"Your brain may be flustered with all that is going on in the world but these delicious cooking crafts are an amazing way to get your mind out of quarantine and into cooking, and get your mouth out of masks and into eating." --Isabella Schainker, 6th grade
Sweet
Berry Crumble
My personal recipe for Simple Layered Berry Crumble serves 6 people, and you can customize the amounts based on preference. The ingredients are: mixed frozen berries, 2 premade pie crusts, Nature’s Valley Oats N Honey bars, and milk chocolate chips. Set aside one piecrust for a later step, and preheat the oven for 350 F. Put the frozen berries into a bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Thaw the frozen berries for 15 - 35 minutes or until they are almost unfrozen. While the berries thaw, place the honey oat bars into a bowl, along with the other pie crust, and smash them with one end of a rolling pin. Use a spoon to make an even layer of berries at the bottom of the premade crust you had set aside. In between each layer you can sprinkle some chocolate chips. The next layer is the crumble mix, then the berries, then the crumble, until you have gotten to the top layer of crumble. Put it in the oven for 15-30 minutes, once done let it cool for 10 minutes and serve it on the same day along with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
S'more Casserole
Hoping for a taste of the woods while still inside? This oven roasted, marshmallow toasted, graham cracker crumbled, milk chocolate melted S'more Casserole is the way to go. This recipe can serve a wondrous delight to four people. This majestic project needs supplies and ingredients such as cooking spray, casserole dish, 1 cup large marshmallows, 3 milk chocolate bars broken into squares, 5 graham crackers broken into rectangles, and a ¼ cup of semisweet chocolate chips that have been melted. Preheat the oven to 400° and grease the casserole dish with cooking spray. Add half of marshmallows to the prepared dish, then top with half of chocolate squares and half of the graham crackers. Repeat this onto the top of the last. Bake Casserole for 5-12 minutes, or until marshmallows are golden brown and the chocolate has melted. Drizzle the top of the Casserole with the melted semi sweet chocolate and serve.
Berry Crumble
My personal recipe for Simple Layered Berry Crumble serves 6 people, and you can customize the amounts based on preference. The ingredients are: mixed frozen berries, 2 premade pie crusts, Nature’s Valley Oats N Honey bars, and milk chocolate chips. Set aside one piecrust for a later step, and preheat the oven for 350 F. Put the frozen berries into a bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Thaw the frozen berries for 15 - 35 minutes or until they are almost unfrozen. While the berries thaw, place the honey oat bars into a bowl, along with the other pie crust, and smash them with one end of a rolling pin. Use a spoon to make an even layer of berries at the bottom of the premade crust you had set aside. In between each layer you can sprinkle some chocolate chips. The next layer is the crumble mix, then the berries, then the crumble, until you have gotten to the top layer of crumble. Put it in the oven for 15-30 minutes, once done let it cool for 10 minutes and serve it on the same day along with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
S'more Casserole
Hoping for a taste of the woods while still inside? This oven roasted, marshmallow toasted, graham cracker crumbled, milk chocolate melted S'more Casserole is the way to go. This recipe can serve a wondrous delight to four people. This majestic project needs supplies and ingredients such as cooking spray, casserole dish, 1 cup large marshmallows, 3 milk chocolate bars broken into squares, 5 graham crackers broken into rectangles, and a ¼ cup of semisweet chocolate chips that have been melted. Preheat the oven to 400° and grease the casserole dish with cooking spray. Add half of marshmallows to the prepared dish, then top with half of chocolate squares and half of the graham crackers. Repeat this onto the top of the last. Bake Casserole for 5-12 minutes, or until marshmallows are golden brown and the chocolate has melted. Drizzle the top of the Casserole with the melted semi sweet chocolate and serve.
Easy Cake Pops
Cake Pops are a great project that are hands on and wonderful. This is a simple version since it may be too complicated to do this project in its original form as a Quarantine Sweet Treat,. This version involves a box cake and pre-made frosting, as well as cake pop sticks and candy melts or CandyQuik—both of which can be bought online. Make the cake and then follow this video process for further instruction and explanations on making these simple cake pops in a step-by-step opportunity.
