Keeping kids busy this half term - with Flora Buttery

The recipe for a busy half term holiday with the kids

There is nothing better, as far as my two little girls are concerned, than to do some baking with Mummy. Take yesterday for example, we made brownies chocolate goo for the Valentines cake sale at school (we forgot to add cocoa powder). They still tasted gorgeous! 

The wet weather today, may well lay in store for us all next week. Such a drag. The February half term can be difficult for us parents, not only in terms of the weather, but also in terms of money and of course, what to do with the children to keep busy.

According to Flora Buttery, who carried out some recent research: 

Although 32% of mums are still feeling the pinch following Christmas, the Feb half-term break sees them spend most on: 

1.       Day trips (70%)
2.       Ad hoc activities such as going swimming / to the cinema (62%)
3.       Extra food for extra mealtimes (52%)
4.       Eating out at restaurants (45%)
5.       Travel / transport (29%)

To give mums inspiration in terms of cheap and fun activities to do with the kids, Flora has developed a Family Fun Guide – packed full of tasty baking recipes, arts and crafts ideas and games to play over the half term with the little ones. With recipes such as chocolate chip cupcakes, lemon drizzle cake and cinnamon and raisin cookies - and of course traditional pancakes - our week here is now definitely set to be quite delicious! How about this quick and easy recipe for a teaser...

 BLUEBERRY & LEMON MUFFINS

• 15 mins to prep
• 30 mins to cook
• Serves 12

Muffins are almost always surprisingly easy to make and this recipe for blueberry and lemon ones is no different! 

Simple, delicious and full of fruity flavours, just mix up all the ingredients, including fresh or frozen blueberries and lemon zest. 

Pour into muffin cases to have a warm, sweet-smelling treat ready in no time. 

Great for a special breakfast or perhaps you’d like to brighten up teatime a little?

YOU WILL NEED: 

• 115 g (4oz) Flora Buttery
• 115 g (4oz) caster sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 150 ml (¼ pt) milk
• zest and juice of 1 lemon
• 300 g (11oz) self-raising flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 150 g blueberries - fresh or frozen

METHOD: 

1. Preheat the oven to gas mark 3/170°C/150°C fan/325°F.
2. In a mixing bowl, cream the Flora Buttery and sugar together until light and fluffy.
3. Add the eggs, one at a time, and mix well.
4. Mix in the milk, vanilla, lemon juice and lemon zest.
5. Add the flour and baking powder and stir until just combined – don’t worry too much about lumps!
6. Finally – throw in the blueberry and stir to distribute in the mix.
7. Divide the mix among 12 muffin cases in a muffin tin (and sprinkle some Demerara on top if you wish).
8. Bake in a preheated oven at gas mark 3, 170°C/150°C fan/325°F for 30 minutes.