Celebrating Fall (and cooler weather)

I look forward to Fall every year, especially as the heat of summer lingers here in Florida.  If you are young and someone tells you that you will get used to the heat, you won't.  I have learned some coping skills though, like always carrying a water bottle... and mostly staying inside in the A/C!  But, now the weather is changing, the humidity has finally receded, and it is cool in the mornings and evenings, finally!

To celebrate the end of the doldrums of summer, we will be joining in Barry Stebbing's (How Great Thou Art)  Thanksgiving contest that he just announced. The contest is broken down into age groups, which works well for us as Emily and Michelle are in different groups.  I am looking forward to see the girls' creations and coming up with some creative ways to use them in our decorations this year.  They both have very unique and distinct styles!

I have been baking and using pumpkins from our garden these last couple of weeks.  For tonight, I have this recipe I got in an email from Bulk Herb Store which looks very good:

Cinnamon Baked Apples

Ingredients

• 2 Granny Smith apples
• 1/4 cup blanched almond flour
• 2 tablespoons cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon butter, softened
• 1/2 cup golden raisins
• 2 tablespoon walnuts, chopped

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F
2. Cut the top off the apples, about a quarter way down from the stem.
3. Remove the core of the apple With a sharp knife, leaving the bottom in tact. This doesn't have to be perfect (or pretty). Just get the core out and try not to cut through the bottom.
4. In a small mixing bowl, combine the butter, almond flour, cinnamon, and maple syrup. Stir until well combined.  Add the raisins and walnuts and stir until evenly distributed.
5. Stuff the center of each apple with the mixture. It will pile on top of the apples.
6. Place in a baking pan and bake uncovered for 30 minutes at 350 degrees F. Then cover with foil and bake for another 10 minutes. (If you have a casserole dish with a lid, that would work perfectly and for this and allow you to avoid using foil).
7. Remove from the oven and cool slightly. Eat alone or with a dollop of cream. Enjoy!