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Showing posts sorted by date for query play dough. Sort by relevance Show all posts

Savory Monkey Bread Recipes

Monkey Business: The Rise of Savory Monkey Bread

Move over, cinnamon sugar, there's a new star in town! Savory monkey bread is taking the appetizer world by storm, and for good reason. This playful pull-apart bread offers endless possibilities for flavor combinations, making it the perfect finger food for any occasion.




Beyond the Bunch:

We all know and love the classic sweet monkey bread. But the beauty of this dish lies in its versatility. Swap the sugary coating for a savory herb butter or a cheesy dip, and you've got an instant crowd-pleaser.

A Recipe for Fun:

The best part about savory monkey bread is its ease. It's a recipe that allows you to get creative. Here are some tips to get you started:

  • Play with Dough: Use store-bought pizza dough, biscuit dough, or even leftover bread dough to create unique textures.
  • Flavor Frenzy: Explore a world of herbs, spices, and cheeses. From garlic and parmesan to sun-dried tomatoes and feta, the flavor combinations are endless.
  • The Dipping Point: Don't forget the dip! Pesto, marinara, or a simple herb butter add another layer of flavor and moisture.
Here are some of my favorite monkey bread recipes from around the web. Be sure to click through the links to view the full recipe.


Spicy Cheddar Pull Apart Bread by Small Town Woman



Garlic and Herb Pull Apart Loaf by CincyShopper

Garlic Monkey Bread by My Crazy Good Life

Cheese and Herb Monkey Bread by Curry Trail

Pizza Bubble Bread by Spend with Pennies




Maple Bacon Monkey Bread by Love Bakes Good Cakes

Jalapeno Cheddar Monkey Bread by We Dish It Up

Pizza Monkey Bread by Simply Stacie

Monkey See, Monkey Do:

Savory monkey bread is perfect for:

  • Game Days: A crowd-pleasing appetizer that goes perfectly with all your favorite game day eats.
  • Brunches: Take your brunch game to the next level with a savory twist on a classic breakfast food.
  • Potlucks: This easy-to-transport dish is sure to be a hit at any potluck gathering.

So ditch the ordinary and embrace the monkey business! With a little creativity, you can turn this playful pull-apart bread into a savory masterpiece that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Let's Get Baking!

Now that your taste buds are tingling, it's time to get your hands dirty! Dive into our collection of savory monkey bread recipes and discover a world of flavor possibilities. From cheesy classics to herb-infused delights, we have something for everyone. Happy baking!


Find more favorite recipes here:

Baked jalapeno poppers

Beef and pickle egg rolls



Healthier Easter Treats

Spring has sprung, Easter bells are ringing, and the urge to indulge in treats is undeniably strong! But this year, ditch the sugar crash and say hello to healthy Easter delights that satisfy your sweet tooth without compromising your well-being.



Forget the guilt of hollow bunnies and pastel-colored overload. This collection of healthy Easter treats is all about celebrating with vibrant flavors, guilt-free indulgence, and a touch of creativity.

Whether you're hosting a festive brunch, crafting adorable snacks for the little ones, or simply craving a nibble with your morning coffee, we've got you covered. Dive into our collection of recipes and discover a whole new world of Easter treats that are kind to your body and soul. Let's hop on the path to healthier (and infinitely tastier) Easter celebrations!

So grab your apron, gather your fresh ingredients, and get ready to whip up some treats that are as good for you as they are for your taste buds. Happy and healthy Easter baking! 

Be sure to click through the links to view the full recipe, and while you are there, pin the post for future holidays.

Gluten Free Carrot Cake Sugar Cookies by Strength and Sunshine

This sugar cookie recipe is allergy friendly and made with healthier ingredients to make a perfect Easter snack to share.


Prosciutto Wrapped Dates by Jam Jar Kitchen

Give your guests a well rounded easter snack that has the perfect ratio of meat to stuffed dates. These are elegant but so easy.


