Delicious Thanksgiving Day Dessert

Craisin Raisin Apple Crisp
waiting for a small scoop of vanilla ice cream
(File Photo)

Apple Crisp is always a welcome dessert! Slices of baked apples combined with dried cranberries and raisins that have an oat cinnamon/ nutmeg topping. Yum! A small scoop of vanilla ice cream is always placed on top whenever we enjoy this dessert. I have baked one this autumn. It was so good! Next week the day before Thanksgiving Day I will be baking another Craisin Raisin Apple Crisp. It is such a delicious dessert to enjoy on that special day. And also many other special days!

At this time of year so many restaurants, grocery stores and specialty food shops advertise their Apple Pies. Some may be good, but others are just o.k. Instead of purchasing one, bake a Craisin Raisin Apple Crisp! There is no pie crust to roll out. That is an added plus! It sure does save time involved in preparing this tasty dessert.   

My easy recipe for Craisin Raisin Apple Crisp is here. 

Add Apples to your grocery list for this weekend. The other ingredients you probably already have. If not, add those ingredients, too. This is one dessert that beats buying an apple pie.

Enjoy!
Yummy!

Craisin Raisin Apple Crisp

Craisin Raisin Apple Crisp
(File Photo)
My dessert is currently baking in my oven.

Today was the day! The day to bake a Craisin Raisin Apple Crisp!  The dessert that has fresh apple slices that are baked with an oat topping that also contains Cinnamon and Nutmeg.  Nothing beats enjoying this dessert when it is prepared with fresh apples.  In Autumn I use McIntosh or Cortland apples or a combination of the two.  Craisins (dried cranberries) and raisins are placed in the baking dish along with the apple slices.  

When this dessert is baking the wonderful aroma of apples, Cinnamon and Nutmeg float through our home.  It is a teaser of how great it will taste- later.  

You are one click away from my recipe.  Click here!

Bake a Craisin Raisin Apple Crisp soon.  Do not forget to purchase the vanilla ice cream.  A small scoop tastes so good on top.

Enjoy!
Yummy!

   

 

Apple Bread

Apple Bread cooling!
(File Photo)

Apples are a favorite fruit in our household!  In autumn the fresh crops of apples are so good.  Slices of this fruit are a great snack, too.  Desserts made with apples are also favorites of ours and one of our favorite desserts is Apple Bread.  It has a very simple name, but it is packed with flavor.  Fresh chunks of Apples along with Cinnamon, Nutmeg and Orange Juice are tasted with every bite of a slice of this dessert bread. 

Slices in the serving dish!
(File Photo)

This bread is so yummy that I always bake two of them at once.  If you are baking two at the same time, just remember to stagger the bread pans in the oven while baking the breads.  After baking and they cool, one of the breads is wrapped in foil and labeled/ dated and placed in our freezer.  It is a wonderful surprise to enjoy in a month or two.  This year during Thanksgiving Day weekend, the second bread will be defrosted and shared at our dinner table.  

For the ingredients and the recipe for Apple Bread- click here. 

In the next few days I will be baking 2 of them.  You guessed it!  One we will enjoy now and the second Apple Bread will be placed in our freezer!  This is a very moist bread that has become a favorite of ours over the years! 

*****If you plan to bake one bread, cut the recipe in half- use only 1/2 of the ingredients.  

Enjoy!
Yummy!

   

Craisin Raisin Apple Crisp

Craisin Raisin Apple Crisp
before adding the vanilla ice cream on top.
(File Photo)

In September when it gets a bit chilly here in Western MA I always think of baking an Apple Crisp! Actually, I think of baking a Craisin Raisin Apple Crisp and top it with a small scoop of vanilla ice cream before serving!  It's the dessert containing peeled/ sliced apples that is baked and has a delicious cinnamon nutmeg oat topping.  Did I mention that mixed in with the baked apple slices are puffed Craisins (dried cranberries) and puffed raisins?  The dried fruits absorb the moisture while they are baking and puff up.  At this time of year I use McIntosh and/ or Cortland apples.  During the winter season, sometimes, I use Empire Apples. 

This is definitely a tasty dessert made with apples and it does not require a pie crust!  It has been a family favorite for years!  A small scoop of ice cream or a small amount of whipped cream added on top adds to the delicious taste.  

