The way families spend their leisure time has changed dramatically in the last few years. Instead of piling into the car to drive to an adventure, many families are focusing on activities at home.
Our agents have noticed trends that are pulling families away from the TV set and into the kitchen, offering several benefits. February is National Bake for Family Fun Month and the perfect time for the whole family to gather in the kitchen for some baking fun.
Bolster Education
Reinforce math and reading skills by having younger children follow recipes while helping in the kitchen. Recipes can be halved or doubled, measurements are in partial cups or tablespoons, and recipes can be read aloud. Do you have teenagers that claim they already know how to read? Hand them Grandma's favorite cookie recipe written in cursive on a 3-by-5 card and see how well they can manage!
Share Practical Skills
Young children can improve manual dexterity by sifting flour, measuring ingredients, and stirring batter. They love rolling out cookie dough and using cookie cutters to make pretty Valentine's Day treats. Older children can learn to separate eggs, use electric mixers, and safe oven use. Teenagers are happier to spend time with the family when the activity ends with tasty treats.
Create Family Traditions
For many of us, licking the beaters when Mom baked a cake is one of our fondest memories. Whether you're maintaining family traditions or making new ones, you're definitely creating memories. The end product doesn't have to be perfect. You might be laughing 20 years from now about the time someone added salt instead of sugar or burned the bread to a crisp. No lesson is without value and nothing beats positive family time. Family cooking activities are the best way to preserve family recipes and the traditions that they represent.
Start with Something Simple
It's OK to pop a tube of orange cinnamon rolls for a sweet Saturday morning breakfast or open a box of brownie mix for dessert. If you're ready for greater adventures, try these delicious lemon cut-outs from Taste of Home magazine. Remember, this is supposed to be fun, so select an option that is appropriate for your children's ages and skills. A pineapple dump cake might fill that bill. Just pour an angel food cake mix into a pan and mix in a 20-ounce can of crushed pineapple. Pour into a greased 13 x 9-inch cake pan. Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes or until it's golden brown. You can dress up the appearance if you wish by dusting the top with powdered sugar.
Don't Forget Savory
You don't have to turn family baking into a sugar fest. Letting kids make their own dinners does more than instill pride. You may find they are more willing to eat healthy if they do the cooking. Can't imagine them eating spinach? They might surprise you thanks to an impossible pie recipe. Kids of all ages will enjoy making their own pizzas. Heat the oven to 400 degrees and line a baking sheet with foil. Place English muffins on the foil, split side up. Spray olive oil cooking spray on each, then top with a spoonful of premade pizza sauce. Add toppings of your choice, such as pepperoni slices, mushrooms, black olives, or chopped onions. Finish with a top layer of grated mozzarella cheese. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until cheese is bubbling. Let cool before serving.
If you're looking at our many Ridgewood homes for sale, you'll find that many of them offer beautiful kitchens, perfect for family activities. Contact us for more information.
