Mini Olympics

We are in full Olympic swing in our house. My little guy loves his sports so the Olympics is right up his alley. I am so excited as well because this is Thomas’ first summer Olympics. There’s something pretty special about that. We are loving watching the swimming, diving and basketball especially.

It seemed fitting that we should do our own little mini Olympics with our neighbours complete with medal presentations, podium and some yummy Olympic themed treats. It was a great day.  

Our Olympic themed treats consisted of

Olympic Flag Cupcakes

(these were just a butter cake iced with butter cream icing and M&M’s for the Olympic rings)

and

 

Honey Caramel Popcorn Olympic Torches (popcorn recipe from Taste.com)

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1/3 cup popping corn
• 1/3 cup honey
• 2/3 cup caster sugar
• 60g butter, chopped
• 12 flat bottomed small ice cream cones

Method

1. Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add 2 pieces of corn. Oil is hot enough when corn turns slowly in a circle. Add remaining corn. Cover with a tight-fitting lid. Shake saucepan gently when corn starts popping. Remove from heat when corn stops popping. Transfer to a large bowl. Discard any unpopped corn.Note: I have issues cooking popcorn in oil. I always burn it. So, I had seen online that you can make your own microwave popcorn using a paper bag. Put half the popping corn in a paper bag and put in microwave for approx 1 min – 1 min 30 secs and voila. Repeat with the rest of the popping corn. This is also a great way of making popcorn for kids. They can measure it out and put it in the bag – also it has no salt or butter added so it’s much healthier!
2. Place honey, sugar and butter in a saucepan over low heat. Cook, stirring, for 6 to 7 minutes or until sugar has dissolved. Bring to the boil. Boil without stirring for 5 to 6 minutes or until light golden. Working quickly, pour caramel mixture over popcorn. Stir to combine. Spoon into ice cream cones and shape to look ‘flame like’. Set aside to cool completely.I don’t recommend doing this step with kids as the caramel gets very hot. I ended up with burnt fingers myself from touching it. 

    

Here is a list of our games and items you might need if you are going to do your own mini Olympics.

Games:

 Soccer: (cones for goals, soccer balls)

Shot put: Scrunched up foil ball for throwing, tape measure

Basket ball: basketball hoop and balls (you could also use a washing basket or box and balls)

Running Race: streamer for end of race

Balloon tennis: Balloon and 2 bats (made from paper plates and a stick)

Discus: Frisbee throwing, tape measure

Other Items needed:

Whistles

Medals (already bought)

Podium (3 steps numbered 1-2-3)

Chalkboard for recording “scores”

Tape measure

 Happy Olympics everyone!!!