Hanging in there (and an apple swirl cake) ♥

Hello Friends.  Happy Friday!  ♥

I had the weirdest experience yesterday.  I thought I heard my mother calling me.  I was upstairs and I could swear I heard her calling me from the kitchen.  It was her voice. When I realized it wasn't I felt two things.  Happy because I remembered what her voice sounded like.  I never want to forget it.  But then I felt sad because I realized she wasn't there and she'll never call me again.  I've felt empty ever since.  I don't know what to do with these feelings except let myself feel them. So that's what I'm doing.  Letting myself feel them.... ♥

 

I've been feeling under the weather this week anyway due to a cold so maybe the Dayquil has something to do with it.  I'm trying to get as much rest as I can and stay cozy at home.  That's not hard to do.  I have so many things on my to-do list that did not get done this week but I'm not stressing over it.  Those days are over.  There's always next week : ) 

We managed to finish off the apple cake I told you about on Monday.  It was my mom's favorite.  She gave me the recipe.  There is something special about it that people can never put their finger on.  I'll tell you the secret ingredient....it's orange juice!  I've shared the recipe before, but in case you missed it here it is.  If you want to put your oven on and let the smell of apples and cinnamon waft (is that a word??) through your home, then bake this over the weekend.  

It's soooo good! ♥

~Apple Swirl Cake ~

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2 cups chopped, peeled  apples
3 tbs sugar
1 tsp cinnamon

2 cups sugar
1 cup vegetable oil
4 eggs
1/2 cup orange juice
2 tsp vanilla

3 cups flour
1 tbsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt

Mix apples, 3 tbs sugar, and 1 tsp cinnamon in a bowl.  Set aside.

In a large bowl combine 2 cups of sugar and oil. 

Beat in eggs, orange juice, and vanilla.

In a separate bowl sift together flour, baking powder, and salt. 

Add to creamed mixture a little at a time.  Beat until smooth.

  

Pour 1/2 batter into a greased bunt pan.  Add the apple mixture on top of the batter.

Pour the rest of the batter on top.

Bake for 60 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean. 

Cool for at least 10-15 minutes in the pan before "doing the flip".... 

Turn onto a rack to cool completely. 

**I made a quick glaze with confectionary sugar and apple cider and drizzled it on top **

I wish she was here to share it with me. 

But I know she's here's watching over me.  I guess that's the next best thing.  And how wonderful it is that I can bake her recipes and share then with the people I love (like you! : ). 

So this is where I've been most of the week.  On my couch, watching tv, while the sun sets through the blinds.  I'm not gonna lie, I usually love the winter.  It's my favorite season, but this year I'm longing for the warmer weather.  How long until Spring?  

♥

(Not pictured are tissues and a hot mug of something.)  

I made this yummy soup this week too.  We finished it up last night.  It was a chicken soup and I added a few handfuls of spinach for an extra boost.  I want to make more soup this weekend.  Sick or not, it's soup season.  Don't you just LOVE soup season? Me too ♥

And here's my current view off the back deck.  The river has thawed and is very high due to all the rain we've had.  This morning there were so many geese out there.  It was definitely some kind of meeting!  Maybe they are getting ready to fly south.  Something  I wouldn't mind doing....lol 

It's nice and still now.  

I'll leave you with this beautiful poem I found on Pinterest.  

It made feel happy and sad at the same time. A feeling I'm going to have to get used to. 

I hope you all have a nice weekend.  We have more rain on the way!  I'm getting a needed haircut tomorrow morning and then putting the rest of my Dad's Christmas decorations away.  

On Sunday we are going to my mother in laws for a nice dinner.  It's very cozy over there and I'm looking forward to it.  I'm sure there will be a fire in the fireplace and something delicious on the table. 

Hugs to you all and thank you for all your nice comments and support here and in IG 

I appreciate it with all my heart!

XO ♥

Apple Swirl Cake ♥

Today was a bit stressful, I'm not gonna lie.  I really wanted to enjoy today because it's the first day of fall.  In my mind I pictured myself sitting on the porch, sipping pumpkin spice in a cozy cardigan watching the leaves flutter by.  Instead real life got in the way.  A last minute zoom work session (that I was not mentally prepared for), technical internet issues which left my face frozen on screen for way too long, and general 8th grade assignment issues that I had to help John with... all garbled into one hot mess of a day.  By the time 5:00 rolled around I was a walking zombie.  Just when I wanted to sit and rest, the lovely people I live with reminded me they wanted to eat dinner.  Again?  The nerve.  

