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.
