Carrot Applesauce Bites

Makes 24 mini muffins

These applesauce muffins are easy to mix up by hand. You can add a secret healthy ingredient for extra flavor and nutrition: grated carrot. For a simpler muffin, skip the carrots.

Here’s What You Need

Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).

Here's What You Do

  1. 1. Line two 12-cup mini muffin pans with paper liners or grease the cups.
  2. 2. Stir the flour, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl.
  3. 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. 4. Pour the applesauce mixture over the flour mixture, and stir until all the flour is mixed in.
  5. 5. Line a 12-cup muffin pan with paper liners or grease the cups.

    Spoon the batter into the muffin cups, filling each one about two–thirds full.

  6. 6. Bake the muffins for 15 to 20 minutes, or until light brown.

Bread Basket in Bed

Give your parents (or friends or siblings!) the royal treatment on their birthday or special day. When they wake up, bring them a special “bread basket” with a few homemade muffins.

Line the basket with a cloth napkin, and place it on a tray along with a small plate, something to drink, and a pretty flower. Wish them a happy day!

Fancy French Breakfast Treats

Makes 12

It’s fun (and tasty!) to dip the warm muffins into melted butter and roll them up in cinnamon sugar.

Here’s What You Need

Muffins

Topping

Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).

Here's What You Do

  1. 1. Stir the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg in a large bowl.
  2. 2. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg. Mix in the milk, melted butter, and vanilla.
  3. 3. Pour the egg mixture over the flour mixture, and stir until all the flour is mixed in.
  4. 4. Line a 12-cup muffin pan with paper liners or grease the cups. Spoon the batter into the muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full.Bake the muffins for 20 minutes, or until light brown.
  5. 5. While the muffins cool slightly, mix the sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Pour the melted butter into a separate bowl.
  6. 6. Roll the warm muffins first in the melted butter and then in the cinnamon sugar.

Cranberry Orange Scones

Makes 8

Start your day with a fruity Scottish scone. Serve them up warm with a little butter and a cup of fruit tea!

Here’s What You Need

Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).

Here's What You Do

  1. 1. Mix the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl.
  2. 2. Use a pastry cutter or fork to cut the butter into the dough until it looks crumbly.
  3. 3. Whisk the egg and milk in a separate bowl. Pour the egg mixture over the flour mixture. Add the cranberries and orange zest, and stir it up.
  4. 4. Dust your hands and a cutting board with flour. Knead the dough for a few minutes, and then pat it into a 7-inch circle.
  5. 5. Place the dough onto an ungreased cookie sheet. Cut it into 8 wedges with a pizza wheel or knife.
  6. 6. Separate the triangles so they are at least an inch apart. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until golden.
  7. Scones are best served warm!
Kitchen Creativity

Scone Stir-Ins

Skip the cranberries and orange zest, and try one of these combos instead or make up your own!

Currant Scones: Mix in 1⁄4 cup dried currants or raisins.

Chocolate Cherry: Add 1⁄4 cup chocolate chips and 2 tablespoons chopped dried cherries.

lemon ginger: Add 1⁄4 cup diced candied ginger and 2 teaspoons grated lemon zest.

Cheddar Rosemary: Skip the sugar, and add 1⁄3 cup grated cheddar and 1 teaspoon finely chopped rosemary.