Do your kids love to create in the kitchen? Now Raddish Kids is making it easier. The award-winning kids’ culinary subscription box is focused on giving back this holiday season with two new initiatives, The Raddish Scholarship Program and The Raddish “12 Days of Giving” Campaign. 

Kids in kitchen

“At Raddish, we believe in the power of food to instill confidence, bring families together, build communities, expand conversation, and strengthen relationships,” said Samantha Barnes, Founder of Raddish Kids. “We’re thrilled to partner with like-minded companies and organizations to make an impactful difference in the lives of others through the simple act of cooking and the comfort of food.”

The Raddish Scholarship Program was created for children who have expressed a desire and zest to learn to cook but lack the resources to do so. Challenge Butter has partnered with Raddish to provide the necessary groceries and tools for the scholarship winners.

Each honoree will receive:

–  A year-long subscription to Raddish (beginning Jan. 2021 and ending Dec. 2021)

–  Monthly virtual cooking classes with a Raddish Culinary Coach

–  A grocery stipend of $500, provided by Challenge Butter

–  A year’s supply of Challenge Butter

Applications for the Raddish Scholarship are available at www.raddishkids.com/scholarship and must be submitted by Dec. 31, 2020. Selected recipients will be notified in early January.

Also, beginning Giving Tuesday (Dec. 1, 2020) and through the first 12 days of December, Raddish will donate 10% of each purchase made on Raddishkids.com (up to $10,000) to World Central Kitchen. World Central Kitchen has activated hundreds of restaurants and kitchens across America to distribute more than 30 million meals (and growing) to communities that need support like students and frontline medical professionals. More details are available at http://www.raddishkids.com/givingtuesday.

These initiatives are the most recent among a list of efforts made by Raddish Kids to help those in need. In March, Raddish gave away 50,000 free cooking kits to support families suddenly homeschooling due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This past summer, Raddish donated 100% of sales of a vintage e-kit (more than $10,000) to the #ChefsForAmerica program at World Central Kitchen.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

Featured photo: Annie Spratt on Unsplash

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To the bus! This week Scholastic Entertainment made an exciting announcement: it’s partnering with Brownstone Productions and Universal Pictures to bring the first live-action hybrid and full-length film of The Magic School Bus to life!

The movie is based on the best-selling Scholastic book series by author Joanna Cole and illustrator Bruce Degen, which has never been brought to the big screen it its 26-year history. Elizabeth Banks has already been cast as everyone’s fave teacher, Ms. Frizzle.

 

“We are delighted to bring to life the iconic Ms. Frizzle and her zest for knowledge and adventure in a fresh new way that inspires the next generation of kids to explore science and supports the dedicated teachers who help make science real and accessible for young learners every day,” said Scholastic Entertainment President and Chief Strategy Officer Iole Lucchese.

The famed series has over 80 million books in print worldwide and spent 18 years on PBS as an animated show featuring Lily Tomlin. No word yet on the release date of the new film, so stay tuned!

––Karly Wood

 

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“No thanks, I don’t really like pie,” said no one, ever. The good news is, you don’t have to dedicated an entire afternoon to making one from scratch: this easy KLP recipe takes only a little longer to make than it does to eat. Scroll down for the recipe.

photo: arsheffield via flickr 

For the crust:

1 stick of butter (melted)

1 tsp. Vanilla extract

12 graham crackers (full length rectangles, not just the half-squares)

¼ cup sugar

1 tsp. Sea salt

Step 1. Melt the butter in a pan. Add the vanilla to the butter as it is melting and stir. Inhale this glorious scent.

Step 2. Crumble the graham crackers into a medium-fine (but not pulverized crumb). You can do it in a food processor or fill up a bag and let the kids whack it with a hammer or rubber mallet. We suggest double bagging it so the crumbs don’t spill out if the bag splits.  Once they are fairly even in size, add to a medium sized mixing bowl and stir in sugar and sea salt.

Step 3. Pour in heavenly vanilla butter to graham cracker mix. Stir until well combined.

Step 4. Press into a 9-inch pie pan. This is your crust, so get it as high up on the sides and as even as you (and your helpers) can.

