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A battle over plastic army men is in full swing when Jenn Koslowsky, mother of three blonde boys, shuts down the battalion.

"We're putting the army men up now, so we can start cooking. So go get your aprons on," Jenn says.

Little Koslowsky chefs Kaleb, age 5-1/2, Joshua, 4-1/2, and David, 2, help each other put their aprons on and quickly shuffle off to the kitchen.

"We big boys can handle that," Joshua notes with a smile.

On the menu at the Koslowsky kitchen today is chocolate chip banana bread.

Kaleb's favorite thing about bread is eating it, and Joshua quickly adds that he doesn't like banana bread.

"That's my problem," the 4-year-old states.

Jenn gets out her recipe out while telling the boys not to bang their bowls together. Then Kaleb's bright blue eyes flash with awareness, and he mentions that they all need to wash their hands.

All three blondes huddle back to their little plastic table with clean paws, eager eyes and anxious grins.

Big brother Kaleb announces that he’ll peel the bananas and wonders if he needs to put the skins in the batter as well.

"See how fun making banana bread is," Kaleb declares with glee.

Joshua throws banana peels in the trash while Jenn gets the first ingredient of melted butter ready.

Joshua declares that he is going to help "mosh" the bananas while little David cries "fork."

All three chefs make growling noises while "moshing" bananas, followed immediately by chef David taking a break to lick his fork.

While David continues to taste bits of bananas and appears confident that no one is noticing, Jenn pours in the warm butter.

Once again, the boys eagerly plunge their forks into the bowl.

"How much sugar do you think we need to add, Kaleb?" Jenn asks.

"One pound," Kaleb states with authority.

Jenn suggests two-thirds of a cup and then prompts chef Kaleb to add the sugar to the bowl.

The young chef wannabes sink their forks into the bowl with excitement.

From big to little brother, these three are a team with one goal in mind: sneaking banana bread ingredients and having fun.

When asked about milk, Joshua suggests one gallon should do the trick, and then with a smile, Jenn lets him add the two tablespoons of milk.

The boys then state loudly that they are done stirring the sugar.

Their mother then gently asks them to "not mix up David's hand in the bowl."

David's suggestion of two eggs is spot-on for the next ingredient.

Kaleb and Joshua crack their eggs with success while Jenn checks for shells in the batter.

The mixing continues, and David gets to add the next ingredient of salt.

Despite Kaleb's suggestion of two pounds of salt, David plops a 1/2 teaspoon into the bowl.

"Forks down," Jenn announced as the little chefs add the final ingredient of chocolate chips.

After many chips are taste tested and approved, the boys prepare for their final stir.

"Guys, stir careful," Jenn directs while David states, "My fork."

It’s "forks down" time again while the brothers help grease the loaf pan.

All three have their forks poised to help their Mom, as the batter is poured.

David's fork accidentally gets dropped into the batter in all of the excitement, but big brother Joshua comes to the rescue.

Jenn sends all chefs to the bathroom for a second hand washing, when Kaleb asks if they can keep their forks.

The bouncing blondes are informed that they aren't going to keep their dirty forks, and they begin to congregate back to their little plastic table for cleanup time.

They share their final thoughts on their baking experience.

"Banana bread is just so yummy, that's all," Kaleb explains while Joshua states "banana bread is not yummy, it's pooshey."

David looks up with an adorable grin and announces, "Banana bread."

"Following instructions and directions while engaging in hand and eye coordination gives busy kids something to get messy with," Jenn notes.

For these blonde boy chefs, it's clear that baking bread is warm loving in the oven on this Kids’ Beat.

Chefs Koslowskys’ recipe for Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

1 cup mashed banana (3 bananas)

1/3 cup butter (softened)

1/2 cup sugar

2 tablespoons milk

2 eggs

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

2 teaspoons baking powder

1 cup whole wheat flour

3/4 cup white flour

1/2 cup chocolate chips

Mix in order of recipe until mixed well, especially great with blondie boy help.

Pour into a greased loaf pan.

Bake at 350 degrees for 55-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

ENJOY!

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