Reverse your bad luck with some seriously sweet ways to spend this superstitious day
On Friday the 13th there’s no reason to get superstitious about bad luck: try doing some seriously fun things in numbers of 13. We can’t promise you good luck, but we can guarantee a baker’s dozen of smiles. Read on for our ideas.
1. Stand on one foot for 13 seconds. Too easy? Transition to the other foot for 13 without falling. Still need a bigger challenge, raise your hands up and down 13 times.
2. Write a poem with only 13 words.
3. Get out the jump rope and hop 13 times in a row without messing up. If you’re out of practice, this can be trickier than it sounds.
4. Make a baker’s dozen! Make a dozen cookies + one for the baker to test.
5. Create a drawing that has all of these 13 different things: a bunny, a superhero, a magical creature, a forest, a tiny house, a castle, a flower bed, a skyscraper, a truck, a river, a kid, a boat, a bridge. (Or pick your own list of 13 things!)
6. Sound out 13 animal sounds (for example, a dog’s bark, a cat’s meow, a lion’s roar, etc.)
7. Get out a deck of cards and sort them into the four suites. Count each stack (hint: there are 13 in each).
8. Tell your kiddo 13 things you love about them (and ask them the same about you or another family member).
9. Name 13 things that start with the letter T.
10. Find a word that has 12 other rhyming words. (Hint: “fry” works!)
11. Do 13 jumping jacks.
12. Make a dish with 13 ingredients (pizza works well for this, and yes you can count the yeast and flour).
13. Give out 13 kisses for Friday the 13th. This should be an easy one.
There’s something irresistible about freshly baked bread, whether it’s chocolate chip banana bread or focaccia studded with vegetables. If you’ve got a free afternoon and a few cups of flour, head into the kitchen to make a loaf or two with your kiddos. Below, we’ve rounded up all our favorite bread recipes, everything from yeast-free quick bread to Challah bread and more. There’s even a garlic bread recipe you’ll want to make again and again. Read on to see them all.
You can’t go wrong with this classic, especially if you’ve got some overripe bananas hanging around. Our Editorial Director swears by this banana bread recipe, which has plain yogurt to make it extra moist. Click here to check it out.
Get some extra veggies into your kids with our favorite zucchini bread. It’s not too sweet, making it the perfect light breakfast or afternoon snack. To get the recipe, click here.
Pumpkin Bread
Tasty Kitchen
Pumpkin bread isn’t just for fall! With warming spices like cinnamon and ginger, it’s delicious enough to be added to your year-round rotation. Click here to get the recipe.
Switch up pizza night with this awesome idea from FoodNetwork.com. Using store-bought pizza dough and your favorite toppings, this is sure to be a hit with the whole family. Grab the recipe by clicking here.
If you’ve got a gluten intolerance in your family, this pumpkin honey bread is a must. Flax seeds keep it moist and give an omega-3 boost, and you can add walnuts or chocolate chips for some extra flair. Click here to get the recipe.
Need a pizza fix ASAP? Go for this instant pizza dough from Inside the Rustic Kitchen! It skips the rising time of your standard homemade pizza dough and can be whipped up in just about five minutes. Get the kids to help, and you'll be all set! Snag the recipe here.
Color us impressed by this uber-creative idea from A Taste of Madness. Not only is it a bread recipe with no yeast, but it also gets a sneaky dose of flavor from salsa! Pair it with your fave soup or chili for a big dose of comfort food. Get the recipe here.
Want to make your whole house smell like a bakery? Turn to these cinnamon rolls from The View From Great Island. It's a no-knead and no-rise recipe, so these rolls are ready to eat in under an hour. Don't forget the icing! Get the recipe here.
There's no need (and no knead) to wait for St. Patrick's Day to enjoy this Irish Soda Bread from Dinner at the Zoo. It's perfect for raisin bread lovers and a great option when you can't decide between sweet and savory. Score the recipe here.