Step 5. Bake for 10-15 minutes at 350 degrees, just to lightly brown the crust. Set aside and allow to cool completely while you make the key lime filling.

For the filling:

 

Key limes!! Probably a pound.
Eggs, three (just the yolks)
1 can of sweetened condensed milk
¾-1 cup of lime juice (from key limes)
2 tablespoons of zest from key limes
(Don’t forget to stash a lime or two aside for garnish, or get a regular lime just for this purpose.)

Step 6. Whip together the eggs and lime zest either by hand or in a stand mixer for about 2 minutes at medium.

Step 7. Add in condensed milk and mix for 3 more minutes. Mixture should be somewhat thick now. 

Step 8. Add in lime juice and mix well, until combined, about 1 minute.

Step 9. Pour or spoon tart delicious mixture into previously cooled crust. 

Step 10. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours and serve cold with whipped cream and a lime wedge garnish. Some people like to put their pie in the freezer and serve frozen, which is awesome on a hot day. There is no wrong way to eat this pie!

—Amber Guetebier, adapted from a verbal recipe from Alix Benedict

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As the summer nights are getting shorter, and parents begin to buy rulers, pencils, and lunch boxes, children may have some jitters about their first day back at school. It’s all a very exciting time of the season, yet often stressful for both parents and children. At Stratford School, we encourage reading with children at every age and stage. Reading to and with young children helps to ease their anxiety and allows them to open up about their feelings. After reading to your child, take time to talk, ask questions, and make sure she knows that other children share the same concerns and uneasy feelings about the first day of school. 

Here are some book recommendations that will help encourage children to feel positive about heading back to school in the fall. 

Kindergarten

David Goes to School by Caldecott Medal winning-author David Shannon

David finds out what the consequences are to his many actions in this nearly wordless book that is perfect for any student who is wondering what kindergarten might be like. This book is a great way for parents to discuss rules, why teachers have them, and why it is important to follow them. Mr. Shannon has a whole series of colorful, silly books about David, and each of them has his West Highland terrier, Fergus, hidden somewhere on a page. 

One by Kathryn Otoshi

Blue is a quiet color. Red’s a hothead who likes to pick on Blue. Yellow, Orange, Green, and Purple don’t like what they see, but what can they do? When no one speaks up, things get out of hand—until One comes along and shows all the colors how to stand up, stand together, and count.” Powerful understated artwork teaches our young ones not only about colors and numbers but the importance of standing up for our friends against bullies. One contains important lessons about being yourself and making sure everyone counts. Check out the prequels and sequels to this book by this amazing award-winning author, Kathryn Otoshi. 

1st and 2nd Grade

My Weird School (series) by Dan Gutman, illustrated by Jim Paillot

With titles like, “Miss Daisy is Crazy!”, and “Miss Hannah is Bananas!” students will have fun with these silly chapter books. The stories are about a second-grade boy named A.J., who might possibly be a bit nervous about school, so he pretends that he hates it. The humorous, simply written stories, get their zest largely from A.J.’s lively, first-person commentary on school life and legend. The chapters are short and have cute illustrations, which is perfect for reluctant readers. 

Third, Fourth & Fifth Grade

Schooled by Gordon Korman

Capricorn, 13, lives with his hippie grandmother on a farm commune. He’s never been to school, never watched TV, and doesn’t even own a cell phone. When his grandmother falls out of a tree while picking plums and is sent to rehab for several weeks, Cap stays with a social worker and is sent to the local middle school. There he is introduced to technology, spitballs, and harassment. The use of multiple perspectives allows the reader to visualize the plot, and more specifically the conflict, from several different angles—even allowing readers to better understand unlikeable characters. Each character adds a new depth and dimension to Cap’s situation, allowing the reader to feel as if they are apart of Cap’s middle school experience—as scary as that is!

Middle School

Booked by Newberry Award winner Kwame Alexander

Soccer, family, love, and friendship, take center stage as twelve-year-old Nick learns the power of words as he wrestles with problems at home, stands up to a bully, and tries to impress the girl of his dreams. Helping him along are his best friend and sometimes teammate Coby, and The Mac, a rapping librarian who gives Nick inspiring books to read. This story is perfect for every teenager trying to figure out how to adapt to the unexpected challenges of life at home and at school.  

