Maker March with DK Canada

Well, it's officially March Break - plus a couple of extra weeks for some. If you're looking for something to keep everyone busy, DK Canada has some great books for Maker March - check out the selections here.

Which one caught my eye? Bake It - 150 favourite recipes from best-loved DK cookbooks. The book is recommended for 10-14 year olds, but honestly - who doesn't like to create in the kitchen? Fun for all ages I say - and a treat to eat!

Now, that cover doesn't lie - inside are some recipes for sweet treats and breads and rolls (my downfall!)  The first section deals with some good basic knowledge - kitchen equipment, terms, methods and techniques used. The layout is wonderful - info boxes, clear, easy to understand information - and what I love about DK books - full colour, detailed pictures to illustrate all the above. A glossary at the back also details terms used.

The subject headings are Creative cakes, cupcakes and muffins, Celebration Cakes, Pastries, pies and tarts, Creative cookies and tasty treats, Classic crusts and No-bakes. Something for everyone's tastes -sweet and savory. A handy index at the back is another way to search.

Each recipe has a difficulty rating of 1-4 cupcakes, time needed, ingredients, servings and equipment needed. I loved this bit - each step of the recipe is numbered - and accompanied by colour photos detailing the step. I'm in awe of some of the ideas for cakes - the pinata cake was a neat idea.

At Gramma's house? Well, so far my kitchen has turned out a gluten free zingy lemon cake, an apple crumble and some variations on a basic cookie recipe using chips, dried cranberries and blueberries. The soda bread requires no yeast or kneading and is made and baked in an hour. At Christmas I'll have to remember that there's a gingerbread house recipe - the templates for the house are also at the back of the book and just need to be traced. There are many more just waiting to be made.

I really thought this was a great collection of recipes, wonderfully laid out, with ideas that will appeal to everyone. There is no nutritional info listed for the recipes.As well, some recipes are British based and call for self rising flour, but it is easy to make your own at home. Check out the sneak peek below.

Time to Play - with DK Canada

 

March Break is almost upon us! Are you travelling or are you planning a stay at home break with the kids this year? Looking for some ideas for things to do? Dorling Kindersley Canada has lots of suggestions! They have a great selection of kid's books - crafting, cooking, Legos, drawing and more - all on sale at 30%off. Lots of fun things to do together! You can browse the selections at the Time to Play Boutique. There are some great books for adults too. And this adult loves to create!

 

Craft is a great resource for those looking to try out a number of different techniques and ideas. There are six section in the book - textiles, papercrafts, jewelry, ceramics and glass, candles and soap and finally - eco crafts. Each section begins with pictures and descriptions of the tools and equipment needed.

And I easily found something I want to try in each chapter. We're doing a bathroom reno, so dying or screening new curtains is now on my list; as is reupholstering an existing small chair for the corner.

I have always wanted to try soap making. There were some great 'recipes' using goat's milk soap base that I definitely want to try. And planning ahead - soap would make really great hostess or small anytime gifts. How to present them? In one of the lovely gift boxes you've made from scrapbooking sheets. (pattern included) Accompanied by a hand made card with pressed flowers.

I really liked some of the eco craft ideas - especially the punched tin tea light holders - perfect for my new deck this summer or hanging on low branches of the surrounding trees. I saw a whimsical little wire hanging incorporating old buttons that I want to try too.

Jewelry is one craft I've never attempted, but I really want to try clay beads. Off to the local hobby store with my coupons!

There is something for everyone in Craft. I've bookmarked a few sections for programming ideas as well - papermaking might be messy, but it would be fun!

What I love about DK books are the loads of pictures they include in all their books. That, the easy to read layout and the clear, concise  step by step instructions.

What are you making?!