In preparation for this last weekend's cold, wet and wild weather, my husband made a big pot of his awesome chili and I decided to whip up some hearty beer bread to go with it. Traditionally, I use a lager or an amber ale, but this time I decided to try something different: a hard apple cider.

I honestly had no idea how it would turn out - if you would be able to taste the apple, if the bread would bake the same way, if the bottle of cider would actually make it into the recipe...

Turns out, it's pretty delicious!  You can't REALLY taste the apple (at least I couldn't have picked that flavor out if I hadn't known) but it has a slightly moister, denser consistency and an underlying sweetness that was a nice counterpoint to the spicy chili.

Below is the recipe and you should absolutely try it.  It's such a simple and quick process - and who doesn't love a house that smells like baking bread?!

Hard Apple Cider Bread
Ingredients

3 c. Flour, sifted
1/4 c. White Sugar
1 tsp. Salt
3 tsp. Baking Powder
12 oz. Hard Apple Cider (I used Woodchuck, but any will do)
1/4 c. Melted Butter

Let's Do This

- Preheat Oven to 375 degrees
- Mix together dry ingredients and cider
- Empty mixture into a well greased loaf pan
- Cover with melted butter (just trust me on this.)
- Bake for 1 hour, or until top is brown and crusty and a knife inserted in the middle comes out clean
- Allow to cool for 20 minutes

Wholesome, easy, inexpensive, delicious and stick-to-your-ribs (thankfully not your thighs), this Autumn Oatmeal is my favorite chilly-dreary-day breakfast.    Okay, I can't exactly say this is an earth shattering recipe, BUT I've had several requests for it recently, so I thought I'd share with you gorgeous people.  





Ingredients:

1/2 c. Plain Quick Oats
1 c. Water (you can use milk if you prefer) 
1/2 Apple, chopped into small cubes
1 - 1.5 tsp. Pumpkin Pie Spice 
1/4 c. Raisins
1/4 c. Dried Cranberries
1/4 c. Slivered Almonds or chopped pecans (optional)
Brown Sugar (optional)

Deliciosuity in the Making: 

1.  In a microwave-safe bowl, combine oats, 1/4 of the apple, and pumpkin pie spice.  Stir til combined.  Add water and stir.
2.  **Cover with a paper towel, and heat in the microwave 1.5 - 2 minutes.
3.  Remove with care, the bowl will be very hot.  
4.  Stir in the remaining apple, raisins, cranberries and nuts.   Add brown sugar if desired (I prefer it without). 


That's pretty much it!  Add a glass of cold skim milk (or white water, as my husband likes to call it) and, in less than five minutes, you have a filling, well-rounded breakfast that's high in fiber and nutrients and low in processed sugar.  

**Note: To reduce the calories by half, forget to cover the bowl while it's heating in the microwave.  Like magic, half of the calories (and by calories, of course, I mean oatmeal) has now cemented itself to your turntable.  Now you can burn up the rest of the calories by spending an hour scrubbing the inside of your microwave.  Not that I've done this before...

This past weekend my husband and I spent some time doing one of our favorite fall activities: visiting fall festivals and various farms.  From the bonfires to the spicy cider to the petting zoos and the local crafts, I absolutely love the chance to be outside and appreciate the simpler things nature has to offer. 

Living so close to central Pennsylvania, we're also lucky enough to have delicious fresh produce close at hand.  While I love incorporating it into new recipes, every fall season has to start out with a classic (and my personal favorite): Fresh and Easy Apple Pie. 

I much prefer to use local produce to what's available at the grocery store (although, in a pinch, store bought apples will work) and this time I selected Cortland apples, Jonagold apples and Granny Smith apples, all of which have a sweet and tart flavor and work well for baking.  I love the tart flavor mixed with the sugar and spice of the recipe below.  Serve with fresh whipped cream, ice cream or a slice of cheddar cheese... delicious!





6-7 c. Apples
3/4 c. Sugar
1/4 c. Brown Sugar
1/4 tsp. All Spice
1/2 tsp. Cinnamon
1/4 tsp. Salt
2 Tbsp. Flour
2 Tbsp. Lemon Juice
1 1/2 Tbsp. Butter
1 Egg White
Dough for Double Crust Pie, in 9 inch pie pan (Recipe At Bottom of Page HERE)
 

1. My Corer, Peeler, Slicer makes paring apples super quick!  2. The brown sugar adds a richness to the flavors that I love    3.  A quick toss of the ingredients makes sure that all of the apples are equally coated and the center will thicken nicely!

Let's Do This!

1.  Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
2.  In a large bowl, core, peel and slice apples. *Note: Apples will shrink down during cooking. If you like your pie super stuffed with apples, include more than you think you'll need. 
3.  Sprinkle apples with lemon juice and toss.