Happy reading and have a great first day back to school!

Keira Pride is the Head Librarian at Stratford School, the leading independent private school founded with a vision of creating a unique, multi-dimensional, educational foundation for children. As Stratford's Head Librarian, she manages the library services department across campuses throughout Northern and Southern California. 

From colorful birthday cakes to raucous pizza parties, if you have a kid with a gluten allergy, sometimes it seems like childhood fun is fueled by wheat! Well, no need for little ones miss out—thankfully, there is a sweet supply of bakeries in the Bay Area that specialize in gluten-free goodies, from cakes, to cookies to pizza crusts and pastas. Let them eat cake!

Photo: Zest

San Francisco
Cups and Cakes Bakery

“If cupcakes are wrong, we don’t wanna be right.” Cups and Cakes Bakery is located in SOMA. You can tailor your cupcakes to be sugar, dairy, nut, egg, and gluten free (Not celiac friendly but gluten-free). They also cater weddings, take custom flavor orders, and offer hand-decorated or custom-printed cupcakes—and their way with the most popular kiddie characters is beyond impressive. The most popular flavors are Rich Red Velvet, Deep Dark Chocolate, Pretty Pretty Princess (strawberry), and Killer Carrot. Hungry yet?

451 9th St.
San Francisco, CA 94103
Information: 415-437-2877
Online: http://www.cupsandcakesbakery.com

Kara’s Cupcakes
Kara Lind lovingly bakes small batches of cupcakes by hand each day using the finest ingredients sourced from local, sustainable and organic producers. Her perfectly moist gluten-free flavors with just the right amount of sweetness are Chocolate Coconut, Vanilla Coconut, Sweet Vanilla, and Chocolate Velvet. Utterly addictive. These locations even host yummy and fun onsite cupcake decorating birthday parties for creative kiddos. Locations in Burlingame, Napa, Palo Alto, San Jose, and Walnut Creek.

3249 Scott St.
San Francisco, Ca
866-554-CAKE(2253)

900 North Point
San Francisco, Ca
415-351-2253
Online: karascupcakes.com

Motek Treats
Though it doesn’t have a storefront, Motek has a lot going for them: delicious gluten-free baked goods delivered to your door. Uri and Jen started Motek in 2013 and it’s no secret they’ve got the goods. Buying is a little unconventional: contact the bakery here with what you want to order, your address, and credit card information and you’ll get a swift response from the owners. If you’re up for ordering online, you can have gluten free treats at your door in no time.

Online: zaarly.com

Photo: Mariposa Baking

East Bay

Mariposa Baking
By far the best known gluten-free bakery in East Bay, Mariposa is a go-to spot for people with celiac’s or gluten sensitivities (Plus they have an location in the SF Ferry Building as well). They have everything from pizza crust to cakes to lemon squares to croissants, and their large frozen grab-n-go is a great alternative to the same-old frozen Whole Foods GF section.

Insider’s Tip: It’s a little hidden but the bakery is on the North side of the Art Deco building. Look for the red butterfly. There’s ample parking, too!

Mariposa Baking Oakland
5427 Telegraph Ave.
Oakland, Ca
510-595-0955
Online: mariposabaking.com

Bacano Bakery
Emeryville is home to a new bakery, and it can and should be ranked among the best. Exquisite baked goods—both sweet and savory—served up every day but Sunday (when they are closed). Gluten-free food is baked in a dedicated gluten-free kitchen, guaranteeing no cross-contamination. They also offer many tempting options that are dairy free, grain free/flourless, sugar free, vegan, and or Paleo-friendly. You can also look for their tasty treats at local farmer’s markets.

Insider Tip: Try the Rosemary coconut cake, which they also use as the base to make the frosted cupcakes. The apple and berry turnovers, savory empanadas, and zucchini bread are also delicious.

1298 65th St.
Emeryville, Ca
415-710-8875
Online: bacanobakery.com

Photo credit: James and the Giant Cupcake

James and the Giant Cupcake
Eurydice Manning opened this sweet little bake shop on San Pablo Avenue because of her love for her hometown, Oakland, and her love of watching others enjoy the magic of cupcakes. Based upon her grandmother’s advice, every bite is moist and delicious. East Bay Express even dubbed their cupcakes the best in the Bay area.

