Monday, October 26, 2009

Our New Fall Favorite



I enjoy baking, but rarely get a chance. My goal is to have no goodies around for ME and of course my Sweety who has managed to keep his type 2 diabetes under control. Found this yummy recipe in my Taste of Home 2007 cookbook.
If you love hot-out-of-the oven spice cake, baked apples, warm homemade butterscotch sauce, vanilla ice cream. . . get the picture!?!? This may become a yummy favorite for your family and friends!

Chunky Apple Cake

1/2 cup butter, softened
2 cup sugar ( I use 1 1/1 cups)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 eggs
2 cup all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
6 cups chopped peeled tart apples (I use 5-6 Granny Smith apples)

Butterscotch sauce: 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup butter, cubed
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream

In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter, sugar and vanilla. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Combine the flour, cinnamom, nutmeg, salt and baking soda; gradually add to creamed mixture and mix well (batter will be stiff). Stir in apples until well combined.
Spread into a greased 13-in. x 9-in. x 2-in. baking dish. Bake at 350 degrees for 40-45 minutes or until top is lightly browned and springs back when lightly touched. Cool for 30 minutes before serving. (We love to serve it after 5-10 minutes.)
Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, combine brown sugar and butter. Cook over medium heat until butter is melted. Gradually add cream. Bring to a slow boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Remove from the heat. Serve with cake.
(Vanilla ice cream served alongside this warm cake and butterscotch sauce is YUMMY!)
Yield: 12-14 servings

Friday, October 23, 2009

For the LOVE of tractors. . . .

My little C absolutely loves tractors! He loves to go to Pawpa's house just to sit on his tractor. Now start up the tractor, and he will come unglued! C was overwhelmed with the size of some tractors, but he just loved this tractor. It fit him just right.

Friday, October 16, 2009

Thoughts of a Four Year Old

I know it has been months since I have posted on this blog! Where do I start!? Life has been so busy!

Just thought I would share a few funnies from my 4 year old. I never know what she is thinking or what she is going to say!

"Daddy, look at this itch worm! If it gets on you it will make you have to scratch!"

A was watching 101 Dalmations with a VERY serious face. I asked her what was wrong. "Momma, why are all those dogs 'ruffing'?!" We began working on this at 2yrs old. Just like we are still working on saying diapers, and not" biapers".

A couple of weeks ago A was talking with her Mimi on the phone. She was so upset about a pretty, yellow breasted bird that had died outside our FL room. Mimi sympathized with her and told her the poor bird must have flown into the window and broke its neck. A had a very serious face and quickly said, ". . . the bird did not break its neck! It still had its neck on his little body."

A is loving school! We now have our 5 "bowels" down. . . one day she will say vowels!

One afternoon A was sent to put away her toys. She was ready for me to check and see her hard work. All of her dishes were piled high in her kitchen sink. I quickly reminded her to put all of the dishes away correctly. "Does Mommy's kitchen have dirty dishes piled high?" A was quick with her response! "Well, no, but my sink is broken, so I cannot wash the dishes and put them away. I'm going to have to wait until my husband comes home to fix my sink!" This was one of those times I just had to laugh!

At the beginning of the summer, A was struggling with clean up time. I thought we would try a game of beat the clock. She was so excited! She beat the clock! We cheered and encouraged her to keep it up! A had a pretty quick response, "How about tomorrow night you and Daddy play beat the clock with clean up time! I know you can win!"

I could just go on and on. . . .

I just love my A!