Cake Pops are a great project that are hands on and wonderful. This is a simple version since it may be too complicated to do this project in its original form as a Quarantine Sweet Treat,. This version involves a box cake and pre-made frosting, as well as cake pop sticks and candy melts or CandyQuik—both of which can be bought online. Make the cake and then follow this video process for further instruction and explanations on making these simple cake pops in a step-by-step opportunity.
Puppy Chow
This might not sound like it is made for humans, let alone be a delicious treat, but I have to say that it is. You will need Chex cereal, chocolate chips, creamy peanut butter, unsalted butter, and powdered sugar. There are alternatives for the peanut butter for people with peanut allergies. Almond, Cashew, and Sunflower Butter, are alternative options although they may change the consistency and flavor of your treat. Measure out 10 cups of Chex cereal and put that into a bowl to set aside. In another bowl, mix 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips, ⅔ cup of peanut butter or the alternative of your choice, ¼ cup of unsalted butter, 1 tsp vanilla extract, and a ½ tsp of kosher salt. Then melt this mix on the stove or in the microwave, and pour it onto the Chex cereal. Stir the cereal until it is completely coated and then pour the whole mixture into a large zip lock bag. Then add 1-2 cups of powdered sugar into the bag. Shake together the mixed cereal with the powdered sugar until it is coated in the powder, and set to cool. Enjoy!
This might not sound like it is made for humans, let alone be a delicious treat, but I have to say that it is. You will need Chex cereal, chocolate chips, creamy peanut butter, unsalted butter, and powdered sugar. There are alternatives for the peanut butter for people with peanut allergies. Almond, Cashew, and Sunflower Butter, are alternative options although they may change the consistency and flavor of your treat. Measure out 10 cups of Chex cereal and put that into a bowl to set aside. In another bowl, mix 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips, ⅔ cup of peanut butter or the alternative of your choice, ¼ cup of unsalted butter, 1 tsp vanilla extract, and a ½ tsp of kosher salt. Then melt this mix on the stove or in the microwave, and pour it onto the Chex cereal. Stir the cereal until it is completely coated and then pour the whole mixture into a large zip lock bag. Then add 1-2 cups of powdered sugar into the bag. Shake together the mixed cereal with the powdered sugar until it is coated in the powder, and set to cool. Enjoy!
Fruit Skewers
With Fruit Skewers, you can keep it simple or you can go complex. This is a project of personalization, you can’t go wrong with the flavors and you can explore with any design. You can use any number of fruits, and only the fruits you like. Keep in mind that some fruits may soften and or brown sooner than others. It is suggested that you use firmer fruit, but make sure the fruit is still ripe and full of flavor. Avoid using apples, bananas, and pears since they oxidize. The only materials you would need are kebab skewers and any desired fruits. I recommend sorting the fruit along a flat surface so you are organized and prepared for wherever your mind takes you.
With Fruit Skewers, you can keep it simple or you can go complex. This is a project of personalization, you can’t go wrong with the flavors and you can explore with any design. You can use any number of fruits, and only the fruits you like. Keep in mind that some fruits may soften and or brown sooner than others. It is suggested that you use firmer fruit, but make sure the fruit is still ripe and full of flavor. Avoid using apples, bananas, and pears since they oxidize. The only materials you would need are kebab skewers and any desired fruits. I recommend sorting the fruit along a flat surface so you are organized and prepared for wherever your mind takes you.
Savory
Breads
If you are looking for a baking project that leaves plenty of room for personalization, then bread might be just what you’re looking for!. Now, there are a million varieties of bread in the world, so this is just a reminder that bread is an option. I will give you a plain bread dough recipe and I will let your imagination take over for the rest. For a simple bread recipe, you will need warm water, granulated sugar, instant or active dry yeast, salt, vegetable or canola oil and flour. Here is a recipe made with simple ingredients & detailed instructions showing how to make bread. A homemade bread recipe for both beginners and expert bakers. Click here for more!
