If you’re still a little bummed that your acceptance letter from Hogwarts never came, this is the news you’ve been waiting to hear.
Well, OK—we’re not going to transport you to a magical castle filled with secrets and mystery. (And, at a time like this, even the Hogwarts students would be social distancing). But we can let you know about an awesome program that’ll inspire your inner Potterhead.
Through Hogwarts is Here, a Harry Potter fan website, you can take magical classes like Defense Against The Dark Arts, Potions and more. And best of all, it’s totally free.
Check out our favorite Harry Potter kitchen gear, too.
You’re a Wizard!
That’s right, Potterheads: At Hogwarts Is Here, you can enroll in classes for all grade levels. First-years, for example, typically enroll in seven iconic wizarding courses—Charms, Potions, Defense Against the Dark Arts, Astronomy, Herbology, History of Magic and Transfiguration—and you’ll complete assignments, quizzes and exams. You’ll also be excited to hear that yes, you can play Quidditch.
Sound fun? We certainly think so. And if you don’t want to be a student, you can be a House ghost, Auror or several other roles.
If you’re concerned about the authenticity of it all, rest assured that the experience is created by those who are as passionate about the Wizarding World as you are. The site’s been running since 2014, offering us Muggles the chance to experience the magic that captured us all.
Take Me to Hogwarts
So, how do you get to Hogwarts? Well, start by pouring yourself a glass of pumpkin juice. Then, head over to Hogwarts is Here and create a user profile. You’ll decide which house you’re in—no Sorting Hat here, tragically—and join a dorm with your classmates. It’s the perfect quarantine boredom-buster.
Up Next: Magical Harry Potter-Inspired Recipes
Taste of Home
Glazed Lemon Chiffon Cake
This fluffy cake is a real treat drizzled with the sweet-tart lemon glaze. —Rebecca Baird, Salt Lake City, Utah
Go to Recipe
Healthy Pumpkin PieDon't worry, our healthy pumpkin pie recipe doesn't shy away from the classic fall flavor you love.
Don't swap evaporated milk with condensed milk—they're not interchangeable.
Here's what makes them different.
Chicken and Asparagus BakeGreet guests with a taste of springtime with this chicken and asparagus casserole on the menu. It bakes in just half an hour. People savor the rich cheesy sauce, and it freezes well too. —Ramona Ruskell, Columbia, Missouri
Holiday Eggnog SnickerdoodlesEggnog flavor is infused into the cookie and the glaze with this yummy recipe, perfect for the Christmas season.—Bonnie Massimino, Brookeville, Maryland
Beef Enchiladas VerdesThese beef enchiladas verdes are easy to make ahead and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. After quickly cooking the tortillas in hot oil, I layer them between paper napkins to soak up excess oil. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
Lemon Raspberry CakeThis lemon raspberry cake is rich, tender and full of lemon and raspberry flavors. If you like lemon and raspberry, this is a recipe you'll want to make as soon as you can.
Party MeatballsThese meatballs in a sweet, tangy sauce can be made a day in advance and reheated. We usually serve them at birthday parties. - Irma Schnuelle, Manitowoc, Wisconsin.
Sweet Potato CheesecakeBored with pumpkin pie? Our sweet potato cheesecake sings with the same fall flavors but features a creamy layered filling and a lovely graham cracker crust.
Southern Mac and CheeseNo down-home meal is complete without southern mac and cheese. Three types of cheese and a squirt of mustard make this comforting dish sing! —Katie Sloan, Charlotte, North Carolina
Gob CakeThis gob cake recipe has been passed down in our family for generations. We always eat it at our gatherings. —Kristina Hershey, Columbia, Pennsylvania
Stroganoff SoupMy husband and I share a love for all kinds of soup and came up with this delicious recipe together. It really does taste like beef Stroganoff. With a crusty roll, it's a satisfying meal in itself. —Karen Shiveley, Springfield, Minnesota
FudgeNo need to head to the candy store when you have this fudge recipe. We will show you how to make fudge that is rich, creamy and decadent.
Pumpkin Spice CustardHere's a traditional slow-cooker pumpkin spice custard with some espresso powder for a latte effect. —Shelly Bevington, Hermiston, Oregon
Caramel CupsYep, we've transformed your favorite candy bar into a whole 'nother bite-sized treat. Learn how to make Twix cookies—a riff on delicious caramel cups.
Golden Clam ChowderThis is comfort food at its best! Yes, you can have a warm bowl of homemade clam chowder for dinner tonight or any night. The soup is seasoned expertly and thyme adds a great dimension of flavor. —Amanda Bowyer, Caldwell, Idaho
Old-Fashioned Oat BreadWhen this old-fashioned oat bread is baking, it reminds me of childhood and the warm, inviting aromas that greeted me after school. The light sweet flavor, crispy crust and hearty texture of this bread made for a special treat when Mom baked it for us. —Gloria Murtha, West Mifflin, Pennsylvania
Mexican Chicken CasseroleThis Mexican chicken casserole is just the ticket when you want a substantial but simple meal. Cooked chicken, canned soup, evaporated milk and aromatic vegetables create a dish—and an aroma—that will make your mouth water.