6326 San Pablo Ave.
Oakland, Ca
510-596-8834
Online: http://www.jamesandthegiantcupcake.com

Photo: Miglet’s

Miglet’s
Fresh, sweet, and made with love, owner Katie Alin is revolutionizing gluten-free goodies one fluffy, cake-y donut at a time. How about gluten-free apple fritters like Grandma made? She’s got ‘em. Fresh baked gluten-free breads and  pies are super delicious here, and inventive cupcake and cake flavors include favorites like Chocoholic Chocolate, Very Very Vanilla, and Luscious Lemon. They now serve breakfast goodies like French Toast alongside their egg, soy, and dairy free donuts.

Insider Tip: The easiest way to know what’s happening at Miglet’s is to follow them on Facebook, where they update cupcake flavors and anything else that’s new & exciting in the kitchen daily.

480 San Ramon Valley Blvd.
Danville, Ca
925-831-9016
Online: migletsgf.com

Photo: Flour Craft Bakery 

Marin

Flour Craft Bakery 
This popular bakery opened in 2013, after years of loyal customers scooping up their gluten free granola and baked goods at local North Bay farmers markets. Hailed as Marin County’s first and largest gluten free bakery, this charming spot invites you to stay awhile with their cozy cafe space and full selection of artisan pastries, fresh breads, custom cakes, desserts and granolas—all baked fresh daily in a certified gluten free environment.

702 San Anselmo Ave.
San Anselmo, Ca
415-453-3100
Online: flourcraftbakery.com

Flour Chylde
This committed bakery has everything from tortes to breads to cookies to cakes, and the owners promise that, if they didn’t mention it, their customers wouldn’t know their items were gluten free at all. The sweet-smelling Novato Bakery is where you can pick up savory sandwiches, coffee drinks and of course, cookies, cakes and more (The bakery is closed Sundays and Mondays). But their baked goods are also available at more than a dozen local farmers markets and cafes, so you can get your Flour Chylde fix near you. If you want to place a special order, they reccommend calling 3 days in advance.

850 Grant Ave.
Novato, Ca
415-893-7700
Online: flourchylde.com

Photo: Zest 

Peninsula

Zest
This gluten-free bakery in the Peninsula run by husband and wife team Patrick and Charissa features daily specials based on the freshest local ingredients, but regular standby favorites are the smooth cheesecakes, earth foccacia rolls, delightful birthday cakes aplenty, sweet maple donuts with an almost angel-food cake consistency, and hearty lemon poppyseed loaves round out the sophisticated treats here. Zest will satisfy and surpass your family’s search for quality, organic gluten-free goodies for birthday parties and beyond.

1224 Arroyo Avenue
San Carlos, CA
Information: 650-241-9378
Online: zestbakery.com

Photo: Gluten Free Gourmet

South Bay

Gluten Free Gourmet
You can get your full gluten free grub on here, plus stock your fridge for dinner for the week. The cafe tempts with baked goods, sandwiches, salads, soups and even gluten-free beer options, while the take-out cooler is filled with flavored pastas and ravioli, pizza and pizza crust, dairy free ice cream, onion rings, corn dogs, chicken and fish nuggets. Need a birthday cake or cupcakes? Of course this place has you covered.

14510 Big Basin Way, #8
Saratoga, Ca
408-898-3992
Online: gluten-free-gourmet.com

Although they’re not specifically gluten-free bakeries, these bakeries and restaurants also offer delicious gluten free options: Cheeseboard Collective, Rockridge Market Hall, Arizmendi and Alexis Baking Company in Napa. Do you have any other favorites? We’d love to hear in the comments!

–Mireille Schwartz and Koseli Cummings

Ready to go back to the basics? Forget the complicated, multi-pot and pan recipes and opt for this easy dish from food blogger Chelsea of A Duck’s Oven. Simply pile your veggies and potatoes into a baking dish and place the chicken on top. This one dish meal is simple to make, easy to clean-up and you can even prep it all the night before.

