Oatmeal Raisin Banana Snack Cake

 Packed full of raisins, hearty oats, and crunchy pecans, this Oatmeal Raisin Banana Snack Cake is an easy-to-bake recipe that will remind you of one of your favorite childhood cookies...

So, recently my 9 year old daughter has been asking more and more to help out in the kitchen. She is even slowly beginning to make some things on her own now. While I am so glad that she is showing an interest in learning how to cook and bake (and I seriously have no desire to squash her newfound interest), I do have to make a confession- it makes the Type A, Virgo mom in me cringe slightly.

I feel kind of guilty even typing that out loud, but I can't be the only parent who feels this way when their kiddos finally start to show a little initiative in the kitchen, right? ;)

But I have decided I am going to suck it up this summer and let her help me out more when it comes to cooking dinner and baking up some tasty treats because I don't want to discourage her from learning new things and growing. Even if she leaves the batter drenched whisk sitting on the counter. And despite the fact that she might use every measuring cup and spoon that I own just to make one recipe. 

Because part of the process of teaching our kids to cook and bake is to also teach them how to consolidate steps and to clean up as they go, am I right? So that is just what I am going to do- teach her. Teach her that spending time in the kitchen involves much more than just measuring out ingredients, whisking and mixing, and setting a timer. 

Fluffernutter Banana S'mores

 When you add a little fluffernutter action to classic s'mores by adding some peanut butter coated banana slices, you get something truly and deliciously amazing- Fluffernutter Banana S'mores...

So according to the calendar it is not "officially" summer until June 21st, but we have already started summer in this house. 

Summer pretty much starts Memorial Day weekend around here.

In fact, we have already had our newly assembled fire pit toasting marshmallows and illuminating conversations with friends and family twice since May 26th.  

And you seriously can't have a good fire pit, camp fire, or bon fire going without s'mores always fitting into that summertime equation.

A summer fire without s'mores would be like having a lit grill without hamburgers or hot dogs to grill.

Or serving a pitcher of iced tea without, you know... ice. ;)

Fire pit= s'mores. 

Enough said. 

But I decided to take the classic s'mores to the next level by throwing a little fancy pants s'mores party for friends & family on Memorial Day evening. (There will be more details on that little party on the blog tomorrow, friends. Stay tuned!)

Sure, the classic s'mores will always be summer perfection.

But when you add a little fluffernutter action to them with some peanut butter coated banana slices, you get something truly and deliciously amazing- Fluffernutter Banana S'mores...