No-Bake Peanut BrowniesYou can enlist the kids to help make these chocolaty peanut butter brownies. I like
the fact that I can enjoy them but keep my kitchen cool, especially in summer. —Connie Ward, Mount Pleasant, IA
Best Banana Ice CreamThe secret to this satisfying homemade banana ice cream is fresh fruit, and few fruits are more affordable or versatile than the humble banana. Betcha can't stop at just one scoop!
Best Seafood ChowderMy husband is an avid fisherman. When a family get-together was planned and we had to bring something, we created this recipe using fish from our freezer. The chowder got rave reviews from the relatives! —Heather Saunders, Belchertown, Massachusetts
Sweet Potato Souffle with PecansA sweet Southern holiday side dish for Thanksgiving, Christmas or Easter; sweet potato souffle combines a velvety sweet potato base with a crunchy pecan and brown sugar topping.
Broccoli Rice CasseroleDiscover the perfect potluck dish, a hearty broccoli rice casserole topped with a rich cheese sauce. It's the perfect combination: easy to make and delicious to serve!
Cake Mix BrowniesThese cake mix brownies are a mashup of two of my favorite desserts. A woman I worked with gave me a recipe for chocolate caramel brownies, and I had a recipe for yellow cake mix bars. I wondered what they would taste like together, so I tried it. I've been making them ever since! —Staci Mergenthal, Verdi, Minnesota
Creamy Caramel FlanA creamy, cheesy dessert with homemade caramel sauce on top? Count us in!
Slow-Cooked Creamy RiceThis wonderful side dish goes well with any meat stew. I use whatever fresh herbs I have on hand along with the chopped parsley to add even more flavor. —Laura Crane, Leetonia, Ohio
Chocolate Caramel CandySimilar to a Snickers bar—but better—this homemade chocolate caramel candy will scratch your itch for a chewy, chocolaty, caramel, peanut butter treat.
Comforting Tuna PattiesMy grandmother and mother made these tuna patties on Fridays during Lent. I'm not the biggest fan of tuna, but it's perfect in this dish. These patties are even good cold the next day, if there are any leftovers. —Ann Marie Eberhart, Gig Harbor, Washington
BeignetsThese sweet French doughnuts, inspired by the ones found in Cafe du Monde in New Orleans, are square instead of round and have no hole in the middle. They're a traditional part of breakfast in New Orleans. —Beth Dawson, Jackson, Louisiana
Ribbon Fantasy FudgeI developed this recipe especially for my husband, who likes anything that has chocolate and peanut butter together!
Bacon Cheeseburger SoupThis bacon cheeseburger soup brings two of my absolute favorite foods together in one! The tomato, fresh lettuce and crisp bacon toppers make this soup taste as if it's burger time. —Geoff Bales, Hemet, California
Classic Swedish MeatballsI'm a "Svenska flicka" (Swedish girl) from northwest Iowa, where many Swedes settled at the turn of the century. This recipe was given to me by a Swedish friend. It's obviously a 20th century version of a 19th century favorite, since back then they didn't have bouillon cubes or evaporated milk! I think you'll agree that these modern-day "Kottbullar" are very tasty. —Emily Gould, Hawarden, Iowa
WaffleWhipping up our waffle recipe might be the most rewarding way to start a day. Dust off your waffle maker, stir the batter, fold in the egg whites and get cookin’! The included cinnamon cream syrup recipe is optional but oh, so recommended.
Creamy Chicken and Rice SoupFor an easy meal that's equal parts cozy, comforting and satisfying, turn to this 30-minute creamy chicken and rice soup recipe.
Chocolate Cream PieOur teenage son, John, has done lots of 4-H baking. This old-fashioned chocolate cream pie recipe with a flaky crust was his favorite thing to make. —Mary Anderson, De Valls Bluff, Arkansas
Cheesy Chile CasseroleA short list of ingredients packs full flavor in this easy-to-assemble casserole. Serve it as the star of your next meal. —Phyllis Bidwell, Las Vegas, Nevada
Broccoli-Mushroom Bubble BakeI got bored with the same old breakfast casseroles served at our monthly moms' meeting, so I decided to create something new. Judging by the reactions of the other moms, this one's a keeper. —Shannon Koene, Blacksburg, Virginia
Garlicky Cheddar Cheese BisqueI came up with a cheddar cheese soup a while ago and decided to give it a boost with a variety of root vegetables. Crushed pita chips and fresh parsley make fun garnishes. —Patricia Harmon, Baden, Pennsylvania
Butterscotch Pumpkin FudgeEach one of these creamy, heartwarming treats is like a bite-sized pumpkin pie. —Kathleen Henne, Camp Hill, Pennsylvania
Potato Leek SoupEven though our potato leek soup is a lighter version of the French classic, the recipe packs tons of flavor.
Irish CreamThis delicious, festive Irish cream recipe can be made with ingredients already in your refrigerator and cupboard.