I have posted my recipe many times in the past, so I am including my complete recipe here:

Craisin Raisin Apple Crisp Recipe 

Add apples- McIntosh or Cortland to your grocery list this week.  Read the recipe to learn if you have the other ingredients.  You probably do have old fashioned Oats in your pantry along with brown sugar, and the cinnamon and nutmeg.  If not, add those, too.  Plan on baking this delicious dessert soon!  It is so good!

Enjoy!
Yummy!                 

~Craisin Raisin Apple Crisp~

Craisin Raisin Apple Crisp
(File Photo)

When September rolls around baking an Apple Crisp using the local fresh McIntosh and Cortland apples is always on my agenda.  It was this year, too.  Now, the middle of October has arrived and another will be placed in our oven.  No pie crust is needed here, which makes this dessert easy to prepare.   

Apple Crisp is a great dessert!  Slices of baked apples with a crispy oat cinnamon/ nutmeg flavored topping.  I always combine a few Craisins (dried cranberries) and raisins with the apples before adding the oat topping.  When serving, a small scoop of vanilla ice cream is added on top of the Craisin Raisin Apple Crisp and it tastes so good!

Back in October 2011 I posted my recipe.  This post has a printable recipe card for Craisin Raisin Apple Crisp, too!  I cannot remember when I began baking this delicious apple treat, but it remains a favorite in my household.  The weekend is here, so purchase some apples and bake this dessert.  It is so good!

Remember no pie crust is needed!  Click here for the recipe! 

Enjoy!
Yummy!

        

~April!~

~Apple Blossoms~

While taking a walk outside at this time of year we can see so much color here in New England!  It is popping up everywhere and is such a treat.  The landscape is beautiful.  Today while taking a walk in our neighborhood dainty apple blossoms made an appearance.

Enjoy! 

~Apple Crisp with Craisins/ Raisins~

Apple Crisp with Craisins/ Raisins
(File Photo)

It was quite surprising that this past weekend I baked my first Apple Crisp this Autumn.  Usually, when the local early McIntosh apples are available I purchase them and bake this family favorite dessert.  I guess we have had a few apples, but eating a sliced apple was just so tasty there were never enough left to bake with.  Well, this yummy apple dessert that has a crunchy oat topping is now in our fridge to enjoy again later tonight!  Did I mention that Craisins and raisins are hidden between the slices of baked apples?  They are!  They give this dessert a great taste!  A little scoop of ice cream is always added on top before serving.

I do not want to waste any time sharing my Apple Crisp with Craisins/ Raisins recipe, so click here for the complete Directions!  It is definitely worth the extra click!

It is so good!

Enjoy!
Yummy!

       

Apple Bread

Apple Bread

Desserts with apples as the special ingredient are always a great treat!  Especially in autumn when the newly harvested fruit is available.  One of our favorite treats is Apple Bread.  This is a yummy, moist dessert bread filled with chunks of apples.  A surprising ingredient is orange juice.  This gives the bread a great flavor!

I always bake two of these breads- one to enjoy and the other is cooled/ wrapped in foil and placed in our freezer.  Currently, there's an Apple Bread in the freezer that we will be enjoying over the Thanksgiving Day weekend.  When it comes out of the oven there is always a crack in the center.  Yet, still, I use my cake tester to learn if the bread is ready for the cooling rack. 

If you have never baked one (or two) of these breads, add apples to your grocery list.  Then, take out your bread pans and you will be on your way!  It is that good!

Apple Bread

Oven: 350°F    Time: 65 Minutes    
**Makes Two Loaves

Ingredients:
4 Cups Flour
2 cups Sugar
1 & ½ teaspoons Salt
2 teaspoons Baking Powder
1 teaspoon Baking Soda
1/2 teaspoon Cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon Nutmeg
********
2/3 Cup Olive Oil (for baking & sauteing)
2 Cups Orange Juice
4 Egg Whites
2 Cups finely chopped peeled Apples (5- 7 Apples depending on
     size)  Cortland or Empire Apples are my faves to use.

Method: 

1. Combine dry ingredients in a large bowl.
2. Add Olive Oil, Orange Juice & Egg Whites (slightly beaten)
   and stir.  
3. Add chopped apples and stir in.
4. Pour batter into greased bread pans.
5. Bake at 350°F in preheated oven for 65 minutes or until cake tester or toothpick comes out clean when inserted in middle of loaf.
6. Cool on wire racks for 10 minutes.
7. Remove from pans and continue cooling on wire racks.