Gluten Free Cheese Straws by Kit’s Kitchen

This gluten free cheese straw recipe makes for the ultimate spring snack. These are so good that you might want to double the batch so everyone can grab another!


Banana Carrot Muffins by Garlic Salt and Lime

This muffin recipe is perfect for a healthy Easter snack. Not even the infamous bunny will be able to resist grabbing one of these!


Funfetti Protein Bites by Best Served Vegan

This recipe is sweet, tasty and packed with protein! If you love funfetti cake, then this recipe is going to be a favorite easy snack idea.


Bunny Rolls by Amanda’s Cookin’

Skip the sweet candies and cakes and opt for a simple yet so cute bread with these bunny style rolls. I imagine you aren’t going to be able to resist these!


Eggless Carrot Cake by Keep Calm and Eat Ice Cream

This carrot cake has no eggs in it, and is so tasty. You can consider this cake to be health food considering it has carrots, nuts and applesauce in it.


Grapefruit Bars by A Paige of Positivity

These bars are bright, fruity and so tasty. Adding grapefruit to baked goods is such a tasty idea for an Easter snack to share.


Easter Fruit Tray by Recipes from a Pantry

Offer fresh fruits on Easter Sunday for a healthier spread that doesn’t lack sweetness! This fruit tray will appeal to everyone!


Easter Snack Mix by Cincyshopper

This snack mix has candy in it sure, but the cereal has so many vitamins and minerals, and fiber, that this makes for a healthier offering!


Carrot Cake Bunny Tails by xoxo Bella

These bunny tails are perfectly portioned for a light snack. With nuts, carrots and coconut to help fill you up, you can enjoy this easter snack without the guilt.



Homemade Banana Pudding by Maplewood Road

This simple snack is perfect for after Easter dinner. It is fruity, creamy and the entire family will love digging into this goodie!


Hummingbird Muffins by A Grateful Meal

These hummingbird muffins make for such a tasty snack option. Pop these in a lunchbox, or grab one after work for a sweet pick me up that tastes like a spring dream.


Cottage Cheese Cheesecake by Hurry the Food Up

This cheesecake is unique and so much healthier! I know you are going to love the way this turns out for a spring snack.

 

While you are here check out some of my favorite recipes:

Homemade Play Dough Recipes: A Fun and Easy Way to Keep Kids Entertained

 Play Dough Recipes: A Fun and Easy Way to Keep Kids Entertained

Play dough is a great way to keep kids entertained for hours on end. It's also a great way to help them develop their fine motor skills and creativity. And best of all, it's easy to make at home with just a few simple ingredients.




Here are a few of our favorite play dough recipes:


Ice Cream Playdough by Bitz n Giggles

This playdough idea is perfect for a mess free ice cream play session with the kids.


Thanksgiving Playdough by Making Frugal Fun

Make this for the family feast, and give the kids something to do while they wait to have dinner!


Shimmer Makeup Playdoh by In the Playroom

Who knew you could make playdough with make up?! This is a fun idea for girls who love all things glam.


Cornstarch and Lotion Playdough by The DIY Nuts

This recipe makes for the softest playdough ever. You are going to want to squish this a few times before letting the kids have it.


Pumpkin Spice Playdough by Suburbia Unwrapped

Playdough is always fun, but when it smells of pumpkin spice, the experience is twice as nice.


Super Soft Fairy Dough by Little Bins for Little Hands

This recipe for fairy dough is so soft it feels nothing short of magical!


Glittery Pumpkin Pie Playdough by Retro Potluck

A pinch of glitter takes this pumpkin pie play dough experience to the next level.


Glow in the Dark Playdough by Our Wabi Sabi Life

This playdough glows in the dark for an incredibly fun experience for kids.


Kool Aid Playdough  by The Best Ideas for Kids

This playdough is made with kool aid for such a vibrant color!


Chocolate Play Doh by Rainy Day Mum

Make a batch of chocolate play doh for kids to play with!


