Baking with the Mini Chef

I've been meaning to do some baking but the last couple of weeks have seem to have gotten away from me.  Today however was set aside for baking no matter what.  Tomorrow is the last day of "little school" for my son and he informed me that he wanted to give his teachers flowers and cookies to say goodbye.  To be exact, he wanted chocolate chip cookies and snickerdoodles. 

Baking with kids can be alot of fun...and alot of mess....and you have to resign yourself to the idea that the end result will not be as pretty (or sometimes, as edible) as what you can bake on your own.  My little guy tends to get bored with the process and wanders off until its time for the taste tester.  Today however I was pleasantly surprised that he stuck through it from start to finish with both cookie batches....and then suggested that maybe when he grows up he will be a "cooker".  WHOOP!!!!  That's my boy!!!!!


Chocolate Chip Cookies (kids choice)

Adapted from Company's Coming - Cookies by Jean Pare

1 cup butter                  1 1/2 cups brown sugar
2 eggs                          2 tsp. vanilla
2 1/4 cups flour            3/4 tsp salt
1 tsp baking soda         2 cups chocolate chips
1 1/2 tbsp cinnamon

Cream butter and sugar together, then beat in eggs one at a time.  Add vanilla.

Sift together flour, salt, baking soda and the kids "secret weapon" cinnamon.  Stir into sugar mixture.

Add chocolate chips (or whats left of them after the taste tester does some quality control)

 I roll them about the size of Timbits ( for non-Canadians that would be about a 1 1/2 inch ball) and then flatten slightly.  Bake at 350 F (180 C) oven for 10 to 15 minutes. (until bottoms are slightly golden).  Makes about 3 dozen.