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Recipe borrowed from: Marsha's Baking Addiction. Check her out for more delicious recipes!
I try to involve my three-year-old with cooking and baking as much as possible. If she asks to help (which she usually does) I will say yes, even if it is just to stir something or collect ingredients for me. If I feel I don't have the patience that day then I allow her to help with one or two small tasks and then say something like, "what a huge help! Thank you, mommy has it from here!" Usually she will be satisfied enough with her contribution and carry on with whatever she was doing.
On the days that I am feeling super patient I allow her to be quite involved! It may take twice as long, but it's a great way to bond and learn together. The other day, my little chef and I made these chocolate muffins and WOW! They may as well be cupcakes because they are a real treat. If you're looking for a healthy muffin this may not be it, but believe me, life is far too short to pass them up! They do contain bananas and plain yogurt, so they have that health factor going for them ( in case you were worried!)
We were happy to find a recipe that would help tackle the plethora of frozen bananas taking up space in our freezer, and also to be able to use our homemade Instant Pot Greek Yogurt.
Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1/2 cup cocoa powder
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1 cup chocolate chips (we used white chocolate)
1 egg
2 large bananas (mashed)
2 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 cup greek yogurt
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Directions:
Preheat your oven to 400F/200C and prepare your muffin pan. We use paper muffin liners. (A great way to get your toddler involved is to let them count out the liners and place them in the pan!)
Combine the dry ingredients in a large bowl and set aside. ( I usually measure out each ingredient and let Chef Callie dump it in the bowl. We talk about each ingredient as we put it in too, and then she is in charge of sifting the cocoa and whisking--her favourite task)
3. In a separate bowl combine the wet ingredients. (Mashing the bananas is another fun task for your little one. We are still working on egg cracking... if you're feeling brave let your little one have a go at it! Use a separate dish in case you need to dig out some shells. What's the worse that could happen?! They will learn, and will feel proud and important that you trusted them with a "Mommy task"
4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until fully combined. (toddler task: pouring and mixing!)
5. Evenly divide the batter amongst the muffin liners and bake for 15-20 minutes
(ours were quite full and took 20 minutes). Use the toothpick method to make sure they're cooked. (Toddler task: spoon the batter into the pan).
6. Let the muffins cool slightly in the pan before removing and cooling on a rack.
They are really yummy warm, or at room temperature. I like to eat mine with a hot cup of coffee, or for dessert with some plain yogurt on the side...or peanut butter! I'm 32 weeks pregnant so I can probably share about 100 ways to enjoy this muffin :D
Don't forget to check out Marsha's Baking Addiction for the original recipe and many more delectable desserts!
You can also find me on Pinterest @ Mommy Matters
Thanks for reading,
-A