Homemade Apple Butter In The Slow Cooker

The brisk, cool Fall days just seem to beckon apple butter for our more hearty breakfasts.  I love my apple butter, and I'm also very particular about it!  So, when I saw this easy slow cooker version from Jackie at the blog Syrup and Biscuits, I thought why not make my own!

Jackie suggested selecting your favorite apples and using more than one variety for the best flavor.  I used all Fuji and was very pleased with the results!  Most anyone who likes apple butter will love this amazing homemade recipe...store bought just does not compare to it!

She advised that the yield was 3 to 4 half pints, but I actually got 5 half pints! I guess there could be a number of variables on the yield...perhaps the variety of apples you use, how thin you peel or how thorough you core your apples, or how long you cook them?

I'll be sure to double the recipe the next time in my larger slow cooker, so I'll have plenty for friends, family and me!

                                                Autumn and Apples...

                                                And Apple Butter!

Carrot "Souffle" Casserole ~ Adapted From The Famed Piccadilly Southern Cafeteria!

This "souffle" has been floating around my recipes-to-be-made file for a while.  Shame on me, because all this time we've been missing out of this fantastic dish!  It's an excellent imitation of a very popular side dish from the famed Piccadilly Southern cafeteria.  I think it's actually a little lighter than the restaurant's version; and, naturally, I've done my "spin" on it.

Delightfully sweet, it's similar to a sweet potato "souffle"...making it a wonderful addition to your holiday meals.  We all love our leftovers on Thanksgiving, and this is a good one for sneaking a little cold from the fridge.  (Don't tell anyone, but I love it, warm or cold, with a nice dollop of whipped cream...you know me and my cream toppings!)

                               Have Your Dessert Before Your Entree?...

                                               Why Not with It!                                    

Asian Sugar Snap Pea Salad with Crispy Wonton Strips

Looking for inspiration, I recently stopped by Publix's sample booth, where I was fortunate enough to catch a bite of this crunchy and refreshing side salad.  I was excited to make and share this with you, as it's an absolutely delicious accompaniment for most any meat or seafood entree.  As usual, I changed it up a little, making it even more simple for you to prepare.

You'll also enjoy this incredibly easy and healthy salad as a wonderful take-along dish.  Pack it up for your next tailgate:  simply prep the night before, toss in the lettuce and top with the crispy wonton strips right before you serve...then enjoy the party!

                                                 Crunch Away!

Chunky, Crunchy Oatmeal Cookies Loaded with Trail Mix

Don't you love it when you find a great way to use up a leftover or extra item from your pantry!   I did just that with the leftover trail mix from the brunch I hosted recently.  I thought it would be a good idea to replace the chocolate, cherries and almonds in my Chewy, Crunchy Oatmeal Cookie with the trail mix...was I ever right! 

These trail mix cookies are absolutely delicious...crunchy and loaded with a variety of wonderful ingredients, no two cookies are alike.  On the healthy side, they make a fantastic satisfying breakfast-on-the-run, or just a wonderful snack with your coffee...the kids will love them with milk!

                                                  Attenion All Dunkers...

                                                       Dunk Away!

Overnight Peaches and Cream French Toast Casserole with Creamy and Crunchy Toppings ~ Plus An Easy Brunch Menu!

My son's new in-laws visited from out of state recently, for the first time since the wedding.  I entertained them at my home with a casual family brunch.  The highlight of the meal was the peaches and cream French toast, and everyone loved it!

I'm not a morning person...so this French toast casserole made the perfect entree, since it is prepared the night before and baked in the morning.  It was actually the only thing I cooked...I prepared an Easy Brunch Menu:  I just used a fancy trail mix and such for appetizers, cut up some fresh fruit and added bagels, along with flavored and plain cream cheeses from a good bakery.  Well, you get the idea...I had fun shopping!  For meat, I used a good sliced beef salami.  Oh, outside of coffee and orange juice, I offered bottled sparkling regular and pomegranate-blueberry lemonade...perfect for adults and children!  Dessert was brought by the new in-laws...an extra layer from the wedding cake!  I have to say, it was probably the best wedding cake I've ever had...an Italian cream cake with a true homemade taste (and beautifully decorated)!

Back to the overnight French toast casserole...since the recipe calls for canned peaches, you can serve it year-round.  It is an easy dish that makes a tantalizing presentation, so enjoy it during the holiday season!

                                                        
                                         So, What Are We Waiting For...

                                       I'm Starving...How About You?

Bacon-Avocado-Tomato Crostinis

In my last post, I mentioned that I had one more recipe to share with you from our get-together this past Fourth.  Well, you'll love these super easy crostinis...they're wonderful as an appetizer for brunch, or on their own for breakfast, lunch, or just as a snack.  Although I use turkey bacon, use whatever bacon you like....these crostinis are also good with candied turkey or candied pork bacon. 

For your next tailgate or get-together (how about Labor Day!), just pack up your ingredients and assemble once you arrive.  Toast the bread before you leave, or at the event...at a tailgate, simply toast your bread on the grill!

So very attractive and so very easy...

                                 Makes Me Hungry Just To Look At These...

                                   Better Toast Some More Bread!