Toddlers have truly stolen my heart. Being that my boys are past the age, I can now observe with an impartial eye. I teach baking classes with parents and their children and am absolutely smitten with these passionate creatures. Watching the pure joy that a child gets from whisking flour and then biting into the final baked product is so rewarding. Being around toddlers reminds me to look for the wonder in the small joys of life, be present in my environment and explore with all my senses.

Toddlers liked making and eating these oatmeal chocolate chip bites. They are slightly sweet and resemble a cookie more than a bowl of breakfast mush. We had so much fun mashing bananas and stirring in the chocolate chips. By the time the class was over, there wasn’t a crumb left on their plates. Want to try it for yourself? I promise you won’t be disappointed.

Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bites

This recipe comes together in a snap and are the perfect accompaniment to any meal or snack time. Be sure to let these cool before eating because the chocolate is hot and can burn little fingers and tongues.

Makes 12 to 16

Ingredients:

• 1 medium ripe banana
• 1 egg white
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 2/3 cup old fashioned or instant oats
• ½ cup mini chocolate chips
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon cinnamon

Directions:

Heat oven to 350 ℉ and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a medium bowl use a fork to mash the banana until creamy. Add egg white, honey, oatmeal, salt, and cinnamon and continue mixing  fork until the dough is homogenous. Let rest for 5 minutes.

Add in chocolate chips and mix until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. It may look dry but that is ok.  Using your hands, firmly press the mixture together to form two-inch balls and place on baking sheet. Bake for 15 minutes or until the balls are golden brown on the bottom and dry to the touch. Cool and enjoy. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.