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Welcome to Bake for Family Fun Month 2024

The Home Baking Association has designated February as “Bake for Family Fun Month.” Each week you will find recommended recipes, baking activities and opportunities encouraging you to spend time in the kitchen as a family. From toddler to grandparent – baking is the perfect activity to share with loved ones. Select the week you’d like to celebrate below.

 

A Few Words of Advice:

Start with Simple Recipes: Begin your baking journey with straightforward recipes with minimal ingredients and steps. This will help you build a solid foundation and boost your confidence before tackling more complex treats. Here are a collection of “Beginner” rated recipes on our site.

Invest in Quality Ingredients: While simplicity is key, using high-quality ingredients can significantly enhance the flavor and texture of your baked goods. Fresh eggs, good-quality flour, and real butter can make a noticeable difference in the outcome.

Master the Basics of Measurement: Precision in measuring ingredients is crucial in baking. Invest in reliable measuring cups and spoons, and learn the difference between techniques like scooping and spooning flour. Consistency in measurement leads to consistency in your final product. View our resource Measurement Matters to learn more.

Understand Your Oven: Get to know your oven’s quirks and hotspots. Ovens can vary, and understanding how yours behaves will help you adjust temperatures and baking times accordingly. Consider using a Thermapen, or modifying the placement of your oven racks.

Don’t Fear Mistakes, Learn from Them: Baking is as much about experimentation as it is about following recipes. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes; view them as learning opportunities. Take note of what went wrong, adjust, and try again. Each mistake is a step toward becoming a more skilled baker. Good luck with your Bake for Family Fun Month adventure!

WEEK ONE Bake for Family Fun: Getting Started

Week One aims to serve as a refresher on the fundamentals of baking. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a novice in the kitchen, revisiting the basics is essential for building confidence and ensuring success in more complex recipes to come. Week One sets the stage for a month of shared experiences, delicious creations, and the joy of baking as a family.


Featured Recipes


This Blueberry Muffin recipe from King Arthur Baking is a perfect recipe for beginners!



Find easy, three-ingredient recipes for buscuits and rolls from Sunflour at Hopkinsville Milling



Banana Bread from Homegrown Family Foods is delicious, healthy and easy to bake! Try it today!

WEEK TWO Bake for Family Fun: Bake for Your Valentine

Week Two is all about expressing love through the art of baking, making it the perfect time to whip up delightful treats for those you care about. Whether you’re crafting heart-shaped cookies, decadent chocolates, or a sentimental cake, this week encourages you to infuse your creations with warmth and affection.


The History of Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day is a holiday celebrated on February 14th and is associated with love and affection. Its history dates back to the ancient Roman Empire and has evolved over time to become the holiday it is today.

There are several theories about the origin of Valentine’s Day. One popular theory is that it was named after Saint Valentine, a Christian martyr who lived in the 3rd century. According to legend, Saint Valentine performed secret marriages for soldiers who were forbidden to marry, and he was later put to death for his actions. The day he died, February 14th, became associated with his legacy of love and devotion.

In the 14th and 15th centuries, Valentine’s Day began to be celebrated as a holiday of romantic love in Europe. The tradition of sending love letters and gifts, such as flowers and chocolates, developed during this time.

Today, Valentine’s Day is a time to celebrate the people and relationships that bring joy to our lives.

Featured Resources

BAKING ACTIVITY/LESSON
Field-To-Table STEAM Packet
Check out this Field-to-Table STEAM Packet from The Sugar Association


FUN FACTS ABOUT VANILLA
Vanilla: From Vine to Your Kitchen
Read these fun facts from Rodelle


CHILDREN’S BAKING BOOK
Illustrated How To Baking for Kids
Check out this award-winning book from the Home Baking Association.

Featured Recipes


Express yourself with these sweet & sassy Conversation Heart Cookies from C&H Sugar.


Deliciously decadent, these Shawnee Mills Double Chocolate Cherry Brownies will bring love and joy to your family this Valentine’s Day!



These darling magenta-hued cupcakes are brilliantly colored all the way through. The red color comes from pureeing freshly roasted beets. Stone-Buhr sure knows how to make Red Velvet Cupcakes!

Featured Resources

THE BEST PIZZA CRUST
How to get the best crust imaginable!
Better browning starts with your baking surface.


THE STORY OF WHEAT!
Nebraska Wheat shares the story
of wheat from farm to table. Grades 3-5


MAIN CHARACTERISTICS OF FLOUR
Learn how the main characteristics of flour
each play a role in the absorption, development, and quality of dough.

