Baking Time

Those of you who know me pretty well know how much I love my baked goods. And since every now and then I get a little bee in my bonnet and decide to try making something myself only to have every store bought version ruined for life. (It's not my fault that stores just can't compare with most things I make on my own. It certainly doesn't make my life any easier.) I'm finding that in order to consume my little pieces of happiness I have to spend a little more time whipping them up in my humble kitchen. This is quite naturally an undertaking that thrills the girls to no end.

First because they love to help me in the kitchen. Just about anytime with any dish they love being able to do it with/for me. (I just need a more help friendly kitchen - more counter space and designated fold down step stools would be a good start...)

If there is a task to be completed they are always right there (and I do mean right there) to help. One of my favorite things to let them do is divvy up the batter into the cupcake tray. I have no idea why but for some reason this is the job I can let go of with the most ease and not be worried about the level of mess and mayhem that will ensue. (You should see me hover when it comes to cracking eggs...) Probably because they are pretty good at cleaning up all messes made when it comes to chocolate batter.

And really they are very focused and dedicated to doing the best job possible.

This made me laugh. Just before I was about to throw the cupcakes in the oven I looked down and noticed that maybe I should clean it up a little before that batter gets cooked on. Its fun to see which side I did compared to the side they took care of. It makes you wonder who really had more fun with this project.

Because when it really comes down to it - isn't this were all the fun in chocolate cupcakes comes from?

(Well after sprinkles that is...)

Emmuska's ability to lick a whisk clean is something I marvel at - how in the world does she get the inside so well? (Mind you it usually looks like more of it ends up on her face than in her tummy ;)

"All done filling the cupcake cups - we'll start cleaning up!"

Thanks girls - you make baking so much more fun. (Most times anyway) ;)

Bubbles!

Guess what Emmuska learned how to do...I'll give you a hint: it involves a straw and a cup of milk.

You got it! I'm not sure where the notion came from but one day she decided to blow through her struck instead of slurping and was rewarded with big white bubbles (or maybe pink...it's hard to say what kind of milk she was drinking the first time she did this). She was instantly addicted. I couldn't give her a glass of milk without turning around to see bubbles overflowing.

Now I need to research why/how exactly it does this so I can explain it to her. Kids really are the best learning experience!