One meatloaf, a sink full of dishes, and a cup of tea later...here I am.  It's over.  My feet are up and I'm counting the minutes until my head hits the pillow.  

My day didn't go as planned but that happens sometimes.  I know I'll have many cardigan wearing, pumpkin spice sipping on the porch days ahead of me because it's FALL.  It happened.... and that's something to smile about.  

I haven't been apple picking yet but hopefully next week.  It's one of our favorite fall activities and I'm hoping we can still go.  It's all outside so fingers crossed all will be well.

No doubt September is APPLE month.  I love seeing all the varieties in the supermarket this time of year.  If you are looking for an easy apple cake recipe I have one for you.  I picked up some extra apples when I went food shopping last week specifically so I could make this cake.  It's so cinnamon-y and apple-y and there is a secret ingredient that makes it extra special....orange juice! 

After dinner tonight I cut myself a big slice of this cake to have with my tea.  It made me feel so good and I thought it a nice way to celebrate the first day of fall. So even though most of my day was a disaster, it's ending on a delicious note : ) 

♥

~Apple Swirl Cake ~

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2 cups chopped, peeled  apples
3 tbs sugar
1 tsp cinnamon

2 cups sugar
1 cup vegetable oil
4 eggs
1/2 cup orange juice
2 tsp vanilla

3 cups flour
1 tbsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt

Mix apples, 3 tbs sugar, and 1 tsp cinnamon in a bowl.  Set aside.

In a large bowl combine 2 cups of sugar and oil. 

Beat in eggs, orange juice, and vanilla.

In a separate bowl sift together flour, baking powder, and salt. 

Add to creamed mixture a little at a time.  Beat until smooth.

  

Pour 1/2 batter into a greased bunt pan.  Add the apple mixture on top of the batter.

Pour the rest of the batter on top.

Bake for 60 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean. 

Cool for at least 10-15 minutes in the pan before "doing the flip".... 

Turn onto a rack to cool completely. 

Enjoy! 

Happy first day of fall everyone!!!

I'm back on zoom tomorrow so wish me luck : )

♥

A day of apples ♥

Hello Friends!

 

 

As you can see from the picture above I have been enjoying my cozy Saturday October mornings.  After crazy-busy weeks I look forward to the slow pace of the weekends more than you can imagine.

 

 

This past week my mother had to go into the hospital to have surgery. Thank God she is recovering beautifully and came home today! The word home takes on a new meaning when you are away from it.  And suddenly it becomes even better when you get there ♥

 

 

I took both of these photos from my mother's hospital window.

I knew in my heart that she was being taken care of and I felt at peace ♥

 

 

 

She's doing great and very thankful to be home.  It's no fun in there. 

 

 

And now back to your regular scheduled programming.....  

 

 

The first Friday in October we always reserve for our trip to the apple orchid.  John had a half day of school so we met up with some friends and headed to the farm. 

The weather was nice, still warm but not too hot. I would have preferred it a bit cooler, but I'm not complaining : ) 

 Off we go....

John and I know that Rob loves Macon apples so that's what we were hunting for.  

We found them and they were huge!  

Eating them right off the trees. 

This is real life...:)

 

After a while we filled our bag.  I was dreaming of apples pies the whole time! 

Walking back through the orchard to the country store we came upon some friends. 

And some gorgeous mums! I came home with one of these. 

And a pumpkin of course.

John picked out a little one for his desk.  

I'm always curious about these jellies and relishes but I've never bought one.  

Candy apples on the other hand... YUM! 

The Halloween train is our favorite!

We like to linger around the table and look for all the spooky details. 

 

Boo!

 

Halloween is coming! Do you have your costume yet? 

Now with so many apples in the house I have to think up things to do with them all.  I'll be making pies and freezing them for the holidays and I know I want to make my mom's

 

apple swirl cake. 

 

 

It has orange juice in the batter and is absolutely delicious! (click here if you want the recipe)

 

 

Tonight on a whim I decided to make a quick batch of apple sauce.  Have you ever made homemade applesauce?  Its easy-peasy and taste so fresh!

Are you having pork chops for dinner tonight? If so, please make this apple sauce to go with them.  It's a must!

