Baking With Little Helpers

My daughter has always been interested in what we are doing in the kitchen. She has helped me do things like boil noodles, scramble eggs and even prepare the turkey for Christmas. We enjoyed baking together pre-pandemic, but during the pandemic, like many others, we bake more often. 

Some sprinkles for the horse, some for the little helper. Gotta try your ingredients right? ;)

The kids like to sometimes 'washes dishes' after we bake too. We usually just stick to simple recipes or have used 'Box' cake, to make it easier. Her favorite part is mixing or squishing the dough/batter with her hands and decorating!

We once baked Peppa Pig Muddy Puddle cup cakes from a box!

The other day we had a bunch of overripe bananas, so we decided to make some Vegan banana bread. 
I used the same recipe that I use for the banana muffins.
Just 5 ingredients, 1/4 cup Oil, 2 cups Flour, 3-4 Bananas, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and 1 teaspoon salt.

Of course, she wanted to put it in the Dalarna Horse shaped baking pan. You often see Dalarna horses when you look up Sweden. (From wikipedia: A dalarna horse is traditional carved, painted wooden statue of a horse originating in the Swedish province of Dalarna (Dalecarlia). In the old days the Dalecarlian horse was mostly used as a toy for children; in modern times it has become a symbol of Dalarna, as well as of Sweden in general.)

When little ones help with the baking, it's nice to ask them to help you with simple things like kneading the dough, choosing the pan to use, maybe buttering it or if you're doing muffins, they can place the muffin liners in the pan. 

Some delicious Vegan buns, a favorite of mine! We first made these when we couldn't find 'dinner rolls' at the grocery store. We decided to make our own to bring to a dinner party a couple of years ago now.

Baking can be messy, so just be prepared to clean up a bit more with them helping ;) I think it helps to have all the ingredients out and everything you need for baking before you call them over and ask if they'd like to help. Then try to put the ingredients away once it's been used, before they can try to open them again.

Another time we baked Sugar cookies! 

We have a stool they can stand on, but you can also do this sitting around the table. Like when we roll the dough and press the cookie shapes, that's easier done at the table. Adding extras like placing chocolate eyes on the horse or the sprinkles for the horse hair makes it fun for them!

This was the final result of the horse! After it cooled, pieces were cut out to enjoy!

Beautifully decorated cookies by my daughter!

Remember it might be messy but try to enjoy it :) Kids are so amazing, they learn so fast and have great long term memories. They will get better at baking each time. 

Baking can make you hungry, so enjoy the baking together but remember, don't forget your snacks!