Ingredients:
Veggies:
2 large russet potatoes, chopped into ¾ × ¾ inch pieces
1 medium yellow onion, roughly chopped
1 small head of broccoli, chopped into florets
1 small head of cauliflower, chopped into florets
1 lemon
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp minced garlic
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp lemon pepper
1 tsp Italian seasoning

Chicken:
4 bone in, skin on chicken thighs
4 drumsticks
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp minced garlic
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp lemon pepper
1 tsp Italian seasoning

Method:
1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

2. Zest the lemon completely, making sure to not zest the white part of the lemon. Slice the lemon into 8 wedges.

3. Add the potatoes, onion, broccoli, and cauliflower to a 9×13 inch glass baking dish. Season with olive oil, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, lemon pepper, and Italian seasoning. Squeeze three of the lemon wedges over the veggies and sprinkle with a quarter of the lemon zest. Toss to coat.

4. Season the chicken pieces with olive oil, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, lemon pepper, and Italian seasoning. Arrange on top of the veggies. Squeeze three more lemon wedges and sprinkle half the remaining zest over the chicken.

5. Bake in preheated oven for 45 minutes. Set oven to broil and broil for 3-5 minutes, or until chicken skin is golden brown. Remove from oven, flip chicken, and broil for another 3-5 minutes until skin on other side is golden brown.

6. Remove from oven and squeeze remaining lemon wedges and sprinkle remaining zest over the chicken and veggies. Let the chicken rest for five minutes before serving.

Will you make this dish? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below!

This recipe comes to us from Chelsea of The Duck’s Oven. Visit Chelsea’s blog for more amazing recipes with a focus on hearty, comforting meals.

One pan, (about) one hour, one meal –  this roasted chicken dish is #1 in our book for taste, texture and time with its juicy tomatoes, crispy chicken skin and minimal prep and clean up. Read on for the delicoius recipe.

Ingredients:
1 lemon
2 pints grape tomatoes
1 head garlic, cloves separated
1 cup pitted kalamata olives, halved
8 sprigs fresh thyme
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 3-pound chicken, cut into 8 pieces
kosher salt and black pepper
1/2 cup dry white wine
1 loaf fresh bread (optional)

Directions:
1. Heat oven to 425° F. Using a vegetable peeler, remove strips of zest from the lemon. (Save the lemon.)

2. In a large roasting pan, toss the tomatoes, garlic, olives, thyme, and lemon zest with 1 tablespoon of the oil.

3. Nestle the chicken, skin-side up, among the vegetables and drizzle with the remaining tablespoon of oil. Season the chicken and vegetables with ¾ teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon pepper. Roast until the chicken is cooked through, 35 to 40 minutes.

4. Remove the chicken from the hot roasting pan. Squeeze the juice from the lemon into the roasting pan and add the wine. Gently stir, scraping up any bits stuck to the pan. Serve the chicken and vegetables with the pan juices and bread (optional).

recipe courtesy of Kate Merker via real simple

We’ve all heard the amazing stories about Rose’s Luxury and how worth the wait it is, but to a hangry munchkin, any extra minute away from food is akin to torture. So if you’re keen to check out Barrack’s Row without a hangry meltdown, we’ve rounded up the most satisfying spots for all cravings: brunch, sweet tooth, dinner plate and more. Read on for some palate pleasing and kid-friendly eateries.

Medium Rare
Medium Rare might be one of the hottest new spots for xenophiles to indulge their love of steak frites, but it’s also a super fun brunch place. Especially for your sidewalk chalk loving kiddos – and it won’t break the bank. Their prix-fixe menu features a bottomless brunch (think mimosas, bloody marys, coffee, OJ) so ask for a seat in the back near the gigantic chalk board and you can munch in peace while the kids exhibit their inner Kurt Wenner (America’s premier sidewalk chalk artist). Our mini taste tester devoured her French Toast, while our partner in crime raved about his steak frites. Win win all around.

