Cooking or baking with children is a great way to bond, experience new foods, sneak in kitchen skills and safety measures, and build confidence. Here are three fun and easy recipes to make with kids.
Homemade Banana Bread – This recipe uses ripe mashed bananas that are not only high in flavor but are packed with healthy nutrients such as fiber, potassium, vitamin B6, vitamin C, and various antioxidants and phytonutrients.
5 tablespoons of salted butter, melted
½ cup good quality honey
About 3 bananas (equivalent to 1 ¾ cup mashed)
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon cinnamon
¼ teaspoon salt
1¼ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 cups whole wheat flour (or substitute with all-purpose)
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Meanwhile, spray a 9×5 loaf pan with cooking spray, then line with parchment paper on the bottom and sides for easy lifting out when cooked. Or spray and lightly dust the pan with flour. In a big bowl, combine the melted butter, honey, and mashed banana. Gently mix, then whisk in eggs. Sprinkle in the baking soda, cinnamon, salt, and vanilla and mix until combined. Next, taking care not to overmix, fold the flour into the batter. Pour banana batter into the loaf pan. Bake for about 55 mins. (until a toothpick inserted into the center of the pan comes out clean). To prevent the top from getting too brown while baking, watch closely and cover with foil if needed. Banana bread should sit for about 10 to 15 mins. and finish cooling on a wire rack.
What kids can do– children can be a tremendous help in the kitchen. They can perform age-appropriate tasks such as mashing the bananas, whisking the eggs, measuring ingredients, folding in the flour, and more. Adults can melt the butter in the microwave and handle operations related to the oven. Happy baking!
Sources:
Healthline.com (What nutrients do bananas have?)
Control the mess (Recipe)
