Summer is over, and we’re waaaay back to school. Isn’t it about time for a sweet and fun family activity? Pick a rainy day or a post-homework afternoon for a bake break!

October is Bake and Decorate Month – an annual celebration to bake your favorite dessert – a pie, cookies, a cake – and decorate it! Gather the kids, flour, eggs, and sugar (yes, all that things that make a mess), mix your confection, and shake the sprinkles. Don’t forget, it’s the time of year when yummy fall flavors are in-season, like pumpkin, cinnamon, and apples.

Once you’ve picked out your recipe and are all set to go, save some clean-up time with these tips from ACI:

• Fill your sink with warm, soapy water to let bowls and utensils soak as you go;
• Have paper towels, a kitchen towel, and countertop wipes handy on your work surfaces;
• Place a garbage can or bag close to your work area, so you don’t have far to go; and
• Ask others to help with the clean-up – especially those who are going to help eat the goodies!

On other days, ACI’s got you covered with a 15-minute kitchen clean-up routine!