It’s That Time

October 19, 2023

It’s time again for some of my Fall favorites, and no, there is no Pumpkin spiced anything on the list.  I have managed over time to embrace Fall rather than looking at it as the slow descent into a long cold Winter. Yes, I have gathered a list of what I look forward to as we approach setting the clocks back and it even surprises me.

You can’t beat the surprise of finding Bittersweet vine while you’re engaged in your Fall yard clean-up.

In Michigan, there is no shortage of apple orchards or an endless variety of locally grown apples.

My favorite Fall activity, stoking up the burn pile. Adds a little something special to the task of cleaning up the yard.

White pumpkins I like. I like any of the specialty varieties that are now available everywhere as well…green, pink, multi colored. I think it’s just the shade of orange that had turned me off to pumpkins all this time. That particular color or the fact I’m not a big fan of Halloween.

If you’re lucky enough to have the last straggler’s of heirloom garden roses, like these Polo. I particularly like them tucked into a Heath Ceramic Tall Modern Cup.

Sour Cream Apple Pie, a different take on the American Classic. The single crust makes it even easier to knock out on a Sunday sfternoon.

Along with apple orchards, my area has no shortage of cider mills all conveniently located. Crisp and refreshing, nothing beats a glass of cider on an October afternoon. I wouldn’t say no to a splash of Bourbon either.

Quince. Looks like an apple doesn’t it?  But, you need to cook it down to enjoy. While that pie’s in the oven you might as well stir up a batch of Quince Paste on the stove.  Add it to your next cheese board when you’re watching a game or binge viewing.

There is just something about this color. I look forward to this Sumac color change more than anything else I think.  When I see it’s first color change I know I know it’s Fall.

photos: gp

let freedom ring.*

 

* America ( My Country ‘Tis of Thee”   Samuel Francis Smith

photos: gp

Paper or…

November 15, 2015

You know I can work a classic Kraft paper shopping bag six ways till Sunday. But, this waxed canvas market bag takes simplequietmodern to a new level. Easy care cotton canvas hand coated with organic beeswax. Perfect for carrying all the quince, apples and persimmons you’ll be cooking up during the holidays and leaving the brown bags you’ve been recycling available for the wrapping of gifts come December.

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Top photo:https://food52.com/shop/products/718-waxed-canvas-market-bag

others: gp

“You like pie?”

September 27, 2013

“I like pie”. *   Who’s going to argue with the President on this point? Pie is good…simple as that. And, what better way to usher in Fall than with an apple pie… in this case, Sour Cream Apple Pie.

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I adapted the recipe found here:http://rosylittlethings.typepad.com/posie_gets_cozy/2008/10/sour-cream-appl.html using a mix of Granny Smith and Gala Apples. This pie was even better on the second day at room temperature.

* Barrack Obama