After the breads have cooled we always want to "taste test"!  One bread is placed on a serving dish and slices can then be enjoyed.  The other bread is wrapped and placed in our freezer.  It is hard to resist the temptation to defrost that apple Bread that is sitting on the shelf in the freezer.  :)   

Yummy!
Enjoy!

Apple Crisp- with Raisins and Craisins

Apple Crisp- with Raisins and Craisins
(File Photo)

One just might believe that I forgot what our fave family dessert is in autumn!  That was not totally true!  I had been waiting for the McIntosh and Cortland apples to be available to purchase.  Then, suddenly, they were.  Naturally I purchased both varieties.  Then, for 2 weeks they sat in our fridge.  Waiting.  Every time I saw them it was a reminder. 

On Friday I finally baked Apple Crisp- with Raisins and Craisins, of course.  It's the dessert that tastes sooo goood with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.  It's also the dessert that has a great topping of oats and brown sugar.   Apple Crisp is just so so- without the addition of Raisins and Craisins (dried cranberries).

This is delicious!  Bake this treat after purchasing some McIntosh or Cortland apples.  If only one of the varieties is available- use it.  During the winter months I find in my area that Empire apples are available, so at that time of year I use the Empire apples.

Click here for my recipe!

Now that I've baked it, I'm sure that in about 2 weeks there will be plans for another.  It is a great dessert! 

Enjoy!
Yummy!

      

Apple Crisp with Craisins & Raisins

Apple Crisp
with Craisins & Raisins
(File Photo)

There's a dessert change going on here for Thanksgiving Day dinner!  A treat with Apples & dried Cranberries are perfect for this time of year.  The Cortland Apples have been purchased!  Usually my rolling pin & pastry sheet are used the day before Thanksgiving.  Well, I've been cutting back on baking desserts for the past few months, so this year Apple Crisp with Craisins & Raisins will be baked today.  The yummy crustless dessert with slices of sweet apples along with Craisins & Raisins.  It also has a toasted oat topping that begs for a small scoop of vanilla ice cream.  Oh, yum!

My fave apple to use here is a crispy Cortland.  In the early part of Autumn, I use McIntosh Apples.  Once the Cortlands are harvested, I use this type until they are no longer available.  Then during the winter months, Empire Apples makes great tasting Apple Crisp!

Today is baking day!  The recipe below I've posted before.  It's been a family fave for so many years.  This dessert tastes so much better when it is baked one day & served the next.  It seasons very well with the toasted oat topping.    

Apple Crisp with Craisins & Raisins

Oven Temperature: 375°F
Time: 45 - 50 Minutes    

Ingredients:
6 - 7 peeled sliced large apples (I have Cortland.)
3/4 Cup Brown Sugar
1/2 Cup Flour
1/2 Cup Old Fashioned Oats
3/4 teaspoon Cinnamon
3/4 teaspoon Nutmeg
1/3 Cup + 1 Tablespoon softened Butter or Margarine
1/4 Cup Craisins
1/4 Cup Raisins

Method:

1.  Preheat oven to 375°F.
2.  Spray PAM in 8" x 8" (or 9"x 9") glass baking pan/ dish.
3.  Rinse apples under cold running water & dry.
4.  Peel & slice apples.
5.  Place peeled/ sliced apples in pan/ dish. 
6.  Add Craisins & Raisins and mix in.
7.  Thoroughly mix remaining ingredients together in small bowl.
8.  Sprinkle over apples. 
9.  Bake 45- 50 Minutes or until apples are tender.
10.  Serve warm or chilled with a small scoop of vanilla ice cream. 
11.   When cool, cover & refrigerate any leftovers.

Will you also be baking an Apple Crisp?

Enjoy!
Yummy!

        

Plumped Craisins

Plumped Craisins

O.K., winter has arrived in Massachusetts!  We bundle up whenever heading outside wearing winter coats, gloves/ mittens & hats.  It's also the time of year when the fresh produce in our grocery stores does not always look that fresh.  For me it's always been a reminder to plump up some Craisins (dried cranberries) in either water or apple juice. 

A 1 cup container is filled 1/2 full with Craisins.  Then, add the liquid to cover the dried fruit.  Cover & place in the fridge overnight.  Store in fridge. 

These plumped little gems find their way into many foods for the next couple of weeks! 

Enjoy!
Yummy!

