Who doesn't love cakes, candy and pies? While your local bakery probably supplies many of these delicious treats, they do so at a big price. With the economy the way it is, you may have avoided the bakery department, opting for treats that have a lower price and quality. You don't have to though. What I mean is you don't have to opt for less quality. The secret to delicious treats begins in your pantry. This week we're going to discuss the importance of the bakery section of your pantry. I'll even include a delicious recipe.

The bakery section of your pantry should include items that allow you to throw together a sweet treat at a moment's notice. The best and most affordable way to stock this part of your pantry is to wait for sales. Around the holidays, you'll see great deals on everything from cake mixes to chocolate chips. The following is a list of the items I keep in my pantry. Feel free to add any items you wish though.

Cake, brownie, and muffin mixes
Frostings
Powered, granular, and brown sugar
Cocoa powder
Corn syrup
Sweetened condensed milk
Evaporated milk
All kinds of chocolate chips and baking chocolate
Pudding mixes
Graham cracker and chocolate cookie pie crusts
Peanut butter
Flour
Shortening
Baking powder and soda
Different types of candy
Extracts
Pie fillings

Now, what can you do with these ingredients? One thing you can do is make an awesome pan of fudge.

Peppermint Crunch Fudge

1 (12 ounce) bag of white chocolate chips
1 (14 ounce) can of sweetened condensed milk
2 cups of crushed peppermints
1 teaspoon of peppermint extract

1. Combine the white chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk and heat in the microwave for 90 seconds.
2. Stir until the chocolate is melted and then stir in the crushed peppermint and extract.
3. Pour into a greased 8 inch pan and refrigerate until firm.

There you have it. With around $5 worth of ingredients you can make a few pounds of delicious fudge. Best of all, this recipe can be altered by using different types of chocolate chips, candy and extracts.

Spring Cleaning might not top the list of fun activities that you can share with your children, but in fact, involving the entire family in a spring cleaning weekend is a great way to share memories, collaborate and get the house in order, all at the same time. Rather than waste a weekend watching television or going your separate ways, spend a weekend together as a family. Spring cleaning offers the opportunity for toddlers and teenagers to get involved in your home and provides chances for family bonding, too.

Divide up the workload
Put everyone in charge of a task—be it a room they are responsible for cleaning, a closet they need to sort through, or the regular chores like vacuuming or ironing. Young children can get involved with Swiffer dusters and mops, while older children can pitch in with sorting toys and clothes for Goodwill or Children's Aid. Be specific with kids about what you hope to accomplish. For instance, if your son's room is fairly organized, but filled with clutter, talk about the importance of purging and make him responsible for selecting a few items to donate to charity. Giving everyone a task can help make the workload more manageable.

Get outside and welcome spring, too
Don't confine all of your spring cleaning to the inside, either. Head out and weed the garden, cut the lawn, or plant some spring buds. One teenager handling the garden and another cleaning the living room strikes a great balance. Plus, if the sun comes out on the weekend, it isn't necessary to spend it all cooped up. You can still get the house in order without wasting it inside when the sun comes out.

Stop for snacks and take out
If you are going to spend the weekend cleaning, be sure to break it up with family treats and the opportunity to sit around the table with the ones you love. My family loves monkey bread, made from Pillsbury biscuits mixed with butter, sugar and cinnamon. Start the morning off with a family favorite and break for snacks throughout the day. Finish off with pizza or Chinese food, whatever quick, easy meal your family loves the best. Or stop and make chocolate fondue for dessert. Find photographs of mom and dad when they got married? Or a toy that you'd completely forgotten about from your childhood? Be sure to share with your family now!