One thing that we love to make as a family after school is homemade dough. We often make homemade bread or rolls for dinner (and a few extra loaves to pass around the neighborhood), but it is an activity that I can get all of my kids involved in. And there is just something about gathering around the kitchen island rolling out and kneading dough that also initiates conversations that I wouldn’t normally get. And I will take that any day of the week.
One other recipe that we love to make in that after school time as well is homemade pretzels or pretzel bites. They are simple and easy to make and the kids love to dip them in all sorts of things–marinara sauce, cheese, and I love mustard. You will not be sorry after you try this recipe!
Mix yeast, sugar and warm water in the mixer, let it sit for about 3-5 minutes until mixture gets frothy. Then add salt. Add flour and mix. Pull dough out on greased countertop and knead until soft. Roll into long dough snakes. Using a pizza cutter, cut into bite-sized pieces. Place them on a cookie sheet sprayed with cooking spray. Brush the pretzels with a beaten egg and sprinkle coarse salt (optional). Bake at 425° for 12 to 15 minutes.