Lesson #14 - Awesome Applesauce Carrot Muffins

This week we are hiding the fact that there are carrots in these muffins. Jameson is obsessed with Applesauce and is not a huge fan of carrots. While he diced them up himself we were hoping that this would be a way to sneak a vegetable into his diet and it worked. He thought the muffins were delicious.

Alexis made a guest appearance in today’s lesson. I always think it is important to involve the whole family in these experiences when time allows. Warning: your spouse/partner will teach, cook and operate differently in the kitchen. Let go and watch your partner have fun. It will be hard at times to resist saying “that’s not how we do it”. This warning might be just for me, but I don’t think I am the only Type A mother out there that hesitates when their partner steps in. It has been a great time for me to learn how to step back, breathe and really enjoy the moments. You can too!

Share your thoughts, memories and pictures below in the comments.

*Hmmm - do we have all the ingredients?*

Prep Time: 10 mins

Total Time: 60 mins

Serving: 12 muffins

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups flour
1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 teaspoons of baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
2 eggs
1/2 teaspoon salt
2/3 cups brown sugar
4 tablespoons melted butter
1 cup unsweetened applesauce
1/2 cup grated carrot

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees

STEP ONE:

Combine flour, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a bowl.

STEP TWO:

Whisk the eggs in a separate bowl and then mix in the brown sugar.

STEP THREE:

Add the melted butter and applesauce to the egg mixture.

STEP FOUR:

Add the grated carrots. At our house we only had baby carrots, so we quickly shredded them up in the food processor. Another option is to buy pre-shredded carrots. It really doesn’t matter how it’s done as long as they are grated or shredded into smaller pieces.

STEP FIVE:

Pour the applesauce mixture into the flour mixture. Stir until it is completely combined together. This might get a little tough for the younger kids. Don’t be afraid to jump in and lend a hand.

STEP SIX:

TASTE THE APPLESAUCE MIXTURE! Disclaimer: There is raw egg in the mixture so use your discretion. Sawyer without a doubt tastes everything he makes so we let him explore the flavors.

*Sorry I made them retake this picture so it isn’t as natural. I try not to miss moments, but I do wander off!*

STEP SEVEN:

Line the muffin pan with paper liners or grease it up. In the beginning we lined the muffin pans. This step you can use either a melon baller or ice cream scoop to fill the paper cups. The goal is to have each one filled about two-thirds full, but let the kids work it out.

If there is some higher than others use it as a teaching point when they come out of the oven. Talk about it before you put them in and address it again when the muffins come out.

Always remember to have fun!!