Martha Mondays-Warm Vanilla Cider

This weeks Martha Monday was chose by Teresa of A Homemade Life in Iowa. She chose this cider from the October issue of Martha's magazine. I made it this morning and it was perfect since it is finally starting to feel like fall here. This recipe called for fresh apple cider, so I went to the local fruit and berry patch here to pick it up. I got there just in time, I got the last gallon! It is some good stuff, and I wasn't sure on how it could get any better. Well, it did! This warm vanilla cider was perfect! Warm, with a little bit of spice and a little bit of comfort from the vanilla bean. The only thing that could have made it better would to have been to top it with whipped cream.

Warm Vanilla Cider
By: Martha

6 cups fresh apple cider
2 nutmeg seeds
2 Tbsp brown sugar
1 vanilla bean, split and scraped

Put all ingredients in a pot. Simmer for 15 minutes, discard the solids and serve.

Martha Monday-Apple Brown Betty

This week was my choice for Martha Monday. I normally will make apple crisp when it comes to making apple dessert. My hubby on the other hand has always talked about making Apple Brown Betty, his grandmother always made this. I had not ever heard of one, until he talked about it, much less ever made or eaten one. So for my choice, I thought I would go with Martha and try it out. Honestly, I was disappointed in it. For my apple crisp, I would top it with butter, flour, sugar, maybe some oats in there. The topping and filling for this brown betty was toasted bread crumbs, although, I think I could get past that, I think that the flavor was kind of bland. Not real sweet and I really couldn't taste the spices. I am thinking that I am going to have to pay the GM a visit to see how she made her brown betty and compare.


Apple Brown Betty:
By: Martha

4 to 5 slices white sandwich bread (about 4 ounces total), torn into large pieces
4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, melted
2 1/2 pounds Gala apples (about 6), peeled, cored, and cut into 1/2-inch-thick slices
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
1/3 cup packed light- or dark-brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, plus more for serving (optional)
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Vanilla ice cream, for serving (optional)

Directions
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In a food processor, pulse bread until coarse crumbs form (you should have about 2 cups). Spread breadcrumbs on a rimmed baking sheet; bake until golden, 8 to 10 minutes. Let cool completely. Transfer to a bowl, add butter, and toss until coated.
Meanwhile, place apples in a large bowl, and toss with lemon juice. Stir in sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and half the breadcrumbs. Transfer mixture to an 8-inch square (or other shallow 2-quart) baking dish. Sprinkle with remaining breadcrumbs. Cover dish tightly with aluminum foil.
Bake until fruit mixture is bubbling, about 40 minutes. Then remove foil, and continue baking until breadcrumbs have browned and apples are easily pierced with a paring knife, 10 to 15 minutes more. Let cool at least 15 minutes before serving. Top, if desired, with vanilla ice cream sprinkled with cinnamon.

Martha Monday-Donation Bag

Here we are again for Martha Mondays, and I have to tell you that I completely slacked this week. This weeks assignment was to designate a place for a donation bag, this was one of Martha's organization tips for the day. This is a really good idea and really doesn't take much effort. Just hang a bag by the back door or inside your pantry, where ever your heart desires, and fill it with the items that you want to donate. Food items for the local food pantries, or clothes that you kids have outgrown to donate to the shelters or good will.

This week flew by for me with the boys running cross country and Abby cheering, so honestly, I didn't even think about this assignment this week. But, after looking at everyone being organized, I am completely jealous BTW, it has made me want to go home and clean out the cabinets and drawers in my kitchen. I can't motivate myself enough for the kids closets just yet. :)

Martha Mondays-Molasses Spice Cake

This is my first week of the group Martha Mondays. This group was created by Martha and Me. I think that I liked this group because 1) it is laid back, if you need to miss, it's ok! and 2) it is not only cooking/baking, but also crafts.

This weeks assignment was chosen by Pru of My Life-Pru Singer and she chose this cake. This cake made me excited when I saw what it was. I am ready for fall and this cake just screamed fall to me.

So, the verdict? It's ok. The cake is moist and has the right amount of spice. A couple of the girls didn't like the cream cheese frosting, because you add sour cream and they thought it was too sour. You can definitely taste the sour cream come through, but I liked it. It is not very sweet, but the brown sugar glaze gives you the sweetness that you need. Oh, and I should warn you...if you are watching your calorie intake, this is not one that you will want to make. I can just feel the bulges in my thighs getting bigger just by thinking of the amount of butter that went into this! :)

Will I make this again? Probably not. But, I'm glad I made it. So far, one of the kids likes it, and will be a great after school snack!

You want the recipe? You can find it here.