Why I love Indiana in the Fall!
The trees are just beginning to change. The air is brisk with the subtle scent of wood-smoke. And just got a new recipe for "Deep Fried Apple Rings" that is incredible.
Caught up with the boys yesterday.
Photographs from James of his Chuckie Cheese Afternoon with my youngest grandson :)
And exciting news from he and Nicole, as they heard the baby's heartbeat for the first time! And I am gathering the supplies to get started on it's quilt/floor throw.
Caught up with Lennon on Sunday...wishing he was here to enjoy Fall and
"Maybe one of those BBQ pork loins you always fix, Mom...and home-made elephant ears..."
and setting up a Skype-time for he and Chris. Classes hectic but manageable. Doing well and anticipating break. Looking forward to spending a bit of April together next year :) Extracting an official "Birthday Wish" from him...he'll be 25 in November.
" A Quarter-of-a-Century, son...that's OLD!"
And Chris who turns 24 this week and is celebrating with the leprechaun, of course...but still going to enjoy his MO of a pumpkin pie in lieu of a cake and a turkey dinner with all the sides because it is his favorite meal. The child should have been a Thanksgiving baby.
And is getting more and more comfortable with his violin every day...and like his "voices" he now has "sound effects" to play with...never a dull moment.
"Hey...who's that fiddling on my ROOF?"
Excited about my upcoming trek to Bloomington this week with Loretta and Theresa and yes...we're making progress on the Computer stuff...soon we will be taking the training wheels off...although it is much too early to merge into traffic on the "Info Super Highway" yet...and so thankful that gmail has a wonderful spam filter for her because, frankly, I don't think I could field those
"Why are they sending me messages on how to enlarge my member? Am I a member? I don't recall joining anything."
questions with a straight face.
And "Idgy" just shaking her head and laughing as I relate the tales from the keyboard...over our morning coffee.
And sharing the whole "Fashion tips by Loretta" thing. The Nicole Bag has become fashion's answer to "If You Give a Mouse a Cookie" with those amazing matching slouch boots on the way and several new long sleeved shirts with pleasantly contrasting Infinity scarves...with bluejeans. Everything in shades of caramel and cream...taupes and olive drab...slate blues...and looking at earrings, too. Actually, when it all arrives it will be a remarkably pulled together look...and fun. It has been a bit like playing dress-up. By November's outing to Gray's in Mooresville and shopping in Plainfield- I shall be a whole new woman...laughing...
But Idgy and I (as a rule) follow Bombeck's rule of
"Basing fashion on what doesn't wrinkle or itch"
Blue jeans and tee shirts...and it works for us :)
And the recipe:
Fall Fried Apple Rings with Dipping Caramel
(serves two)
Two large Fugi apples peeled, cored and cut into 1/2 inch thick rings.
In small mixing bowl combine:
1 cup flour
2 tablespoons sugar
1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 egg
3/4 cup milk
1 teaspoon cinnamon
and stir to a thick batter.
Heat deep oil until a drop of the batter sizzles and floats to the top. I use coconut oil to deep fry. Much nicer.
Dip Apple Rings in batter individually and deep fry until golden brown. Drain on paper towel.
Serve with a small cup of warmed soft caramel for dipping.
(optional: can sprinkle with powdered sugar or a cinnamon and sugar mix instead of caramel if preferred)
For tea: Arrange several Apple Rings on individual dessert plate and drizzle with soft caramel and top with a whipped cream rosette and chopped pecans...serve with a dessert fork.
Enjoy!
