Each winter, holiday baking is a meaningful tradition at Shrub Oak International School, offering students the opportunity to engage in a familiar seasonal activity that blends routine, creativity, and practical life skills. One favorite recipe, chocolate toffee matzo, has become a staple holiday treat. Simple in structure yet rich in flavor, this recipe allows students to participate at every step while experiencing the sights, textures, and aromas associated with holiday celebrations. Baking activities at Shrub Oak are intentionally designed to be accessible, predictable, and purposeful, reinforcing skills that extend beyond the kitchen.
Chocolate toffee matzo provides an ideal balance of structure and flexibility. The recipe follows a clear sequence, supporting executive functioning skills such as planning, sequencing, and task completion. Measuring ingredients, lining baking trays, spreading melted chocolate, and sprinkling toppings each offer concrete opportunities for fine motor development and collaboration. For many students, the repetitive nature of baking fosters confidence and independence, while the shared goal of creating a finished product encourages communication and teamwork. The activity also naturally integrates math concepts, food safety practices, and sensory exploration in a supportive, low-pressure environment.
The holiday baking tradition also is deeply connected to Shrub Oak’s emphasis on community and shared experiences. Students often work alongside peers and staff, practicing turn-taking and problem-solving while contributing to something that will be enjoyed together. The familiar ingredients and consistent steps help reduce anxiety, while optional toppings allow for personal choice and creativity. As the matzo bakes and the toffee bubbles, the kitchen fills with familiar holiday scents, grounding the experience in positive sensory input that many students come to anticipate each year.
Equally important, the finished chocolate toffee matzo becomes a tangible outcome students can take pride in. Whether shared during a holiday gathering, packaged as gifts, or enjoyed during a class celebration, the final product reinforces the value of effort and participation. These moments support Shrub Oak’s broader educational approach, which emphasizes functional skills, social development, and meaningful engagement across settings. Holiday baking is not treated as a novelty, but as an extension of daily learning rooted in real-world application.
Chocolate toffee matzo remains a favorite because it is inclusive, adaptable, and celebratory. It reflects how seasonal traditions at Shrub Oak are thoughtfully structured to meet students where they are, while still honoring the joy and connection that define the holidays.
Chocolate Toffee Matzo Recipe
Ingredients:
• 4–6 sheets of matzo
• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1½ cups chocolate chips
• Optional toppings: fruit, sprinkles, cinnamon, marshmallows
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper. Arrange the matzo in a single layer, breaking pieces as needed to fit the pan. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and brown sugar together, stirring continuously until the mixture thickens and begins to bubble, about 3–4 minutes. Carefully pour the toffee mixture over the matzo and spread evenly. Bake for 10–12 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning. Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle chocolate chips on top. Allow them to melt, then spread evenly. Add optional toppings if desired. Cool completely, then break into pieces and enjoy.