Ready for a batch of biscuits that's no-frills, flaky and fluffy? Trust us, it's way easier to make than to say. This dreamy recipe from Well Plated is delish as-is, but you can also add extras like cheese and herbs. Get the recipe here.
When you're feeling fancy, try perfecting these popovers from Boulder Locavore. They've got fresh flavor and are easily customizable if you have different herbs on hand. Pop over here for the recipe.
Forget your standard batter pancakes—these are actually a type of savory flatbread made from dough. They're super popular in China and Taiwan and a tasty way to bring something new to your dinner table. Get the recipe from Rasa Malaysia.
If you’ve never made yeasted bread before, focaccia is a great place to start. It’s a breeze to make with this recipe from Laughing Spatula, and you can easily make it by hand if you don’t have a stand mixer. Click here to get the recipe.
Ready to conquer sourdough bread? The Clever Carrot has everything you need to make the perfect loaf, from starters to shaping and rising the dough. Click here to get the scoop.
Make your next barbecue extra special by making your own hamburger buns. This recipe from Gathered at My Table is simple but has great flavor thanks to the addition of roasted garlic. To get the recipe, click here.
There’s nothing better than fresh garlic bread, especially when it’s served up Texas toast style. This version from Amanda Cooks & Styles is a winner, with a buttery mix of garlic and spices on top. Get the recipe by clicking here.
For a twist on classic sandwich bread, try this recipe from Foods I Like. The banana helps keep the bread tender and adds a subtle fruity taste—perfect for that PB&J sandwich. To get the recipe, click here.
Break out the Dutch oven for this fabulous cinnamon raisin bread from Elementary Kitchen. It has a perfectly crunchy crust and a moist, tender interior. Grab the recipe by clicking here.
Everyone needs a basic French bread recipe and this one from Eat. Dessert. Snack. is a great pick. It's delicious fresh out of the oven or toasted for breakfast. To get the recipe, along with tips on how to make your loaf tall and fluffy, click here.
Try your hand at homemade Challah with this great recipe from Scotch & Scones. The braiding process is easier than it looks, and it makes for a gorgeous finished product. Get all the details on how it’s done by clicking here.
Bread can be a work of art, like this pretty focaccia loaf from Ruchi’s Kitchen. The kids can help make designs on the bread using veggies like bell peppers, red onions and olives. Click here to get all the details.
These fluffy dinner rolls from The Subversive Table are just the thing to make your Sunday dinner special. The dough comes together mostly in the food processor with a little kneading by hand. To get the recipe, click here.
For a slightly more ambitious (but still doable!) cooking project, you’ve got to try this chocolate babka from Smitten Kitchen. The braided bread is gorgeous once it’s baked, and it tastes even better than it looks. Click here to get the recipe.
Soft pretzel lovers, take note! These bites from The Tailgate Foodie make the perfect appetizer for game day or any day. Paired with your favorite dipping sauce (ketchup, ranch, cheese—the possibilities are endless), these will disappear in no time. Get the recipe by clicking here.
If you’ve never tried Japanese milk bread, now is the time! This recipe from Simmer + Sauce creates a springy, soft loaf with a hint of sweetness. It’s made through a unique process involving a roux. Click here to grab the recipe.
These buttery biscuits from Fixed on Fresh are delicious and super easy to make. The dough can be made in the food processor in minutes, and adding cheddar cheese and chives gives it an extra flavor boost. To get the recipe, click here.
Did somebody say sugar skulls? It must be Día de Los Muertos (aka Day of the Dead)! From the history of the holiday to crafts, to food, and artisans to support, read on to get some inspiration for celebrating this important holiday with your family.
The Skull Truth: Día de Los Muertos Facts & History
Celebrated throughout the Americas, this tradition of Día de Los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, originated in Mexico. Kids will recognize the colorfully decorated sugar skull as the most common symbol. Your town or neighborhood may host a celebration, but not everyone knows the meaning behind it.
