Fun baking ideas to try when a snowstorm hits
Winter is a great time to get outside and enjoy the outdoors, but some days, that’s just not possible. Luckily, Canadian Tire and Yahoo are here to help. From family-friendly recipes to make when you’re snowed in to games to keep kids of all ages entertained indoors, we’re bringing you everything you need for the season.
Whether you’re a first-timer or veteran baker, getting creative in the kitchen, with your loved ones in tow, is a great way to have fun — even if the weather outside is frightful.
With more time than ever being spent indoors, it’s high time to add a couple more recipes to your roster. Branch out from grandma’s famous shortbread cookies and sink your teeth into tasty scones, crunchy peppermint bark, gingerbread and more — bonus points if you can use up some of those leftover holiday treats we know you still have lying around.
Next time that snowstorm hits, you’ll want to make sure you have these delectable confections down pat. Check out some of our favourite wintery baked goods, below.
Classic shortbread cookies
Some recipes just don’t need to be messed with, and one of those is the Classic Shortbread Cookie. Soft, subtle and deliciously buttery, this is one recipe you’ll want to have on hand always. It’s also a great place to start for a beginner baker, which makes it a no-fail family baking night recipe.
For this easy recipe (you need only three ingredients), you’ll need a hand mixer. Once incorporated, bake for just 12 to 15 minutes on a cookie sheet with parchment paper and you have yourself a perfect dessert, or morning snack with your coffee. The Wilton Gourmet Choice Large Cookie Sheet is perfect for baking in big batches, and won’t warp over time.
Cranberry eggnog scones
Few things are as tasty as cranberries and eggnog, which is why these Cranberry Eggnog Scones make the perfect breakfast for blustery winter morning. A simple scone recipe that simply subs eggnog for cream, with the addition of dried cranberries, is sure to win your family over — and use up some of that leftover eggnog you’re sick of drinking! Better yet, the dough can be prepared with just one mixing bowl and a pastry blender. Once all ingredients are combined, knead the on your countertop and use a sharp knife, like this Paderno Montgomery Chef’s Knife, to cut them into wedges. Once baked, toss them on a cooling rack, where they’ll need to sit for a few minutes before being served up fresh.
Easy chocolate cake
What kid doesn’t love a chocolate cake? This traditional recipe is as easy as it is tasty. We’re big fans of this one-bowl recipe, which make things even more simple, especially for families in a smaller space. All you need is a couple of cake pans and a large mixing bowl.
Tasty peppermint bark
If gifting desserts is your style, this finger-licking recipe for Peppermint Bark might be the one. It’s easy to make in large batches and separate into tins to leave with friends and families for birthdays, special occasions, or hey, just because. If you’ve never melted chocolate before, have no fear — it’s a lot easier than you think with the right equipment.
Fill the bottom of a large pot with water and bring it to a simmer before plating a large, heat-safe bowl on top. We recommend using a stainless steel mixing bowl that’ll stand up to the heat as you melt your chocolate. Toss your semi-sweet chocolate into the bowl and let them melt into ooey, gooey goodness before stirring in the peppermint extract of your choice. While that cools in a baking sheet, you’ll do the same with some white chocolate. Pour the white chocolate on top of the semi-sweet once it’s hardened, top with leftover candy canes from the holiday season and let cool before cutting and delivering — or, let’s be honest, keeping for yourself.
Gingerbread cookies
One of the best parts of holiday baking is decorating a gingerbread man or five — and the fun doesn’t have to end just because Christmas is over. While they’re often thought of as a seasonal treat, classic gingerbread cookies are a kid-friendly treat that can be enjoyed any time of year. They’re just as fun to decorate at any time of year (encourage your kids to “dress up” the gingerbread people to reflect their personalities), so make sure you have the right ingredients on hand next time a snowstorm hits.
Beat together butter, brown sugar and molasses with a handy paddle attachment for your stand mixer, followed by beating in your egg and vanilla on high speed. Once the dry ingredients are incorporated in a separate bowl, combine wet and dry, and wrap the divided dough in plastic wrap and let chill for at least three hours. Then, all you need to do is roll out the dough with a rolling pin, cut your shapes, bake and get to decorating.
