Photo credit: food.com

By Ani Chaglasian

Many are stuck inside and want to stress bake. At this time during self-isolation some grocery stores are running low on ingredients, but no worries. Here are some easy and simple treats you can make while self-isolating for yourself and the people you live with. All these recipes can be made with only a few ingredients 

Tanghulu 

This easy recipe only takes three ingredients and can make any fruit a delicious candy treat. 

2 cups granulated sugar

1/2 cup light corn syrup

1 cup of water

You’ll also need some type of fruit, I’d recommend strawberries.

1. Wash strawberries and dry them off well. If there’s water on the skin, the sugar syrup won’t stick well. 
2. Insert toothpicks or skewers into the stem end of the strawberries and gently pull leaves away.
3. Place 1 cup of sugar and ¼ cup of water into a small saucepan, clip on your candy thermometer and use medium-high heat to boil the mixture until it reaches 300ºF (hard crack stage), then turn the heat to the lowest setting.
4. Quickly and carefully dip the strawberries into the syrup and twist to make sure they are completely covered (avoid the leaves); let any excess syrup drip off and set them on parchment paper to cool and harden. If you want them to look perfect all around, insert the sticks into a large piece of Styrofoam or cake pop stand so they can harden upright. Be very careful working with the syrup since it’s very hot. 
5. The candied fruit only takes a few minutes to harden, they’re best enjoyed within two hours.

Brownies 

1 cup Nutella hazelnut spread

2 large eggs 

½ cup all-purpose flour

1. Preheat oven 350°F. Prepare an 8″x8″ baking pan with cooking spray. Set aside.
2. Mix chocolate spread and eggs in a medium bowl until combined. Add flour and salt. Mix until combined.
3. Pour batter into prepared pan.
4. Bake 20 minutes or until a cake tester or toothpick comes out clean. 
5. Serve and enjoy.

Peanut Butter Cookies

1 cup peanut butter 

1 egg 

1 cup white sugar

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. 
2. Mix peanut butter, sugar, and egg in a bowl using an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Roll mixture into small balls and arrange on a baking sheet; flatten each with a fork, making a criss-cross pattern.
3. Leave in oven for 10 minutes, then enjoy.