Bake for Family Fun Month

What’s better than waltzing into the house and smelling that delicious aroma of—whatever is in the oven? From cookies to cakes to muffins to fresh bread, baking homemade treats both warms the house and the soul. This February, be sure to embark on a baking adventure with your family—whether for Valentine’s Day, a single night, or a month-long activity, it’s sure to bring you closer and provide many lasting memories.

To get started, decide what you want to bake and when. Are you going to bake something delicious for dinner, like homemade lasagna? How about something scrumptious for the school bake sale or Valentine’s Day, like raspberry brownies or a heart-shaped cookie cake? Whatever you choose, be sure to purchase all of your ingredients beforehand.

With the day of lovers looming so near, recipes for sweetheart treats can be found everywhere. Epicurious is a great source for Valentine culinary creations. Joy of Baking features plenty of sweets and treats, from elegant truffles to raspberry tarts to the perfect sugar cookie. If nothing else, simply searching for “Valentine’s Baking” or “Valentine’s recipes” will yield thousands of results. You can easily work your way through your loved one’s heart through his or her stomach!

But what about the rest of the month? Here are some ideas to make every day a baking day this month.

Make one-dish baked meals. Not only are these easy to prepare, they’ll also help warm your bones during the chilliest of evenings. Start breakfast with a scrumptious baked breakfast pizza, casserole, or frittata. End the day with some homemade baked mac ‘n cheese or delicious tetrazzini.

Involve the family. Give everyone a job to do—even toddlers can help measure ingredients or stir. Involving them in the kitchen is one of the best ways to teach them self sufficiency and independence.

Go with a theme. Have Italian for one week, then Mexican the next. Experiment with meals you normally wouldn’t, like a Greek lamb roast.

Bake dessert while eating dinner. This will get mouths watering even before the mashed potatoes have run out! An apple pie, banana nut bread, or even chocolate cookies will be a welcome, warm edition to the end of your special evening time together as a family.

Share your baked goodness. Wrap up what you don’t eat and, instead of using it throughout the week to pack on pounds, donate it to a shelter or share with a neighbor. Even dieters can enjoy a treat if they don’t overindulge and give the rest away.