Kitchen Table Affirmations: Back-to-School Edition

This time of year, our kitchen smells like sharpened pencils and fresh-baked cookies. It's back-to-school season, and if you're a mama, auntie, or bonus parent, you know the swirl of emotions that come with it.

At Zora’s Sweet Tooth, we believe every lunchbox deserves a sweet note—whether it’s tucked next to a cookie or spoken over breakfast. So here are a few of our favorite affirmations for the little ones heading back to class:

• “You are brave, bold, and brilliant.”

• “Your curls, your skin, your mind—are all magic.”

• “Take up space and sprinkle kindness.”

• "I am made of stardust, purpose, and possibility."

And while you're at it, slip in some homemade mini muffins with this simple (low sugar) recipe:

Low-Sugar Birthday Cake Mini Muffins

Makes: ~24 mini muffins
Prep Time: 10 min • Bake Time: 10–12 min

Ingredients:

• 1¼ cups all-purpose flour

• 1½ tsp baking powder

• ¼ tsp baking soda

• ¼ tsp salt

• 1/3 cup neutral oil (vegetable, canola, or light olive oil)

• ⅓ cup unsweetened applesauce (adds moisture and sweetness)

• ¼ cup maple syrup or honey (or use light brown sugar if that’s what you have)

• 1 egg (or flax egg to make it fully plant-based)

• 1½ tsp vanilla extract

• ¼ cup milk or any unsweetened plant milk (or water in a pinch)

• 2–3 tbsp rainbow sprinkles 

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease or line a mini muffin pan.

2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

3. In another bowl, mix the oil, applesauce, maple syrup or honey, egg, vanilla, and water/plant milk until smooth.

4. Combine the wet and dry ingredients just until mixed—don’t overmix.

5. Fold in the sprinkles.

6. Spoon the batter into the mini muffin tin, filling each about ¾ full.

7. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.

🧁 Tips:

• Want more birthday cake flavor? Add ¼ tsp almond extract.

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature or freeze for up to 2 months.