This weekend we were up in NC for Labor Day weekend. It is our annual trip. Mike and I have gone every year that we have been married. What started as an unplanned, just-for-fun excursion has now been transformed into a yearly tradition. And one (or two to be exact) of these traditions is to go to the local Apple Festival and then out to Justus Orchards to pick apples. I have been picking apples at this orchard since I was 7 year old. It's amazing to go back year after year. Unfortunately this year, because of the late frost that struck us here in the south, there were no local apples. Only ones shipped in from Pennsylvania. But we still had a good time standing around, drinking apple cider, talking to the owners, and playing with their sweet dogs. Next year will be a better one and we will be back with two little girls in tow to pick apples from the trees.
.... apple crisp.
I have a favorite recipe that I have to share. It's to die for!
Apple Crisp
6 tart apples, peeled and sliced, 1/3 c. flour, 1t. cinnamon, 3/4 c. sugar, 1t. salt
Mix dry ingredients together. Toss apples with flour mixture. Put in 8" square pan cover with topping (see below.) Bake, uncovered, at 350F for 30-35 minutes, until apples are tender. Serve with vanilla ice cream or cream. Great for breakfast too. :)
Topping = 1 c. oatmeal, 3/4 c. flour, 3/4 c. brown sugar, 1/2 c. butter, melted. Mix all ingredients and press on top of apples before baking. ( this makes a great topping for ice cream too! Or to just eat with a spoon.:) )
.... Annabelle.
Just because we love her so much! Who could not help but love this sweet girl?
....August.
Where did the month go? The end of summer is here. It's still hot outside but change is in the air and we are ready for fall. Bring it on!
