Autumn Apple Recipes

Just a few pics of my Fall decorating mentioned in an earlier post. Leaves are free (unless you have no trees then you must ask permission before cutting). I had so much fun flitting about the yard finding the best colors.

Here is a caramel apple recipe that doesn't use the commercial candy caramels. I haven't made them yet this year, but I am quite sure they turned out nicely when I made them last year. I tried to find a half-way healthy version and this is the closest I could get.

CARAMEL APPLES from http://www.familyfun.com/

1 1/2 T butter

1 1/2 c. lt. brown sugar

6 T water

8-10 apples

popsicle sticks (you can also use cinnamon sticks, clean twigs or even chopsticks)

Melt butter in a saucepan. All brown sugar and water. Stir until smooth. Bring to boil, then coner and simmer for 3 minutes, until pan's sides get steamy and the mixture is thin but sticky. Remove from heat. Pierce the center of each apple with popsicle sticks and swirl into caramel mixture. You can sprinkle chopped nuts, chocolate, granola, etc. Refrigerate 1-2 hours.

I may try to use Sucanat instead of brown sugar.

BAKED APPLES from American Wholefoods Cuisine

1 medium to large apple per serving (Rome, Northern Spy or other 'baking' varieties)

honey or maple syrup

raisins (optional)

crushed pineapple (optional)

chopped nuts (otional)

apple juice

Preheat oven to 350* to 375*

Remove core from apple, leaving bottom intact so that the hollow can be filled. Cut a thin slice from the top to flatten it. If desired, peel can be removed from top half, but this is not necessary.

Drizzle sweetener of choice into the hollow, allowing about 1 teaspoon per apple, Fill with optional ingredients as desired. place in a baking dish and surround with a little apple juice or water to a depth of about 1/2 inch to prevent scorching.

Bake for about 30 minutes. Probe with a fork or skewer to determine doneness. Apple
should be tender but not mushy when baking is completed. May take longer for some types.

Serve warm, at room temp, or chilled. If desired, apple can be garnished with a dollop of yogurt.

PS. Lenny went to work today and it wasn't on the golf course! He was hired by an auto company working on batteries. We will be getting a paycheck again! We are so thankful! Lenny says he will never worry about losing a job again because he knows that somehow we will make it! God provides!

"Ode To Leaves" by Elizabeth Storm Ramberg

Drifting to the earth they bring
Their silent song of bittersweet remembering.
Upon the grove and garden wall
Not a murmer, not a call.

They leave tall oaks and maples bare.
These innocents in red and gold
Who richly dressed the meadows bold.
And fairer stood on green and glen
Now fall to never rise again.

Triumphant is the hand of death
Who marks them his with one cold breath.
Ah! Autumn leaves once lovely lie
On some soft flower bed to die.

~My Mother wrote this poem several years ago. She wrote it out for me and I had it tucked in my Bible. Now that it is Fall, it seems the perfect time to share it!

~The kids are going to gather leaves today and then they will trace them with paint on the windows. Use a cut up sponge and clip a snap-style clothespin to it to dab the paint around the leaf. If you put a drop of dish soap with the paint, it will be easy to wipe off when Fall is over.

~One year I gathered a bunch of fall branches, tied a beautiful green satin ribbon to it and hung it on my front door. I plan on doing that this year, too. Also, a bunch of fall stems look beautiful in a vase inside the house. Really, all we need to decorate our homes is what God has already designed!

~Enjoy your Fall! It is my favorite time of year! Lenny and I were married in the Fall 20 years ago! I know, I can't believe it myself!

P.S. I had my very first sale on my etsy site the other day! I am so excited! It gives me more enthusiasm to keep up with my sewing and design! I am also excited to start selling vintage clothing and accessories. I have a little collection of things already just waiting for me to take photos of! I will also be sewing and posting women's accessories, etc. I am having so much fun!