Apple Cinnamon Scones

The world looks different through a rain splattered window. With heavy clouds hanging low in the sky, the colors appear muted. The bright tones and highlights of a sunny day are subdued as the world takes on various shades of gray. The droplets of water clinging to the glass each hold a tiny world, of homes and life and trees, giving a new perspective on the view outside the window. As the droplets gather speed cascading down the window, they are replaced by newly fallen rain and the cycle continues.

Rainy days gift moments of peace.

Scones remind me of rainy mornings, overcast skies, and the hesitant light just before the sun rises. When I worked as a baker, the first item I made each morning were scones. The world was quiet, still asleep in bed, as the scents of baking swirled out of the oven. In my mind, scones have become inseparable from those early mornings. When the world is quiet from a sprinkling of rain or heavy clouds prolong the darkness of the morning, I feel drawn to the kitchen, drawn to the flour, butter, and heavy cream.

Scones and tea are simple pleasures on a dreary day.

With most of the recipes I conjure up in the kitchen, I start with a vision, but as soon as the baking process begins, the vision changes as I reach for ingredients and it morphs into a new one altogether. These scones didn't end up quite as I had planned, but I think it was for the better. Caramelized apples on the stove, the wafting scents of cinnamon and spice, and the feel of dough beneath my fingers accompanied the sound of raindrops against the window.

I wouldn't want to have it any other way.

Apple Cinnamon Scones are soft and fragrant. The apples are caramelized in a bit of sugar before they are added to the batter, which gives them a bright flavor after baking. A sprinkling of cinnamon and sugar on top of the scones provides just the right touch of sweetness. Though these scones may certainly be enjoyed any day of the year, the warmth of the cinnamon and the scent of apples caramelizing on the stove are traditionally autumn.

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Caramel Apple Granola

The leaves are beginning to change colors on the trees. I noticed this today in the thirty second dash from my apartment building to the car. The air felt cooler than usual and the light from the sun was golden. I wondered where the time has gone. While my life continues to be in a state of imbalance, these thirty second intervals from the door of my car to the door of another building have become my only real experience with the world outside of my immediate reality. In the last few weeks, consumed with an unusual amount of work and responsibilities, I feel lucky to get an hour to myself to eat a late dinner and catch up with an episode of Modern Family.

I wish I could stop and enjoy the weather, breathe it in and savor it for the long hours of work ahead of me, but the second hand on the clock keeps ticking, reminding me that I'm already late.

Caramel Apples continue to be a one of my favorite fall desserts. Every year I make it a point to make a batch. I'll usually leave a few apples with a simple caramel coating, but the rest end up rolled in crushed candy bars and pretzels until the apples seem to disappear under the chocolate pieces. Each year the caramel refuses to cooperate as I struggle to keep it on the apple, but in the end it doesn't matter. The caramel apples are for myself. They don't need to be pretty or dolled up; they don't need to impress anyone else.

The apples just need to be enjoyed beneath a tree under the autumn sky by someone who isn't afraid to get a little chocolate and caramel on her face.

It may be awhile before I can sit down and make myself a batch of caramel apples this year. The routine of the thirty second dash is a bittersweet reminder that the days keep passing by, even if I don't have the time to appreciate them. When the responsibilities of my life lessen and I have an afternoon to myself, you'll be able to spot me in the aisles of the local market, with a red basket full of candy bars and Honeycrisp apples in hand.

Until that day arrives, this Caramel Apple Granola fills the void beautifully.

Caramel Apple Granola is sweet treat transformed into a hearty breakfast. The granola consists of almonds and dried apples spiced with the flavors of fall. Most granola recipes hold the oats together with oil, but this granola is held together with a light layer of caramel. The caramel, combined with the dried apples, creates a granola with a fantastic texture and taste you won't find in a cereal box.

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Thanksgiving Menu and Roasted Butternut Squash & Apple Soup II

As Thanksgiving eve draws ever near (and our thawing turkeys take up what little space is left in the refrigerator), I've just started warming up my oven for a long evening of baking. Certainly I've switched the knob to preheat, but many a motivational speech has also been given. My oven has a mighty important job to do in the next 18 hours. If there was as much pressure on me to perform, I'd wish for a cheerleader too.

Tonight, however, I've decided to share a different kind of recipe with you. It has nothing to do with Turkey Day and does not pair well with sweet potato casserole and spoonfuls of gravy. In fact, I've specifically chosen not to share a Thanksgiving recipe with you (if you are lucky enough to cook the feast, the very last thing I want to do is send you off to the grocery store again). This particular recipe, instead, is reserved for after the holiday. Once tomorrow's long period of gluttony is over, I think I might need a little detox for a couple days (and maybe you feel this way too).

When that happens, this Roasted Butternut Squash and Apple Soup will be waiting for you.

I've actually posted a very similar recipe before, but this time around I've made a few changes that might have made it even better. It features a puree of roasted vegetables and is filling enough to keep you satisfied until the next meal. Plus, since this is a vegetarian soup, I'm absolutely certain it would go perfectly with a side of leftover turkey sandwiches.

But, since Thanksgiving isn't over yet (and thousands of calories are still sitting in my kitchen waiting to be eaten), I would like to share my traditional holiday menu with you. Our house was chosen this year to host the main event and although it isn't nearly big enough to hold the 20 invited guests comfortably, I'm certain we'll manage just fine. Food does bring everyone together—figuratively and literally.

Thanksgiving Menu

Appetizers
Honey Rolls
Whole Wheat Rolls
Spicy Pumpkin Taco Dip

The Main Event
Turkey (the star of the show)
Ham
Cranberry Sauce
Grandma's Famous Stuffing (I could eat this and only this all day and be completely satisfied)
Mashed Potatoes & Gravy
Sweet Potato Casserole
Green Bean Casserole
Fruit Salad

Desserts & Snacks
Honey Cinnamon Roasted Chickpeas
Ranch Roasted Chickpeas
Pumpkin Spice Latte Cheesecake
Cranberry White Chocolate Tarts
Chocolate Gingersnap Tart
Pumpkin Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting (for the kids!)

Since I was aptly placed on dessert duty (and I can't seem to keep myself away from the butter and sugar), it turns out there will be nearly as many desserts as real dishes. Typical me. I just hope my guests leave room for dessert. I'll even settle for "willing to look for extra space that may or may not exist" (are you listening, dear relatives? Save space. It will be worth it, I promise).

If you came here this evening looking for a few last minute Thanksgiving recipes, I urge you to check out How Sweet It Is's list of 101 Thanksgiving Recipes. Oh, this is such a beautiful list!

What Thanksgiving dish do you most look forward to?

Roasted Butternut Squash and Apple Soup is a sweet and hardy soup. It features a thick puree of roasted vegetables, where the squash and apple take center stage. A little bit of cinnamon and nutmeg help to round out the flavors. This soup is delicious and nutritionally sound, making this a good meal for any autumn day. The flavors of the mushrooms and celery are hidden beneath the squash and apple, which makes this soup easily adaptable (you could easily add cauliflower or any other vegetable with a subtle flavor to pack in more nutrients).

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