It has been about 13 months since quarantine began. In those 13 months, many fads and hobbies arose to fill in the time. Tiktok videos, bracelet making, and DIY crafts became common ways to enjoy our lazy, long days. 

One particular hobby for me was baking (because who doesn’t love treats!); in fact, baking became not just a quarantine hobby, but a BBYO trend. Events across the International Order included cake mixing, challah making, sweet treat sessions, and more. 

As an amateur baker, these events were so much fun, but sometimes so infuriating. I loved baking with my chapter and enjoyed having a fun and easy way to connect with my friends over zoom. However...there were difficulties. A big issue was that not everyone was able to join in on the baking. If they did not have a mix, the right ingredients to make the recipe from scratch, or the time to buy these items, then it made it hard to participate in the event. 

To resolve this issue and make baking programs even more perfect, here are 3 Quarantine-Ease Easy Recipes! These recipes require minimal ingredients that result in maximum yumminess!

1. Banana Cinnamon Rolls 

For this delicious recipe, all you need is 4 overripe bananas, cinnamon, 12 dates, and ½ cup water. With these four common ingredients, you can create a great dessert. 

1. Preheat the oven to 250F
2. Slice the bananas lengthwise into 3 strips each (see the link for more details).
3. Layout the banana slices on baking trays lined with parchment paper. Do not overcrowd. 
4. Bake for 1 hour at 250F.
5. Remove from the oven and let them cool for 15-20 mins.
6. Once cooled, flip the banana slices over so the side with more moisture is facing upwards.
7. Blend the water and the dates for the date paste.
8. Spread about 1 tablespoon of date paste down the length of a banana slice. Sprinkle with cinnamon. Roll. Repeat with the remaining slices.
9. Arrange all the rolls on a lined pan.
10. Place them in the oven for 1.5-2 hours at 250F.
11. Remove from the oven and allow to cool before eating
    

2. Sugar Cookies 

Sugar cookies are classic cookies that deserve a lot of love. With this recipe, you can make amazing cookies with 1 stick + 2 TB salted butter, ⅓ cup sugar, 1 cup flour, and sprinkles (if you wish!)

1. Preheat oven to 325F.
2. Mix the sugar and butter until the mixture is light and fluffy
3. Stir in flour.
4. Form the cookies into 1" balls, placing them about 2 inches apart on a baking sheet. (If using sprinkles, flatten cookies into a disc shape and top with sprinkles)
5. Bake for 15-17 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden
   

3. Chocolate Fudge

For all-out chocolate lovers, this recipe is heavenly! Using only 3 cups of semisweet chocolate chips, 1 can condensed sweet milk, and ¼ cup butter, you can create an amazingly delicious treat.

1. Add the chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and butter to a large microwaveable bowl. Warm in the microwave until melted (about 3-5 minutes) and stir about every minute. 
2. Pour fudge mixture into a well-greased 8x8-inch glass baking dish. Refrigerate until set. (YES ONLY TWO STEPS!)
   

Using these easy recipes, you’ll be sure to have a fun and easy chapter event (and a lot of yummy bakes!)