Favorite Fall Treats

If you're lucky enough to live in an area that still has all four seasons, you're probably swooning over fall. The chilly weather allows us to bust out our favorite sweaters, boots, and trenches and drinky yummy hot beverages to keep us warm. Some people go crazy for Starbucks' Spiced Pumpkin Lattes. I'm not much of a pumpkin person myself (or Starbucks person - sorry!). I prefer fall's favorite fruit - apples. So here is a recipe for my favorite fall treat - hot apple cider.

Pour some store-bought apple cider into a cooking pot. Bring it to a simmer. Add some cinnamon (as much as you like!). Pour into a mug and add a cinnamon stick. Voila! This doubles as the BEST air freshener for your house. Nothing says fall more than the scent of apples and cinnamon. Enjoy!

Here are links for more fall favorites:
Apple Cider Doughnuts
Apple Crisp
Apple Pie
Applesauce Cake
Caramel-Dipped Apples
Pumpkin Pie
Pumpkin Spiced Latte

(Photo from http://tinyurl.com/3u8jfjp)

Fall is Here! Celebrate with Apple Crisp!

Tomorrow is the first day of fall. As such, my favorite fruit – apples – is everywhere! After a trip to a local orchard, I went on an apple-baked-goods frenzy. Here’s a great recipe for my personal favorite – apple crisp. Dig in!

 Ingredients

Filling:

·         5 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, chopped small

• 1/4 cup finely chopped pecans
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Topping:

• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 6 tablespoons chilled butter, cut into pieces
• 1/4 cup coarsely chopped pecans

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

For the Filling:

• Mix all the ingredients together. Place into 7 to 8-ounce ramekins.

For topping:

Mix the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon and salt in large bowl. Blend the butter into the mixture until it forms pea size lumps. Stir in pecans and sprinkle over filling.

Bake crisps for 35 to 40 minutes. Cool 10 minutes before serving.

(Recipe from http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/neelys/apple-crisp-recipe/index.html)

Enjoy!