Cookie cutter crust allows steam to escape and looks so fancy!

4.  In a separate bowl, thoroughly mix dry ingredients.  Slowly add dry ingredients to apples, tossing to coat. 
5.  Fill bottom crust with apple mixture.  Dot with butter.
6.  Cover with top crust and crimp edges.  Cut holes to allow steam to escape. *For the top of my pie, I used a cookie cutter to create leaf cut outs and overlapped them over the apple mixture.  
7.  Paint with egg-whites and sprinkle with sugar for a shiny finish.
8.  Cover edges with aluminum foil and bake at 375 degrees for 45-50 minutes.  Allow to sit for at least 2 hours before serving. 

G, B & D (Golden Brown and Delicious)

The sun is out, the air is crisp and the leaves are just starting to turn: it truly is the perfect first day of fall!!  My own home is dressed for the occasion with leaves, acorns, berries, pumpkins and white lights... all the best of the season!  I figured it was about time for another quick house tour.  :)

Come in!

Being from the northeast, I have a natural affinity for porches that are overflowing with flowers and pumpkins.  Something about walking up to someone's door amidst an explosion of colors... it just seems so inviting!  I'd actually like to do a little more with my tiny little front porch (Add fall flowers or greenery to my urn, find beautiful pots for my mums, maybe even incorporate some cornstalks from one of the local farms...) but for now, the message works: welcome, welcome, welcome fall!!



In the living room, the fireplace (not the tv) takes center stage.  In addition to my Abundant Autumn Wreath, I added some oversize acorns, gourds, gold hurricanes and a grapevine pumpkin lit with white lights to warm the mantle.  (You can also see the edges of the framed iron scroll art pieces I just bought.  Originally $60 a piece, I got them both for $12!  Some deals make you tempted to leave the tags on...).


The stair railing has been wrapped in garlands of leaves and white lights, and my wonderful big, fat pumpkin was tucked into a corner on the steamer trunk.  I also put out a few cozy throws to cuddle up in on chilly evenings.


The console by the door is one of my favorite spots.  I love the demilune shape, and the space below is such a wonderful place for unobtrusive but elegant tableaus.  Going with the "abundance" theme, it's overflowing with leaves, white and orange pumpkins, a gold mercury glass pumpkin, acorns, Indian corn and wheat.  The fact that I can get crazy with the bottom part means that I can leave the top relatively (note the word "relatively") clear for a tray of drinks when I have guests.

Everyday new little touches are being added to corners, hallways and bedrooms: wooden ornaments,  vases of sunflowers,  a treasured bubble light.  It's never really quite done.  But that's the fun!  If I know me (and we go back a few years), I'll probably sit with this for a few days and then tear it all down and start on Halloween.  I love this season!

I LOVE HALLOWEEEEEEN!!!! 
Sorry, I have trouble using my inside voice sometimes.  It's just - Halloween makes me So Excited!! It's spooky, and magical, and mysterious and, maybe most of all, it's CREATIVE.  I mean, really, what other holiday lets you turn your house into a crash-landed alien spaceship, or a pirate cove, or a freaky-deaky circus or all three?  What other holiday says "Go ahead, glitter is TOTALLY okay to wear over the age of 22!"?  What other holiday practically DEMANDS that you craft at least something - even if it's only a gap-toothed Jack O Lantern??  And, let's be honest, what other holiday pretty much requires you to not dust for at least a few weeks (for the sake of realism, of course...)?

Halloween, if you couldn't tell, ranks very high on my scale of Awesome Holidays.  I'm already elbow deep in a few projects, but this first one was inspired by other DIY bloggers and is pretty much as no-holds-barred as it gets.

I've already created several Super Spooky Halloween Books, but will probably do several more as I have time (They're really fun to mess with while having a Netflix marathon.) Alright, let's get to it.



Tools:

Hardback books slated for Goodwill (or, if you really don't have any, most Dollar Tree Stores have hardback books for - wait for it - a dollar)
Mod Podge
Damp Paper Towels
Acrylic Paint  (I used black, blue, purple, red, white, gold and amber)
Inka Gold (or Rub n Buff or any similar metallic finish)
Hot Glue Gun
Plastic Spiders, Skeletons, Bats, Snakes, Fangs, etc.
Chipboard letters
Nail head trim or tacks
Any other decorative detail you can think of



The Basics: 

1.  Cover any space you don't want Mod-Podged or painted. This is not the cleanest of projects.  I like to use a piece of foamcore to work on as it doesn't slide around like plastic but keeps most spills from leaking through to the surface beneath.
Onward...

