10 kitchen projects to help you unwind
Take some time out in the kitchen with one of our calming cooking projects, from sourdough baking to pasta making.
If you want to enjoy some quality me-time, why not try one of our fun kitchen projects to help you unwind and learn something new?
Whether you're looking for a way to put your empty glass jars to good use with some homemade jam, or you're a lover of all things sourdough, these ideas are a great way to take some time for yourself, and you'll get something delicious to enjoy at the end of it.
Everything tastes better when you've taken the time to make it from scratch, so throw yourself into some gyoza making, or impress family and friends at your next gathering with a showstopping cake or dessert.
If you want to get your kids excited about cooking, check out our Kids' Kitchen series that will guide you and your children through six essential cookery skills to create a variety of delicious dishes from scratch. You can find so much more cooking inspiration and hacks in our handy how to section.
10 kitchen projects to help you unwind
1. Make homemade jams
Bottle up the taste of sweet summer fruit or fresh autumn veg with our best ever jam recipes. Watch our step-by-step video on jam making and then go wild with the very best produce you can find. Make a classic sweet strawberry jam or if you're more of a savoury person, try our chilli & tomato jam recipe and dollop on burgers and wraps. See also our top tips for making jam and the best jam making kit including pans, jars and thermometers so you're fully equipped.
2. Learn how to make sourdough
Take some time to make a sourdough starter from scratch, and then use it to make one of our delicious sourdough recipes. Have a classic sourdough loaf ready for a fresh weekend lunch, or try making our scrumptious sourdough cinnamon rolls smothered with cream cheese frosting. They make for a delicious afternoon treat with a steaming cup of coffee!
3. Try your hand at pasta making
Pasta is surprisingly easy to make. Our simple homemade fresh pasta recipe can be used to make any style or shape, so go the extra mile and enjoy an Italian-inspired feast with your family. Have a read of our guide on how to make pasta to get all the best tips and tricks, and then use your new pasta-making skills to make one of our incredible pasta dishes.
4. Plan a dinner party
Brush up on your hosting skills and throw a dinner party for your nearest and dearest. Whether you are looking to feed a crowd or a small group of friends, we’ve got so many starter, main and dessert ideas that are sure to impress. Our budget dinner party ideas are great if you need to tighten the purse strings a bit, and check out our kids' birthday party food ideas if you're throwing a birthday bash. For more great tips, have look at our top 10 dinner party tips to make sure your evening goes off without a hitch.
5. Prepare and host an afternoon tea
Treat your friends and family to a fabulous afternoon tea party. Hosting your own afternoon tea at home means you can control the budget and select your favourite finger food. Read our tips for how to put on the best afternoon tea party and then check out our afternoon tea recipes. If you want to try something a bit different, get creative with our afternoon tea recipes with twist that include boozy scones and churro bites to really impress your guests.
6. Learn about fermenting
If you have a glut of fruit or vegetables and want to extend their shelf life, pickling and fermenting are the best processes to capture this produce at its best. Fermenting is also a simple, delicious way to preserve food with added health benefits for your digestive system. Read up on how to ferment vegetables and then get going with some homemade kimchi, kombucha and more.
7. Bake a babka
This impressive bake is deliciously moreish and will give you a great sense of satisfaction when it comes out of the oven in all its glory. Take your time in the kitchen creating one of these twisted masterpieces and show off your skills before devouring the end result. Try a fantastic seasonal dessert like our chocolate orange babka, or our babka wreath grazing board with cheese & spiced cranberry jam for a showstopping savoury centrepiece. Watch our video on how to make a babka wreath to get started.
8. Experiment with dumplings from around the world
If you're looking for proper comfort food, you can't go wrong with dumplings. There are so many different versions from countries around the world, so pick your favourites and have a go at making these delicious steaming morsels. For a weekend project try Poland's famous pierogis or Japan's gyozas complete with dipping sauce. For the ultimate comfort, try these Vietnamese-inspired wontons in broth for a warming lunch or light dinner.
9. Make your own sauces
Making your own sauces and condiments is a great way to use up any leftover produce, and it will save you some money in your weekly shop. It's also a good way of knowing exactly what you're eating as you'll cut out any surprise ingredients you get in the ultra-processed supermarket versions. If you've got some bunches of basil or other soft herbs to use up, you can make a batch of homemade pesto. Our barbecue sauce is surprisingly easy to make and is a great addition for your next BBQ. Check out more of our basic recipes that include all your favourite sauces.
10. Impress with a showstopping bake
Spend an afternoon creating a showstopping bake to impress at your next gathering. Go down the classic cake route and bake a tiered sponge masterpiece from our collection of showstopping cake recipes. Or for something a bit different, our cherry Bakewell crêpe cake, a delicious stack of golden, crispy pancakes, is an impressive dessert that doesn't even require the oven.
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