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This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at U Conn chapter.

For the time being, we’ll be under quarantine in our homes and doing our best to social distance. But, why not make the most of this time by baking or cooking? The benefits are two-fold. First of all, baking and cooking can be relaxing and therapeutic – good for those of us who are freaking out about how crazy the world is. Secondly (and, let’s be honest, most importantly), you get to enjoy the fruits of your labor. Here are 5 recipes you should try when boredom strikes.

Bon Appetit’s Shockingly Easy No-Knead Focaccia

I made this a week ago and let me tell you, it’s delicious. As the title indicates, no kneading is required for this recipe, making it a pretty easy bread to make. The only caveat is that this recipe does take some time, you need to let the dough sit and rise a couple of times. But rest assured, the finished product is worth it. Just sit back, relax, and binge watch Netflix shows until its ready!

https://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/easy-no-knead-focaccia

Bon Appetit’s Brown Butter and Toffee Chocolate Chip Cookies

Think of these cookies as the hipster sister of your average chocolate chip cookie. This cookie has got it all: salty, sweet, and buttery goodness. You’re welcome in advance.

https://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/brown-butter-and-toffee-chocolate-chip-cookies

Elizabeth Minchilli’s Tuna and Zucchini Pasta

Elizabeth Minchilli is an American expat living in Italy. All of her recipes are amazing and based off of authentic Italian cooking. This recipe is great because it utilizes a lot of pantry goods that you might’ve already stocked up on in anticipation of staying at home all day. Plus, it’s just really delicious.

https://www.elizabethminchilli.com/2020/03/zucchini-tuna-pasta/

Tasty’s Healthy Banana Pancakes

If you’re looking to avoid the “quarantine 15” (the new “freshman 15”), start your day off right with these pancakes. They only require a few ingredients and are super easy to whip up in the morning. Plus, your body will thank you for taking a break from all the other yummy (and maybe a little unhealthy) things you’ll be making.

https://tasty.co/recipe/healthy-banana-pancakes

Bon Appetit’s Camouflage Chocolate Fudge Brownies

These fudgy and rich brownies are dolloped with a delicious layer of cream cheese topping. Make sure to snap a picture of your finished result because these brownies are definitely Instagram-worthy. They’ll be sure to impress your friends from a distance.

https://tasty.co/recipe/healthy-banana-pancakes

These are hard times and finding something to make us smile (see: Bon Appetit’s Brown Butter and Toffee Chocolate Chip Cookies) is really important. Stay safe and get baking/cooking!

Jenny Gorski

U Conn '21

Jenny is a senior at the University of Connecticut. She is studying Political Science with a minor in Psychological Sciences. Jenny loves going on long hikes, nerding out over her favorite podcasts, having classes unexpectedly canceled now and again, and hanging out with her pets, 2 cats and 2 dogs, all of whom she misses constantly while away at college.