Some Valentine’s Day recipes are Pinteresting and some are totally Insta-worthy. But others aren’t exactly on the level of a professional baker, and that’s okay. It’s fun to cook with the kids and not worry about creating those picture-perfect treats, so long as you create picture-perfect memories. Helping out in the kitchen is a super-simple way to inspire creativity and help your kiddo explore math and science concepts. Spend some QT with your sweetie (AKA your child) and whip up some of these Valentine’s Day treats.
Large Batch Strawberry Cupcakes
It’s almost the school V-Day party, and your kiddo wants to actually bake the treats you signed up to bring. This large batch strawberry cupcake recipe is the pretty pink solution. Your child can measure, mix, stir, and cover these little gems with colorful sprinkles. (via Sprinkle Bakes)
Donut S’mores Sundae
You can’t get much more decadent than this. The traditional s’more graham sandwich stacker gets a Valentine’s Day upgrade with donuts, ice cream, and sweet little heart-shaped sprinkles. Just watch out for the sugar rush. (via Mini Monets and Mommies)
Valentines Hearts Milk Ice Cubes
Add a splash of science into your kitchen fun with this easy Valentine’s Day recipe. Your curious kid can explore the liquid to solid (and eventually solid to liquid) transformation with these oh-so-cute cubes. (via A Subtle Revelry)
Strawberry Love Bugs
These adorable strawberries add a pinch of healthy eating to your Valentine’s Day treat-making. And then there are the creatively cute faces. Your littles can let their imaginations run loose in creating different love bug characters. (via Wing It Vegan)
Red Velvet Pancakes
Desserts aren’t the only treats that scream, “Hey, it’s Valentine’s Day!” Start the day off with these hearty (literally) pancakes. Even though your tot can’t help you with the cooking, they can do the measuring and mixing for you. (via Baking Bites)
Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookie Cups
So you say you want to go with a non-traditional Valentine’s Day treat. You can forget about the candy hearts and chocolate roses in this one. Turn your kiddo’s fave sandwich into a sweet treat, and make it festive by using a strawberry, raspberry, or another berry red jelly. (via Liv for Cake)
Cherry Funfetti Valentine Cookies
Spending a chilly February day in a warm kitchen with your mini chef is the picture of perfection. And so are these cookies. They’re cherry-licious, funfetti-filled, and easy to bake. (via Amy’s Healthy Baking)
Chocolate-Strawberry Hugs
This oatmeal yumminess is great for Valentine’s Day morning. It’s a step above plain cereal (okay, several steps above it) and easy to put together with your child. (via Chocolate Covered Katie)
Mermaid Seashell Macarons
Don’t worry about taking a fancy French pastry-baking class before trying this recipe out; you can use store-bought macarons. Choose a Valentine’s Day color/flavor and put these beauties together for a holiday party at home with family and friends. (via Aww Sam)
Back in January, we introduced you to a feel-good cause to inspire your New Year's resolution: a walking challenge to help raise funds for the amazing cancer fighters at The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. I took part in the challenge with the Brit + Co team and ended up walking 105+ miles in January — it was awesome.
This spring, there's a new challenge on the horizon, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Big Climb. The ask: On May 15, 2021, you can step up to take cancer down by committing to climb 1,311 steps, walking 3.2 miles, or doing 440 chair step-ups at home as part of the Big Climb. If you need some motivation to bring movement back into your daily routine — look no further!
As always, it's free to sign up, but climbers are encouraged to set a fundraising goal to help beat cancer. We'll be organizing another Brit + Co team to step up, and I hope you'll join us too! Keep scrolling for a peek at where I'll be completing the challenge in my Los Angeles neighborhood around the hidden Silver Lake Stairs. Happy climbing!
Never underestimate the power of an accountability buddy! I asked my in-laws, my partner, and a few friends to join me so we can keep each other motivated and accountable in completing the challenge — virtual high-fives all around! Also, my dog Fox is a great climber, too.
An aesthetically pleasing backdrop is a huge motivator for me! I'm fortunate to have all sorts of painted steps around my neighborhood to keep the challenge interesting, but you can also keep cool inside with at-home chair step-ups.
Don't forget to share your progress on social — #BigClimb!
Feel free to break the challenge up if you need to by tackling half the distance in the AM and half at sunset. Here's me 1,311 steps later and ready for a break — but, think I earned this one!
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