Throwing Boy Birthday Parties That Hit the Bullseye

This weekend my firstborn grandson turned 7. Ever since he was a baby we have done the "themed" birthday parties....some more extravagant than others. This year was no different. In light of all that's going on in the world we opted for a low-key, take-it-to-the-outdoors party where boys (and one precious little girl) could raise a ruckus outside and throw down as country folk do best.

The boy loves to hunt with his daddy and spend his free time out on the farm. Our place was the perfect setting for these kids to run and swing and climb and enjoy the great outdoors. Instead of "pin the tail on the donkey" we had shooting range practice with a blow up deer. We collected a small arsenal of nerf firearms and archery bows for them to select their battle weapon. And, the tire swings and trees are permanent fixtures of their playground out here on our place.

I decorated with lots of camo and deer horns and made my favorite white cake and buttercream icing cake and cupcakes. I've added the recipes below. They are not "healthy" by any means...but I don't think my guests objected!

Favorite white cake recipe

• 4 egg whites
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1 and 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 and 1/3 cup buttermilk

Allow egg whites to stand at room temperature for 30 minutes. Meanwhile spray pans with flour baking spray. In a medium bowl, stir flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl beat butter on medium 30 seconds. Add sugar and vanilla. Beat. Add egg whites one at a time. Beat after each. Alternate flour mix and buttermilk and beat on low. Pop them in the oven. How long? I usually start watching after about 20 minutes to see that the tops are golden. As long as they pass the dry toothpick test, they are done.

Buttercream Frosting

• 3/4 cup butter- softened
• 2 pounds of powdered sugar
• 1/3 cup milk
• 2 teaspoons vanilla

Beat butter until smooth. Gradually add 2 cups of powdered sugar and beat well. Beat in 1/3 cup milk and vanilla. Gradually beat in remaining sugar. Beat in additional milk (a teaspoon at a time to thin).

For chocolate buttercream - add 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa into butter before adding the powdered sugar.