Kid Friendly: Banana Chocolate Squares

Today I didn't have to work so I decided to do some baking with Baby J.  I told him we needed to go buy chocolate chips to make muffins, and he got super excited and said he was making "Lightning McQueen" muffins.  Love that kid.

I love my apron Grandma O!

 A skilled dry ingredient mixer...

 My mom always enlisted me to mash the bananas when she made banana bread.  I don't think I ever mashed with his finesse though. 

Spatulas and Thomas the Train are necessities in every kitchen.

When Jackson heard the oven ring he ran downstairs in a frantic shouting:  "They're done Mommy!  Hurry!" I pulled the squares out and then we patiently waited for them to cool off... 

Patience is my virtue. 

Jackson was very pleased with his final product.  And so was I.  Yum.

Banana Chocolate Squares

Adapted from Williams-Sonoma Kid's Baking and Allrecipes

• 2 1/2 cups All-purpose unbleached flour
• 3 1/2 teaspoons
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt 
• 2 dashes cinnamon
• 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) butter, at room temperature
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 large eggs are room temperature
• 2 capfuls vanilla extract
• 3/4 cup sour cream
• 1 1/2 cups semisweet mini chocoalte chips

Directions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray muffin squares with cooking spray.  In a medium bowl, using a wooden spoon, stir together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.  In a large bowl, using the electric mixer, beat the butter and 1 cup sugar for about 3 minutes, until creamy.  Turn off the mixer and scrape down the bowl with the rubber spatula.  Add 1 egg and beat until blended. Add the other egg and the vanilla and beat until well blended.  Turn off the mixer and scrape down the bowl with the rubber spatula.  Add half of the flour mixture and mix on low speed just until blended.  Pour in the milk and mix just until blended.  Add the rest of the flour and the chocolate chips and mix until blended.  Using the 2 large spoons, one to scoop and one to push, fill each square with batter.  Put the pan in the oven and bake for 21 to 23 minute until muffins are golden brown.  Using oven mitts, remove the pan from the oven and set it on the cooling rack to cool.  Tip the muffins out of the pan onto the rack and serve warm or cold.