5 Minute Playdough by Made in a Pinch

This recipe only takes 5 minutes to make and is just the thing for a rainy day activity!


Color Changing Playdough by STEAM Powered Family

This recipe makes for a magical color changing dough that kids are going to love to play with.


Extract Scented Play Doh by The Typical Mom

This dough is scented with extracts for a sensory experience that kids are going to love.


Glittery Blue Playdough by Tikkido

This glittery blue play doh is perfect for a Frozen themed play session.


Conditioner Playdough by Sweet Silly Sara

Make this recipe with conditioner for a really soft playdoh to share with the kids.





Play Dough Variations There are endless possibilities when it comes to play dough variations. Here are a few ideas: Add glitter or confetti for a festive touch. Add essential oils for a calming aroma. Add herbs or spices for a sensory experience. Add different types of flour for different textures. Add salt dough to make ornaments or other crafts. With a little creativity, you can make play dough that's perfect for your kids. So get started and have fun!

Find more play doh ideas here:
Play Doh Food Puzzles
Play Doh Pie Counting

Button Sorting Sensory Bag

Toddlers need sorting skills for a variety of reasons. Sorting helps them learn about the world around them, develop their fine motor skills, and improve their problem-solving skills.



Learning about the world around them

When toddlers sort objects, they are learning about the different characteristics of those objects. They are learning about colors, shapes, sizes, and textures. They are also learning about the relationships between objects. For example, they may learn that all of the blue objects go together, or that all of the small objects fit in the small container.

Developing fine motor skills

Sorting requires toddlers to use their fine motor skills. They need to be able to pick up small objects, hold them in their hands, and move them around. This helps to strengthen their muscles and improve their coordination.

Improving problem-solving skills

Sorting also helps toddlers to develop their problem-solving skills. When they are faced with a problem, such as how to sort a group of objects, they need to use their logic and reasoning skills to come up with a solution. This helps them to learn how to think critically and solve problems on their own.

If you would like to make a DIY sorting activity for your little learners, you might love this easy buttons sorting bag. You might have everything you need at home to make this easy and engaging activity.





Supplies:
A zipper seal baggie
Clear hair gel
Buttons
Markers


First, figure out what colors of buttons you have to work with. You will want to use coordinating markers to make this work.


Start by drawing a large circle with one color of marker.


Then repeat using all of your marker colors.


When you have used all of the colors of markers, add about 2 tablespoons of hair gel into the baggie. You don't need a lot; just a little to make the activity extra fun! Little hands will love the way the buttons glide thru the hair gel. Spread the gel out with your hands.


Add the buttons to the bag.


Seal the bag. You can secure the seal with duct tape if you like.


Encourage your toddler to sort the buttons by color, and maneuver the buttons into the circle.


This activity is so simple but so awesome for hands on learning because it combines sorting skills with fine motor work.

Fine motor skills are the small, precise movements of the hands and fingers. They are important for a variety of tasks, such as eating, writing, and playing musical instruments. Fine motor skills also play a role in cognitive development, as they require children to use their brains to coordinate their movements.

Here are some of the reasons why kids need fine motor skills:

  • To perform everyday tasks: Fine motor skills are essential for performing everyday tasks, such as eating, dressing, and using the bathroom. Children who have difficulty with fine motor skills may struggle with these tasks, which can lead to frustration and delays in development.
  • To learn: Fine motor skills are also important for learning. Children who have good fine motor skills are better able to hold a pencil, write neatly, and turn pages in a book. This can help them to learn more effectively in school.
  • To participate in activities: Fine motor skills are also important for participating in activities, such as playing sports, playing musical instruments, and doing arts and crafts. Children who have good fine motor skills are better able to participate in these activities, which can help them to develop their social skills and have fun.

