Fall Fun

After several gray, cold and cloudy days I was thinking about how much I truly enjoy a good fall day. I love waking up to a crisp morning and having that first hot cup of coffee. I like how the mornings and evening are cool, but the sun comes out mid afternoon and warms my back--making it nice enough to throw off my jacket and enjoy being outdoors. I love all of the smells of fall--apple orchards, pumpkin pie and bonfires!! Here are some ideas to help you enjoy and celebrate this fall season.


Sticks and Stones Trail Mix:
4 Tbs butter
1/4 C frozen orange juice concentrate
1/4 C brown sugar
2 tsp cinnamon
3 C oatmeal cereal squares
2 C pretzel sticks
1 1/2 C whole almonds
1 C dried cranberries
*Heat the oven to 300 degrees. Place the butter, juice concentrate and sugar in a microwave safe bowl and heat on high for 45 seconds to melt the butter. Stir in the cinnamon.
*Spread the oatmeal squares, pretzels and almonds in a single layer on a baking sheet. Toss the pieces with the melted butter mixture to coat. Bake the mix, stirring the pieces every 10 min until the mixture is dry to the touch and the nuts are lightly toasted, about 30 min. Remove the pan from the oven, then stir in the dried fruit. Let the mix cool completely before storing in an airtight container. Make about 7 cups.

Pumpkin Dough:
1 C flour
1/2 C salt
2 tsp cream of tartar
2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1 Tbs vegetable oil
1 C water
red and yellow food coloring (enough to make the dough orange)
*Combine the dry ingredients in a pan. Add the oil, water and food coloring and whish until smooth. Stirring constantly, cook the mix over medium high heat until the dough forms a ball--about 3-4 minutes. Turn the dough onto a counter and let cool slightly. Knead the dough until it has a smooth texture--about 1-2 minutes. The dough will keep up to a week in a ziploc bag!!

Apple faces:
peeled apples
your imagination
2 Tbs salt
juice of 1 lemon
*Submerge a peeled apple for about 5 min in water with 2 Tbs salt and the juice from 1 lemon. Then use a skewer or small knife or spoon to carve eyes, a nose, and a mouth from the flesh of the apple (this is a great time to pull out those playdough and clay cutters for the younger children) The bigger the features, the more dramatic the outcome. Set the carved apple in a warm spot and watch the face of your wise friend emerge over the next 2 weeks!!