      

Apple Bread

Apple Bread

Do you have a few apples in your fridge & want to bake a yummy dessert?  Yesterday, I did & I could not stop thinking about Apple Bread.  That's probably because each time I opened our fridge door the carton of O.J. caught my attention, too.  It's an ingredient in this yummy moisty "quick" bread.  It's name is very simple, but each bite of this dessert leads to another.  The flavors of Orange Juice, Cinnamon & Nutmeg just pop out along with the small chunks of apples.  Olive Oil for baking & sauteing & Egg Whites are an added plus for the light texture.

For so many years whenever I bake this family favorite, 2 breads make their way into my oven.  It does not take much time to cut the apples into small chunks for two breads.  One "quick" bread is to enjoy for the next few days and the other is cooled/ wrapped/ placed in the freezer.  If you're baking one of these tasty breads, then cut the recipe below in half.

Yes, you can use Whole Eggs in this recipe, but I like to bake these breads using Egg Whites.  Keep in mind:
1 Whole Egg = 2 Egg Whites when substituting.

Apple Bread
     Click here for Printable Recipe Card
Oven: 350°F    Time: 65 Minutes     **Makes Two Loaves

Ingredients:
4 Cups Flour
2 Cups Sugar
1 & ½ teaspoons Salt
2 teaspoons Baking Powder
1 teaspoon Baking Soda
1/2 teaspoon Cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon Nutmeg
*****
2/3 Cup Olive Oil (for baking & sauteing)
2 Cups Orange Juice
4 Egg Whites
2 Cups finely chopped peeled Apples (5- 7 Apples depending on Apple size)
      Cortland or Empire Apples are my faves to use.
Method:

1. Combine dry ingredients in a large bowl.
2.  Add Olive Oil, Orange Juice & Egg Whites (slightly beaten) and stir.
3.  Add chopped Apple and stir in.
4.  Then, pour batter into greased pans.
5.  Bake at 350°F for 65 minutes or until cake tester or toothpick comes out clean when inserted in middle of loaf.
6.  Cool on wire rack for 10 minutes.
7. Remove from pans and continue cooling on wire racks.

After these breads have cooled, I place one on a serving plate to cut into slices.  A few hours after baking, we always enjoy a slice.  Just cannot wait until the next day!  The second loaf of this moist orange flavored Apple Bread is wrapped in foil/ labelled & placed in the freezer.  This is a great dessert to have "on hand" over Thanksgiving weekend.  :)

Enjoy!
Yummy!

       

Apple Crisp with Craisins/ Raisins

Apple Crisp with Craisins/ Raisins
Needs a small scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream!

The month of September when we began to enjoy biting into crisp juicy locally grown apples has come & gone!  Yes, I've been cooking & baking, but not taking photos.  Two weekends ago we attended a beautiful family wedding "on the beach".  A drive east to the Cape (Cape Cod) to celebrate with family & friends.  It was a perfect day for the handsome groom & his beautiful wife.  Our young grandsons enjoyed getting their feet wet after the ceremony!  Amazing how great the sun felt on that warm Saturday afternoon.  Now, our weather has definitely gotten a bit chillier!               

Returning back home reminded me of the fresh apples & also desserts where the delicious fruit is the key ingredient.  Yum, yum, yum!  If I were to choose the 1 dessert that can be prepared quickly and my family always enjoys, it would be Apple Crisp!  Baked apple slices with a crunchy oat topping that has a hint of Nutmeg & Cinnamon- ahhhhh!  It's a dessert that is enjoyed by our family & friends, any time of year.  It can also be transported very easily when baked in a disposable baking dish.

Usually in the first Apple Crisp I bake every autumn McIntosh Apples are the star.  Now, that's because they are the first baking apple I can use.  As soon as the Cortland Apples hit the scene, those are my apples of choice.  As the seasons change, Empire Apples taste so good in this yummy dessert.

Have you baked this dessert?  While preparing it don't forget to add in a few Craisins & Raisins!

