Last week, I spent a few days in a cabin up in the mountains. To say that I was excited to spend some quiet time with friends and family would be an understatement. As we drove up to our cabin, we were treated with the beautiful view and a hint that fall was on the way. The leaves were just beginning to change and the temperature was a bit cooler than it had been in Oklahoma.
Fall is one of my favorite times of the year. It always seems to beg a bit more staying at home, drinking hot beverages, reading good books, and cooking with pumpkin and apples.
Its also a great time for crafting! Here are a few ideas:
- 60 Fall Crafts Your Kids Can Make
- Easy Fall Kids Crafts That Anyone Can Make!
- 48 Awesome Fall Crafts for Kids!
When my kids were younger, we would cozy up with some apple cider and read aloud books such as
- Johnny Appleseed by Reeve Lindbergh
- Ten Apples Up on Top by Dr. Suess
- Apples to Oregon by Deborah Hopkinson.
As a special treat, we would make my mom’s apple cake! Here is the recipe so that you can try it:
Mom’s Apple Cake
- 3 c flour
- 2 c sugar
- 1 c shortening
- 2 eggs
- 3 c diced apples
- 2 t baking soda
- 1/2 t nutmeg
- 3/4 c buttermilk
- 1/2 t salt
- 1/2 t allspice
- 2 t cinnamon
Cream sugar and shortening. Mix all other ingredients except apples. When well-mixed, add apples to batter.
Bake at 350 degrees until done. (35-45 minutes) Remove from oven and make glaze by mixing:
- 2 c powder sugar
- 4 T margarine
- 6 T very hot water
With a fork, pierce cake about every 2 inches and pour glaze over cake while still hot.
My brother likes to soak his apples in water before adding them to the batter and he also doubles all the spices. I think his apple cake might be my favorite, but don’t tell my mom.
Enjoy your fall, and remember to take in the beauty of the changing seasons.
