Moose Muffins

Our most anticipated bedtime tradition around these parts is the reading of a choice bedtime story, chosen by the Little Miss. It is what she looks forward to above bath time, the exciting nights when Mama lets her brush her own teeth, and even the tuck-in stuff. Oh, story time, the best way to end a day.

Recently, we have been reading (over and over and over again) If You Give a Moose a Muffin. It has become somewhat of an expectation once pj's are donned and hair is dry. The result is thoughts of muffins lingering through the night and popping up around breakfast time. When Sister wakes up with "Moose Muffins" on the brain, there is only one thing to do... make 'em.

"Moose Muffins"

adapted from a recipe from Grandma Greiner

1 C unbleached all-purpose flour

3/4 C whole-wheat pastry flour

2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

1 egg, beaten

1/4 C honey

1 C fat free milk

1/4 C canola or vegetable oil

Preheat oven to 400 degrees and grease a muffin tin with a 12-muffin capacity. Combine dry ingredients in a small bowl, and wet in a larger bowl, then add dry to wet and mix until just combined (if cooking with a toddler who loves to stir, this may be a challenge...). At this point, we'll also stir in any add-ins we desire... today we added the zest of one lemon, and about 1/2 C frozen blueberries... yum!

Scoop into muffin tins, filling about 3/4 full, and bake for about 20 mins, or until edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean. These will be so moist you won't even need butter, but they are great with plain butter, honey butter, honey cinnamon butter, or blackberry jam if you're being true to the story :)

There is no better way to start a day than cooking with your kiddo while discussing books. And eating fresh muffins, of course.