Pumpkin Muffins

[45 Minutes]

Stir up some fond memories as you and your child mix up a batch of these easy-to-make muffins. You'll remember this special recipe with all of your senses!

You'll need:

• 3 eggs • 1 cup peanut oil • 4 cups sugar • 29-oz. can of pureed pumpkin • 5 cups unbleached flour • 1 Tbsp. baking soda • 1 Tbsp. cinnamon • 2 tsp. ground cloves • 1-1/2 tsp. salt • vegetable spray or paper muffin cups • bowl • mixing spoons • measuring cup and spoons • electric mixer • muffin tin

What to do:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Let your child help you pour pumpkin, eggs, sugar, and peanut oil in a large bowl.
3. Mix with electric mixer.
4. Invite your child to help you combine the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, and salt in a small bowl. Remember to encourage her to investigate each ingredient with all the senses. Talk about its taste, color, smell, and so on.
5. Mix the flour mixture into the pumpkin mixture.
6. Grease the muffin tins or let your child put paper muffin cups into the tin.
7. Let your child help you spoon the batter into tins, filling each section 3/4 full.
8. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the tops are golden brown.
9. Remove from the oven and let muffins cool.
10. For a smaller batch, cut the recipe in half.

Let's Talk: Ideas to Explore Together.

• Do you like the smell of cloves? Cinnamon?
• Let's taste the batter. Is it good?
• Let's taste these muffins. Are they yummy?

Useful information:

While you are having fun together, this activity helps your child develop eye/hand coordination and her senses.