Chill wind is blowing outside my door and leaves are dancing in the glory of golden spangles. Life has been so very busy as I am setting up my little Oxford home that I have hardly had time to take in the beauty, changing color and to breathe in this lovely fall weather. And having to stay inside for two weeks gave me great desire to walk the meadows, to explore the canals and boats so near me.
Funny thing, one of my bedroom windows on the second floor looks out on a loaded apple tree just beyond my reach. But it has filled me with thoughts of fall apple dishes so familiar to our family every night I climbed into bed and pulled down the shade, while peering at the luscious apples. And Clay loves loves my apple cake. So we will all be anticipating the deliciousness awaiting us.
So, today, I am putting aside duty and deadlines to sit and sip hot cider, to sit in my "cozy" chair and read a story and to celebrate a fall tea time.
To not recognize this day and the beauty He has crafted for my soul is to fail to worship and be grateful; to notice His masterpieces.
So today, I take time to breathe in the beauty, that I may adequately turn my heart of thanksgiving toward Him who took the time to make it for my enjoyment.
What for tea time?
I think it’s time to make Knobby Apple Cake — or
Squirrel Nutkin Cake, as Joy renamed it!
2 cups sugar (I use the organic brown turbinado, small grind)
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup oil
2 eggs
2 cups flour (I use half freshly ground wheat, and sometimes a little oat and rice ground together and mixed together)
2 tsp. soda
1/2 tsp. cloves
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. nutmeg
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp vanilla
4 cups grated apples
1 cup chopped nuts (I add them to the top of those who want them.)Cream butter and sugar. Beat in the eggs and vanilla. Sift dry ingredients together and add into wet ingredients, mixing thoroughly. Fold in apples and nuts, bake in greased floured bundt pan for 40-45 minutes at 350.
Drizzle powered sugar glaze over cooled cake and serve.Glaze:
2 cups powdered sugar
dash salt
warm water to thin
2 t. melted butter
1/2 tsp. vanilla Mix glaze ingredients, add water as needed to thin, add more sugar if too thin. Drizzle over cake.Tastes best when warm or hot! A sprinkle of nuts on top with a drizzle of homemade caramel sauce is also delectable! Enjoy!