There are many things that parents can do to help their children develop fine motor skills. Here are a few tips:

  • Provide opportunities for practice: One of the best ways to help children develop fine motor skills is to provide them with opportunities to practice. This could include giving them toys that require them to use their hands, such as blocks, puzzles, or play-dough.
  • Encourage exploration: Children learn best by exploring. Encourage your child to explore their environment and use their hands to interact with objects. This could include letting them help you cook, garden, or clean.
  • Be patient: It takes time for children to develop fine motor skills. Don't get discouraged if your child doesn't master a skill right away. Just keep providing them with opportunities to practice and they will eventually get there.

Fine motor skills are an important part of child development. By providing children with opportunities to practice and develop these skills, you can help them to succeed in school and in life.




Find more fine motor ideas here

Boredom Busters That Will Keep Your Kids Entertained for Hours

Boredom is a natural part of life, but it can be especially challenging for kids. When kids are bored, they may be more likely to engage in risky or destructive behaviors, such as getting into fights, using drugs or alcohol, or engaging in self-harm. Boredom can also lead to academic problems, such as poor grades and difficulty paying attention in class.

There are many benefits to offering boredom buster activities to kids. These activities can help kids:

  • Develop their creativity and problem-solving skills
  • Learn new things
  • Improve their social skills
  • Reduce stress and anxiety
  • Stay physically active
  • Have fun!



 Jello Playdough by Momma Lew

This play dough uses jello to make a recipe for fun with a great scent to it too!


Rock Painting Party by Mom Junky

This is the ultimate free boredom buster. Grab some rocks and paint, and what do you know? You have an impromptu party on your hands!


Minecraft Block 3D Art by Down Redbud Drive

Get the kids off the screens, with a minecraft craft that is sure to hold their interest as long as a video game can!


Seed Hearts by Bunny’s Garden

Spread some love and seeds with this adorable craft idea. 


Toy Car Wash by Craftidly 

Got dirty cars? Then create a space to tidy them up. This is a squeaky clean idea for fun!


Homemade Sidewalk Chalk by Pop Shop America

You may never buy sidewalk chalk again after checking out this tutorial. Summer fun will be chalked up as a great time.


Scribble Dice by Barley and Birch

Scribble and roll up a fun time when the kids feel restless with this unique activity.


Lego Fidget Spinner by Creative Green Living

Fidget spinners meet legos with this really engaging activity for kids. They will spin with pride at the chance to make their own fidget toy!


Cupcake Liner Jellyfish by Kids Activities Blog

This craft is great for the days when you miss the beach; it brings a cute jellyfish swimming into craft time with minimal supplies.


Cactus Rock Painting by Messy Momma Crafts

This is such a cute idea for rock painting and can double as much loved home decor too!


Toothpick Cacti by Mod Podge Rocks

This craft is perfect for older kids, and will have them making a prickly cactus to show off!


Plastic Bag Friendship Bracelets by Craftidly

Give plastic bags new life with this bracelet tutorial! This is a great upcycle project for kids.


Paracord Bracelets by Needlepointers

These bracelets make great fashion, and in a pinch can be used for actual rope in an emergency situation.

Galaxy Slime by Sweet Silly Sara

This is slimy, goopy and it glows in the dark for an out of this world experience kids will love.




Here are some tips for offering boredom buster activities to kids:

  • Make a list of different activities that your kids might enjoy. This list could include things like playing games, reading books, doing arts and crafts, going for walks, or playing sports.
  • Talk to your kids about what they would like to do when they are bored. This will help you to tailor the activities to their interests.
  • Be prepared to offer some guidance and support when your kids are trying new activities. This will help them to have a positive experience.
  • Make sure that the activities are safe and appropriate for your kids' age and interests.
  • Be patient and understanding. It may take some time for your kids to get used to doing things on their own.

Boredom buster activities can be a great way to keep kids entertained and engaged. They can also help kids to develop important skills and learn new things. So next time your kids are bored, don't despair! There are plenty of fun and educational activities that you can do together.

Find more kids activities here:

Mud Ice Cream Cones

Fine Motor Counting