515 E. 8th Street SE
Washington, DC
202-601-7136
Online: mediumrarerestaurant.com

photo courtesy of Medium Rare

Zest Bistro
If the fam has made a commitment to green living this year, and they love to try new food, then Zest might just become your fav neighborhood spot. Not only are the tables made from reclaimed wood, but the flooring is bamboo, the paint non-toxic and the heating and plumbing are energy efficient. So you can enjoy the pickled Broccolini and Soy Ginger Salmon at tables that could tell quite a story if only they could talk. Kiddos who aren’t quite ready to share your kale salad can grab some traditional noodles and nuggets to keep their bellies from rumbling.

735 8th Street SE
Washington, DC
202-544-7171
Online: zestbistro.com

photo courtesy of Zest Bistro

District Doughnut
I hate donuts said… no kid ever. Hit up District Doughnut and fill their little bellies with tasty flavors like Brown Butter (this put District Doughnuts on the map!), Blueberry Almond Cream, Cookies and Cream, and Snickerdoodle. There’s not much to the shop except the tantalizing aromas of fried dough, puffs of powdered sugar and the happy silence of kids whose mouths are filled to the brim with chocolate covered crispy, gooey deliciousness. Naturally, we can’t wait to go back.

749 8th Street SE
Washington, DC
202-817-3166
Online: districtdoughnut.com

photo courtesy of District Doughnuts

DC-3
For the hotdog loving kiddo, head to DC-3 and become the world’s coolest parent.  With toppings like Cheese Whiz, Neon Chicago Relish, Cincinnati Chili and Sport Peppers, the little ones will get a frankfurter like they’ve never had before. And love it. The vegetarian crowds can order a veggie dog and get all the fixins. After they’ve chowed down on their dog, kids (and parents!) can get a soft serve ice cream cone with free toppings. And those of us that have a thing for deep fried Oreos – no longer will we have to wait till the county fair stops by town. Fried Oreos are on the menu – and delish!

423 8th Street SE
Washington, DC
202-546-1935
Online: eatdc3.com

photo courtesy of DC-3

Ted’s Bulletin
Black and white movies on a projector, milkshakes, homemade pop tarts, toys for the kiddos, what else could you want for an outing with the family? Ted’s Bulletin has something for every kid – big and small. From a “millionaire malt” made with Glenlivet to a PBJ milkshake everyone’s sweet tooth will be satisfied. The baby will be entertained by the toys and you can sit back and enjoy the view – your big happy family – together and having a blast.

505 8th Street SE
Washington, DC
202-544-8337
Online: tedsbulletin.com 

photo courtesy of Ted’s Bulletin

The Sweet Lobby
Cupcake and macaroon lovers rejoice! Now you can satisfy your kiddo’s sweet tooth and indulge in the crispy deliciousness of a macaroon at the same time. The Sweet Lobby’s Mac Top features a delectable cupcake topped with frosting and a macaroon. Be still our beating hearts. We tried to share this with our miniature cupcake lover, but were rebuffed. So we just ordered our own – that’s how tasty this little gem is. We also shared a cup of their famous European Hot Chocolate, which our tiny date remarked was “the best thing ever.”

404 8th Street SE
Washington, DC
202-544-2404
Online: sweetlobby.com

 

photo by Carla Simsc via The Sweet Lobby

Did we miss your favorite Barracks Row spot for delicious eats? Share them in the Comments below! 

— Hilary Riedemann

They’re cute, they’re miniature and they are oh so delicious! Whoopie pies are the perfect sized dessert for our little sweet tooth. And these Nutella and orange whoopie pies will sure have our little one begging for these home-made goodies again and again. Plus, this dessert makes for a great gift!

Ingredients
Cream filling:
1 orange
5 tbsp. unsalted butter
1/4 cup caster/ superfine sugar
1 egg
1/3 cup cream cheese

Whoopie pie:
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
3 tbsp unsalted butter
1/4  cup caster/superfine sugar
1 egg
1/2 cup Nutella
2 tbsp cocoa powder
1/2 cup skimmed milk
a pinch of salt

Method
1. Pre-heat the oven to 350°F

2. Make the cream filling. Finely grate the orange zest and squeeze the juice. Melt the butter in a bain-marie or in a bowl over a pan of simmering water. Add the sugar, egg and the juice and zest of the orange. Beat continuously until the mixture thickens. Remove from the heat and leave to cool. Beat in the cheese and chill for 1 hour.

