This morning I decided that one of my favourite activities in the entire world is baking with The Monster. She is intrigued by the process and will dive right in making a mess, if only to lick the paddle at the end of it all. I have a million pictures of her devouring the sticky dough left on that paddle. But today I took pictures throughout the process. I don't think there is much more to say today. Pick you favourite recipe and bake. Pull up a chair for the kids, make a mess, and watch some Yo Gabba Gabba while the cookies cool.

A personal stash of chips keep little hands busy while the cookies are in the final mix.

Everyone wants in on the action.

Fresh from the oven and into the mouth.

Cooling cookies and watching Tony Hawk on Yo Gabba Gabba.

The crumbs she swept into my hand, off the table, because they were getting in the way of eating her orange.

All is quiet, but not clean (see that bowl?) during naptime.

Today we made an old recipe for me. These make a cakey, crumbly cookie. I'm not normally one for anything instant, but the pudding mix does work nicely here. You can use vanilla, chocolate, or even butterscotch (my fave). You can also play with the type of chocolate chips. I learned how to make these when I was a little girl. I think the recipe came from a church cookbook. Really, a duotang filled with photocopied sheets.

Secret Ingredient Chocolate Chip Cookies

Makes about 4 dozen

1 cup butter

1/4 cup white sugar

3/4 cup brown sugar

1 tsp vanilla

1 package instant pudding mix

2 eggs

2 1/4 cups flour

1 tsp baking soda

1 cup (or more) chocolate chips

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees Celsius.

2. Cream butter and sugars together. Add vanilla and pudding mix.

3. Beat in eggs, one at a time, until mixed well.

4. Slowly add in flour and baking soda. Stir in chocolate chips until well blended.

5. Drop by teaspoonful on to a greased cookie sheet, about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes. Let cool and enjoy with your favourite monsters.