Early in the morning, the train passes through the Utica station.  The whistle blows.  The noise is muted and sounds like a haunted call in the distance.  Somehow this apparitional alert comforts me.  Whether laying in bed or outside in the morning darkness running, it has a calming affect.  I can’t say why, maybe a childhood memory deep in the dusty corners of my mind?  Maybe a voice telling me I’m not alone?  

Thursday morning, after tempo runs and intervals on the treadmill, Shane and I went for a 3 mile cool down run.  The train sounded in the distance.  It was nice to hear on that wet and cold morning. 

Total speed work miles= 4 1/2. 

Warm up/Cool down miles=5. 0

Total miles run on Thursday = 9 1/2.

Is there a noise that you find comforting when alone?  

Friday easy miles: 5.2.  Shane and I went down the Parkway.  A lot of people out running and walking today. 

Applebutter Mini Bundt

We are coming into prime apple season here in New York State.  A time to pick bags and bags of the delicious fruit. 

bag of appels

Hay rides and apple picking on a cool, crisp sunny Fall day.  There isn’t much better than that.

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This recipe has a surprise twist at the end.  Just to give you a little clue as to why add such a strange ingredient, acid reacts with baking soda and keeps the cake light.  What else does wine do to a recipe?  That’s right!  WINE!!!!   It enhances flavor which is why you want to use a good wine and NOT cooking wine which is over salted.  Are these treats ok for kids?  Sure!  The alcohol evaporates while the cakes cook.

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  • 2 cups all purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp ground ginger
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 2 whole eggs, slightly beaten
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream *Substitute whole Lactaid milk for the lactose intolerant.
  • 3 TBS canola oil
  • 1/2 cup applebutter
  • 2 apples, peeled, cored and diced
  • 1/4 cup white wine *That’s right! White Wine!  If you don’t have any white wine, use apple cider.

Preheat oven to 375 F.  Grease 6 mini bundt pans.

In a large bowl mix the dry ingredients:  flour, sugar, cinnamon, ginger, soda. powder, salt.

In a smaller bowl, beat the eggs, heavy cream, oil, and applebutter.

Mix the egg mixture in with the flour JUST until blended.

Add the apples and stir.

Now add the white wine (or cider) and just stir to incorporate.

Pour into bundt pans and bake about 20 – 22 minutes.

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The bundt cakes may rise a bit too much which is a good thing because now you can cut off the tops (aka MUFFIN TOPS! ) and treat as a different snack or treat.  You will want to cut the tops off otherwise your mini bundts won’t sit flat.  They’ll be “weeble” cakes  😀

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Top with a little whipped cream or your favorite frosting…just drip it over the sides…

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You’ll love the tender, moist crumb.

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A good dessert and, if you leave off the frosting, a nice twist on your morning muffin.

Joanne

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