Apple Cobbler

Be forewarned, I have about a million thoughts roaming around my brain right now. So this particular blog entry is going to be a little all over the place. If you want to skip my ramblings here's the short version: Mom came to visit. Brought me apples. I made apple crisp. Jon brought it to work to win friends. Done. ;)

For those of you who enjoy peeking in on my thoughts please continue:

My mom came for a visit the other day. Best. Day. Ever. I love spending time with my mom. She is one cool lady.

We went for a walk in my new neighborhood. We found a duck pond with four mismatched duck species, a lovely subdivision with plenty of curious folks keeping up the neighborhood watch, and of course we found good conversation.

Before she came over, my mom stopped by a farm stand in her town. She brought me apples and tomatoes. Fresh picked. In November. Yea, I feel right living here.

Tomarrow's forecast is for 79 and sunny skies. I couldn't be more thrilled.

The cat is enjoying the back patio area, though he loathes the harness he is required to wear to go exploring. We let him out once without it and he tried to explore the neighbors yard...

Jon and I have turned into little kids as we experience life here- going to new places, smelling new odors (high tide and low tide have definite smells), and trusting each other and God. We see life with fresh eyes and renewed energy. It's definitely a good place to be.

BUT, getting back to those apples. I read up on them to see the best use. They were Arkansas Black Apples. They are very waxy and crisp. Most websites recommended them for eating only after storage for a few months(they are REALLY hard when you first pick them). The alternative was to use them to bake desserts. Hmm yes, I can do that.... :)

I created an apple crisp from what I had on hand. It turned out yummy. Jon brought some to work today and apparently his coworkers were drooling at the sight of it. (Mission "Make Jon Popular" is underway apparently LOL)

Here's to you and your culinary adventures, friend. Cheers!

Apple Crisp
Serves 8
145 calories per

3 medium apples, peeled, cored, thinly sliced
1/3 cup white sugar
1/8 tsp cinnamon
1/8 tsp nutmeg
pinch of salt
1/4 tsp vanilla

Topping:
1/3 cup flour
1 packet cinnamon flavored weight control oatmeal- dry
1/3 cup unpacked brown sugar
3 TBS Best Life margarine or I can't believe it's not butter


Preheat oven to 350.

In a 9x9 baking dish toss together apples, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and vanilla.

In a small bowl combine all ingredients for the topping. Combine until crumbly.

Scatter over apples.

Bake for 45 minutes, until apples are tender. Let cool 15 minutes before cutting into 8 slices.