Baking with Kids: Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins

I made some banana chocolate chip muffins the other day.  These were my helpers.  Oh so eager...and oh so messy!  If you have kids, and like me you thought, 'Hey! I bet the kids would LOVE to help me bake something!  We'll just whip up some reeeeeal quick!'  Let me stop you right there.  If you think you're going to get through that experience unscathed, think again.  Baking with kids is CRAZY!  Why would anyone bake with kids?  That said, I had a great time with these two.  They are funny, fun, and always up for a good time.

I told them to bend down so I could get a good picture of the ingredients along with them.  This is what they did.  So natural.  So not awkward at. all.

3/4 c sugar

1 1/2 c mashed bananas (3 large)

3/4 c vegetable oil

2 eggs

2 c of all-purpose flour

1 t baking soda

2 t vanilla

1/2 t baking powder

1/2 t salt

This recipe that I'm using comes from a children's cookbook that I had when I was little.  I used it all the time growing up and even now I refer to it occasionally.

Heat the oven to 325*.  First step, grease the pans.  I had NO problem getting the muffins out of this pan!

It's important to take turns.  Otherwise all hell breaks lose, I'm trying to bring peace and before you know it I've totally forgotten how many cups have gone in and how many more to go.

Mash up the bananas.

Mix sugar, bananas, oil and eggs in a large bowl.

Stir in remaining ingredients.

Could this be any easier?

My favorite part.  Before you pour it into the pan, add chocolate chips!  This isn't in the recipe, but it takes these muffins to a whole new level in my opinion!  I think it was the kids' favorite part too.

Pour into pan.

Bake until a wooden toothpick inserted in center of the muffins comes out clean.

This recipe is for banana bread, so it tells you to bake it for 60 to 70 minutes.  Since these are just muffins they don't need that long.  I usually start with 15 minutes and then just keep checking them until they're done.  You would think after years and years of making this recipe that I would have taken note how long it actually takes to do the muffins.  I haven't.  For some reason I just keep setting the timer for 15, then running back and forth between the oven and whatever else I'm doing to check the progress.  Oddly enough I can probably count on 2 fingers the amount of times I have burned them.  Do what works.  I think, if I'm judging by this face, they are just fine!!