Autumn Cooking Projects

Autumn is a great time to explore cooking in the classroom because the season naturally lends itself to so many food-related experiences. I’ve rounded up a few of my favorites, along with some great ideas from other bloggers, to give you plenty of recipes to choose from!

Apple sauce
Making apple sauce is a great experience for preschoolers because they can be a part of the entire process.  Apples are soft enough that they can be easily cut with plastic knoves, and this recipe is made in the crockpot, so you can do it all in the classroom while they watch – and smell!

Mini Apple Pies
Play to Learn Preschool  has the best recipe for individual apple pies.  It’s the best recipe because it’s completely realistic – premade crusts, canned apples and 15 minute bake time make these entirely do-able!

Cranberry Cookies
Cranberries are fascinating to explore – they float in water for goodness sakes, but they aren’t a food that most preschoolers have a lot of experience with.  Cranberry sauce is a popular choice, but not the most appetizing, which can make it difficult to get preschoolers excited about eating it.  I love these cranberry cookies because they pair the slightly tangy cranberry with the sweetnes of chocolate and sugar cookies, and because they use pre-made cookie dough, so there are literally only 3 ingredients.

Pumpkin Pudding
If you can’t get to an oven during the day then this recipe is perfect.  This pumpkin pudding from Blessed Beyond a Doubt is simple and tastes great with a proven kid favorite – Nilla Wafers!

Pumpkin Pie
Bake a Bite has a great way to make mini pumpkin pies – in a muffin tin. preschoolers can cut their own crust and put it in the tin, and then add their own filling, so there is plenty for each child to do throughout the entire process.