Ted and I usually take Shane for his last walk of the night around 8 pm.  Last night we headed out and were confronted by a plethora of lights and noise.  It was the City cleaning up leaves left along the side of the road.  We had made our huge pile so we were glad they were doing the “cleaning”.  But I wasn’t so pleased to see them in those big trucks, bright lights, and making all that noise.  Something about big, loud trucks makes me very uneasy.  Must have been something in my previous life because I’ve actually had nightmares about bulldozers scooping me up to meet my demise.  Last night, the three of us made it home without being scooped up but it was a short, strictly “business” kind of a walk.

This morning, I fully expected to be drenched by pouring rain when Shane and I set out.  Surprisingly, the rain and wind had stopped.  Since I had run 3.3 on the treadmill earlier (with my hammy wrap on…it’s come to that), Shane and I only ran 2.2 miles.  If I’d have known the weather would be working with us rather than against, I would have saved all the running for the out doors. It was a very pleasant 50 degrees. Probably one of the last 50 degree mornings we’ll see in months.

Do you have or did you have as a child, a recurring night mare? What is/was it? 

Just as an aside, did you guys know that ( s ) will form a half moon?  Sleeping half-moon  Cool!  Thumbs up   = ( Y )  Smile 

An Unexpected Mid Week CNY Recipe to Share:

It’s late Fall and if you’re like me, you have an over abundance of apples in your fridge.  This recipe is a must for upcoming family gatherings.  Another good one from our favorite book

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and found on page 217. 

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“Apple squares recipe like at Bazan’s Bakery.”  Posted by Sonia Houck.

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Apple Squares – Makes one 9 x 13 tray cut into squares*. Size is your preference.  Think of these as mini apple pie squares. *You might want a slightly thicker crust in which case, do not try to stretch the dough out to fit the 9 x 13 tray.  Simply form a smaller shape within the confines of your baking sheet and pinch the edges together to seal.

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Crust:

  • 2 cups flour
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 3/4 cup shortening (I used butter)
  • 2 egg yolks
  • 1 tsp lemon juice
  • 1/2 cup milk or water
  • *I also added 1/2 tsp Apple Pie spice into my crust

Sift flour, baking powder, salt, and if using any spice, all together in a bowl.  Cut in shortening/butter.  Beat yolks, lemon juice, milk/water together.  Stir into dry ingredients.  Mix well.  Divide dough into two parts.  Flour a rolling board/countertop and roll one part of the dough out to 1/3” thickness. Line a shallow baking pan (I use a cookie sheet) with the dough.

Filling:

  • 8 medium apples- peeled, cored and sliced or chopped
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1 TBS flour
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon or nutmeg (or Apple Pie Spice)

Mix the sugar, salt, flour, and spices together.  Sprinkle over apples, mixing well to coat each apple slice.  Spread apple filling over first layer of dough.  Roll out remaining dough on floured surface.  Place over the apples and perforate with a fork.  Gently seal the sides.  Bake at 350 F. for 1 hour. 

Frost with a thin layer of confectionary icing.

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*If any of the filling gets on your pan, try to remove the squares, very carefully, while still hot.

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Memories from Michael:

There’s something about living out of town and sitting at your kitchen table eating hot turkey sausage from Chanatry’s, Sicilian bread from Rintrona’s, salad, veggies and a Saranac.

Just wish I had a fresh pustie or cannoli from Caruso’s.  You can savor the taste and feel of home in every bite! It’s wonderful!

We have enough Locatelli cheese, Cora pasta and Roma’s meat balls to open up our own deli.  That’s the beauty of stocking the freezer and pantry after every Utica visit.  I’m sure all you “out-of-towners” know exactly what I’m talking about.

When it comes to food, there’s no place like home!”

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Ah! Memories of home. There’s nothing better.

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