Caramel Cinnamon Applesauce

 

 

Sorry to everyone whom I may offend by saying this, but....I am super excited for fall! Not that I don't love summer, but there's something about fall that makes me really happy. Let me make you a top 10  list.  What, you don't care about my list? Too bad. I like lists.

 

1.  Leaves. I love the colours of all the different leaves and there's something so satisfying about stomping in a pile of really crunchy ones. And here in Victoria, we have an abundance of beautiful, leafy trees. Love it.

 

2.  Sweaters. There's not much cozier than putting on a soft, warm, cozy sweater right after getting out of the shower. It makes my day.

 

3. Boots. Sadly, my hubby is not a big fan of boots, but I don't really care. I love them. They're adorable, comfy, and totally practical.

 

4. Hallowe'en. I love this holiday. Any reason to decorate is welcome, of course, but beyond that I think it's just plain fun. Kids get so excited to put on their costumes, and there's usually a party or two. Also, I have a super fun Hallowe'en music mix that I put together for my kids....I mean how often do you get to listen to "Ghostbusters" and "Thriller" without feeling like a dork.

 

5. Pumpkin carving. Unfortunately for me, my hubby and my sister are artists, and me not so much. Their jack-o-lanters are pretty amazing. I'm just lucky if I don't cut my finger. But it's good fun.

 

6. Hot chocolate. I would drink it every day if it were cool enough, calories and all. I love it so much. It just feels wrong when its 25 degrees outside, but starting in September I say bring it on.

 

7. Fall was my mom's absolute favourite season. Every little bit of fall reminds me of her.

 

8. Fall lotion and candles. It's true. My very favourite store is bath and body works. In fact, I think I might be addicted. When I moved in August, I found a bag with 11 containers of soap. I kind of hoard it. Anyway, the fall stuff is the best. Really.  

 

9. Caramel Apples. When I was a kid we did it every year. I swear it took hours just to get the stupid plastic wrappers off the little caramels, but it's so worth it.

 

10. Applesauce. I'm not one to eat apples by themself (unless it's a McIntosh, I love those). But in sauce, I can't get enough. The smell is amazing, it's so smooth and sweet and spicy, and it's good cold, warm, or even on vanilla ice cream. Mmmmmmm.

 

 

Caramel Cinnamon Applesauce

 

• 12 apples (I used a combo of granny smith and gala, just what was in my fruit bowl)
• 1/4 cup water or apple juice
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp nutmeg
• 2 tbsp caramel sauce (I just used the smuckers ice cream topping)

 

 

 

I have one of those handy dandy apple peeler things, which cuts the time in half. If you don't, use a potato peeler, or sharp knife and peel those apples.

 

Then core and slice them, and throw them into a nice big pot.

 

Add the water and simmer on low heat for about 20 minutes.

 

After 20 minutes, check the softness with a fork or potato masher. You may need to turn up the heat a little, depending on your stove.

 

Once they are very soft, add the sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg and caramel. Mash a bit with the masher, and then puree it using an immersion blender. I love that thing. If you don't have one, you could transfer it all into a big blender, or just mash until you're satisfied with the size of apple chunks. I don't mind chunks, but my kids hate 'em.

 

Let in cool in the pot, unless you're eating it right away. Once cool, transfer it to a jar, bowl, tupperware, whatever you want.

 

This recipe got me one extra large and very full mason jar (not the standard size, bigger).

 

 

 

I hope you love fall as much as I do!

 

-Jessica

 





Perfect Cinnamon Buns

Today is my Father-in-law's birthday. He is really the best dad-in-law a girl could ask for. He treats me like one of his own, and he is one of the best Grandpas (they call him Papa) there is. Plus, we see eye to eye when it comes to dessert. He would much rather have a giant batch of cinnamon buns than a birthday cake. I hear him on that. I prefer making cinnamon buns, too. It's a win win. Happy Birthday Dad number 2!

These cinnamon buns are bar non the best I have ever had. The recipe was given to me by a good friend who got it from her sister. No idea where it came from, but if I ever find out, I'll put it on here.

Perfect Cinnamon Buns

DOUGH:

• 1/2 cup warm water
• 4  1/2 tsp quick-rise yeast
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1  4-serving package of vanilla pudding mix
• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp salt
• 6 cups flour

FILLING:

• 2 cups brown sugar combined with 4 tsp cinnamon
• butter for spreading

FROSTING:

• 8 oz cream cheese
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tbsp milk

DIRECTIONS:

Combine water, yeast and sugar, stirring until dissolved.

Prepare pudding according to packaging.

Combine pudding, butter, eggs, and salt.

Add yeast mixture.

Gradually add flour and knead until smooth. (You may need a little extra).

Grease a big bowl, and place dough in. Let rise for about 45 minutes.

Once risen, roll out to a 34"x21" rectangle. 

Spread butter all over the dough and then sprinkle cinnamon sugar on top.

Roll as tightly as you can, and cut intop rolls. I got 18, but you may get more or less, depending on how big you like them, and how big your rectangle got.

I like to score mine across the top so I can see exactly where I'm going to cut.

Grease 2 cookie sheets (with sides) put the buns on.

Cover with a tea towel and let rise again for about 1 hour.

Before rising.

After rising.

I bet you can almost smell them from there.

Bake in a 350 degree oven for about 12 minutes. When you take them out, they will look like this.

After they've cooled a bit, you can frost them. Combine all the frosting ingredients and mix in a stand mixer or with hand held beaters. Mix and mix and mix until there are no lumps. Spread generously on the cinnamon buns. Feel free to lick the spoon. And the bowl. And your fingers. 

-Jessica