Akepa's 2!

We have now officially hit the 2's.  And if you're a mom, you know exactly what I'm talking about.  Independence, constant chatter, and of course... the fits!  In an effort to keep her from getting hyped up on sugar (which happened anyway after her cupcake), I decided to make some "healthier" alternatives to candy and cookies.  We went with a pool party since  Pool + Kids = Good Naps!  Akepa loves Strawberry Shortcake so of course we went with that theme.  I did some organic snacks for the kids and even something special for the adults.  Here are some of the things I served.. feel free to steal them :) 

Organic Strawberry Lemonade with Agave   

2 cups organic strawberries (hulled & cut)  

1/3 cup organic agave nectar

Juice of 4-5 lemons

3 1/2 cups cold water

Puree first three ingredients in a blender or food processor.  Pour into a pitcher and add the water.  Chill for at least 1 hour.  Garnish with strawberries and lemon slices.  Stir and serve over ice.  

Organic Berries with Greek Yogurt

1 package organic blueberries

1 package organic raspberries

1 package organic strawberries 

3/4 cup organic plain greek yogurt

2 Tbsp honey

Melting chocolate (if desired) 

Mix honey and greek yogurt in a small bowl and place near the mixed berries so people have a dipping sauce.  The honey adds a touch of sweetness to enhance the flavor of the berries.  Take strawberries and dip in melted chocolate (melt according to package) and place on wax paper to harden.  I used green chocolate because it matched her colors.  (You can find the colored chocolate at Michael's/ Party City/ etc.) 

Strawberry-Lime Sangria

1 1/2 cups strawberry simple syrup

1 bottle of crisp white wine (sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio) 

1 bottle of rose or blush wine 

1 1/2 cups soda/ sparkling water

1 lime, sliced
1 orange, sliced

Strawberries for garnish

Make simple syrup and set aside.  Simple syrup is made with equal parts sugar to water.  Add Strawberries and bring to boil.  As soon as it boils, remove from heat and set aside for 10 minutes.  Remove strawberries with slotted spoon.  In a pitcher, add 2 bottles of wine, sliced limes and oranges, and strawberry simple syrup.  Refrigerate at least 5 hours.  Add soda water and serve in a glass over ice.  Garnish with a strawberry.    

Here is a picture of the cupcakes my sister made as well.  I also served salted and smoked almonds for the adults and organic peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.  

Strawberry Shortcake Cupcakes