Baking with kids can turn you into a person that you don’t recognize. There’s the prep (why so many questions?), the instructions that aren’t followed in order, the fighting over who scoops the what into the where, the power control that a mature adult would admit to having over all of it, and oh the mess! In reality, many of us secretly desire to be the kind of parent who embraces the chaos of flour flying and end up with dog bone-shaped cookies that raise a few eyebrows. Baking together can be a meaningful bonding experience. It promotes teamwork, and confidence and might even ignite a little light into the next Duff Goldman. Add to that, it’s an excellent cozy rainy-day activity and one to turn to when a break is needed from summer busyness.
To make a baking session with the kids just a little easier, reach for recipes with short ingredient lists, basic instructions, and on occasion no need for the oven. How about one that the dog can taste test? Set your baking team up with these simple, basic yet delicious (Max the mutt gives them 5 paws!) recipes for homemade dog treats. There are few sweeter combinations than kids and dogs and when you can get the ball rolling, then let the little ones run with it, everyone is happy, especially the fur babies. Perhaps these will help you tip your toes into the patient baking waters making it a bit more manageable for you to look away when the bowl isn’t thoroughly scraped and enjoy the sweet parts of creating something together.
Birthday Cake for your Pup
Ingredients:
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1 egg
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4 tablespoons peanut butter
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1/2 cup apple chopped fine
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1/2 teaspoon baking powder
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Grease a ramekin and set aside. Combine all ingredients and mix well. Pour batter into a ramekin and sprinkle a few apple slices on top. Bake for 20 minutes.
No-Bake Peanut Butter Balls
Ingredients:
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1 cup pumpkin puree
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1/4-1/3 cup peanut butter
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1/4 cup milk or half and half
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3 cups oatmeal
Directions:
In a bowl, mix pumpkin puree, peanut butter, and milk on medium for 1 minute. Gradually add 2 1/2 cups oatmeal and stir. Use a small scoop or spoon to create 1/4-inch balls. Roll balls into remaining 1/2 cup oats to lightly top. Place into a closed container and refrigerate.