Autumn Comforts

Autumn is truly one of my favorite seasons. I love the sound of fallen leaves beneath my feet and the crisp air on my nose in the morning and the irreplaceable scent of smoke rising in the air from wood burning stoves. One of my favorite things about this time of year is unpacking sweaters. I love sweaters-their colors-their texture-their smell. There is nothing like putting on a warm sweater and heading outdoors for a brisk walk on an autumn day. Autumn is the time of year that we homemakers conclude the final preparations for winter and get ready to snuggle during those upcoming snowy days. There are some flavors that go hand-in-hand with this time of year. There isn't a fall that goes by without me making all these recipes at least once.

Hot Mold Cider

2. c. pineapple juice

2 c. cranberry juice

1. c. apple juice

2 c. water

2 t. brown sugar

1/2 t. salt

1 T whole cloves

2 t. whole allspice

3 cinnamon sticks

1. Mix juices and sugar together in a large pan on the stove

2. Add spices - use a cheesecloth or whole tea strainer

3. Let simmer about 3 hrs. before serving-longer is better

Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread

31/2. c. flour

3 c. sugar

2 t. baking soda

1/2 t. baking powder

1 1/2 t. salt

1 t. cloves

1 t. nutmeg

1 t. cinnamon

4 eggs

2 c. pumpkin

1 c. water

2 c. chocolate chips

2 c. chopped nuts

1. Preheat oven to 350

2. Grease 2 loaf pans

3. Mix ingredients together-slowly adding in nuts and chips

4. Pour mixture into greased pans

5. Bake 70 minutes-check with toothpick for doneness-different ovens may take less or more time

Apple Crisp

4. c. peeled/tart apples

3/4 c. brown sugar

1/2 c. flour

1/2 c. oats

1 t. cinnamon

1/2 t. allspice

1/3 c. cold butter

1. Place apples in a greased 8" square pan

2. Combine other ingredients until crumbly

3. Bake at 375 for 30 minutes