The Start Of November

Apple Pie!

Ingredients

• 1 recipe pastry for a 9 inch double crust pie (below)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 8 Granny Smith apples - peeled, cored and sliced

 

 

Ingredients for CRUST:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 cup unsalted butter, cut into 1 tbsp. pieces, very cold
• 1/4-1/2 cup cold water 

 

 
 Directions for CRUST:

1. Put the flour, salt and sugar into a food processor and pulse once or twice.
2. Add the butter and process until the mixture looks grainy.
3. Then slowly, while pulsing, add the water until you can form the dough by pressing it between your fingers.
4. Decant the loose dough onto a piece of plastic wrap. Refrigerate until chilled.

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). Melt the butter in a saucepan. Stir in flour to form a paste. Add water, white sugar and brown sugar, and bring to a boil. Reduce temperature and let simmer.
2. Place the bottom crust in your pan. Fill with apples, mounded slightly. Cover with a lattice work crust. Gently pour the sugar and butter liquid over the crust. Pour slowly so that it does not run off.
3. Bake 15 minutes in the preheated oven. Reduce the temperature to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Continue baking for 35 to 45 minutes, until apples are soft.

The Good Toys

For Boats: Halved Walnut shells, dot of hot glue or wax, flat toothpicks, fabric (cut out to make a flag.)

Toys do not have to be fancy.  In my experience, the simple toys are usually the most fun.  They promote the use of one's own imagination.  Moreover, homemade toys (especially those that the children help make) mean more to them as time passes. Artificially colored, technology infused, electronic noise making toys, simply do not appeal to me.  What is appealing, are toys made from the heart.

I have a hand sewn bunny-rabbit that wears a red and white lace dress, with matching bloomers. A long time family friend poured her heart and soul into making it for me. She stitched the entire outfit, and animal just for me.  Although I did not help make it, that homemade bunny-rabbit is one of my most cherished possessions.

We should be aware that the "latest and greatest" gadget consumed toys are not the best.  They are often overly expensive, and not worth the money.   When children make toys that they can keep and use; it results in proud memories that can last a lifetime. Toys adorned with love and warmth, are a wonderful alternative to plastic toys that come out of a cold, factory-made box.        

Falling For Autumn

 

Welcome Autumn, I have missed you. I have missed the warm colors that are your beauty, the crisp chill that lingers about you; but most of all, I have missed the excitement and cheer you bring to the start of our holiday season. 

Don't Forget The Animals

 I love my two cats as much as children. Sometimes, however, I forget to spoil them for long periods of time.  This is very much regretful, especially because they bring me so much joy, and show me so much love.  Unlike children cats (usually) do not remind, or hint, that they would like, or deserve a treat.  So here is a friendly reminder, on behalf of your beloved pet, that perhaps they deserve a little something special as soon as possible!

HAM IT UP CAT (or dog) TREATS:
 

• 1 jar (2-1/2ounces) strained ham baby food

• 5/8 cup wheat germ

• 5/8 cup non-fat milk powder

• 1 egg, beaten

Directions:

 Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray cookie sheet with vegetable oil spray. Mix baby food, wheat germ, milk powder, and egg in medium bowl. Drop by 1/2 teaspoonfuls onto prepared baking sheet. Bake 12 to 15 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool on wire rack. Store baked treats in airtight container or plastic bag and place in refrigerator or freezer.
 
MAKES 2-1/2 to 3 dozen
 
*NOTE: Beef or chicken baby food may be substituted for ham baby food.

Love Thy Food

It is worth taking the time to make meals completely from scratch.  Practice putting love into the food you make, it really does make all the difference.