Did you know:
The Dia de los Muertos holiday is actually two days, held consecutively: Nov. 1 is marked as a day to honor lost children, as well as any lost or forgotten souls. Nov. 2, Day of the Dead official, honors all lost ancestors and loved ones.
The week preceding (and sometimes longer) is spent in preparation for the big night which often culminates in a procession to the town cemetery or a central place where altars have been erected.
Loved ones are honored with offerings including the departed's favorite foods, drinks, and objects.
Sugar skulls aren't necessarily to eat.
Click here to learn even more about the significance of sugar skulls, why it's such an important holiday in Mexican culture, and how you can participate.
Yes, we know you can get Day of the Dead decor at Target. But put some dollars into supporting Latinx artists to get your skeleton vibes and honor the roots of this holiday.
Kidstir has a special Day of the Dead activity and recipe kit, aimed at getting kids into the kitchen to help celebrate the holiday. You'll receive three iconic recipes for Mexican dishes like quesadilla skulls, Mexican hot chocolate and Sopa de Fideo (classic tomato soup with fried pasta), along with activities, a cooking tool, stickers and more inspired by the holiday.
You can purchase this activity kit on Kidstir.com.
Skulls and skeletons with flowers in their hair, hats, mustaches, suits, and more can be seen throughout the Day of the Dead holiday. Here are some sugar-skull-inspired crafts you can try at home with your kids this year.
If you've always wanted to try making your own sugar skulls at home, check out this site to get supplies, decor, and tutorials.
Because this is a time of celebration, feasting together, especially on your loved ones' favorite foods, is a significant part of the holiday. From Pan de Muerto—a sugar sprinkled yeast bread frequently placed on the altars to the dead—to traditional Mexican foods, check out these ten recipes to cook up something delicious.
Feel like you’ve got a lot on your plate these days? Despite packed schedules and never-ending to-do lists, it’s important to find ways to be good to your body—whether that’s finding zen in a yoga class or choosing sleep over social media “doomscrolling.” Another simple way to support health and wellbeing is to give your microbiome some love with a daily probiotic.
According to the Mayo Clinic, the lining of your gut is covered in microscopic creatures, mostly bacteria. But don’t panic—many types of bacteria are helpful. These organisms create a micro-ecosystem called the microbiome. And the key to a healthy microbiome is creating a balance among the different species of bacteria in your gut
Probiotics Add Good Bacteria to Your Body
Probiotics are foods or supplements that contain live microorganisms intended to maintain or improve the levels of "good" bacteria in your microbiome—restoring balance and making you feel better. Adding some balance to a busy life? Yes, please!
Women’s health runs the gamut. You may be dealing with tummy troubles or worried about what’s going on down there after a long day in a bathing suit (the struggle is real!). One small act—like taking the #1 women’s probiotic^ Renew Life® Women’s Care Probiotic 25 Billion—can support your health in big ways. Made by women, for women, some of the probiotic strains in the Women’s Care Probiotic are clinically tested and shown to balance vaginal pH and yeast levels, and promote digestive, immune and urinary health.*
A woman’s gut and vagina have two very different microbiomes—this probiotic supports both. Consider it multitasking at its finest! In a nutshell—addressing your unique needs helps your natural rhythms thrive.*
With a diverse formula developed by microbiologists and researchers, Renew Life® Women’s Care Probiotic 25 Billion has more clinically studied strains than the leading brand,† including the #1 most-studied strain.‡ The delayed-release capsules help ensure the probiotics reach your gut alive.
Women’s bodies are complex—but incorporating this awesome probiotic is a breeze.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. ^Based on IRI unit sales data, July 2021. †PubMed Clinical Trials, August 2019. ‡L. rhamnosus GG strain, PubMed Clinical Trials, August 2019.
Krispy Kreme is on a roll! Today the beloved chain launched its first-ever cinnamon rolls to make your breakfast run even sweeter. And yes, there’s one topped with Cinnamon Toast Crunch!
