondue With Peanut Butter
Ingredients:
- 8 oz dark chocolate chips
- 2 cans (14-oz each) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup smooth peanut butter
- 6 inch wooden skewers
- bananas, apples, strawberries, kiwi fruit, mango (sliced or cut in chunks)
- marshmallows, angel food cake, rod pretzels
Directions:
- Combine chocolate, condensed milk, milk, and peanut butter in microwave-safe bowl; cover with plastic wrap. Heat on high power for three minutes; stir.
- Cover with wrap again and heat for one minute; stir. Repeat this process until the chocolate melts evenly and the mixture is smooth, about 3-4 minutes.
- Place mixture into fondue pot and keep warm.
- Thread the fruit, marshmallows, and cake onto the skewers for ease in dipping. Place one or two pieces of fruit or cake on each skewer. Place pretzels standing up in large glass for easy serving.
Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup Nutella (hazelnut chocolate spread)
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1 (14 oz) can of sweetened condensed milk
- 2 cups brown sugar
- 3 cups oatmeal
- 2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp baking soda
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350°. Mix condensed milk and peanut butter together in bowl. Set aside.
- With electric mixer, mix butter in large bowl until soft. Add brown sugar and baking soda, mixing well. Beat in eggs and vanilla, then flour. Finally stir in the oats.
- Press 1/2 of dough into bottom of large rectangle pan (13 x 9 x 2) with lightly floured hands.
- Spread peanut butter mixture over top. Spread Nutella over peanut butter. Add last half of dough to top by rolling out dough and laying on top or make small flattened circles of dough to place on top.
- Bake for 25 minutes or till top is golden brown. Let cool and then cut in bars. Makes 5 dozen small bars.
Chocolate Espresso Brownies
Ingredients:
- 1 box Ghiradelli brownie mix
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 2 eggs
- 1 Tbsp instant espresso coffee powder
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup chocolate-covered coffee beans
- 1/2 cup chopped macadamia nuts, optional
Directions:
- Follow directions for brownies on box and add the espresso powder, chocolate-covered coffee beans and macadamia nuts to create a batch of chocolate espresso brownies that will disappear in minutes!
- Depending on the age of the graduate, these recipes can be adapted slightly, such as exchanging the Nutella hazelnut spread for strawberry jam for younger children. The nuts in the brownies can always be left out if brownie lovers insist, and the chocolate fondue can be served with a variety of fruits that are in-season.
For more party recipes, you may also enjoy Perfect Party Finger Foods or Slow-Cooked Party Food Ideas.
Vicki F. Chavis - Growing up in Asia, Europe and North America left Vicki with a love of cuisine, history, language, fashion and travel. Today she writes on ...
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