As a kids’ cookbook author, it’s a treat for me to teach children to measure flour, mix up batter, and bake from scratch. When their goodies come out of the oven smelling delicious, they are proud of what they’ve made and always happy to share it with friends and family (and me!).
This time of year, when there are so many fruits and veggies in season, I encourage kids to pick some up at the farmers market and add them to their baked goods. Carrots, for instance, can be grated and added to muffins (see recipe). They add flavor, color and nourishment to baked goods. Teach kids how to properly use a grater to shred the carrots before you start mixing up the batter.
These applesauce muffins are easy for kids to mix up by hand without an electric mixer, making them a perfect classroom cooking project, too. You can add a secret healthy ingredient, such as grated carrots, for extra flavor and nutrition. For a simpler muffin, skip the carrots.
Here’s what you need
1 ½ cups wheat flour
1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
2 eggs
2/3 cup brown sugar
4 tablespoons butter, melted
1 cup unsweetened applesauce
½ cup grated carrot
Here’s what you do
1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line two 12-cup mini muffin tins with paper liners, or grease the cups.
2. Stir the flour, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a medium bowl.
3. Whisk the eggs in a separate bowl. Mix in the brown sugar. Then add the melted butter and applesauce. Stir in the grated carrot.
4. Pour the applesauce mixture over the flour mixture, and stir until all the flour is mixed in.
5. Spoon the batter into the muffin cups, filling each one about two-thirds full.
6. Bake the muffins for 15 to 20 minutes. Let cool before enjoying.
Noho’s Tuesday Market Chef Series!
Come learn new recipes at the Tuesday Market at 5 p.m. (through Sept. 26). Complimentary tasting and take-home recipe cards.