Happy Hippo Blog

Amazon Prime Days are here and while I *know* deep in my heart that they're just a push to get me to spend more money on Amazon, I also know that I fall for it every time! This year I thought I'd round up all my favorite deals as a baker and toddler mom in case you're wondering how to give the giant your money this week also. *nervous laughter*

Vanilla is one of those flavors that we all know and love. It's in our ice cream, our cakes, and even our morning coffee. But do you know the story about how this very familiar flavor came to be? Buckle up, because we're about to take a flavorful journey through the fascinating history of vanilla and vanilla extract. And don’t forget, you can always grab a bottle of our homemade vanilla extract right here!

Have you ever wondered what makes your favorite desserts taste so yummy? Is it the sweet melody of sugar and vanilla, the warm hug of cinnamon and nutmeg, or the rich bass of chocolate and coffee? Let's dive into the wild (and delicious) world of flavors, where science meets art, and discover how different ingredients contribute to the symphony of tastes in our favorite goodies.

As y'all know, I firmly believe baking can be an incredibly rewarding activity to enjoy with your little ones. Not only does it provide a fun and interactive way to spend quality time together, but it also offers educational opportunities, from measuring ingredients to understanding chemical reactions. Today, I'm thrilled to share a guide to baking one of my favorites: focaccia bread. This delicious, fluffy, and versatile bread can be made using either commercial yeast or if you've got an active starter on hand, I walk through using that, too! Here’s how you can make both versions successful, along with the advantages of each, so you and your little one can embark on a delightful baking adventure - with a yummy focaccia ending! 

I don’t know about you but, when it comes to cookies, I have zero problems helping myself to two or three or several but when my toddler wants to join in, I limit how many he can have. For good reason! Most cookie recipes are high in sugar, fats, white flour, none of which are bad necessarily, just not as nutritious as I’d like for my growing boy to consume regularly. More than once, I’ve found myself in need of a toddler-friendly cookie recipe that takes a little of the guilt and desire to restrain away. So, how do we make our favorite cookie recipes healthier and more suitable for tiny tummies and growing bodies? After a fair share of experimenting in my kitchen, I've discovered some foolproof swaps that can make virtually any cookie recipe toddler-friendly. Let's dive in!

As a passionate baker and the daughter of some serious foodies, I've always believed in the magic of high-quality ingredients transforming simple recipes into an art piece. Today, I'm thrilled to unveil our latest creation that's been brewing behind the scenes – our Homemade Vanilla Extract, available in both delightful rum and smooth vodka bases. This launch is more than just an addition to our product line; it's a celebration of flavor, quality, and the joy of baking.

Hello, Happy Hippos! With all the baking we do around here, I've learned that the joy of baking doesn't just lie in the mixing and the baking itself, but also in enjoying your creations for as long as possible. An essential part of that is learning how to store your baked goods after they’ve cooled down from the oven's warmth (assuming you didn’t eat everything right away, that is!).  Today, I'm here to share with you my tried-and-true methods for storing various kinds of baked goods, what to look for in storage containers, and my favorite tips and tricks to keep your treats tasting fresh and delicious.

In honor of National Banana Bread Day, I'm sharing one of my absolute FAVORITE recipes! This banana bread recipe has been a staple in my house for a LONG time and is so easy and versatile, I know you'll love it, too. You can make this recipe as healthy as you'd like and it works SO well with an assortment of mix-ins for a little extra ~something something!~ Also, I can typically get away with only using one bowl and a whisk when I make this so it's light on the dirty dishes which, I think we can all agree, is a huge win!

These blueberry banana pancakes are so yummy, low on sugar, and are incredibly easy to throw together - even your little one can help! They're obviously great for breakfast for just about anyone but they also make great snacks for baby led weaning for even the littlest hippos! Just make sure to smash the blueberries really well for new eaters!

Ever wondered “Can I bake with my 1-year-old? 2-year-old? How do I even start to safely involve them?” Embarking on your first baking adventure with your toddler can seem daunting, but fear not! This guide is crafted specifically for parents who are new to mixing the joys of baking with the unpredictable fun of toddler participation. We'll take you through a simple, toddler-friendly baking project, breaking down tasks that are developmentally appropriate for little ones between the ages of 12 months and 36 months. So, roll up your sleeves, embrace the flour showers, and let's create some delicious memories together.

If you're willing to dive into the mess and chaos, baking with toddlers is an experience for growth - for you and for them! In the cozy corners of our kitchens, amidst the flour dusted countertops and the warm glow of the oven, lies an extraordinary classroom for our littlest learners. Baking with toddlers is not just about whisking eggs and measuring flour; it's a heartfelt blend of joy, exploration, and education. Along the way, you might just find some room to grow in your own heart... In this blog post, we'll dive into the delightful world of baking with toddlers, exploring age-appropriate activities, the developmental benefits they gain, and simple yet engaging ways to include them in the baking process.

Whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting to explore the kitchen, understanding why and how to measure ingredients accurately is essential for baking success.