Start with 4 medium size apples. Peel and chop into chunks. 

Put them in a large sauce pan with  1 cup of water.  Heat over med-high until boiling. 

Reduce to simmer and cook for about 10 minutes. 

 

 

Stir in 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/4 tsp cinnamon, 1/8 tsp nutmeg, and 1 tbsp. butter.  Simmer for a few more minutes until all the flavors are incorporated.  Remove from heat.  Cool. 

 

 

That's it! 

 

 

Serve ice cold as a side dish to your pork chops or roast chicken, or for an instant tummy warmer stir some into your oatmeal on a chilly morning (that's what we're having tomorrow!) 

 OR you could be like John and put some over vanilla ice cream and top with whip cream : ) 

Either way...yum. 

What do you like to bake with apples? I still have so many and are looking for ideas.

 

Thank you for stopping by today! 

 

There's no place like home ♥

 

One more thing...

Here's a picture of the full Harvest moon over my neighbor's house the other night. 

Isn't she a beauty?! I think she outdid herself this month!


Happy October!


xoxo

Apple Swirl Cake

Our pumpkin has arrived!  Every night my son asks me if this is THE night we can carve out the face.  We still have another week to go I say, but rest assured, he'll keep asking.  Meanwhile, Mr. Pumpkin is sitting happily among the mums on the front steps. 

If you think he looks shiny it's because as soon as we got him I sprayed him with hairspray!  The reason I did this was not to make him look beautiful, but instead as a squirrel repellent.  Every year the squirrels in my yard have an early Thanksgiving feast with my pumpkin.  This year I decided to trick them.  Any girl that wears hairspray knows that it doesn't taste very good if you get it in your mouth, and apparently the squirrels don't care for it either!  My pumpkin has not been touched in weeks!  Ha!

The colors of fall are in full bloom in my yard.  What a joy it is to finally see the hues of rust, gold, and purple that we have waited all year for.  The trees are only beginning, but the plants are peak. 

Funny thing is my rose bush has decided to bloom one last time as well.  I have never had roses this far into October before.  I'm certainly not complaining though.  Roses go with every season, don't you think?

Since I'm still chipping away at my apple supply I did more baking this weekend.  As promised I wanted to share with you my recipie for Apple Swirl Cake.  This cake is a perfect dessert, but can also be served for breakfast.   Great for brunches too!

Here's what you need to make it:

2 cups chopped apples
3 tbsp sugar
1 tsp cinnamon

2 cups sugar
1 cup vegetable oil
4 eggs
1/2 cup orange juice
2 tsp vanilla

3 cups flour
1 tbsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt

Mix apples, 3 tbsp sugar, and 1 tsp cinnamon in a bowl.  Set aside.

In a large bowl combine sugar and oil. 

Beat in eggs, orange juice, and vanilla.

In a separate bowl sift together flour, baking powder, and salt. 

Add to creamed mixture a little at a time.  Beat until smooth.

**This batter is what Yankee Candle scents are made of**

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Pour 1/3 batter into a greased bunt pan.  Add 1/2 of the apple mixture on top of the batter.

Add another 1/3 of the batter, then the rest of the apples.  End with the remainder of the batter on top.

Bake for 60 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean. 

Cool for at least 10-15 minutes in the pan before "doing the flip"....

Viola!

I served mine for dessert on Sunday night and then brought the rest to my parents house on Monday morning to have with coffee. 

 

It's always a good thing when I come bearing goodies.  Especially on a crisp fall morning.  We took our apple cake and mugs of freshly brewed coffee and sat out on the back porch for breakfast. 

My Dad just recently finished building this porch - to replace an old porch.  Dad's great that way.  When something gets old and weary, he tears it down and rebuilds it - bigger and better.  There isn't a room in the whole house that hasn't been completely reconstructed at one time or another.  He'll get an idea in his head and boom - out comes the sledgehammer. For about 3 years during my early twenties I felt like I was on a never ending episode of Extreme Home Makeover.

Luckily, my Dad is a professional and everything always comes out looking amazing.  We like to tease him, but really, his work is impressive.  Even when he tore every wall down on the first floor of the house to create "an open floor plan", there was never a doubt it would be perfect.  Which it was.

