As the weather turns chilly and the days get shorter the desire for warmth and comfort increases. Here in Whistler the autumn months signify the shoulder season, the small window of time between mountain biking and snow sports where us locals get to catch up on the rest of our lives. What better way to spend an autumn day then indoors in the kitchen with the kids? Cooking is a great bonding activity and an important life skill to be passed down. Here are 3 easy and delicious recipes to try with your kids this fall!

Pumpkin French Toast

French-toast

Perfect for a family brunch this simple and scrumptious recipe is sure to excite. The kids will love to be hands on with this one and the best part is sitting down to enjoy these treats as a family.

Ingredients

3/4 cup milk

1/2 cup pumpkin puree (you can also roast your own pumpkin or squash)

4 eggs

2 Tbsp packed light-brown sugar

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 tsp ground cinnamon

1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

1/4 tsp ground ginger

9 slices of toast (a firm white bread or French bread)

Butter, for pan

Directions

Heat a non-stick frying pan to medium heat.

Whisk together milk, pumpkin puree, eggs, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger.

Butter frying pan.

Take a slice of bread and dip in batter, coat both sides well. Transfer to frying pan and cook until the first side is brown and then flip over to cook the other side.

Serve warm and with maple syrup and/or whipped cream!

Apple Strudel Muffins

apple-muffins

Your house will smell amazingly like apple and cinnamon as the aroma of these muffins brings you back to your childhood. What better way to conjure up warm feelings of autumn and family then Apple Strudel Muffins? This recipe is so simple too!

Ingredients

Topping:
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
2 Tbsp. flour
1 Tbsp. butter, softened
1/8 tsp. cinnamon

Muffins:
1 1/2 cups flour
1/2 cup white sugar
1 Tbsp. baking powder
3/4 cup finely chopped or shredded apple
1 egg
2/3 cup milk
1/4 cup oil (grapeseed or canola)

Directions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees and grease a muffin tin.

Mix together topping ingredients until they are crumbly (set aside).

Mix flour, sugar, baking powder and salt in a bowl.

Mix eggs, milk, oil and chopped apple.

Combine the wet and dry ingredients but don’t over mix.

Scoop batter into muffin tin and sprinkle with topping.

Bake for 15-20 minutes.

Butternut Squash Mac N Cheese

macncheese

Mac N Cheese is sure to please as it is a comforting, filling and delicious meal. Try this fall-inspired spin on the classic recipe.

Ingredients

1/2 medium butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and chopped
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper
1/2 pound elbow macaroni
2 1/2 cups milk
2 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons flour
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 tablespoon fresh chopped rosemary
2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
3/4 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs

Directions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Add chopped butternut to baking tray, drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper and roast for 20-30 minutes or until tender.

Cook macaroni while butternut is roasting.

Once butternut is cooked add it to food processor or blender and puree until smooth. Add a ½ cup of milk and continue to puree.

Heat a non-stick frying pan to medium and add butter. Once butter is melted whisk in the flour and then the nutmeg. Whisk for 2-3 minutes. Add the remaining milk and whisk until the mixture is smooth. Turn the heat to high and continue whisking. Once the sauce is thick add the butternut squash mixture. Turn heat to low and continue to whisk. Stir in the rosemary. Add the macaroni, salt and pepper and mix until fully coated.

Grease a large casserole dish and add half of macaroni mixture. Sprinkle half of the cheese into the pan. Add the remaining noodles and top with the rest of the cheese. Sprinkle breadcrumbs on the top.

Bake for 25-30 minutes and enjoy!

We hope you enjoy these delicious fall recipes with your family! Although cooking is a great past time Real Estate it what Lynne Venner specializes in. If you are thinking of buying or selling you home in Whistler make sure to contact Lynne today!