Baking With A Toddler

In culinary school, I learned the French term "mise en place," which roughly translated simply means "everything in it's place."  Prepping all ingredients before you start is setting everything in it's place.  When baking, this just means having each item measured and portioned in their own little bowls.  I've learned that this is essential when baking with a toddler.

I like doing it this way because I don't have to worry about following a recipe.  For a simple drop cookie recipe, which we were making here, I know that the wet and dry ingredients are combined separately before added together.  Having everything portioned ahead of time makes it easy for a little person to help.  You just have them dump, stir, and taste.