Quiche
A simple base of shredded cheese, premade piecrust lemon juice, piecrust, eggs, milk, and salt. Adding any savory toppings that you desire into your egg pie. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Spread an even layer of cheese along the bottom of the piecrust, and set aside until needed. Beat eggs, milk, salt and thyme in a medium-sized bowl until blended. Then, carefully pour the mixture over the cheese, filling in the piecrust. Place the quiche in the center of the oven and bake for about 30-40 minutes, or until the center of quiche is almost set, but jiggles slightly when dish is gently shaken. Another trick to know when it’s done is to insert a knife near the center of quiche, and if it comes out clean, it’s good to go!. Let the quiche stand for 5 minutes and then cut into even wedges. If you do not have access to a premade piecrust, here is a recipe for making a homemade quiche crust. On this website, press the pink “recipe” button underneath “Quiche Crust”, for the best instructions.
Breads
If you are looking for a baking project that leaves plenty of room for personalization, then bread might be just what you’re looking for!. Now, there are a million varieties of bread in the world, so this is just a reminder that bread is an option. I will give you a plain bread dough recipe and I will let your imagination take over for the rest. For a simple bread recipe, you will need warm water, granulated sugar, instant or active dry yeast, salt, vegetable or canola oil and flour. Here is a recipe made with simple ingredients & detailed instructions showing how to make bread. A homemade bread recipe for both beginners and expert bakers. Click here for more!
Quiche
A simple base of shredded cheese, premade piecrust lemon juice, piecrust, eggs, milk, and salt. Adding any savory toppings that you desire into your egg pie. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Spread an even layer of cheese along the bottom of the piecrust, and set aside until needed. Beat eggs, milk, salt and thyme in a medium-sized bowl until blended. Then, carefully pour the mixture over the cheese, filling in the piecrust. Place the quiche in the center of the oven and bake for about 30-40 minutes, or until the center of quiche is almost set, but jiggles slightly when dish is gently shaken. Another trick to know when it’s done is to insert a knife near the center of quiche, and if it comes out clean, it’s good to go!. Let the quiche stand for 5 minutes and then cut into even wedges. If you do not have access to a premade piecrust, here is a recipe for making a homemade quiche crust. On this website, press the pink “recipe” button underneath “Quiche Crust”, for the best instructions.
Taco Cups
Ordinary taco night taken to a whole new bite-sized level: now let’s get right into the taco cup steps. Preheat the oven to 350°, and grease a muffin/cupcake pan with cooking spray. Stamp tortillas into circles with a 4 inch biscuit cutter. Place a tortilla circle into each cup of the muffin/cupcake pan, folding edges if needed. Set this aside and prepare your normal toppings and ingredients for the taco filling. Then layer any meat and or cheese onto each tortilla cup first, and bake for about 10 minutes, or until edges of tortillas are golden brown. Garnish with any other fillings that did not need heating or melting, and serve.
Grilled Cauliflower Mash
I can bet you have never eaten cauliflower in this magical form. You’ll need 1 head of cauliflower, 2 eggs (lightly beaten), ½ cup finely grated parmesan, lemon juice to taste, breadcrumbs, and oregano. First, cut off stems and leaves, leaving only the florets. Then finely chop the cauliflower until it is in small pieces. Put the cauliflower into the food processor or blender, process or blend the cauliflower until the texture resembles rice. In a medium bowl, combine processed cauliflower, eggs, parmesan, breadcrumbs to taste, and oregano. Mix until evenly combined and season with salt and pepper. Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat, put olive oil onto the skillet and spread it around. Place a scoop of the cauliflower mixture onto the skillet and form it into a small patty. Press down on the mixture with a spatula, and cook until golden underneath, about 5 minutes. Squirt with lemon juice for added flavor, flip, and cook other side until it is golden, 3 minutes. Repeat cooking process for as many times as are in the bowl, Serve.
