How do ya like them apples?

This marks the first fall that we have truly appreciated the fruits of our very own apple tree. 

I am sorry to say that it has been ignored and neglected up until this August when Little L noticed all the "ap-pohs" laying in the grass.  He was so excited, so we got a bowl and picked apples until it was heaping full, and L has been eating ap-pohs (right down to the stem) for breakfast, lunch and dinner ever since!

 
Daddy came home from work to a special treat of warm apple crisp and ice cream. 
 

Here is the recipe that I received from a dear friend and former co-worker:

 

Apple Crisp

1 C. all-purpose flour

3/4 C. rolled oats

1 C. packed brown sugar

1 tsp. ground cinnamon

1/2 C. butter or margarine, softened

4 C. chopped, peeled apples

1 C. sugar

2 T. cornstarch

1 C. water

1 tsp. vanilla extract

Plus, my friend adds nutmeg and pumpkin pie spice.

 

In a bowl, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, and cinnamon.  Cut in butter until crumbly.  Press half of mixture into a greased 9" square baking pan.  Cover with apples.  In a saucepan, combine sugar, cornstarch, water, and vanilla; cook and stir until thick and clear.  Pour over apples.  Sprinkle with remaining crumb mixture.  Bake at 350-degrees for about 1 hour or until apples are tender.

 

There is something very satisfying about making homemade goodies grown from your own soil with your own hands.  This year, after so much rain delayed the planting season, we did not have a garden besides a couple of tomato plants.  I am still hoping that there will be enough tomatoes for homemade salsa!