Jack-o'-Lantern Quesadilla

We're ending pumpkin week with a cheesy, warm quesadilla that looks like a jack-o'-lantern. Your little one helps sprinkle the cheese and picks the face, then you cut it into a pumpkin shape. It's a fun lunch or snack that's ready in minutes.

What you need

• 2 flour tortillas

• Shredded cheddar cheese (the orange kind makes it look like a pumpkin)

• Optional: a thin layer of refried beans or mashed sweet potato

• A small knife or a small cookie cutter

• A little green pepper or cucumber for the stem

How to make it

1. Make the face. A grown-up cuts two eyes, a nose and a big smile out of one tortilla. Let your little one pick: happy, silly or surprised?

2. Sprinkle the cheese. Your little one sprinkles cheese all over the second tortilla.

3. Put the face on top. Lay the face tortilla on top of the cheese.

4. Cook it. A grown-up cooks it in a pan over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, until the cheese melts.

5. Add the stem. Cool it a little, then add a small green stem at the top. Cut it into wedges to eat.

Why we love it

Sprinkling cheese is great pinching practice, and picking a face is a chance to talk about feelings, just like Mouse does in today's book. The cheese peeks through the face, so kids can see how the layers go together.

Make it your own

• Count to 8: Cut the quesadilla into eight wedges and count them before you eat.

• More shapes: Use small cookie cutters for star eyes or a heart nose.

A quick safety note: Melted cheese stays hot. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Check labels for wheat and milk allergies. Always have your child sit while eating.

Shop these items

Find the books and supplies from this week in one place. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

• Starter supplies: the basics we use most weeks

• See every week in our Amazon storefront

More for this week: see all our Pumpkin activities, Letter H activities and Number 8 activities.

Every child is different. Please use your own judgment about what's safe and right for your family. Always supervise children during activities and while eating, and adjust foods for allergies, dietary needs and your child's age and chewing ability. Sprocket & Sprout shares these ideas for fun and learning only. We are not responsible for any injury, allergic reaction, damage or mess that may result from trying them. This post may contain affiliate links; if you buy through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.