Forgive us, Mark Bittman, for we have sinned. We have used a mix to bake banana bread. We know: blasphemy!

But before you get all righteous, hear us out.

The mix was from Kids Central Kitchen, a health-conscious company out of the Pacific Northwest that uses all-natural ingredients and whole grains. It required the use of very real and very ripe bananas that were otherwise going to rot on our kitchen counter.

In fact, you might like to know that all of Kids Central’s mixes (brownies, energy bars, pancakes, cookies) are free of trans fats, hydrogenated oils, refined sugars, high-fructose corn syrup, and artificial colors and flavors. So it’s as if you’re making treats from scratch — just with fewer measuring cups and spoons to wash.

And frankly, that’s a blessing.

Available online at kidscentralkitchen.com, $4-$5.

READ
Art Museum Opposites
What: Kiddos learn about contrasting concepts like night and day in the Philadelphia Museum of Art’s new children’s book ($13).
Why: He gets a crash course in Chagall, Rousseau, and Miro.
When: Tues.-Thurs., Sat. & Sun., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Fri., 10 a.m.-8:45 p.m.
Where: 2600 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy. (215-235-7469); online at philamuseumstore.org.

DINE
Pizzicato Ristorante Valentine’s Family Night Out
What: Tykes (10 and under) feast on a festive menu filled with ravioli, spaghetti, and other Italian delights.
Why: Shirley Temples and cupcakes make their hearts flutter.
When: Tonight, 5-10 p.m.; Valentine’s Day kids’ menu, 5-7 p.m.
Where: 248 Market St. Reservations (recommended) to 215-629-5527.

PIROUETTE
Maria Tallchief: Prima Ballerina
What: Watch a family-friendly performance based on the life of the Balanchine muse.
Why: Tiny dancers are invited to twirl on stage.
When: Sat., noon.
Where: Parkway Central Library, 1901 Vine St. (215-567-7710). Admission is free.

Photo: Courtesy of Kids Central Kitchen