3. Make the whoopie pies. Mix together the flour, baking powder and salt. In a separate bowl, beat together the butter and sugar. Add the egg, Nutella,cocoa powder and milk. Mix well then add the flour and baking powder mixture.

4. Place 30 small spoonfuls of the mixture on a baking sheet covered with baking parchment. Bake for 10–15 minutes. Remove from the oven, leave to cool on a cooling rack, then sandwich together with the cream filling.

Click HERE to see more great recipes like this one.

Is your mouth watering like ours is right now? Fill us in and tell us how your whoopie pies came out in the comment section below. 

Need more nutella recipes? Click on over to amazon to buy Nutella: The 30 Best Recipes. 

If your home has a revolving door of visitors during the holidays, it’s nice to welcome folks with a variety of home baked goodies—but who has that kind of time? Whether you need to pick up a quick treat for the kiddos, or pre-order a special dessert for a party, we’ve put together a list of our favorite bakeries in the Peninsula/South Bay. We hope our finds will help you out during this wonderfully busy holiday season—and remember to pick up something sweet for yourself.

Copenhagen Bakery – Photo via Jayne A. on Yelp

Burlingame

Copenhagen Bakery
It’s well known that the Danes are extraordinary bakers. And since this writer is married to a Dane, I can personally promise that the Copenhagen Bakery is as authentic as it gets in California. If you need a holiday treat that truly tastes like the holidays (butter, cinnamon, sugar… yes, please) don’t hesitate to stop by. We also recommend staying for lunch, as their adjoining cafe has an endless menu of tasty Scandinavian-inspired meals sure to please the entire family.

1216 Burlingame Ave.
Burlingame, Ca
650-342-1357
Hours: Monday & Tuesday, 6 a.m.-6 p.m., Wednesday & Thursday, 6 a.m.-9 p.m., Friday & Saturday: 6 a.m.-10 p.m., Sunday: 7 a.m.-9 p.m.
Online: copenhagenbakery.com

Redwood City

Cafe La Tartine
For those of you who are lemon meringue lovers—and let’s be honest, there’s a lot of us—this is the bakery for you. Cafe La Tartine has an incredible selection of delectable desserts inspired by Europe. And the ambiance here is so cozy, it’s perfect to go to before or after a movie downtown. Of course with sweet treats this good, you may forget about your movie plans entirely—but who could really blame you?

830 Middlefield Rd.
Redwood City, Ca
650-474-2233
Hours: Mon.-Thurs., 7 a.m.–9 p.m., Fri, 7 a.m.–11 p.m., Sat., 8 a.m.–11 p.m., Sun: 8.a.m.–9 p.m.
Online: cafelatartine.com

Photo: Denise M via Flickr

Menlo Park

Draeger’s Market Bakery
When you need classic baked goods that taste homemade, consider Draeger’s Market Bakery your new best friend. They make a banana bread so incredible, it tastes like your mother made it. Their macaroons are insanely impressive, perfect for a holiday fete. And when your child tells you on the way to the school party that YOU were supposed to bring the cake? Don’t worry, Draeger’s cupcakes will have the teacher begging you for the recipe.

1010 University Dr.
Menlo Park, Ca
650-324-7751
Hours: 7 a.m.-8 p.m. every day
Online: draegers.com

Photo courtesy of SusieCakes

Susie Cakes
When little (and big) mouths demand a slice of cake, take the fam here. Every day this adorable bakery sells slices of their freshly made (and always delicious) cakes. And these aren’t just any ol’ slices—the epic sizes will silence even your chattiest kid. Order a slice of their chocolate cake, and a nice cold glass of milk, and prepare to be transported back to your childhood. Good to know: Another Susie Cakes just opened in San Carlos.

642 Santa Cruz Ave.
Menlo Park, Ca
650-324-2252
Hours: Mon.-Sat. 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
Online: susiecakes.com

Palo Alto

Mayfield Bakery
If you agreed to host brunch at your house and you can’t remember why (or maybe you just need an easy meal for out-of-towners), call ahead and place an order for one of Mayfield Bakery’s savory quiches. There’s both veggie and meat options, and while they’re a bit pricey (veg is $56, meat is $60), each quiche feeds 8 people, so we think the time and energy saved is well worth the cash.

