Baking in a Heat Wave

Whether I like it or not, this is the week I need to bake to get ready for school. The boys have daycamps the last two weeks of August, and I need to stay with my second son at his, so I won't get much done in the way of baking. It's going to be so hot this week, and I don't want to have to use the oven very far into the day, so here's my plan. Let me know yours!

• Mix all the dry ingredients together the night before. Have the muffin tin/loaf pan/cookie sheet prepared and ready for action
• Keep the oven empty and ready to heat
• Have the wet ingredients measured out, stored in the fridge, and ready to mix
• Keep the recipe open and clipped for easy viewing
• Make sure the counters and dishes are cleaned and put away every night to make easier cleanup after baking. 
  

I hope to get up just a little earlier than I have been so that I can get whatever it is into the oven before I even eat breakfast. My baking plan is to make one item each day for the week. Here's my list:

• Monday- Gingerbread Spice Loaf
• Tuesday- Orange Pumpkin Loaf
• Wednesday- Pecan and Chocolate Chip Breakfast Cookies
• Thursday-  Pineapple Zucchinni Loaf
• Friday- Chocolate Zucchinni Loaf

One of the ways I save money when grocery shopping is to limit the store-bought desserts and treats. Everyone likes cookies, for example, but making them from scratch at home is usually cheaper and a little less unhealthy. Likewise, loaves and muffins. They are easy to make, easy to freeze, and an appreciated addition to a school lunch. I can also hide multiple vegetables in them to give the kids an extra nutritional boost. For example, the gingerbread spice loaf contains broccoli and carrots! Sshhh. They don't know it, and I'm not going to tell them.

Another way to save money on groceries is to take advantage of seasonal vegetables and fruits. Always buy in season, whenever possible, because you will get the best value for your money. Freeze the extra vegetables and fruit you don't need while they're fresh- we waste too much food in North America. Consider planting a garden -even container gardening, if you don't have the space for a full garden, or a community garden plot. You can plant many vegetables and fruits that freeze very well, such as zucchinni and berries. 

What kind of baking do you enjoy sending to school or taking to work?