2.  After removing any dust jackets from the books, I started by designing the covers and spines.  Playing with the letters, toys and nailhead, I laid out designs that I thought might work, and ultimately, adhered them with hot glue.  Example: In the case of the OS Book, I snipped the wings from a plastic bat and shaped them to fit onto a plastic skeleton.  I then hot-glued both in place with chipboard letters above spelling "OS" ("bones" in French).   Another book got a skeleton key, and nailhead accents on the corners, while another was given creepy-crawlies... you get the idea.

The OS book pre-wings

3.  After determining the cover of the book, I then repeated the design process on the spine.  Not all of the books will be displayed front-side-out, so a unique spine is just as important as a unique cover. Example: For the OS book, I snipped arms off of several of the plastic skeletons and connected them so that each is holding the one above it in a zigzag pattern on the spine.  Other books received raised letters to denote the title, additional creepy toys, or stayed blank for paint detailing later on.

4.  Working quickly, I laid damp paper towels across the front, cover and back, and then applied a generous amount of Mod Podge directly to the surface, spreading it evenly with a foam brush.  Using a fine tipped paintbrush, I pushed the damp paper towels into all of the crevices of the design, to make sure they would still show after drying.  I also allowed a little slack in the paper towel, so that when it was dry I could close the book without it cracking. *Warning: the paper towel WILL rip a bit. That's okay. Spread it back as best you can, cover it again, or let it look like the cover's wearing away.  See? Isn't this project great?

I realized right before I cemented the paper towel in place that I had yet to add the wings. oops.  Good thing it's easy to go back.

5.  I then allowed the books to dry completely.  In order to expedite the process, I placed the whole mess in a room under a ceiling fan (there's a possibility I'm not the most patient person in the world).  Again, the foam core made moving the project very easy between steps.

6. Once the book was dry, I began the base painting process.  Many of the books started with plain black, but a few others got a swirl of black and purple or blue.

I actually really like the creepiness without the additional colors. I may do another book like this.

7.  After allowing the books to dry completely again, I could start on any of the detail work.  This was my first foray into using Inka Gold, but it was super easy.  It has a waxy consistency and allows you to kind of scoop up and rub away as much or as little as you want.  It worked very well on the relief of the covers (I used it fairly sparingly).  To finish, I added other shades of gold and amber to the crevices and creases until I was pleased with the result.



More Advanced: Libellus Invidet (The Book of The Evil Eye)

After playing with the paper towel method, I decided to try something a little different. Inspired by a combination of the book in the children's movie Hocus Pocus and by a magnet project in the book Artful Halloween, by Susan Wasinger, I wanted to create a Franken-book of sorts that upped the creepy factor. 

Additional Tools:

Brown Paper Bags 
Clear Glass Vase Gems 
Clear Drying Adhesive 
Magazines 
Sissors 
Cord or String 
A Needle 
A Sharpie and highlighters 

1. I cut out any large eyes from ads that I could find in magazines (mascara ads are great for this).  I used a sharpie to outline the black parts and a highlighter to embolden the color (markers would work too, I just like that the highlighter lets the details show through.
2. Using the clear adhesive, glue each magazine eye to a large glass gem. Reshape any magazine overhang with scissors.
3.  Arrange your eyeballs on the cover, adhering with a hot glue gun when you're happy with the placement.  Though the Hocus Pocus book only has one eye, I wanted a more abstract and eerie look, so I added two additional. 
4.  After ripping shreds of brown paper bag and dampening them with water, I began adhering them to the book with Mod Podge, overlapping them wherever it seemed appropriate.  I ripped holes and folded shreds back to leave the eyes visible.
5.  Working with a dry shred of paper, I used a needle and cord to create stitches before wetting and adhering to the cover.
6. After allowing it to dry, I brushed some of the sections with black and amber paint and a touch of tea. 

Other Ideas: 

- Use a hot glue gun to create a spider web on a cover and attach a plastic creepy crawly to the bottom.

- Take some time to alter the look of the pages of the book.  When the books are closed, the very edges of the pages show and look awfully white and crisp next to the distressed covers.  I used some super strong tea to paint along the edges of some, while others got  gold or black pages.  Later, once they were dry, I used a lighter to distress a few spots a bit further (PLEASE DO THIS CAREFULLY.  Burning down your living room is not a good Halloween project.)


- Start over if you need to.  Here's the happy thing about this project: If you hate how one turns out, rip it off and start again.  I had to do this several times as I didn't like some of my initial creations.  Starting over only adds to the old and beaten look. 

Initially I attempted to Mod Podge a Sugar Skull printout onto the front, but I just didn't love the result.  After tearing it off and going with a more basic motif, I was much happier with the result.