For a limited time you can buy the Original Glazed Cinnamon Roll or the Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cinnamon Roll, topped with your fave childhood cereal and finished with a cereal milk icing swirl. Don’t mind us as we drool all over our screens.
Instead of the traditional frosting, Krispy Kreme opted to use its iconic donut glaze for the rolls. They’re hand-rolled and feature a yeast-raised dough, because the best baked goods always take time. Grab them individually or in a special four pack, in shops and online at participating locations.
Unfortunately for cinnamon roll fans, these babies are only around until October 10. Grab one this week and enjoy it with Krispy Kreme’s fall drinks!
No yeast? No problem! We’ve hunted up all the best bread recipes with no yeast required, and it’s a baking jackpot. From popover recipes and the best banana bread recipe ever to pizza dough with no yeast, here’s how to fulfill your bread cravings—no rising time needed.
Need a pizza fix ASAP? Go for this instant pizza dough from Inside the Rustic Kitchen! It skips the rising time of your standard homemade pizza dough and can be whipped up in just about five minutes. Get the kids to help, and you'll be all set! Snag the recipe here.
Color us impressed by this uber-creative idea from A Taste of Madness. Not only is it a bread recipe with no yeast, but it also gets a sneaky dose of flavor from salsa! Pair it with your fave soup or chili for a big dose of comfort food. Get the recipe here.
Trust us, the whole fam will go bananas for this easy banana bread. Your little chefs can mix it up themselves—and even throw in some chocolate chips for an extra treat. Click here for the recipe.
Want to make your whole house smell like a bakery? Turn to these cinnamon rolls from The View From Great Island. It's a no-knead and no-rise recipe, so these rolls are ready to eat in under an hour. Don't forget the icing! Get the recipe here.
Ready for some fun flatbread? The kiddos will love using this chapati (courtesy of Kitchen Sanctuary) to mop up soup, curries and stew. It only calls for a little bit of kneading and just five ingredients! Find the recipe here.
Psst! You can sneak extra veggies into your fam's diet with this recipe from Mireille Schwartz. Plus, your little sous chefs can get in on the action by grating the zucchini and mixing up the batter! Get the recipe here.
There's no need (and no knead) to wait for St. Patrick's Day to enjoy this Irish Soda Bread from Dinner at the Zoo. It's perfect for raisin bread lovers and a great option when you can't decide between sweet and savory. Score the recipe here.
Ready for a batch of biscuits that's no-frills, flaky and fluffy? Trust us, it's way easier to make than to say. This dreamy recipe from Well Plated is delish as-is, but you can also add extras like cheese and herbs. Get the recipe here.
When you're feeling fancy, try perfecting these popovers from Boulder Locavore. They've got fresh flavor and are easily customizable if you have different herbs on hand. Pop over here for the recipe.
Look, whether or not autumn is in the air, sometimes you just need a pumpkin bread fix. This recipe is chock-full of comforting spices and leaves you with a moist and fluffy loaf. Make your own with this recipe.
Forget your standard batter pancakes—these are actually a type of savory flatbread made from dough. They're super popular in China and Taiwan and a tasty way to bring something new to your dinner table. Get the recipe from Rasa Malaysia.
Move over tacos, there’s a new spicy food in town. A donut is now heating up the charts to reach the peak of spicy superiority. Dunkin’ has baked up one of the most surprising treats ever to rise from its kitchens, the new Spicy Ghost Pepper Donut.
A deliciously daring donut that delivers the heat with every bite, the Spicy Ghost Pepper Donut is a classic yeast donut ring, topped with a strawberry flavored icing that features a bold blend of cayenne and ghost pepper, and finished with red sanding sugar for a sizzling look. The Spicy Ghost Pepper Donut will be on the menu for only a few hot minutes, available beginning today for a limited time at participating Dunkin’ restaurants nationwide until December.
