This week has reminded me how important the company of female friends are to my emotional nurturing. I realize I run the risk of losing my male readers with that opening but I hope you will read on.
Tuesday night, I sat at book club with nine women that, for the most part, I see ten times a year. Like me, they are all insatiable readers. It is our commonality. I have come to know these women through the private moments we share with each other as they relate to the book at hand. I wasn’t able to read this month’s book pick which gave me the opportunity to listen to the discussion without the need to formulate clever thoughts and answers. This is a bright group of gals!
As I listened, I was filled with gratitude for the time we share. I love their language, their word mixtures, their thoughtful pauses and most of all their honesty. Maybe verbal clarity is something that happens during the middle stage of life. I’m not sure. What I do know is that I sat for three hours with women who speak a language that leaves me feeling lifted and inspired to continue seeking the joy in my life…
Autumn desserts lull me into one of my greatest joys; the holiday season. Crisp apples, deep red cranberries and spicy cinnamon are a natural combination. Baking this ‘crunch’ is better than any scented candle you could burn!
apple cranberry crunch
preheat oven 350*F
1 cup fresh cranberries, chopped
6 cups apples, sliced – I used yellow Paula Reds
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 cup brown sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup cold butter, cut into small pieces
1/2 cup panko crumbs
Place the sliced apples and cranberries in a large baking dish
Mix flour, brown sugar, cinnamon and salt together.
Using a pastry blender, cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles a course meal. Stir in the panko crumbs
Crumble evenly over the apple and cranberries
Bake 45 minutes to 1 hour. Your crisp should be golden and bubbling.
*The panko crumbs gives an extra crunch to the crisp with introducing another flavour. You could also make the topping crunchier by adding your favorite toasted nuts.
Thanks for reading.
17 comments
Hi Michelle,
thank you for all the inspiring recipes I could try over the year, the trips I could take with you and the gorgeous pictures I therefore could look at…and feel reminded of times when I could stroll through greek streets! Cheers, Sabrina
Absolutely my pleasure! Have a great weekend…
Wow. This looks absolutely delicious!
A few years ago I met monthly with a group of women and we would discuss whatever book we had read. It was great, and I miss it. There is something about reading a good book, and being able to discuss it with people that is really a great thing!
I’ve been with this group og women for over 10 years. I love it! and my collection of books…
This is beautiful, the photography, the steps, the description..what a great inspiration for the weekend! thanks for sharing.. and keep taking such clear pictures!
Have an awesome weekend!
felicia
http://dishbydish.net
Thanks for your kind words and you have a great weekend as well!
I love apples and cranberries together! I am not an avid reader.. but most of my friends are. But I did experience one whole lovely year of meeting with 10 women friends once a month. We got together every month for something called “The Purse Club”. Ever heard of it… so much fun!
I’ve never heard of it. How does it work??
Our “Purse Club” started with myself and a friend who lived 45 minutes away, whom I didn’t see often. We each asked 4 friends to join. This way, we each met new women. Our 10 ladies, all working moms, got together at a different home each month, so you only have to host once in the year. When you come.. you bring $30 each.. and put it in this fun, sparkly little handbag. This is $300. A name is drawn that night.. and who ever got drawn, wins the $300. Now, the challenge was.. you had to spend the $300 on YOURSELF, (not your house, your kids, your family) before the next purse club meeting. Not as easy as one would expect. The range of items bought was surprising. One girl bought herself a bicycle, another got prescription sunglasses, one girl spent it all on a spa day, and another bought several purses. But it was nice to see the next month what each person bought for themselves. Now that my kids are gone, university bills are done, and the household is not as money stressed as it was back then, I have no problem buying things.. but back then.. it was a treat and a chore. Each of us bought something we would never have taken from household money. Plus we got to see each other each month, made new friends… and shared family and work stories and problems. Our entire group were teachers or business owners.. so we had lots of common threads to tie. It was fun and I still keep in contact with all these ladies via social media, at the very least!
Amazing! I assume that once somebody won the purse they were no longer eligible??
Thanks for sharing such a neat idea!
This looks so delish! One of my favorite desserts. Glad to hear you had a wonderful time with your friends. What memories! Hope you have many more and lots of laughter and fun. Friends are such wonderful gifts to one’s heart.
So true…Thanks so much for reading. I really appreciate it!
I’d kill to be part of this club for the desserts alone!
It’s so true…the desserts are always spectacular!
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