Home Soft Pretzels
Soft pretzels are easier than you may think. For this recipe you will need 1½ cups of warm water, 1 packet or 2 ¼ teaspoons of active dry or instant yeast, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 large beaten egg, coarse salt for topping, 1 tablespoon granulated sugar, and 3 ¾ cups all purpose flour (add more for surface). Preheat oven to 425°F, line the pretzel baking sheet with parchment paper. The pretzels can stick to parchment, so give the parchment a light spray with nonstick spray or lightly grease with butter. Then set this aside until a further step. Dissolve the yeast in warm water and stir until fairly mixed, about one minute. Some clusters of yeast will remain, add in the salt and sugar, then stir until fairly combined. Slowly add 3 cups of flour, one cup at a time. Mix with a wooden spoon until the pretzel dough is thick, add ¾ cup more flour until the dough is no longer sticky. Poke the dough with your finger, if the dough bounces back it is ready for kneading. For the rest of this recipe visit Sally's Baking Addiction.
Cooking is a wonderful thing, to personalize your own creation of ingredients and love. Like everything else in life, you have to practice in order to master whatever you are trying to make or do. I chose foods that can be changed or modified in order to continue in practice and launch into the world of creativity.
Ordinary taco night taken to a whole new bite-sized level: now let’s get right into the taco cup steps. Preheat the oven to 350°, and grease a muffin/cupcake pan with cooking spray. Stamp tortillas into circles with a 4 inch biscuit cutter. Place a tortilla circle into each cup of the muffin/cupcake pan, folding edges if needed. Set this aside and prepare your normal toppings and ingredients for the taco filling. Then layer any meat and or cheese onto each tortilla cup first, and bake for about 10 minutes, or until edges of tortillas are golden brown. Garnish with any other fillings that did not need heating or melting, and serve.
Grilled Cauliflower Mash
I can bet you have never eaten cauliflower in this magical form. You’ll need 1 head of cauliflower, 2 eggs (lightly beaten), ½ cup finely grated parmesan, lemon juice to taste, breadcrumbs, and oregano. First, cut off stems and leaves, leaving only the florets. Then finely chop the cauliflower until it is in small pieces. Put the cauliflower into the food processor or blender, process or blend the cauliflower until the texture resembles rice. In a medium bowl, combine processed cauliflower, eggs, parmesan, breadcrumbs to taste, and oregano. Mix until evenly combined and season with salt and pepper. Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat, put olive oil onto the skillet and spread it around. Place a scoop of the cauliflower mixture onto the skillet and form it into a small patty. Press down on the mixture with a spatula, and cook until golden underneath, about 5 minutes. Squirt with lemon juice for added flavor, flip, and cook other side until it is golden, 3 minutes. Repeat cooking process for as many times as are in the bowl, Serve.
Home Soft Pretzels
Soft pretzels are easier than you may think. For this recipe you will need 1½ cups of warm water, 1 packet or 2 ¼ teaspoons of active dry or instant yeast, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 large beaten egg, coarse salt for topping, 1 tablespoon granulated sugar, and 3 ¾ cups all purpose flour (add more for surface). Preheat oven to 425°F, line the pretzel baking sheet with parchment paper. The pretzels can stick to parchment, so give the parchment a light spray with nonstick spray or lightly grease with butter. Then set this aside until a further step. Dissolve the yeast in warm water and stir until fairly mixed, about one minute. Some clusters of yeast will remain, add in the salt and sugar, then stir until fairly combined. Slowly add 3 cups of flour, one cup at a time. Mix with a wooden spoon until the pretzel dough is thick, add ¾ cup more flour until the dough is no longer sticky. Poke the dough with your finger, if the dough bounces back it is ready for kneading. For the rest of this recipe visit Sally's Baking Addiction.
Cooking is a wonderful thing, to personalize your own creation of ingredients and love. Like everything else in life, you have to practice in order to master whatever you are trying to make or do. I chose foods that can be changed or modified in order to continue in practice and launch into the world of creativity.
