Fix-It and Forget-It

Just wondering. . . is it ever too late to talk about good news? Continue Reading...

Here in Lancaster, the apple trees are loaded with ripe fruit. In spite of potentially damaging weather conditions last spring, we’re so glad to see that this orchard, at least, will be stocking our favorite fall fruit.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates that apple production is down about 14 percent across the nation, due to this past spring’s damaging cycles of early bloom and frost. According to the USDA, this year’s crop may be the smallest in more than two decades, with New York’s apple yield down by about half, and Michigan’s by nearly 90 percent.

Although some orchards in our area were affected, the damage around here was widely scattered. That means enough apples at the market, but fewer orchards offering public picking and higher prices for apple cider. We’re hoping for better weather and abundant apples for everyone next year!

November is National Apple Month, and we think apples and slow cookers go together very nicely indeed. Continue Reading...

Here’s an easy, all-in-one meal to keep in mind for the upcoming holiday season. It’s ideal for serving to houseguests after the actual holiday has passed and no one feels like cooking. Continue Reading...

This apple butter could double as dessert, and no one would complain. And because it starts with applesauce (store-bought, or your own homemade) and simmers unattended in your slow cooker, it’s also very, very easy to prepare. Continue Reading...

The slow cooker really comes into its own when less tender cuts of meat are involved. There’s probably a great oven method for producing melt-in-your-mouth tender brisket, but we don’t know what it is. When faced with brisket, we go for the slow cooker every time. Continue Reading...

Mmm-mmm. Chunky, spicy, fruity, and juicy, this applesauce is pure autumn in a bowl. Continue Reading...

Our local orchard is just starting to offer the earliest summer apples. With names like Yellow Transparent, Pristine, and Summer Rambo, summer apples are golden, sweet, and light, just like our Low Fat Apple Cake.
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In our recent “Fall Seasonal Treats” classes at The Good Cooking Store, we featured a squash recipe as the main course. It is a delicious dish and tastes like fall.

Acorn squash is mildly flavored, so it’s great in combination with other foods. Don’t be bashful with the spices in this dish. Use them freely! This is a feast even the pickiest of eaters will enjoy. Both of our sold-out classes loved this dish.
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Today we’re making Easy Autumn Cake.

Why?

Because it’s officially autumn. Because we are craving a warm treat full of fresh apples, which are hanging heavily from the trees here in Lancaster County. Most importantly, we’re making Easy Autumn Cake because it’s a great dessert to share on Family Day: A day to eat dinner with your children.

Finding time to eat together as a family can be tricky when soccer games, play practice, homework, and after school jobs fill every evening. Sharing a meal as a family can sometimes feel like a special occasion. But research shows that the more kids eat at home with their parents, the less likely they are to smoke, drink, or use drugs. Eating together at home is a simple tool to help prevent substance abuse. So this year, we’re making an effort to gather around the table with our family a couple nights a week or invite a few close friends over to share a meal. The fellowship with loved ones is sweet and may just be life-altering. For more information on Family Day, check out this site:

Family Day: A day to eat dinner with your children.

So celebrate your family tonight with a slice or two of this delicious apple cake. It’ll add a little something extra special to your time together.
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