With a bunch of exited hungry children almost any cake or treat can be a delight. If time and money are a factor, these simple recipes will fit the bill.

EASY-TO-MAKE COSMIC CAKE                                           EASY-TO-MAKE POPCORN BALLS

1/2 cup shortening                                                                 2 cups granulated sugar
1-3/4 cups sugar                                                                   1-1/2 cups water
1 teaspoon vanilla                                                                  1/2 teaspoon salt
3 eggs                                                                                  1/2 cup light corn syrup
2-1/2 cups cocoa (regular-type, dry)                                        1 teaspoon vinegar                   
1-1/2 teaspoons of soda                                                         1 teaspoon vanilla 
1 teaspoon salt                                                                      5 quarts popped corn
1-1/3 cups cold water                                                              

Cream shortening and one cup of the sugar till light.                  Butter sides of saucepan. In it combine
Add vanilla and eggs, one at a time, beating well after                sugar, water, salt syrup and vinegar. Cook
each. Sift together dry ingredients; add to the creamed              to hard ball stage 250 degees. Stir in vanilla.
mixture alternately with cold water, beating after each                Slowly pour over popped corn, stirring just to
addition. Gradually add 3/4 cup of sugar, beating till                   mix well. Butter hands slightly; shape ball. 
stiff peaks form. Bake in greased and lightly floured                   Makes 15 to 20 balls. ENJOY! 
baking pan at 350 degrees for 30 to 35 minutes.

BUTTER FROSTING
 
6 tablespoons butter
1 1-pound package confectioners' sugar, sifted (about 4 3/4 cups) 
1/4 cup light cream
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
cream butter; gradually add about half the sugar, blending well. Beat in 2 teaspoons cream and vanilla. Gradually blend in remaining sugar. Add enough cream to make spreading consistency. ENJOY!

    Tel 01983 810095 or Mob 07729176265