Saucy Scalloped PotatoesFor old-fashioned flavor, try these scalloped potatoes. They cook up tender, creamy and comforting and chopped ham adds a hearty touch. —Elaine Kane, Keizer, Oregon
Cranberry Orange PancakesAs special as the holidays, these fluffy pancakes are drop-dead gorgeous, ready in just minutes and brimming with sweet, tart and tangy flavor. Seconds, anyone? —Nancy Zimmerman, Cape May Court House, New Jersey
Farmer’s CasseroleThis brunch-friendly make-ahead farmer's casserole is a hearty combination of hash brown potatoes, Monterey jack cheese, ham and eggs.
No-Fuss Potato SoupFor a busy-day supper, my family loves to have big steaming, delicious bowls of this soup, along with fresh bread from our bread machine. —Dotty Egge, Pelican Rapids, Minnesota
Raspberry RibbonsI make these attractive, buttery cookies to serve at our remote guest lodge, and all the cooks in the kitchen are addicted to them! —Patsy Wolfenden, Golden, British Columbia
Ravioli with Snap Peas & MushroomsTopped with the toasty texture and flavor of hazelnuts, this pasta makes an easy, earthy weeknight dinner. I serve it with an herb and lettuce salad and white wine. —Charlene Chambers, Ormond Beach, Florida
Pretzel-Topped Sweet PotatoesEveryone I've shared this recipe with says it's the tastiest way to serve sweet potatoes. I like to make it for special dinners and even for brunch as a colorful go-with dish. The mingled sweet, tart and salty flavors are an unusual treat. —Sue Mallory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Shrimp ChowderMove over, clam chowder! This shrimp chowder recipe is family-approved and ready to hit the table.
Short a can? You can always use a
substitute for evaporated milk.
Butter Pecan CakeThis irresistible butter pecan cake features multiple layers, plenty of toasted buttery pecan crunch and a thick layer of buttercream frosting. In a word, it's delicious. Serve with a scoop of vanilla or maple ice cream to complement this decadent southern dessert.
Polynesian MeatballsWith pretty bits of pineapple, these meatballs are sure to attract attention—and the sweet-tart sauce brings people back for seconds. —Carol Wakley, North East, Pennsylvania
Butternut Squash CasseroleThis sweet butternut squash casserole is the perfect side to pair with savory dishes during a big family feast. Just be warned: If you take it to a potluck, you'll come home with an empty dish.
Makeover Slow-Cooked Mac ‘n’ CheeseThis recipe is a clear example of comfort food at its finest; it's rich, hearty and extra cheesy. And because it's made in the slow cooker, it's also extremely easy. —Shelby Molina, Whitewater, Wisconsin
Cherry & Spice Rice PuddingI live in Traverse City, the Cherry Capital of the World. What better way to celebrate our wonderful orchards than by using plump, tart dried cherries in my favorite desserts? This slow-cooked rice pudding recipe always turns out wonderful. —Deb Perry, Traverse City, Michigan
Italian Sausage & Sun-Dried Tomato PastaFlavor-packed sausage and sun-dried tomatoes are sure to liven up any simple pasta dish. I have a feeling that once you've tried it, it'll become a family favorite!—Dawn Singleton, Eighty Four, Pennsylvania
Potato SaladThis homemade potato salad recipe doesn't have many ingredients, so it isn't as colorful as many that you find nowadays. But Mama made it the way her mother did, and that's the way I still make it today. Try it and see if it isn't one of the best-tasting potato salads you have ever eaten! —Sandra Anderson, New York, New York
Three-Chocolate FudgeI make this fudge at Christmastime to give to friends and neighbors. That tradition started years ago when I made more candy than my husband, three sons and I could eat, so we shared it. It's a tasty tradition I'm glad to continue. —Betty Grantham, Hanceville, Alabama
Cream of Wild Rice SoupTender cubes of chicken, fresh vegetables and wild rice make this soup hearty enough for a meal. You can't beat the down-home comfort of a warm bowlful. I like to serve it with whole wheat rolls. —J. Beatrice Hintz, Neenah, Wisconsin
Pumpkin French Toast CasseroleRecipes that don't tie me to the kitchen—that’s what I’m all about. I make this luscious dish the night before breakfast or brunch with guests. —Patricia Harmon, Baden, Pennsylvania
Coconut CloudsCoconut lovers will have extra reason to celebrate when they taste these cakelike drop cookies. The generous frosting and coconut topping make them a hit at holiday cookie swaps. —Donna Scofield, Yakima, Washington
Pumpkin Pie SmoothiesMy pie-flavored smoothie is loaded with fruit. The spices make it all come together. —Karen Sikora, Dayton, Nevada
Sweet Potato Pecan PieSweet potato pecan pie pairs two southern classics in one delicious layered dessert.
Chocolate-Caramel Rum CoffeeThis decadent drink can stand alone as a final course or as a complement to dessert. Our family loves it for sipping in front of the fireplace. —Joyce Conway, Westerville, Ohio