No matter the reason, being stuck at home can be downright dull. Make these fun recipes and learn something new or take on a recipe challenge. With these ideas for kids and adults, the time will fly by!
You're stuck inside. You want to be doing something...anything...that will break the monotony. The kids are complaining that they've got nothing to do.
Sound familiar?
Fear not, friends, for I have some ideas to comfort you, challenge you, and teach you (or the kids) a thing or two. Ready to begin? Great, let's go!
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Math and science in the kitchen
Baking with kids can be fun, and it can be educational, too. So much of baking is math...learning about measuring, multiplication, division, fractions. And what about the chemistry of how the ingredients interact to create those yummy treats? Here are a few ideas to get you started.
Even little hands can participate in making challah, a classic braided egg bread. There's ingredient math, yeast, and you get to play with your food!
These three ingredient shortbread cookies are easy to make, and kids will love to help press in the dough. And you can dress them up by dipping the cookies in chocolate!
For older kids, take a classic chocolate chip cookie recipe and switch it up with brown butter. It's a Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bar. Learning to use the stove and oven responsibly are important, too!
Learn something new
Adults and teens can learn new techniques to improve their skills. You've got the time, after all!
You might think that just baking a cake would be mundane...what can you learn from that? Well, how about making a Checkerboard Cake!
Kids (and adults) love to dip stuff in chocolate...strawberries, graham crackers, cookies (dipped shortbread, anyone?), even homemade marshmallows. Give that dipped treat a professional finish with tempered chocolate!
There's a lot to learn when you make Boston Cream Pie...how to make a moist hot milk & butter cake, creamy vanilla pastry cream, and rich chocolate ganache. You got this!
Want a challenge?
For those that really want to stretch themselves, try making these projects. I dare you!
Okay, maybe not hard, but definitely takes some time, Chocolate Cake Truffles (or maybe Chocolate Cake Pops) are fun and better than any you can buy ready-made!
For a real challenge, try making French Macarons. They're persnickety and a bit temperamental, but are you'll feel so accomplished when you're done. Gluten-free and perfect for Passover!
Another gluten-free treat, Italian Macarons (variations of the French Macarons) use an Italian meringue for the shells. The sugar is boiled into a syrup before adding it to the whipped egg whites. As it's slowly added to the bowl, the egg whites cook, giving the resulting meringue a sturdier structure that's less brittle than French meringue. Give these dainty cookies a try!
Stuck with sourdough starter discard
Longtime readers know of my never-ending search to use my weekly unfed sourdough starter. Check out these ideas!
Baking with booze
Baking with spirits adds flavor and fun to everyday treats. Sometimes you can taste it, sometimes not quite as much. Use discretion if you're going to serve these treats to children.
Safe for kids, Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Bars are like a handheld Pecan Pie. They're easy to make and great any time of year!
Adding more flavor than a real kick, Bourbon Brownies are a step above your basic brownie mix.
If you really want to feel your whisky, try this Whisky Fudge...it's definitely for adults, only!
I just want pie
If, like me, you consider pie comfort food, then I've got you covered. Here are some off-the-beaten path ideas for you to make...
If you're stuck at home, you can do more than just binge watch Netflix on the sofa. Given the gift of time, make the most of it by learning something new or making memories with your kids. It will be time well spent!
Slainté! L’chaim! Cheers!
Tammy
Lilly says
So many yummy recipes, what to try first!?!