As the hottest choice to help unveil Dunkin’s new sweet and spicy donut variety, who better than the expert in hot foods, and host of Complex Networks’ hit First We Feast series Hot Ones, Sean Evans? In a special episode debuting on Oct. 19, for the first time in Hot Ones history Sean will be in the hotseat, challenging himself to answer hard-hitting questions while trying Dunkin’s new Spicy Ghost Pepper Donut, complemented by a variety of hot sauces ranging from sweet to scalding from the show’s famous arsenal.
America can enjoy Dunkin’s #SpicySide on Twitter this month as well, with brand posts demonstrating a decidedly fiery attitude with hot takes and even a burn or two. Dunkin’ is also encouraging fans to show their own spicy side by surprising their friends with the Spicy Ghost Pepper Donut and capturing and posting the reactions on social media using #DunkinSpicySide.
“Halloween looks a little different this year, and so do our donuts. While our classic bakery offering has plenty of crave-worthy treats, we’re excited to show our spicy side with a donut that packs a touch of heat with something sweet and can be enjoyed any time of day,” according to Jill Nelson, Vice President, Marketing Strategy at Dunkin’. “With our scary-good lineup of the Spicy Ghost Pepper Donut, Halloween DIY Dunkin’ Donut Decorating Kits and fan-favorite Spider Donut, Dunkin’ is here to help our guests keep their Halloween spirit alive this season.”
Create a new Halloween tradition with Dunkin’. Halloween DIY Dunkin’ Donut Decorating Kits will feature plain yeast or Old Fashioned cake donuts, with pre-packaged icing in orange, white, and black varieties, and three sprinkle blends. The Halloween DIY Dunkin’ Donut Decorating Kits are available for purchase in two sizes, small (4-count donuts) and large (9-count donuts).
Also, the creepy-crawly Spider Donut is back on Dunkin’ menus. This frightfully delicious Spider Donut features a classic ring donut with orange icing, topped with a glazed chocolate MUNCHKINS donut hole treat, chocolate drizzle for the spider legs, and white icing for the eyes to create the sweet eight-legged donut creature.
This year’s Halloween lineup will haunt participating Dunkin’ restaurants for a limited time only, while supplies last.
Now you can enjoy your favorite candy flavor for breakfast. Krispy Kreme is bringing back three of the greatest Reese’s doughnuts for a limited time. One will earn a permanent spot on Krispy Kreme’s menu.
Beginning Friday, Jul. 24 customers can try the Reese’s doughnuts and decide which one is their favorite. Fans can leave reviews on social media to help Krispy Kreme decide once and for all which is the “Greataste Reese’s Doughnut of All Time.”This all-star lineup of “Greataste Reese’s Doughnut of All Time” includes:
Classic Reese’s Doughnut: A shell doughnut filled with Reese’s Peanut Butter Kreme dipped in Hershey’s chocolate icing, topped with mini peanut butter chips and a drizzle of Reese’s chocolate and peanut butter sauce.
Reese’s Outrageous Doughnut: A chocolate yeast ring, dipped in Hershey’s chocolate icing, topped with Mini Reese’s pieces and a drizzle of salted caramel and Reese’s peanut butter icing.
Reese’s Original Filled Chocolate Lovers Doughnut: A chocolate yeast ring filled with Reese’s Peanut Butter Kreme™, dipped in Hershey’s chocolate icing and decorated with Reese’s peanut butter icing.
“Take part in choosing the greatest Reese’s doughnut of all time, earning a permanent spot on Krispy Kreme’s menu,” said Carlos Larcada, President of Chicagoland Restaurants, LLC. “Be sure to try them all – we can’t wait to see which flavor comes out on top!”
In August, Krispy Kreme will announce which doughnut will be crowned the “Greataste Reese’s Doughnut of All Time” and become a mainstay on the coveted Krispy Kreme menu.
When the text arrived with the pic of a long-ago acquired recipe for “Cheezy Pretzels” from a former Little Folks School parent, Nicole Bagley, I had two reactions. The first was sheer joy at the memory of Nicole and her beautiful family; her two children, Dylan (now age 17) and Ella (now age 12) had attended the Little Folks School when they were young. And secondly, I laughed out loud at her message which stated that after 13 years—while sheltering in place in Colorado—they were finally getting around to making the pretzels!
