As a totally cool mom (at least, in my head, anyway), I like to think I stay up to date with the latest social media and trends my kids are seeing and experiencing. But let’s be honest, I am often waaaaay behind them, which is the case with TikTok. I’ve been avoiding it because 1) I don’t do dance videos and 2) every time I logged on it was a HUGE time suck.
But then I started seeing TikTok recipe videos like the life changing folded sandwich hack, and I had an aha moment: Why not combine TikTok and food to get my teens to spend time in the kitchen with me, and teach them how to cook?
So each week (maybe more!), my teens and I are going to try a TikTok recipe and share our experience here.
I have to say, I do love that TikTok recipe videos are so quick and to the point, with super simple, visual instructions. It makes them super appealing to kids and teens, who are already used to the medium. The whole “meet them where they are” parenting mantra comes to mind.
Alright so, first up: The baked oats.
Related: The TikTok folded sandwich hack: Our 20 faves!
Trying TikTok Recipes: Baked Oats
Baked Oats are the “in” thing right now, and considering how hard breakfast can be in my house, I figured it was the perfect first recipe to try.
I searched “baked oats recipes” and HUNDREDS come up, but if you check the trending hashtags, you’ll find them (and the other popular recipes there too). Then I waited for my teen to wake up (these could also be called Lunch Oats considering it is 11am before he woke up) so he could flip through the videos and find one that appealed to him.
Pro tip: If you want them to participate, let them choose what they want to make.
He chose this Baked Oats Recipe by @tracesoats which, like most of the recipes I found, had pretty simple ingredients: banana, oats, maple syrup, cinnamon, baking powder, pinch of salt, oat milk and protein power if you choose.
My teen tossed everything in the blender for this single serve recipe, then poured into a baking dish (we don’t have a small pie plate, so we used small ramekins instead). We baked it at 400 degrees for 15 minutes (adjusted the time for the smaller ramekins). And once they came out, he put fresh raspberries on top.
Related: 7 easy breakfast recipes kids can make themselves
How it turned out…
The end result was …interesting. My daughter said they tasted like “soft bread,” which I took to mean “muffin.” My son kind of just shrugged his shoulders, but ate it. Translation in teen speak = success! Personally, I needed a bit more crunch so may add some chopped pistachios or granola to the top next time.
While I’m not sure if this will be in regular rotation at our house, I love how making this recipe gave me time in the kitchen with them. It’s sort of like the magic of driving in the car with them, you know, where teens tend to start talking and opening up without realizing they are doing it. I can’t wait to see what we make (and talk about) next week.
