Birthday preparation part deux

So the preparation for the big day continues.

I had enquired with our venue about what kind of tableware they use and was extra pleased to find out that they wash and reuse everything over and over. She also mentioned that they had "green" loot bags. However, at $15 a pop we decided to make our own. My mom is sewing the loot bags for me out of scrap fabrics she has and we purchased some wood blocks to place in the loot bags for the extra-little guys (under 2 of age). For the other kids I am planing on placing some crayons, stickers, a little sketch pad and maybe a treat like a cookie or something.

The other item we finalized is the cake, or cupcakes, I should say. I wanted chocolate and something not too sweet for the little ones, plus some of our friends are vegan. I found this amazing recipe in the book "Vegan Cupcakes Take Over the World" that could take on any traditional cupcake and win. The frosting is a chocolate mousse made with tofu.

I have to say, this is a great cookbook. I have made 4 or 5 of the recipes so far and I think I will never make another cupcake that is not vegan -- that is how good these recipes are.

Back to the cupcakes: I plan on making mini cupcakes and standard cupcakes.  I even scored a cupcake stand for $1.00 at our local thrift store.