Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Lil' Croc's

http://littlecrocodiles.blogspot.com/

I just joined this book blog, set up by the one and only Kat. It makes me excited to read and fall is the perfect time to cuddle under a blankie with a nice cup of something warm and a book!

Monday, October 13, 2008

october!

It's October!

October is one of my favorite months. I think partially because at home October is beautiful. Here in Idaho, its beautiful for a few days and then it turns super cold and snowy (it tried this weekend). But I like the static in the air, or maybe that just in the sweaters that get pulled out from the top of the closet. I like apple cider and anything pumpkin. I like being a kid again, with the excuse of Halloween. Here are some things October.

Pumpkins are an essential part of fall! Here is an incredible adorable one I found on a blog I check out every once in a while. You can check out the blog too at ---http://poppytalk.blogspot.com/2008/10/pumpkin-inspiration.html
They have other super cute stuff though too.




AND!



This picture was done just yesterday. I think I will send it to Jacob so he can see that his "Big Sissy" isn't too old for Halloween. I also thought my friend Kat might enjoy this.










A few years ago I was walking through a parking lot with my dad. I stopped to pick up a leaf. It was a beautiful red leaf, small and gorgeous. Dad made fun of me, and I am sure if I was home with him he would continue to harrass me. He does it all in fun though. My dad's amazing. Just the other day I was walking through a parking lot and I saw another leaf. It took all my energy to not stop and pick it up. I regret that I didn't.




When we were younger we used to go to the Apple Orchard, and with a bunch of friends spend a day collecting apples, and making cider. That fresh cider will never be outdone. There is nothing like fresh cider, part of it might be because we were all freezing though. :) So yummy. I wish I could have some right now, but will have to settle for my Citrus Wassail. Here's some pictures that made me smile and gave me memories.







The last par of my post tonight is a yummy fall recipe I stumbled across.



Here it is. I wish I had company to make it for!









Buttered Apple Cider Sauce





1 Granny Smith apple, unpeeled and uncored, chopped into 1/4" pieces


4 Tbsp. unsalted butter, divided


1 1/2 to 2 cups of unfiltered apple juice or fresh apple cider


1/4 cup honey


1/4 cup sugar


a little freshly ground nutmeg


1/8 tsp. salt


2 Tbsp. (or more) apple brandy or other liqueur (optional!)




Saute the chopped apple in one Tbsp. butter. When it's soft, add the sugar, honey, and apple juice. Cook until the apple are translucent. Strain through a fine mesh sieve. Push through to get all the apple pulp out--leaving skin and seeds behind.Reduce the liquid to 1 cup thin sauce. Remove from heat and add remaining 3 Tbsp. butter, nutmeg, salt, and liqueur.To reheat leftover sauce, place in a small saucepan and heat gently over low heat until sauce melts. You can also add a little extra cider to thin it out if it got too thick.




It turns syrupy, and I think it would be super yummy over waffles or on ham!