Hello Foodie Fans and Happy Autumn!  If you live in a place where the change of seasons is obvious and rewarding, as autumn in New York State, you are fortunate.  I have just returned from a very nostalgic visit to my home town in Columbia County, New York.  When you read my book, you will see many photos, and experience my life growing up on our apple farms upstate.  Visiting family and friends, and traveling to the homesteads, was not only exciting, but a very emotional time for me.  I miss the country where the canvas is so green, and peace and quiet truly is a way of life.

I am melancholy as I remember my short but sweet visit, and now find myself contemplating the possibility of returning to a slower simpler lifestyle, and beautiful environment of country living with mountains and colors that nature can change overnight.  As I consider options of my future home, I realize there are very few locations that actually make my heart skip a beat, but I am ready for the next phase of my life to begin.

Farm stands are bustling back home, as apple season is in full swing. I was certain to return to Florida with homemade apple butter, honey butter, and some Adirondack maple syrup.  Of course, a bag of fresh picked Macintosh apples, crispy and red, were safely stowed in my carry-on bag.  As I packed to leave, I immediately thought of my next recipe, one of my father’s favorite desserts, warm apple crisp topped with vanilla ice cream.  It actually is one of my favorites, and so easy to make.  See my photo at top of page.  I decided to add a few more ingredients and loved the result.  The coconut, sea salt and walnuts are not only tasty, but nutritional as well.  I hope you love this delicacy of the season!

RED APPLE CRISP

5 medium red delicious, Macintosh, or gala apples-peeled, cored, and sliced

2/3 cup firmly packed brown sugar

1/2 cup uncooked oatmeal-old fashion oats

1/2 cup flour

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon apple pie spice or nutmeg

2 tablespoons chopped walnuts

1 tablespoon shredded coconut

1/3 cup butter or margarine-softened

pinch sea salt

butter or cooking spray

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Grease 8 x 8 glass baking dish or pan.  Place sliced apples in pan. In bowl mix remaining ingredients well.  Sprinkle mixture evenly over apples. If you are using butter spray,  lightly spray the top before going in the oven.  Bake for 30 minutes until bubbly and lightly browned.  Makes about 6 servings.  If desired, and definitely suggested, drop a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top of a warm bowl of crisp. This will satisfy any sweet tooth, and apples are so good for you too!  Enjoy.

Next time we meet, I will suggest some seasonal menu plans and autumn foods.  The pumpkins, squash, and winter vegetables all savory and satisfying dishes come to mind.