Fun Ideas for April Fools' Day

Did you know that April Fools’ Day, also known as All Fools Day, has actually been celebrated for centuries?

The origins are a bit of a mystery. Some say that it started back in 1582 when France switched to the Gregorian calendar. People who were slow to realize the new year had moved to January and still celebrated it until April 1 dealt with jokes and pranks. Others say the day is closely connected to festivals in late March in ancient Rome, which included dressing up in disguise. And some think it’s related to the beginning of spring, when people are often fooled by unpredictable weather. Whatever the reason, it’s become a tradition to celebrate the day with a little extra fun and foolishness. So this year, in honor of April Fools’ Day, put a smile on somebody’s face with a couple of these cute culinary tricks!

Tasty Trick #1: “Grilled Cheese” Cake

Think it’s a real sandwich? Think again. Here’s how to make this delicious and deceptive dessert for kids and kids at heart:

Step 1: Make Your Cake

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Bake Absolutely Almond Pound Cake Mix™ as directed on the package; cool completely and cut into thick slices. (I actually like to bake mine the night before, so it’s easier to slice!)

Step 2: Have Fun with Frosting

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In a small bowl, combine 1 (12 ounce) whipped cream cheese frosting with ½ cup marshmallow crème and 4-6 drops each of red and yellow food coloring (or until it reaches your preferred shade of orange).

Step 3: Grill Your “Bread”

Brush pound cake slices with melted butter; grill or sauté over medium heat until golden brown. Place one warm slice on a plate; add a generous dollop of orange frosting, and top with an additional slice of grilled pound cake. Your creation will look just like a grilled cheese sandwich!

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Bonus tip: To complete the illusion, use a crinkle cutter to create “fries” out of fresh apples or pineapple. You’ll find them for a few dollars at your local kitchen store, or you can order them online through Amazon.

Tasty Trick #2: Mashed Potato & Meat Loaf “Cupcakes”

Prefer to make dinner in disguise? Kid around with these kid-friendly mini meat loaves – dressed up as dessert!

Step 1: Make Mini Meat Loaves
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Combine 1 pound lean ground beef, 1 cup water and 1 (6 ounce) package chicken-flavored stuffing. Meanwhile, line a muffin tin with 12 foil baking cups; lightly coat with no-stick cooking spray.

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Divide the meat mixture evenly among muffin cups using a spoon. Bake 22-25 minutes.

Step 2: Top with ‘Taters

For the fake “frosting,” combine 1 teaspoon Garlic Garlic™ and 4 oz. softened cream cheese (cut into cubes) with 3 cups of mashed potatoes.

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(If you’re in a rush, use a 24 ounce package of prepared mashed potatoes – I love the Simply Potatoes brand!) Spoon into it a pastry bag with a star tip, and pipe the potatoes onto the meat loaves.

Step 3: Add a Pop of Color

Put a cherry on top (literally) by adding a cherry tomato to each one. If you’d like to add colorful “sprinkles,” grate or finely chop a rainbow carrot or two for garnish. And ta-da!

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Bring it all together, and you’ve got a delicious dinner and dessert, guaranteed to get a few giggles. And if you think you’re too grown-up for this kind of silliness? Well, you could have fooled me.

Happy April Fools’ Day, friends!
– Jen