"There is a garden in every childhood, an enchanted place where colors are brighter, the air softer, and the morning more fragrant than ever again."

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

A is for Acorn


For the last month or so, we've been watching squirrels gather acorns. My little guy loves to watch them, and it is such a concrete way for him to see the signs of the changing season. We also enjoyed reading Chipmunk Song. He love acting out the story as I read it.
We've been doing a few Acorn Activities and talking about the letter A

These acorn guys were fun to make and look so cute hanging from our light fixture over the kitchen table.



I don't usually gather acorn to eat for the winter, but these acorns were yummy!! I borrowed the pan for these from my mom. It's from Williams Sonoma . I have also seen some really cute leaf pans at Wal-Mart and of course they cost a little less.


I used a gingerbread muffin recipe for these muffins. The recipe is adapted from a Southern Living cook book.

Last Minute Gingerbread Muffins

1C butter

1C sugar

1C Molasses

4 eggs

2t soda

1 C buttermilk

4C flour

1 T plus 1t ground ginger

1t ground allspice

1/2 t ground nutmeg

1/4t ground black pepper

1t lemon zest

Cream butter gradually add sugar,beating at M spread until light and fluffy. Add molasses, add eggs one at a time, beating after each addition. Dissolve soda in buttermilk.

Combine flour, spices, and zest. add to creamed mixture alternately with buttermilk mixture. beating well after each addition.

Fill greased and floured pans 2/3 full and bake at 350 for 20 minutes.

Batter can be kept in refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

I glazed some of the acorn with a mixture of granulated sugar and lemon juice.

This recipe was great for the pan. The muffin was firm but moist and I had no problem removing them from the pan. But I must say if you really want the best ever ginger bread you need to try this recipe. It is too moist to be used in the type of pan used above, but is by far the best gingerbread I've ever had.

Gather your little squirrels around and have a delightful day!!!

8 comments:

4handfulls said...

Yum! Gingerbread is always on my mind this time of year!

grace said...

your pan is all kinds of awesome! i've never seen acorn-shaped muffins, or really, acorn-shaped anything (except squash). great find, and great use for it!

Anonymous said...

Ohhh those muffins are so adorable and I love gingerbread! I'm actually brewing gingerbread flavored coffee right now....smells so cozy!

Jeanne said...

Yum, I would like one of thos muffins now. smile. I love gingerbread very much. The acorns are great for an inspiration.

Hug...Jeanne

Amy said...

the muffins sound delicious, thanks for the comment..thanks for sharing with me haev a great weekend.Amy

Lynne (lynnesgiftsfromtheheart) said...

Oh this look so yummy!! And what's ironic.. I'm over the top this year with acorn things..not sure where this obsession came from..lol
Thanks so much for coming by to see the teacups Your visit is so appreciated...hugs ~lynne~

kayellen said...

Looks so yummy!!!
Thanks for stopping by:)
Fun Acorn cookie cutters!!!
Smiles,
KayEllen

Karin Katherine said...

what a great acorn themed post! I'm so glad I found your blog