Kitchen Helper

We have a little step ladder in the kitchen. Originally it was for me to be able to reach my cupcake supplies and less frequently used plates/serving pieces. I got it out one time for Kennedy to stand on and now this is where she insists on eating, cooking, coloring and hanging out. At least it isn't in front of the TV.

I also noticed that when I say "cook" she goes straight to the microwave. I guess it has been a while since I made a proper dinner. Anyway, I decided to show her we can do a little cooking together. Real cooking/baking. Not pushing buttons on a microwave.

We baked some peanut butter oatmeal bars (recipe below) and made homemade play dough. She absolutely loved it. She loved measuring the ingredients, pouring them in and licking the batter. (The "batter" was a different spatula I dipped in peanut butter). Once we finished preparing, baking and cleaning up our mess, it was time to enjoy the fruits of our labor.

She is so proud of the oatmeal bars she made. I think that's the majority of the reason she polished off two right off the bat. She just kept saying, "Kennedy cooked." She couldn't wait for Greg to get home to cut him one of her bars. And of course, who doesn't love hot pink play dough?!

Mixing 

More cinnamon.  

Someday I'll let her try real batter...one of my all-time favorite things.  

Putting all my mini cookie cutters and cupcake decorations to good use.  

 Roll, cut, repeat. 

Mommy's Kennedy's Ladder

Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal Squares

1 1/2 cups quick cooking oats,

1/4 cup packed light brown sugar,

1 teaspoon baking powder,

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt,

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon,

1 teaspoon vanilla extract,

1/2 cup milk,

1 large egg, lightly beaten,

1 large mashed banana,

1/4 cup creamy peanut butter

Mix together the quick cooking oats, light brown sugar, baking powder, kosher salt and ground cinnamon.

Add in the vanilla extract, milk and egg. Mix the ingredients together.

Then add in the mashed banana and peanut butter. Combine all of the ingredients.

Pour the mixture into a lightly greased 8 by 8 inch metal baking pan. Bake at 350 F degrees for 20 minutes.

Cut into squares and enjoy!