Right around mid-September, Councell Farms opens their pumpkin patch. It’s always still a little warm in September, but the kids have a blast, nonetheless. There are an endless amount of activities for the littles to do. I organized a meetup with a group of mom friends and we had every age range from 1 to 5 – there was something for everyone! The opening of the pumpkin patch also kick starts all the baking!
Spiced Pumpkin Bread
This is something that I’ve made every year since I was in high school. Now, I make it for Grady and he loves it. Pumpkin is actually highly nutritious and especially rich in Vitamin A (not to mention an excellent source of fiber). While this bread does have added sugar, I don’t feel so bad when G has a slice because of all the pumpkin in it (an entire can). You can get the recipe for my Spiced Pumpkin Bread here.
Pumpkin Pancakes
I found this recipe when I started baby led weaning with Grady at around nine months old. The ripe banana makes the pancakes sweet enough to where you don’t have to add any syrup. At two, G still eats 2-3 for breakfast with a side of sausage and fruit. I usually make a huge batch and freeze the rest in a gallon size bag. They reheat really well!
Spiced Pumpkin Cupcakes
These pumpkin cupcakes are delicious and _oist (rhymes with hoist). Super easy to make. After I make a batch of pumpkin pancakes, I always have exactly one cup of pumpkin leftover for these cupcakes.
Spiced Pumpkin Cupcakes
- 1 package yellow cake mix
- 1 package vanilla instant pudding
- 1 cup canned pumpkin
- 1/2 cup oil
- 1/2 cup water
- 3 eggs
- 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground cloves
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Beat all ingredients with an electric mixer. Spoon batter in muffin tins. You can use paper muffin cups or you can just spray the muffin tin with cooking spray like I did. Bake for 20 minutes.
Spiced Cream Cheese Frosting
- 1 package cream cheese (softened)
- 1/4 cup butter (softened)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 16 ounces confectioners sugar
Beat cream cheese, butter, vanilla and cloves with an electric mixer. Gradually add confectioners sugar until smooth.
Hopefully you’re enjoying your October!
~Ashley