1. Pumpkin Spice Muffins

Ingredients:

• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin spice
• A pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners.
2. In a bowl, mix the pumpkin puree, sugar, oil, milk, egg, and vanilla.
3. In another bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, pumpkin spice, and salt.
4. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
5. Spoon the batter into the muffin cups and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

2. Pumpkin Soup

Ingredients:

• 2 cups pumpkin puree (canned or fresh)
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 cup coconut milk (optional)
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil for sautéing

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté the onion and garlic until soft.
2. Add the pumpkin puree and stir for a minute.
3. Pour in the broth and coconut milk, and add the cumin, salt, and pepper.
4. Simmer for about 15-20 minutes, then blend until smooth.
5. Serve warm with crusty bread.

3. Pumpkin Pancakes

Ingredients:

• 1 cup pancake mix
• 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin spice
• Butter or oil for cooking

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, combine pancake mix, pumpkin puree, milk, egg, and pumpkin spice until well blended.
2. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add butter or oil.
3. Pour batter onto the skillet, cooking until bubbles form on the surface, then flip and cook until golden.
4. Serve with maple syrup or honey!

4. Pumpkin Smoothie

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
• 1 banana
• 1 cup milk (or almond milk)
• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin spice
• Ice cubes (optional)

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a blender.
2. Blend until smooth, adding ice if desired for a colder smoothie.
3. Pour into glasses and enjoy!

5. Pumpkin Seed Roasting

Ingredients:

• Pumpkin seeds (from a carved pumpkin)
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Optional: spices like cinnamon, paprika, or garlic powder

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Rinse the pumpkin seeds in water and pat dry.
3. Toss the seeds with olive oil and salt (and any other spices you like).
4. Spread them out on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown.

Fun Activities

• Decorating: Have the kids help decorate pumpkins or create fun faces with the seeds after roasting.
• Taste Testing: Create a taste-testing game to see which pumpkin recipe everyone likes best.
• Story Time: Share stories about pumpkins and the fall season while enjoying the recipes together.

These recipes not only celebrate the season but also provide opportunities for bonding and creativity with your foster children! Enjoy! 🎃