Baking can be a really fun(ny) science experiment!
/Yesterday, an insurance company flyer came in the mail. It included a page of recipes that could be made in a mug for single servings. I tore out the page and left it on the kitchen table.
Last night after swim practice, a few of the kids were ravenous for dessert. One said, "I want to make chocolate cake-in-a-mug from the recipes mom left on the table."
While I spent the next 30 minutes putzing around the kitchen, 3 kids (#4 was sick) had loads of fun making 4 (one for dad) chocolate cake-in-a-mugs. The experience was complete with:
An assembly line because all 4 mugs needed the same ingredients
A bit of error when someone accidentally put 2 tablespoons of baking powder in two of the mugs, instead of 1/8 teaspoon, and then attempted to remove it
2 volcanos in the microwave due to an unsuccessful attempt to remove enough baking powder
All the kids doubled over in laughter due to the 'volcanos' in the microwave
Sharing! Three kids shared one mug because 2 didn't make it past the volcano stage, and dad got his own.
A good time was had by all. Two thumbs up for the surviving cake! And the mess was even (mostly) cleaned-up by the kids!
My conclusion: Provided it's safe, let the kids experiment in the kitchen. Baking can be a very fun kid activity!