An Apple a Day

This fall we had a bumper crop of tiny apples 

from my two dwarf Macoun apple trees.

Whitey Bear supervises the harvest. 

I filled my vintage bushel basket with these delicious little apples. 

We are not the only ones who enjoyed the apple harvest -

here a Red-breasted Sapsucker dines on the apples left behind. 

He was quite tame and vocal - calling with a one-note

shrill cry in between bites of apple. 

Here he is giving me a quick glance to make sure I don't 

get too close. 

It was a thrill to see this colorful little apple thief. 

With my bounty I have been trying new apple recipes. 

Here is a delicious recipe for Apple Bread. 

It is very moist and deliciously spicy. 

Apple Bread

Beat 3/4 cup vegetable oil with 1 cup white or brown sugar and 2 eggs. 

Stir in 1-1/2 cups chopped, unpeeled organic apples, 1/4 cup chopped walnuts, 

and 1 tablespoon grated lemon zest, if you like. 

Sift together 1-1/2 cups flour, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg, 

1 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. 

Add to apple mixture. Do not over-mix. 

Pour into a 9"x5" loaf pan. 

Bake at 350 degrees for approx. 50 minutes 

or until knife inserted in center comes out clean. 

Let cool completely before removing from pan and wrapping. 

Will keep in refrigerator for several days

or freeze for holiday gift giving. 

My Ramblin' Man gave this recipe two thumbs up! 

Coffee filters make rustic presentations. 

My vintage nut chopper came in handy

for this recipe. 

This was something my Grandmother would have used. 

It has a plunger with razor blades for the chopping. 

The bottom is fitted with a small, round, removable wooden disk

and the jar is a measuring cup. 

So low-tech, but very effective! 

Cut the apples into small dice for this recipe. 

My vintage spice rack gets a work-out this time of year. 

I keep my glass rolling pin on the top shelf 

along with my favorite shortbread mold.

*I made the Tea-dyed Tags
It was one of the first crafts I made for the blog.* 

Another, smaller shortbread mold hangs on the wall

with a nutmeg grater, loose tea holder, heart cookie cutters

favorite serving spatula, and hand knitted, fair-trade

Toockies - 100 percent Organic Cotton Scrubber

I use mine as a hot-pad. 

Check out the link to help women in developing countries. 

Has anyone noticed how expensive spices are recently? 

Here is an excellent source of organic, low cost 

bulk spices and herbs:

Mountain Rose Herbs

My sweet little apples inspired me to add a simple
still life to my sketch pad.

I moved my enamel-topped kitchen desk in front of my hutch,
and set it up with my art supplies.

A feather brushes away eraser crumbs.

A simple remembrance of a sweet scene.

I love to draw - just for fun.

I want to develop my drawing skills a bit further
and need to practice.

With every creative endeavor, you must be 'in the mood'. :)

xoxo

I hope I have inspired you, Dear Friends, to enjoy an apple today!

xoxo