Baking with kids is more than just a delightful kitchen activity; it’s an opportunity to create lasting memories, foster creativity, and teach valuable life skills. As festivals approach, I am always thinking of ways to integrate baking into the festivities and traditions. My drivers of incorporating baking into my festivities have been:
- Learning Through Play:
- Baking engages children in hands-on learning. They explore measurements, follow recipes, and observe chemical reactions (like dough rising or cookies browning).
- Math and science concepts come alive as they measure ingredients, understand temperature, and witness transformations.
- Life Skills and Independence:
- Baking teaches patience, attention to detail, and perseverance. Kids learn to follow step-by-step instructions and troubleshoot when things don’t go as planned.
- As they gain confidence, they become more independent in the kitchen, which is a valuable life skill.
- Quality Family Time:
- Baking together strengthens family bonds. It’s a chance to slow down, chat, and enjoy each other’s company.
- Festivals provide the perfect backdrop for baking traditions. Whether it’s making gingerbread cookies for Christmas or challah for Hanukkah, these shared moments become cherished memories.
Every Holi I bake these Thandai Muffins with my daughter and I'm sharing this easy recipe for you to bake with your little ones. I would recommend that with younger kids, under 4 years, to assemble all the ingredients first and focus on the pouring and mixing steps. Older kids would for sure enjoy the weighing and measuring steps as well. This recipe is not written in the traditional recipe format so that it can be broken down into easy steps for kids to follow. Remember, it’s not about perfection; it’s about the process and the joy it brings. So, gather your little bakers, put on your aprons, and create sweet memories together!
Thandai Mix:
The following will make more than what is needed for the muffins but mix the extra with milk and enjoy as a fun summer drink! You can also use store bought Thandai Mix. Grind together the following to make a smooth mix.
20 Almonds
1/4 cup Cashews
2 tablespoons Pistachios
1 teaspoon Fennel
1 teaspoon Poppy Seeds
5 Peppercorns
1 large pinch Saffron
Muffin Recipe
Main Ingredients:
2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted (melt in microwave)
2 tablespoons Canola/Vegetable oil
1 Large Egg (room temperature)
3/4 teaspoon Lemon Juice
1/4 cup Milk (cold is ok, whole milk is preferred)
3/4 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
1/4 cup Sprinkles (more colorful the better)
1/4 cup White Chocolate Chips
Dry Mix ingredients:
1/2 cup Sugar
1-1/4 cup All Purpose Flour
1 teaspoon Corn Starch
1 teaspoon Baking Powder
1/4 teaspoon Salt
1-1/2 tablespoons Thandai Mix
Step 1. Preheat oven to 425F.
Step 2. Combine ¾ teaspoon lemon juice + enough milk to fill to ¼ cup line. Let the mix sit for about 10 mins. Milk will thicken and curdle to make buttermilk.
Step 3. Combine the melted butter and canola oil in a large bowl and stir well.
Step 4. Add egg and mix thoroughly until they; are well-combined, then stir in buttermilk and vanilla extract.
Step 5. Create the Dry Mix and whisk together to even out the mix:
Step 6. Using a spatula, gently fold the Dry Mix into the wet, taking care not to over-mix. Once the dry ingredients have been about half-way stirred into the wet, stir in any nuts, if using, chocolate chips and sprinkles and continue to fold into batter until just combined. (Save some for topping the muffins before baking.)
Step 7. Cover bowl with a dry towel and allow batter to rest for 15-60 minutes. (This is optional, it helps give the muffin tops a higher rise but you can put them straight in the oven)
Step 8. Fill muffin molds at least ¾ of the way full.
Step 9. Sprinkle tops with sprinkles and chocolate chips. (Let the kids have fun with this! It used to be my daughter's favorite part!)
Step 10. Bake on 425F for 8 minutes and then, without opening the oven door, reduce the oven temperature to 350F and bake another 12 minutes, or until tops are just beginning to turn golden brown.
Allow to cool and Enjoy!
Holi this year is on March 25th. Don't forget to share and tag @PinkBurfi on social media if you do make these!
Every child is different. Use your best judgment on your child’s ability and readiness. An adult should always supervise steps that involve sharp or hot tools and equipment.