The new porch has a roof, lights, a ceiling fan, and a mini fridge (for his wine : ).  Since we have overhead covering now we are protected from the elements, but can still enjoy being outside.  During Hurricane Irene we actually sat on the porch and watched the trees dance in the wind.  It was truly amazing. 

But the best part about being on the back porch is not the mini fridge, it's the view. The backyard is woods that lead down into a river.  We see ducks and swans, fish jumping in the water, and lots of birds!  Occasionally a boat or kayak will sail by.  It's quiet and tranquil with only the sounds of wind chimes and birds chirping to distract you from your daydream.  A little slice of heaven in their own backyard.  Good work, Dad!

Pretty soon the leaves will start to change color and it will feel as though you are looking at a Thomas Kinkade painting through the sliding glass doors.  I'm sure at that point I will decide that "this is my favorite season" on the porch. 

That is until all the tree branches are covered with the first fallen white snow and the river is glistening with frost.  It will look like a sparkly winter wonderland.  It does every year.  And it never gets old. 

So while my Dad is busy tearing down walls and rebuilding porches I must show you what my mom has been up to recently: 

What you see here are squares of fabric sewn together that will someday be a darling vintage style apron for ME!  I couldn't even tell you which pattern I like best, because I love them all so much.

It all started one day when I mentioned to my mom that I saw an apron online that I loved and wanted to purchase.  She took one look at it and said her famous 4 word line - "I can make that".  After a day or two of research she found a pattern online at www.modabakeshop.com that was very similar to the one that I was going to purchase.  We sorted through her stash of fabrics and it just so happened that she had an assortment of the vintage floral styles that I had wanted. 

My new apron will have four rows of ruffles and will probably be too cute to cook in, but of course I will anyway.  I'll keep you posted on the progress, but I just had to give you a sneak peek!

If you are interested in the pattern for this apron, just visit the website above.  It's called the sun kissed apron and can be done in any color/design combo that you want.  I also mentioned to my mom earlier today at how cute this design would be as a table runner.  I'm thinking matchy-matchy.  No stopping us now!

I am so blessed to have been born from two naturally talented and creative people.  I can only hope that I may have inherited at least a tiny bit of whatever it is that gives them both the magic touch.  If the answer is no, well - at least I might have fooled them with this apple cake.... 

Because it really was good.  Really Good.  : )


Moving on....  Here's a thought...

Have you ever wondered what makes Williams-Sonoma smell so yummy?  Is it just me, or are you literally floating through that store on a constant search to find what it IS that is making you feel so warm and cozy? 

The answer is this -

After you peel your apples for the apple cake, put all the skins and core in a small sauce pot.  Add a cinnamon stick (or two) and cover with hot water.  Bring to a boil and then lower the heat to simmer. Add a dash of nutmeg and a few whole cloves and ENJOY!

This little concoction will make your home smell heavenly.  Just keep an eye on the water.  Once it gets low, add a bit more from the kettle. 

If you follow your nose around Williams-Sonoma long enough, I guarantee this is what you will find.  They use the windows to get you in, and the simmering apples to make you stay.  Gosh, I love that store!

I was passing by there today and this window called me by name.  This is the 2-die-4 oven on my wish list! Can't you see me in my soon-to-be ruffly apron, pulling the Thanksgiving turkey out of this oven?  We are meant to be together.  Although I'm sure the hubbie would disagree : (  

I simply cannot walk by this store without going inside, even if it's just to window shop.  I'm always inspired and walk out the door busting with new ideas. 

   

Today I found myself with a small window of time to do some window shopping.  Strolling along I passed WS on my way to Barns & Noble - which by the way - is my second favorite store.  Me + a pumpkin spice latte + the travel section = perfection. 

After checking out Teresa Giudice's Skinny Italian cookbook (out of sheer curiosity!) I browsed the magazines and look what I found:

I know it's early for the Christmas edition, but I couldn't help myself.  It came with this extra section that I could not resist:

It's choc full of English traditions, recipes, and decorating ideas. Some starry night I will make myself a hot cocoa and curl up in bed with these magazines.  I'll hold out as long as I can, but I can't make any promises. I'm not very good in the will power department.  However, I did vow to try to not rush from season to season.  I guess Khols didn't make that vow, because this weekend the Christmas trees went up.  And I peeked! 

Thank you all so much for reading.  Have a great week.  Now everyone go outside with a can of Tresemme and spray your pumpkins.  It really works!

xo