Eats, Treats, & Gifts from the Fall Kitchen

I do love summer and all the fresh fruits and veggies we can grow, but there is something about fall/winter and all the comfort foods that we get to enjoy.
I am not sure if I am the only one or not, but there are just some foods that we eat ONLY in the fall and winter.

Today I want to share a few recipes for yummy eats and fun foodie items that we can all start making now and give during the holidays or just use ourselves!


CINNAMON APPLE OATMEAL
1/2 C applesauce
3/4 C sugar
2 eggs
3 C quick oats
2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 Tsp. salt
1/2 Tsp. cinnamon
1 C milk
1 C apples, peeled, cored, and chopped

Combine applesauce, sugar, and eggs with mixer.  Add next 5 ingredients and beat well.  Fold in apples and pour into a greased 8 x 8 pan.  Bake at 400* for about 30 minutes.
**I am not an oatmeal eater - but this is good.  You could also add some chopped nuts as well!


EASY APPLE CRISP
1 C biscuit baking mix
1 C. brown sugar, packed
1/4 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 C butter, softened
5 C apples - peeled, cored, and sliced

Combine first 4 ingredients, set aside.  Place apples in an ungreased 9 x 9 baking dish, and sprinkle the other mixture on top of the apples.  Bake at 375* for 30 minutes or until golden.
**Here is a tip FROM ME - if you don't have apples to slice (or enough), I add a quart of my homemade chunky applesauce.  If no apples - use a couple quarts of chunky applesauce - it will still make a yummy crisp!!!!!


OLD FASHIONED EASY APPLE BUTTER
1 gal. (4 qts.) applesauce
4 1/2 C sugar
2 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. ground cloves
Combine all the ingredients and place in a 6 quart slow cooker, UNCOVERED, on low for 8 to 12 hours.  Stir occasionally.  After 8 - 12 hours, check thickness.  If it's too thin keep cooking until it reaches the right thickness.  Fill sterilized pint jars and process in a water bath for 20 minute boil.  Makes 7 - 9 pints
**This is a great way to use up last seasons (or before) homemade applesauce.
** You can also lessen sugar if you so desire - it's a matter of taste.

CHEERY CAPPUCCINO MIX
2/3 C plus 1 tsp. instant coffee granules
1 1/4 C powdered non-dairy creamer
1 C chocolate drink mix
1/2 C sugar
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. nutmeg
1 1/2 plus 1/8 C powdered milk
1 tsp. salt
1 3/4 C powdered sugar
In a blender, grind the coffee to a fine powder.  Combine all the ingredients in a large mixing bowl, blend well.  Can divide up into baggies or smaller container - ADD a cute label with instructions.  USE 3 HEAPING TEASPOONS PER CUP OF HOT WATER.  ADJUST AS NEEDED
Makes about 7 cups of mix.  GIFT with a pretty mug or cup.
Yummy at home on a cold winters morning!


MERRY MIX
1/2 c dried apples
1/2 C walnut pieces
1/2 C dried pears
1/2 C colorful coated candy (red/green M&M's are cute)
1/2 C dried bananas
In a pint wide mouth jar, layer fruit, nuts and candy.  Makes 4 - 6 servings.
Use the dried fruit that you prefer.  This would be a great ENERGY snack for teachers, hunters, office staff, etc. (OR home).


FIRESIDE COFFEE MIX
2 C. dry cocoa mix
2 C non-dairy creamer
1 C instant coffee
2 tsp. cinnamon
1 1/2 C sugar
2 tsp. nutmeg
Blend all ingredients and store in an air tight container.  INSTRUCTIONS:  2 Tbsp. per 1 cup hot water.
Gift with a pretty mug and some baby marshmallows or a candy cane for stirring.


I hope this gives you a couple ideas for some yummy and comforting fall flavors to eat, drink or gift.
ENJOY !!!!!!