Game 3: West Virginia — bus arrival 10 a.m., kickoff 6 p.m.
We loved the late kickoff for this game as we were celebrating L’s fourth birthday and wanted a little bit of a later arrival AND a lot of time for food, games, presents and time with family. A lot of the food was driven by the party theme and our little guy’s favorites.
Devils’s Food Cupcakes with Vanilla Buttercream
Why not start with dessert? L loves chocolate everything and cupcakes are no exception. He helped me make a Martha recipe earlier in the week and we froze them for easy transport. The frosting is my go-to. While it’s not a traditional buttercream, it’s super flexible and holds up in travel and heat. 
L is a huge fan of the Little Einsteins show and requested it be the party theme. I ordered cupcake toppers from Etsy to deliver on the “Rocket cake” request. (I’d link you up, but the shop is now closed.) These would be pretty easy to make yourself, just Popsicle sticks, card stock and a pattered circle punch—but sometimes it’s just easier to cut corners so you have time for other things! Some sparkler candles and a number four finished it out.
Rocket PB&J
Speaking of time for other things: I found this adorable sandwich cutter in the shape of a rocket from Lunch Punch to make sandwiches for the kids. You can get other sandwich shapes from the brand’s Amazon store, but rocket was AU only, so shipping took a while (read: plan ahead). I tried a few ways to make these and was most successful cutting each slice of bread individually and then assembling the sandwiches. This is another great make-ahead dish, as I took a note from Uncrustables and individually wrapped and froze these bad boys the weekend prior. (Also note the adorable music plates from Amazon to coordinate the theme.)
Walking Tacos with Avocado-Lime Dip from My Fresh Perspective
We served walking tacos for those with larger appetites. There’s no go-to recipe for these, but rather limitless options. We did a standard beef and taco seasoning mix in the crock pot (generator-fueled for the first time, people!) served in your choice of Doritos or Frito’s single-serve chips. Toppings included lettuce, cheese, sour cream, salsa, pre-diced tomatoes and a yummy homemade guac-ish dip. (Holla at the squeeze sour cream!) I threw some tortillas and extra cheese into the cooler, and a few of the kiddos had grilled quesadillas and others who weren’t digging the chips had a traditional taco option.
I went with an Avocado-Lime Dip instead of guac with the hope it would stay fresh and green (not oxidized) for the game. I made it Thursday and it traveled really well. It also tasted good on the veggie tray I brought along that included prepped carrots, snap peas, cauliflower and broccoli florets. The lime in the dip added a nice bright flavor to the traditional walking taco that I would definitely make again. It was also a great keto option for my friends who opted for taco salads.
Our beverage coolers will filled up with classic Country Time Lemonade and I really enjoyed adding some Cucumber-Lime Vodka for the adults. We also nibbled on wings, some of the Ames Hy-Vee cheese dip and sliced apples and caramel throughout the day.
