I need to know what is a really good chocolate cake mix ( preferrably, I stink at made from scratch) for my son'd 2 year birthday. And, is Icing OK to use? if so, what kind? Where can I get it, and quickly, LOL...

Thanks!

I think the Gluten Free Pantry mixes are the best. I know Bob's Red Mill has a choc. cake mix but I've never tried it. Duncan Hines HOMESTYLE frosting is gluten free (the other types are not, I believe).

Okay ~ I have to say what I always say... I love Dietary Specialties (they should pay me a % ). Their chocolate cake mix is to die for! There are also a lot of regular, gluten-free icings out there. I don't use icing, but do a search on here and you should get a whole list.

If you want an easy, delicious icing, here is the recipe that my mom and I use-

Buttercream Icing
½ cup solid vegetable shortening
½ cup butter or margarine
1 teaspoon Vanilla
4 cups sifted confectioners' sugar (approx. 1 lb.)
2 tablespoons milk

Cream butter and shortening with electric mixer. Add vanilla. Gradually add sugar, one cup at a time, beating well on medium speed. Scrape sides and bottom of bowl often. When all sugar has been mixed in, icing will appear dry. Add milk and beat at medium speed until light and fluffy. Keep icing covered with a damp cloth until ready to use. For best results, keep icing bowl in refrigerator when not in use. Refrigerated in an airtight container, this icing can be stored 2 weeks. Rewhip before using.

I always use Pamela's brownie mix to make chocolate cake with, the recipe to make cake is right on the bag, I've served it to my daughter's entire pre k class and NO ONE knew it was gluten free. I served it at her 4th and 5th birthday parties and it was a HUGE hit. Rave reviews. I use Pillsbury frostings. Just read the ingredients because some contain gluten, but most don't. You can also make a really easy butter cream frosting with cocoa, just butter, powdered sugar, cocoa and tsp. milk

I second the pillsbury frosting.

You know, two year olds do well with other treats rather than cake....

Last night, my 11 year old and I made chocolate dipped marshmallows.

This is something even your two year old can help you do.

Take marshmallows, dip halfway in melted chocolate.

Place chocolate side UP on wax paper.

Sprinkle coconut on to melted chocolate.

Sprinkle colorful Sprinkles on top of coconut and melted chocolate.

Spear with fun character, or just fun colorful toothpicks. .....

For a birthday, the birthday kid's marshmallows can be speared with candles to mark the age of the birthday kid.

For all the Christmas...excuse me, HOLIDAY parties our school is having this week, we're making these fun, festive colored marshmallows. Last night we used red and green sugar sprinkles on top of the white coconut and it looked great! We saw all sorts of cool sprinkles that would make this a great treat for any occasion. ... Flowers, Scooby Doo, SpongeBob, etc. When we placed all of the marshmallows on a tray, they looked gorgeous and like a giant, colorful cake. I like the non-tradional approach ...Ok.. and the NON-BAKING approach!

Jnkmnky: Great idea! Those sound cute and yummy... great combo!!

AND, I will be attending CHRISTMAS parties!! I don't care to be pc ~ it is what it is... and it is CHRISTMAS!!!

I know about the PC! I used "spirit foam" and spray painted the back window of my van with giant "MERRY CHRISTMAS!" this weekend. I'm so sick of the news reports telling of another *conflict* caused by the words, "Merry Christmas". I'm waiting to be told I can't park on public streets with those two offensive words displayed on the back of my van.

And about the Marshmallow treats... they look so great- and were easy to make.

those marshmallow treats sound yummy!

and I have to agree that the whole "pc" thing has gone overboard this time! Merry Christmas!