Town & Country Village
855 El Camino Real
Palo Alto, Ca
650-853-9201
Hours: Mon.-Fri., 7 a.m.–7 p.m., Sat-Sun, 7 a.m.–6 p.m.
Online: mayfieldbakery.com

Photo: Susanne Nilsson on Flickr creative commons

La Baguette
If you’ve been looking for the perfect Black and White Cookie, do yourself a favor and head straight to La Baguette. Try to arrive hungry because the other goodies offered here are show stoppers as well. Located in Stanford Shopping Mall, the bakery is also a perfect place to grab a quick and savory lunch while holiday shopping with the kiddies.

170 Stanford Shopping Center
Palo Alto, Ca
650-321-0535
Hours: Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.-9 p.m., Sat., 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Sun., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Online: labaguettestanford.com

Los Altos

Voyageur Du Temps
When you need a special spot to take the child who already believes she’s a grown up, tell her you have a surprise and bring her to Voyager Du Temps. When you arrive at the bakery you’ll find yourself in a place so chic and modern and lovely, you’ll forget whatever was bothering you five minutes ago. The decor? J’adore! And we’re more than a little obsessed with the artisan breads, the heavenly pastries, the delicate macaroons…. let’s just say we’d move in if they’d let us.

288 1st St.
Los Altos, Ca
650-383-5800
Hours: Monday: Closed, Tues.-Sat., 7 a.m.-7 p.m., Sun., 7 a.m-.4 p.m.
Online: voyageur.com

Photo via Jeffreyw on Flickr creative commons

Sunnyvale

Sugar Butter Flour
This bakery has the usual offerings of delicious pastries, cakes, and cookies, but what’s really special is their hand-crafted chocolates. If you’re looking for a unique and locally-made gift for a friend, a child’s teacher, or maybe even yourself, look no further. The chocolate gift boxes are available in 4, 9, 12, and 24 pieces. And with scrumptuious options like Earl Grey, Pepper Mint, and Peanut Butter Pyramid, we’ll understand if you go home with more than one.

669 S. Bernardo Ave.
Sunnyvale, Ca
408-732-8597
Hours: Mon.-Thu.m 7 a.m.–7:30 p.m., Fri., 7 a.m.-8:30 p.m., Sat., 7:30 a.m.–8:30 p.m., Sun., 8 a.m.- 5 p.m.
Online: sugarbutterflour.com

Cupertino

La Patisserie
If you’re in charge of bringing a special cake to a fabulous holiday party, then you have to go to La Patisserie. Their Burnt Almond Cake is a guaranteed crowd pleaser, as is the Red Velvet Cake, the Chocolate Forest Cake, the Hazelnut Bliss Cake.…oh we could go on, but to be honest, we need to finish eating the rest of our cake.

19758 Stevens Creek Blvd.
Cupertino, Ca
408-446-4744
Hours: Tues.- Fri., 7 a.m.-6:30 p.m., Sat., 8 a.m.-7 p.m., Sun., 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Online: lapatisserie.net

 

Photo courtesy of Zest Bakery

Zest Bakery
Raise your hand if you know someone with a gluten allergy. Okay that’s pretty much everyone. And if you’re tired of baking gluten-free treats that get thrown in the garbage (no judgement, it’s happened to the best of us), allow us to introduce you to Zest Bakery. Zest is a fabulous gluten-free bakery with tribes of loyal gluten-free fans. Not only do they have yummy (gluten-free) cookies, cupcakes, and muffins, but they also make sandwiches, ravioli, quiches, and frozen pizza crust. Bring a cooler, stock up, and go show your family what gluten-free is meant to be.

1224 Arroyo Ave.
San Carlos, Ca
650-241-9378
Hours: Mon., Closed; Tues.-Sat., 8 a.m.-4 p.m., Sun. 8 a.m.- 2 p.m.
Online: http://www.zestbakery.com/

Let us know if we missed any of your favorite bakeries in the Peninsula/South Bay! 

—Melody Morgan Sorensen