I used to love going to parties when I was a little kid. The imaginations of the mums were pretty tame back then though. There was always a cake of course, and more often than not some fairy bread, and there were always honey joys.

Being a foodie kid, I always made a beeline for the snack table. I was the one jamming my face with Honey Joys while the other kids were pinning tails on cardboard donkeys (or each other).

I once went to a party where the table was covered with quartered oranges, and nothing else. Surely a box of cornflakes even wouldn't have gone astray? The mum claimed she was a terrible cook (no kidding!), but really kids just love sweet things, and when they get together it doesn't matter what's on offer, they're bound to have a good time regardless.

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Earlier this month was Harper Beckham's first Birthday. I have read that Posh and Becks were planning to spend roughly $80,000 on a soiree for the little darling — jumping castles, ponies, clowns and pink dyed rabbits. I bet $80,000 could buy an awful lot of oranges. Unfortunately, like most one-year-olds, Harper will probably be more interested in playing with the wrapping paper. What will she be expecting when she is 16, I wonder? Ten mates for a sleep over — on the moon? I hope a decent chunk of that cash is going on some super-cute and healthy catering, maybe even a few Honey Joys.

The best thing about honey joys is that they are easy to make, and with a little supervision, the kids can make these themselves. I have topped a healthy fruit muffin with Honey Joy mix here. This is a great idea if you are concerned about the amount of sugar your little ones intake. The muffins get their sweet and moist texture from a mix of banana and apple juice, and are then just finished off with a crunchy and sweet top. These will be a hit at any birthday party, so next year leave the oranges in the bowl.

Apple and banana honey joy muffins.

Makes 12, easily doubled
Preparation 20 minutes
Cooking time 40 minutes

2.5 cup self-raising flour
Two ripe bananas mashed
Half teaspoon cinnamon
Half teaspoon allspice
One apple, grated
One cup organic brown sugar

Related: How to get kids started in the kitchen

Honey joy topping

Mix all muffin ingredients together in a bowl and spoon into 12 patty cases. Bake in a 175 degree oven for 30 minutes. Just before the timer goes off, melt butter and homey together in a saucepan. When bubbling, pour in cornflakes into the mixture and stir well. Remove muffins from oven and spoon over honey joy topping. Return to the oven and bake for a further ten minutes.

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