The Joys of the Fall Season

Daily Truth: “To everything there is a season”  Ecclesiastes 3:1

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I love the fall season more than any other time of the year!  I love the smells of the fall season, the colors, the harvest – everything!!!!

Driving home from school today, the sky was a brilliant blue backdrop for the changing trees.

I think the fall season is in my blood.  I was raised in Vermont and if you know anything about Vermont we are famous for a few things – maple syrup (the best EVER by the way), Ben and Jerry’s ice cream, skiing (never did master that – well, maybe the bunny hill), and the leaves changing colors during the fall season.

Growing up in Vermont the fall season was the best.  We would go up to Stowe and see the leaves during their peak time, stop at a cider mill (fresh cider is amazing), go apple picking, and eat apple cider donuts (you know – the kind that melts in your mouth and the only thing healthy about them is the word “apple”).

– I love the fall season because you can start bringing out the jeans and sweaters – well almost. You know the cooler weather is coming although it can be tricky trying to figure out if it’s a jeans or shorts day.

– This fall season also brings a new harvest.  The pumpkins, squash, and apples are all photo 2 (5)coming to harvest.

Every year we take the kids apple picking at one of our favorite local orchards.  The kids love eating apples fresh off the trees.  We also leave with a TON of apples, What can you do when you have 6 sets of hands picking.

Most of those apples turn into applesauce.  I am not a big applesauce fan but I will eat homemade applesauce like it’s candy.

Here is how I do it.

1.  Use an apple-peeler-corer-slicer.  The name says exactly what it does.  I swear this was invented by a woman!  The best part is, the kids think it is so cool they willingly help with the apples which equals less work for mom.

2.  Stick the peeled/ cored/ sliced apples in a crock pot with 1 cup of water (so they don’t stick or burn).

3.  Season with cinnamon and nutmeg to taste.

4.  Put on low and let it go.

5.  When the apples are soft, mash up to the density you like.  We like our applesauce chunkier.  Then it looks like apple crisp.

6.  Notice – I didn’t put any sugar in it.  If you must sweeten it use REAL maple syrup and just a dab will do ya.

You can top with homemade granola and a little whip cream to make it a yummy dessert.

– The fall season also allows me take the kids outside, to the park, or to the zoo without hearing “I’m hot!”  So, pack a picnic lunch, grab a book, and take your kiddos to the park.  They’ll play and you can get some reading done or grab a friend, make a play date, and enjoy some mom time.

–  The last reason I love the fall season is the fact that it brings hope of what is to come.  Fall decorations are out.  Mums and pumpkins line the steps. Thanksgiving and Christmas are right around the corner and plans are being made for how to celebrate them.

Yes, there is a season for everything.  So, embrace the fall season and enjoy it to the fullest.

For now, I must get some hot cider and applesauce, grab a chair and a book, and sit outside while the boys play to their hearts content!

Until Next Monday,

Rebekah

klink

 

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