Apple Crisp with Craisins/ Raisins

Oven Temperature: 375°F
Time: 45 - 50 Minutes   

Ingredients:
6 - 7 peeled sliced large apples - I use McIntosh, Cortland
       &/or Empire apples
3/4 Cup Brown Sugar
1/2 Cup Flour
1/2 Cup Old Fashioned Oats
3/4 teaspoon Cinnamon
3/4 teaspoon Nutmeg
1/3 Cup + 1 Tablespoon softened Butter or Margarine
1/4 Cup Craisins
1/4 Cup Raisins

 Method:

1.   Preheat oven to 375°F.
2.   Spray PAM in 8" x 8" glass baking pan/ dish.
3.   Rinse apples under cold running water & dry.
4.   Peel & slice apples.
5.   Place peeled/ sliced apples in pan/ dish.
6.   Add Craisins & Raisins and mix in. 
7.   Thoroughly mix remaining ingredients together in small bowl.
8.   Sprinkle over apples. 
9.   Bake 45- 50 Minutes or until apples are tender. 
10.   Serve warm or chilled with a small scoop of vanilla ice cream.  
11.   When cool, cover & refrigerate any leftovers.

This apple dessert is so good served warm or chilled.  We always enjoy topping it with a small scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream! 

Enjoy!
Yummy!

Chicken Curry

Chicken Curry

My Slow Cooker is used so often!  I enjoy the quick prep time and also the great aroma that floats from my kitchen for a few hours while my slow Cooker is working.  Last week a Slow Cooker/ Crock Pot recipe caught my eye when I scrolled on McCormick's site.  A Slow Cooker Chicken Rice Curry recipe!  Chicken is a staple here, so I kept reading.  An apple - nice!  Raisins - I was definitely hooked.  The next day we totally enjoyed Chicken Curry served over Rice.  "Rice is Nice" and this is my fave method to cook Rice.

There were changes going on when I prepared this yummy entree:

• I really don't like instant rice, unless I'm using my MIL's Rice Pudding recipe, that uses instant rice.  For that reason, I did not follow the McCormick recipe exactly.

• My Slow Cooker has a teflon coating, so I usually place washed baby carrots in the bottom of the pot in many slow Cooker recipes.  The carrots prevent the meat (chicken here) from drying out on the bottom.  Can you tell that I once had a bad experience?  An added plus:  Those nutritious very tender carrots tasted so good here.
  

Extra portions to be placed in my fridge

In my photos the fluffy Rice is not plated with this yummy steaming flavorful Chicken Curry on top.  The aroma was so enticing - we could not wait for me to take out my camera and focus.  The extra portions shown above were covered with foil and refrigerated.  The Rice & Chicken Curry were reheated 2 nights later for another yummy dinner!  Sooo goood!

The Raisins & the unpeeled Apple cut into chunks added with the Curry Powder taste so good!  The carrots pick up a little sweetness, too.

Chicken Curry with Rice
                                            inspired by McCormick 

Ingredients:
1 (16 ounce) pkg. rinsed Baby Carrots
2 lbs. boneless skinless Chicken Breasts
2 Bay Leaves
1 large Apple cored & cut into chunks - Cortland or Empire
1/4 Cup Raisins

1 Tablespoon Curry Powder
1 teaspoon Paprika
1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
1 Tablespoon dehydrated Onions

*  *  *
2 ounces Water
3 Tablespoons Flour
1 can (14.5 ounces) Chicken Broth
         (I use Fat Free/Lower Sodium Broth.)

Method:

1. Spray Slow Cooker pot with PAM.
2. Wash Baby Carrots & place on bottom of Slow Cooker pot.
3. Rinse Chicken Breasts under cool running water & place on Carrots.
4. Add 2 Bay leaves.
5. Wash Apple.  Core & cut into chunks.  Add on top of Chicken.
6. Sprinkle on Raisins.
7. Add Curry Powder, Paprika & Garlic Powder.
8. Sprinkle on Dehydrated Onions.
9. In a bowl, combine Water, Flour & 1/4 Cup Chicken Broth.  Stir until smooth.
10. Add remaining Broth to bowl, stir.
11. Add Water, Flour, Broth combo to Slow Cooker pot.
12. Place lid on top.
13. Set temperature to High.  Cook for 4 hours.
14. Start preparing the Rice about 40 Minutes before turning off the Slow Cooker.  Click for Recipe. 

This is absolutely delicious!  Take your Slow Cooker/ Crock Pot out and make this entree.  Full of flavor and very tender!

Enjoy!
Yummy!

     

Pear- Apple Craisin Crisp

Pear-Apple Craisin Crisp - only needs a small scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream!

