Baking Up Some Family Fun at Home This February

Mmmmm, what smells better than something in the oven? Our real estate agents will assure you that many potential buyers have been attracted by the aroma of freshly baked cookies in the kitchen. Why not enjoy that same sensation while spending some quality time with your loved ones to celebrate National Bake for Family Fun Month? Here are a few tasty treats that everyone can enjoy:

• Red Hot Baked Apples
  Not only are they quick and easy, but these delectable desserts offer a healthy, gluten-free alternative to traditional baked goods.

Ingredients: 

6 Apples

1/2 cup brown sugar, packed

1/2 cup Cinnamon imperial candies

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Pre-heat oven to 350°F and grease 8x8 baking pan. Slice off the tops of the apples and set the tops aside. Core apples, leaving about 1/2 inch intact at the bottom. Mix the remaining ingredients in a small bowl. Arrange the apples in the dish and fill them with the sugar mixture. Replace the tops and sprinkle all remaining mixture over the apples. Bake for 30 minutes. 

• Versatile Sugar Cookies
  This simple recipe is fun for kids of all ages and the cookies can be dressed up with your favorite icing or toppings but are delicious plain, too. 

Ingredients:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened

2/3 cup plus 3 tablespoons granulated sugar

2 cups plus 1 tablespoon flour

Preheat the oven to 325°F. Line two cookie sheets with baking parchment. Beat butter and sugar until evenly mixed. Add flour, a little bit at a time, and continue mixing until smooth. Use an ice cream scoop to make consistently sized balls. Roll the balls between your palms until they are round and place them in neat lines on the cookie sheet about two inches apart. Using the bottom of a glass, press them until they are about 1/4-inch thick. Bake for 14-16 minutes until golden brown around the edges. Cool for at least 10 minutes before removing them from the sheets.

• Baked French Toast

Start the weekend with a bang with this innovative method of making a traditional family favorite. 

Ingredients:

3 large eggs

3/4 cup milk

8 1-inch thick slices of French bread

2 tbsp sugar

1/2 tsp cinnamon

1/4 tsp vanilla

1/2 stick unsalted butter

Preheat oven to 400°F. In a small bowl, mix eggs, milk sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla. Melt butter in a 9" x 13" baking pan. One slice at a time, soak bread in the mixture and arrange them in the baking pan. Pour any leftover liquid over the bread. Bake for 15 minutes, then flip the bread and cook 10 more minutes. Serve with syrup or toppings of your choice.

• EZ Shortbread Cookies
  With just three ingredients and very little handling, these treats are a great option for inexperienced cooks. 

Ingredients:

1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature

1/2 cup sugar

2 cups flour

Preheat oven to 325°F. Beat butter and sugar until fluffy. Add flour a little at a time and beat until well mixed. Press dough into an ungreased 9-inch baking pan. Prick the top with a fork. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until light brown. Remove from oven and cut into squares, then let cool completely. 

• English Muffin Pizza
  Even picky eaters will want to make and eat their very own mini pizzas.

Ingredients:

4 split English muffins

1/2 cup canned pizza sauce

2 cups shredded mozzarella

16 slices pepperoni sausage

Preheat oven to 375°F. Spoon pizza sauce on each slice and spread them on a baking sheet. Top with mozzarella and pepperoni. Bake for 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly. 

If you're looking for a recipe to find a new kitchen or sell the one you have, contact us. We have plenty of options to share!