That's it!!  As I said, I will probably wind up making a few more in time because they really are so fun to make.  For now, however, I have a good little Spooky Library started.  Let the Halloween-ing Continue!

As we've been having an exceptionally cool August this year, my brain is already moving on to All Things Fall (as it's my favorite season, my thoughts are never too far from there anyway).

The Finley Wreath from Grandinroad.com

As I was trolling the inter-webs for some autumn inspiration, I came across the Finley Wreath from Grandinroad and immediately fell in love.  It's full and rich looking and definitely says "Autumn," but shies away from being overly, ya know, orange.  The idea of dropping $80 (+shipping) on it, however, did not, as they say, butter my crumpet (I'm sure someone somewhere says that. And if they don't, they should).


Instead, I set to work making my own wreath, with a significantly reduced price tag (I think in total, I spent MAYBE $8). 

I'm hoping this was more attractive at some point...

I used a grapevine wreath form that I already had on hand (but you can purchase them for a few dollars at any craft store), as well as pine cones and acorns from last fall and faux foliage left over from old projects.  In addition, I found a fairly pathetic wreath (calling it a wreath is generous) at a thrift store that, despite its state, had some nice quality fruit on it.  Using wire cutters, I detached and kept the fruit and discarded what remained (and, really, I think that was the merciful thing to do...).


Ultimately, I used between 30 and 40 components per quarter.  I know it sounds like a lot, but it was the only way to give it the full look that it needed. 

The Floral Components for a Fall Wreath

Working with a glue gun, I began inserting green leaves around the entire perimeter of the wreath, turning the form frequently.  If any of the leaf bunches didn't suit me, I simply snipped them apart with wire cutters and attached them individually.  The majority of the foliage was placed in the same direction (clockwise) but every so often I'd place pieces in the opposite direction to give it a more natural shape (ratio about 80/20). 

Once I had a good base of green, I began spacing some of the larger pieces of fruit, leaving a small space on the lower left hand side for a bow.  Some of the fruit already had picks, but for the ones that didn't, I stole and attached picks from other floral stems (you could also break off pieces of bamboo skewers and insert them into the base of the fruit).  In addition to a bit of hot glue, I wrapped florist wire around the picks (or between the berries) to secure to the wreath form. (Nobody likes a floppy hand fruit.)

You can see the progression of the Autumn wreath as it starts to look more and more complete. Don't worry: there will be a point at the beginning where you go "ummmm...my wreath looks like crap..." I promise it comes together!

After the fruit was placed, I started adding leaves, pine cones and berries to any open space on the wreath itself, making sure to also look at the very inside and very outside edges (you want to ensure that it looks good from all angles).  As I said, I love The Full Look, so my motto was "More = Better!"

Finally, when I was pleased with the result, I tied a big fat bow with wired ribbon and attached it to the lower left hand side. 

I'm so pleased with how it turned out!  I may make a garland or swag to match it, but I haven't decided yet.  I have so many Halloween projects in the works, that adding more to the ever-expanding list may not be the smartest move!
 
Quick Tips: 

- Use what you have before buying new.  Check for old arrangements that you're not quite in love with anymore and re-purpose their components.  Also, try checking thrift stores.  Many times you can find super inexpensive pieces that can be pulled apart for parts. 

- Best Work Surface? Foam Core Board!!  I have several pieces of foam core for projects.  It's thicker than paper so I don't have to worry about bleed through onto wood surfaces, and it makes cleaning up super quick. 

Pumpkin carving parties are one of the easiest to throw - no games, intricate decor or fancy dress needed.  Just gather up some friends, colorful gourds, and operating tools and you're good to go.  Oh yeah, and a killer menu doesn't hurt. 

• Roasted Pepper & Corn Bisque
• Turkey Pinwheels 
  
• Field Greens with sage derby, clementines and honey-mustard dressing
• Soft Pretzel Rolls
• Apples with Caramel 
• Ginger Snaps
• Pumpkin Pie 
• Hot Apple Cider

Tips:
1. As the temperature starts to drop, crock pots and slow cookers are an easy way to make warm food available to guests all throughout the evening.  Soups, stews, pot roasts and chili are simple to throw together and make for a tasty break.  Cider and hot chocolate can also be kept warm throughout the night.
2.  Bisques and pureed soups are easy to sip at in insulated cups, making utensils unnecessary and freeing up the ever important gut-scooping hand!
3.  With everything else in your busy schedule, try incorporating some pre-made foods into your menu. In this case, I used Trader Joe's Roasted Pepper and Corn Soup and soft pretzel rolls (both delicious!).
4. While you can't predict everyone's dietary needs, having a few vegetarian-friendly options on hand is always a thoughtful touch.