Preparing for Fall

Labor Day has arrived which means summer is slowing coming to and end (or for some it has officially ended.) The weather is cool one day and hot the next, reminding us fall is on the way, with football games (or rugby in my case) along with thoughts of bonfires and carving pumpkins.

Many become inspired by the change in temperatures and the hopes of slower times and building memories to decorate for fall (because it is still too early for Halloween, unless you are in retail.) It is the time of year to pick apples, creating taste treats. It might be applesauce, apple donuts, apple pie, or apple chutney. For a taste of fall you can check out Aunt Christy's Country Kitchen at http://www.auntchristyscountrykitchen.com/products.html and order her Cranberry Apple Chutney!

Cranberry Apple Chutney (SEASONAL – Oct. – Jan.) Blended with sweet apples, tart cranberries and warm autumn spices, this delightful chutney will certainly create a party in your mouth!

If we aren't eating taste apple treats during the fall we might be using the apples for fun and games. Bobbing for apples, making dried shrunken apple heads in preparation for Halloween fun.

HOW TO MAKE SHRUNKEN APPLE HEADS

Supplies: Bowl, peeler, small carving knife, 
Ingredients: apples, whole cloves, a few grains of rice, 1/2 cup lemon juice, 2 teaspoons salt 

Directions: Mix lemon juice and salt in a bowl. Peel a apple and coat with mixture to prevent browning. Carve out eye sockets, a nose, mouth and ears in the apple. You can use whole cloves for eyes and raw rice grains for teeth or come up with your own accessories (like cotton for hair, black hats, or glasses.) Let apples dry on a wire rack in a warm place for at least two weeks or help speed up the process by setting in an oven on the lowest temperature for a few hours (but the process will still take several days).

You get done creating your shrunken heads (in preparation for Halloween) and your mind starts drifting to some of the other favorites that only seem to occur this time of year, like Candy Corn! You may not like candy corn but if you have a little girl, you can help her celebrate fall with a candy corn inspired outfit from Handmade By LoloZ at https://www.etsy.com/listing/110385522/girls-candy-corn-pillowcase-dress?ref=shop_home_active_6. 

What inspires you when weather starts too cool and thoughts of fall approach? Crafts, snacks, treats, or accessories. So many inspiration but so little time!