Cheesy pigs in blankets 

These couldn’t be any easier. They require just three ingredients, don’t need any prep and are mess-free.

Not the Christmas variety of sausages wrapped in bacon, these are instead an American version where hot dog-style sausages – along with cheese – are encased in a puff pastry blanket.

Ingredients

(Makes 18)

• One sheet of puff pastry (approx 320g)
• Six hot dogs
• Six slices of cheese

We use Herta Classic Frankfurters, and Emmental cheese slices as they’re not too gooey but still melt really nicely. Cheddar slices would also work well.

Method

• Preheat oven to 220˚C (200c for a fan)
• Cook hotdogs as per packet instructions
• Get puff pastry to room temperature and slice into six rectangles

(Method continues after pictures)

• Place a slice of cheese on top of each rectangle leaving a margin of pastry
• Put the cooked hot dogs on top of the cheese and roll it up
• Slice each of your rolls into three even pieces and arrange on a baking tray lined with parchment paper

Grandma’s Biscuits

This is another very easy recipe with just four ingredients. It’s a great way to get the kids to eat oats. Mine aren’t huge fans but when incorporated into a biscuit, it’s a different story! You can ice these, but we don’t feel the need as they are nicely sweet just plain.

Ingredients

(makes 20)

• 55g of oats
• 110g of soft brown sugar
• 170g of Flora margarine
• 225g of self-raising flour

Method

• Pre-heat oven to 180c (160c for fan oven)
• Mix all the ingredients together and then roll the mixture into a sausage shape
• Cut discs about as long and thick as an adult’s little finger
• Press very gently onto a baking tray. Rustic is good!
• Bake for a maximum of 15 mins and allow to cool

Easy Baking Chocolate Cupcakes

Ingredients

• 100g plain flour
• 20g cocoa powder
• 140g caster sugar
• 1 ½ tsp baking powder
• 40g unsalted butter
• 120ml of milk
• 1 egg
• ¼ tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Method

• Preheat oven to 180c (160c fan)
• In a mixer, add the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, salt and butter. Beat until well combined. You could also use an electric hand whisk.
• In a jug, mix the milk, egg and vanilla extract. Gradually add half of this mixture to the dry ingredients while beating. Increase mixer speed then add the rest of the liquid. Mix briefly until smooth.
• Fill paper cake cases two-thirds full with the mixture. Bake for 20-25 minutes (until a skewer comes out clean).
• Leave to cool slightly then transfer to a wire rack to completely cool
• Make your favourite chocolate or plain buttercream icing (or buy one!) to top your cakes

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What are your go to baking recipes? Would love to hear in the comments below.

The post Three Easy Baking Recipes for Kids appeared first on The Parent Social.

The ritual of Afternoon Tea originated with the seventh Duchess of Bedford (Anna Maria Russell) in around 1840. The upper classes generally ate lunch at midday, but had dinner late in the evening. The Duchess – for one – experienced a big energy lull in the afternoon. On one occasion, she requested tea, bread and butter and cake be sent to her room to fill the void. It became a regular thing, which progressed to having guests for the occasion. The rest is history.

Creating your own Afternoon Tea at Home

Children love getting hands on in the kitchen and are more inclined to eat what they’ve prepared themselves. Plus the elements of an afternoon tea are very likely to appeal to even the fussiest of eaters.

The quality and presentation of your afternoon tea doesn’t need to rival The Ritz. The order of the day is to have fun and create an eating treat that’s a bit different to the norm.

Sandwiches

This is a special occasion so act posh and cut off the crusts (you can give those to the birds). Tea sandwiches are differentiated from normal ‘doorstep’ sandwiches because of their daintiness so think delicate, small fingers.

If you’re being a traditionalist then cucumber sandwiches are a must. However, don’t get hung up on authenticity just pick your favourite fillings. If you’re looking for inspiration, these are the current top 10 sandwiches for afternoon tea according to Afternoontea.co.uk:

1. Smoked Salmon & Cream Cheese
2. Egg Mayonnaise & Cress
3. Chicken & Mayonnaise
4. Cucumber & Cream Cheese
5. Cheese & Chutney
6. Ham & Mustard
7. Prawn & Mayonnaise
8. Beef & Horseradish
9. Tuna & Mayonnaise
10. Roasted Vegetables & Cream Cheese 

Scones

Sweet scones served with clotted cream and jam (but which first!???) are the traditional component of afternoon tea, but I love a savoury scone. Here are recipes for both.

Classic scones

https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/classic-scones-jam-clotted-cream

Cheese scones

https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/classic-cheese-scones

…and if garlic and a more rustic feel is your thing check out the recipe for Garlic cheese scones. On the savoury theme, we also love pancetta and cheese muffins. Check out our recipe below.

Pastries and cakes

Here the possibilities are endless from humble vanilla fairy cakes, lemon drizzle and chocolate cup cakes to brandy snaps, mini Victoria sponges and meringues. Go with your preferences and let your imagination run wild. I also add biscuits to the mix, and I’m quite partial to a macaroon!

If it feels like sweet overload, I think Pizzette (mini puff pastry pizzas) make a great savoury option. Here’s our recipe.

Going out for Afternoon Tea

If you’re not so keen on the DIY approach then lots of places offer child-friendly afternoon tea experiences. Hotels such as The Savoy, The Langham and The Ritz all offer tailored ones for younger guests as does the iconic Aqua Shard. Lots of garden centres offer them and there are even special Afternoon Tea busses and river cruises where you can sightsee at the same time. Childrens’ Afternoon Teas are often themed and I’ve seen everything from Peter Pan, Alice in Wonderland and Charlie & The Chocolate Factory to sci-fi, the potion rooms of Harry Potter and Sherlock Holmes!

I have my eye on The Luxury Family Hotels’ Matilda Afternoon Tea, which is done in partnership with The Roald Dahl Story Company.

The post National Afternoon Tea Week 2022 appeared first on The Parent Social.