The 3 ripened Pears attracted my attention whenever I opened our fridge.  Well, they were in plain sight located on the top shelf - on the right hand side!  Sure, they were ripe, but I was thinking about Apple Crisp.  It was at that moment I knew that 2 of those 3 Pears would not keep their spot much longer!

Pear-Apple Craisin Crisp!  The delicate flavor of baked pear slices combined with baked apple slices.  Dried cranberries mingled in with the fruit...and a nutmeg/ cinnamon oat topping.  YUM!  It sounded delicious and later that evening it sure tasted scrumptious!  Pears & Apples are a great combo!  Cortland Apples are always my favorite for baking.  (That is until the available apples in the grocery stores are a bit soft.  Then, I bake using Empire & Granny Smith Apples.)

I located my Craisin Raisin Apple Crisp Recipe - omitted the raisins and substituted 2 Pears for 1 Apple.

Pear- Apple Craisin Crisp 
      
Oven Temperature:  375°F
Time:  45 - 50 Minutes

Ingredients:
5- 6 large Apples, peeled & sliced
2 ripened Pears, peeled & sliced
1/4 Cup Craisins
 
3/4 Cup Brown Sugar
1/2 Cup Flour
1/2 Cup Old Fashioned Oats
3/4 teaspoon Cinnamon
3/4 teaspoon Nutmeg
1/3 Cup + 1 Tablespoon softened Butter or Margarine


Method:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Spray PAM in 8" x 8" glass pan.
3. Place peeled/ sliced Apples in pan.
4. Mix in peeled/ sliced Pears.
5. Sprinkle in Craisins.
6. Thoroughly mix remaining ingredients together in small bowl.
7. Sprinkle this Topping mixture over Apple & Pear slices.
8. Bake 45- 50 Minutes or until Apples/ Pears are tender. 
9. Serve warm or chilled with a small scoop of vanilla ice cream.
10. When cool, cover & refrigerate any leftovers.

This is a tasty dessert on a winter evening and winter is back!

You may be curious about the 3rd Pear on the top shelf in my fridge!  That remaining fresh Pear was cut into chunks for 2 servings of Spinach Salad with Pears.  A great salad at dinner when tomatoes are not in season in the northeast!  :)

Enjoy!
Yummy!

   

Butternut Squash Bread

Butternut Squash Breads Cooling

One of my Thanksgiving traditions is baking Butternut Squash Bread.  In November while I am prepping the delicious orange Butternut Squash to store in our large freezer, I save 2 cups of the mashed veggie to bake 2 breads for my fam to enjoy during the Thanksgiving Day weekend.  Within 2  days after "saving" the orange veggie, I bake 2 breads.  After they are cooled, they are wrapped in Heavy Duty Reynolds Wrap, labelled & stored in our freezer. 

This is a baking tidbit that my sister & I learned from our mom.  She did not use canned pumpkin nor steamed pumpkin, she always liked the flavor of Butternut Squash for this quick bread.  Now, the tradition lives on.  Yes, canned pumpkin can be substituted. 

In my usual reduce the cholesterol content while baking, I use 6 Egg Whites and 1 Whole Egg for the 2 breads that this recipe yields.  I also now use Olive Oil for baking & sauteing rather than Vegetable Oil.

My recipe card for Butternut Squash Bread is available for this delicious moisty bread by clicking here and printing.  This recipe yields 2 breads.  It freezes very well! 

This recipe can be cut in half to bake 1 bread.  *If baking 1 bread, use 1 Whole Egg + 2 Egg Whites or 2 Whole Eggs.

This week while I am prepping the Butternuts, I will also do a little baking for the upcoming holiday.  My family has much to be thankful for this Thanksgiving!

Enjoy!
Yummy!

    

Happy Thanksgiving!

In the past few days my oven has been used daily. Quick Breads such as Butternut Squash Bread and Apple Bread have been baked, cooled, wrapped and placed in my freezer ready to be defrosted and eaten during this holiday weekend. Today, pies were prepared. While the Butternut Squash Custard Pie was cooling, the Cherry Pie found its place on the oven shelf. Mincemeat Pie followed. Tomorrow, the Cranberry Breads will be baked.

On Thanksgiving Day it is a tradition in my family, as in your family, to enjoy certain favorite foods along with delicious Roasted Turkey with Stuffing/Gravy, Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Butternut Squash and Cranberry Sauce. :-)

Happy Thanksgiving to you and your families/friends!

JG