WEEK THREE Bake for Family Fun: Baking History and Traditions

This week invites you to explore the rich heritage of baking, from time-honored recipes passed down through generations to the cultural traditions that have shaped our favorite treats. Use this time to connect with the past through your current exploration and joy of baking.


Travel the World in Your Kitchen

Baking has been a staple of human culture for thousands of years, with evidence of bread-making dating back to the Neolithic period. Over time, the process of baking has evolved and been influenced by various cultures, technologies, and ingredients.

It is important to reflect on the history and traditions of baking. If you haven’t already, check out our blog post on Why Baking History and Traditions Are Important.

Cultural exploration offers an opportunity for children to become healthy and active participants in an ever-shrinking global community. Students develop an understanding of and respect for diversity across cultures, ethnic groups, geographic regions and social roles.

Featured Recipes


Grandma Schmidt’s Sugar Cookie recipe dates back to 1919! Download this free cookbook from Washington Wheat Foundation to get the recipe!


Bannock is a traditional bread found throughout North American indigenous cuisine of the Inuit and other First Nation peoples.



Kolaczki Cookies are a traditional Polish cream cheese cookie. The cookie dough almost mimics a pastry and is filled with a variety of fillings.

Featured Resources

WHY BAKE WITH GLASS?
Excellent resource from Anchor Hocking
Choosing the right bakeware makes a world of difference!


KING CAKE FOR MARDI GRAS!
Learn about this traditional King Cake with
a surprise inside! Thanks Domino Sugar!


CHILDREN’S INTERNATIONAL COOKBOOK
Illustrated children’s cookbook about
world food & culture. Recipes, folktales, activities & more!

WEEK FOUR Bake for Family Fun: Baking for Others

Week Four encourages us to spread joy and kindness by sharing our delicious creations with friends, neighbors, or those in need. Whether you’re baking for a local charity, surprising a friend with a thoughtful treat, or simply sharing goodies with your community, this week celebrates the joy of giving through the art of baking.

Why Should We Bake to Give?

Affordable: Baked goods are an affordable gift option, especially if you make them yourself. You can get creative and make a variety of items with just a few basic ingredients and tools. You can also choose to make a large batch of something, which can be divided and shared among multiple recipients.

Customizable: Baked goods can be customized to suit the recipient’s tastes and preferences. For example, you can add their favorite flavors, colors, and toppings to make it a truly unique and special gift.

Fresh and delicious: Fresh-baked goods are always a hit, whether it’s a warm, gooey cookie, or a fluffy cake. They’re a perfect way to indulge someone’s sweet tooth and bring a touch of comfort to their day.

Suitable for all occasions: Baked goods are suitable for all occasions, whether it’s a birthday, holiday, or just to say thank you. They’re a great way to spread joy and bring people together. Learn more about Baking to Give here!

Featured Recipes


An easy and tasty spin on traditional pizza. Sausage, egg & melted cheese on top of pizza dough. Make this breakfast for someone you love.


Easy on the budget and easy to prepare, Healthy Homemade Bread recipe is a National Festival of Breads finalist.



Every baker needs a Master Vanilla Cake recipe and this is it! Learn how to make Bigger Bolder Baking’s Vanilla Birthday Cake recipe.

Featured Resources

LEARN ABOUT ALTERNATIVE FLOURS
Ardent Mills has a wealth of information
about alternative flours and grains.


SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES!
Learn about 2024 scholarship
opportunities from Colorado Wheat!


NORTH DAKOTA MILL: 100 YEARS
Learn about North Dakota Mill as they
celebrate their 100th year anniversary!

Free Cookbooks

BEST OF WHEAT COOKBOOK
Check out this incredibly informative cookbook
The Best of Wheat
from Oklahoma Wheat Commission.


JIFFY MIXES RECIPES
All of your favorite Jiffy Mix recipes
in this free book! Allow 3 weeks for delivery.


BAKE UP A SMILE COOKBOOK
Whether you are new to baking with yeast
or a seasoned pro, these recipes are sure
to Bake up a Smile for kids and adults alike.

Do you know how sugar cane is processed to make sugar? Do you know what Prairie Gold is? Have you ever wondered how flour makes its way from farm to table? The Home Baking Association members have you covered in this informative resource guide created just for Bake for Family Fun Month. Check it out!

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