At the Little Folks Summer Camp in Washington, DC, it is an annual tradition to hold a “Pretzel and Lemonade Sale” every July. Besides being a favorite activity that everyone in our community looks forward to, it is loaded with learning. The children work hard to measure out ingredients, to mix and knead the pretzel dough, and then to make it into shapes for baking. Children choose a job: welcoming customers, selling tickets, taking orders for pretzels and lemonade, holding signs, or passing out napkins. Our little bakers and entrepreneurs usually earn enough money to fund special treats at the end-of-camp Music and Art Fair!
Mid-day, family members and friends arrive to purchase the refreshments…and even the recipe!
Each year the campers make more and more pretzels, and no matter how many we make, they are always sold out. Not only is it fun to remember this fantastic event, but it is great to be reminded of this delicious and fun recipe, especially while we are staying at home and looking for activities to pass the time.
Remembering the bright spots from the past, and creating new memories, goes a long way to keep us feeling positive.
Maybe you can make a batch of pretzels and along with some fun memories with your children right now!
LITTLE FOLKS SCHOOL CHEEZY PRETZELS
Ingredients:
4 cups grated cheddar cheese
1 package dry yeast
! tablespoon sugar
1 1/2 cup warm water
1 teaspoon salt
4-5 cups of flour
1 egg
coarse salt
Directions:
Dissolve yeast and sugar in water. Combine salt, 4 cups of flour, and cheese. Stir in yeast mixture, adding more flour if needed to make a stiff dough. Knead 5-10 minutes until the dough is smooth.
For traditional pretzels break off small pieces of dough and shape into a long snake, twisting to make a pretzel shape. It is also fun to makes circles, numbers, letters, etc…
Place pretzels on uncreased pans allowing space between them.
Brush each with beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse salt.
I am a parent and grandparent with over four decades of experience in early childhood education. I share my passion, wisdom and experience, with parents and the people who care for and about children at Little Folks Big Questions, where we're out to answer the questions parents face in today's world.
Pregnancy hypertension or Preeclampsia is a complication of pregnancy. Usually, the mother’s blood pressure can be successfully managed with oral medication and the pregnancy can continue, but sometimes the baby needs to be delivered early. This can cause problems if the pregnancy is not near term. A new study has shown that natural antioxidants found in mushrooms may help treat this pregnancy issue.
Research from the Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics at University College Cork (UCC), the INFANT Centre at UCC and the University of Liverpool, as well as The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability (DTU Biosustain) at Technical University of Denmark, have shown in a rat model that a natural diet derived antioxidant L-ergothioneine can relieve some of the clinical symptoms of preeclampsia. The hope is that the same will be true for humans.
“Our research shows that treating rats with preeclampsia with the natural antioxidant L-ergothioneine reduced blood pressure, prevented fetal growth restriction and dampened production of the damaging substances released from the placenta during preeclampsia,” says Dr. Cathal McCarthy, leader of this research in a press release from the INFANT Centre at UCC.
In order to be able to make enough L-ergothioneine to eventually treat patients, the scientists are looking into ways of producing this compound efficiently in high amounts using yeast cell factories. Ergothioneine can be found in a wide variety of foods, particularly in mushrooms, where amounts are relatively high compared to other foods.
“Today, ergothioneine is either made chemically or extracted from mushrooms, but at DTU Biosustain we are developing a method to make it biologically. This should lead to its much wider availability at competitive prices,” says Douglas Kell, Associated Scientific Director at DTU Biosustain and Research Chair in Systems Biology Department of Biochemistry, University of Liverpool.
Much evidence exists for L-ergothioneine’s benefits in a variety of neurological and vascular disorders as well. Thus, L-ergothioneine appears to be a safe, natural diet derived antioxidant whose therapeutic potential looks promising but remains to be validated in human clinical trials.
