By Heather Keenan

Today, I would like to publicly applaud those mothers out there that are actually able to let their kids help them cook. I bet some of you even enjoy it! I can not fathom. I have no idea how you do it, and at this point, I don’t want to know, because I have officially given up. I do this year after year. We pick out our recipes, we go to the store, we buy those delicious ingredients and head home for an afternoon of sugary bliss. Only it turns into a freaking sticky disaster within fifteen minutes of entering the kitchen.

They want to help, they really do. I want them to help, honest. But I just can’t. I can’t do it. I, in no way, have the patience to watch them drop in cubed butter at a snail’s pace because they don’t really want to touch it. I can’t stand by and let them measure cocoa powder because it makes my skin crawl thinking of how I am going to have to clean it up. And can someone please explain to me why in the world they have to put their faces so close to everything? I am pretty sure raw egg has been inhaled, more than one time, in my kitchen.

Every year I try, and every year I fail. It ends up being a total crap storm of me yelling, them crying, and my kitchen looking like a drunk Martha Stewart was on a rampage. Next year I will be purchasing all of our yummy treats. That’s right, roll on the chemicals, because Entemmann’s just became my new BFF.  So, if you are like me, and just can’t figure out how baking and kids fit together, stress not. Spend time with them in other ways. Hell, take them to the store to buy those delicious, prepackaged treats and start chowing down in the car. They’ll love it! And the best part is there will be no disappointment when those peanut butter chocolate chunk bars come out as hard as bricks.

To those who are a true Betty Crocker and just can’t get enough of the wonderful bonding that is baking scrumptious, sure to be enjoyed by the whole family, treats….rock on. While you’re on a roll, drop some at my house!  I can kill a batch of homemade lemon bars like no other and I write a wicked thank you note.

Bake on, bakers.