Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Got Apples?

We sure do! The days are warm, the nights are cool, and our trees are loaded with fat, happy red apples.

We've had such good times picking, eating, cooking and decorating with apples this week that I just had to share some of the fun. 

Every September, our apple trees bring friends and family to our yard to help us pick. Everyone likes to take a turn climbing the rickety apple ladder we inherited with our 1830 farm house.


And apple season gives me yet another excuse...

 to run around outside with my camera.


But the best part of the season is eating a fresh apple right off of the tree.

And bringing the rest inside, where apples, cinnamon and nutmeg fill the kitchen with the sweet scents of the season.

We tried a new apple recipe on Sunday that was easy and delicious. Since it was cooked in a crock-pot, it made the house smell wonderful all afternoon. I thought I'd share it with you...


Ingredients*
8 slices raisin bread, cubed
3 (or more) apples, peeled and sliced
1 cup chopped pecans
1 cup sugar
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
3 eggs, lightly beaten
2 cups half & half
1/4 cup apple juice or cider
1/4 c. butter, melted

*Since we are on Weight Watchers, we substituted skim milk for the half & half and cut the amount of sugar in half...still delicious!

1. Place bread cubes, apples, and pecans in greased slow cooker and mix together gently.
2. Combine sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Add remaining ingredients. Mix well. Pour over bread mixture.
3. Cover. Cook on low 3-4 hours or until knife inserted in center comes out clean. Makes 6-8 servings.

And if your guests are still hungry?

Why not invite them to make caramel apples?
At this time of year, it's all good!
Enjoy!

I'm linking up this post to:
Open House Party at No Minimalist Here
Rednesday at It's A Very Cherry World
Outdoor Wednesday at A Southern Daydreamer
Show & Tell Friday at My Romantic Home
Feathered Nest Friday at French Country Cottage
Saturday Nite Special at Funky Junk Interiors

6 comments:

Linda @ A La Carte said...

Cheryl, this is a good post and I'm not sure why I didn't comment the first time. I usually do. I also think some weekends are slower then others as far as traffic on the blog goes. Check your stats. So here is my comment:
It looks like so much fun! I have never been apple picking before. I think anything you can make in a crockpot is wonderful.
hugs, Linda

Toni said...

I am not sure why no one commented. Looks fun! And I bet your home smelled wonderful crocking those apples.

Pamela Gordon said...

Wow! I'm sorry I missed this post!! I always look at your posts when they come up on my sidebar but somehow this one escaped me. I would have commented then!! Great pics and apple season can be a fun time in the orchard for all ages. I didn't realize you live in such an old house. How wonderful! I know they come with all kinds of problems and there's always lots of upkeep but it's been my dream to live in an old farmhouse. Blessings, Pamela

Mariaelena said...

good morning Cheryl...I love the photos...and apples...your vignette is fabulous....now following...Mariaelena
come on over for a visit....

Unknown said...

Hi Cheryl ~ I think you would make your sister proud with this nice blog. so colorful and interesting.
So glad we met up over "comments" and I have your button. I am now trying to design a page myself and actually do not know just what I want yet. Fun to play, isn't it ?

Sherry @ No Minimalist Here said...

Cheryl, How lucky you are to have apple trees. The recipe sounds fabulous. Thank you for linking to the Open House party.
xo,
Sherry