Cooking With Kids: Banana Bread

For the last few years, I have been slowly working on teaching my kids to cook. Little tasks here and there, but mostly just making sure that they have some general knowledge so that a) they know where their food comes from and b) they are able to cook for themselves when they go out on their own--- a skill that seems to be less common these days with the sheer abundance of convenience foods available.

If you follow me on Instagram, you have seen that my youngest has really taken a liking to being in the kitchen. She has always shown some interest, but in recent months it has taken off. So much so in fact that she wants to be a chef when she grows up AND she requested cookbook and a chef's hat for her recently celebrated 5th birthday.

To encourage this passion, I decided that we would try to attempt one new baking project each week using simple, kid friendly recipes. This week I used a recipe from my mom's best friend, with a little alteration to give it a little something extra! Looking to start cooking with your children? Today, I'm sharing this simple recipe that you can try!



Banana Bread

• 1/2 cup butter
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 cups all purpose flour
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 ripe bananas, mashed
• approximately 1/4-1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Mix butter and sugar until smooth. (Hint: Soften butter to blend more easily!)
3. Add eggs and mix well.
4. Add the flour, salt, soda and bananas. Mix. 
5. Add in cinnamon to your taste. I never measure, but add several shakes--- I'd say about 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon. This gives it just the subtle flavor. Play around to find the perfect amount for your taste. 
6. Pour into greased loaf pan.
7. Bake for about 45 minutes- 1 hour. Ours was done in 45 minutes, but all ovens vary. 

This recipe is super simple and incredibly delicious too! It's also very inexpensive, using ingredients that we generally always have on hand! It's also a fantastic way to use up those bananas that don't get eaten up before they start to go ripe (although to be honest, it's rare they last that long in my home!)

What is your favorite recipe to cook with your children? Stay tuned for more simple, kid friendly recipes!