Winsome Wednesday! September 26, 2012

September 23, 2012

I{HEART}ART:  Inspiration: APPLES

Apple picking in Michigan inspired an entire series of paintings:

Apples with a Bee, art by Tina C. Wells

Apples in a Basket, art by Tina C. Wells

Golden Apples, art by Tina C. Wells

Red Apples, art by Tina C. Wells

Apples on Blue, art by Tina C. Wells

JOURNEY: Welcoming Autumn in Michigan

It is officially fall. In Southern California, we have no idea Autumn has arrived; we are still busy chasing our endless romance with Summer, that often lasts well into October. This week I am visiting the family cabin near Lake Michigan, and I am well aware that truly, it is Fall. Red and orange leaves have started to make an appearance on the trees, and there is a crispness in the air.  

We made it for apple picking in the nick of time. At Crane’s Farm, the last day to pick was Sunday. Golden Delicious was all that was left on the trees; we wandered through the vast orchard, trying to linger and enjoy the moment, but it went all too quickly as our kiddos anxiously filled our bag with fruit. The best apples were at the top, so James held the kids over his head to reach the high ones. After picking apples, we stopped at Crane’s Pantry for their homemade apple cider doughnuts and fudge sauce (add vanilla ice cream and apple slices...mmm). 

Crane's Apple Farm

The log cabin is on a beautiful little lake with lots of wildlife, beautiful swans, turkeys, deer, and big black squirrels (native to the area). Many different trees are daily showing more color. I am always taken with the bits of nature all around me...fallen leaves, acorns, verdant green moss, and fallen branches. The sights and sounds of this place are so different from my surroundings in the West. 

Beautiful fall colors reflecting on the lake

Apparently, there is a garden gnome  living in the tree by the lake!

We are in the charming, artsy town of Saugatuck, perfectly situated on the Kalamazoo River. Full of art galleries, little shops and cafes, Saugatuck is dedicated to art in many forms. The children's park in town has colorful public art sculptures. Love it!

SIMPLY CREATIVE: 

Bits of nature gathered during a walk in the woods were then glued onto a small wood frame with a hot glue gun:

"A Walk in the Woods" 

collected bits of nature

A small painting was also conceived...

Woodland Finds, art by Tina C. Wells

RECIPE: Apple Crisp

Truly, the key is good, tart apples in season. We used local Michigan McIntosh apples with excellent results. 

This recipe is from a good family friend, Kathy, who visited the cabin and made her special treat to share. My mom has been making it ever since, and yesterday showed me. 

Apple Crisp

10-12 medium apples (tart) depending on size, peeled and sliced 1/4 inch thick
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
1tsp (+) pumpkin pie spice (which is a combo of ginger, nutmeg, and a little allspice)
1/3 cup flour
4 TBS butter, melted

TOPPING
1 1/4 cup flour
3/4 cup brown sugar 
1 stick (8 TBSP) butter melted
optional: pecans or walnuts chopped

Mix dry ingredients and toss with apples in a large bowl. Spray 9x13 dish with cooking spray and add apple mixture evenly. Drizzle melted butter over apples. Prepare topping by mixing together and then using hands to evenly distribute over top of apples.

Bake 350 preheated oven, 55-65 minutes. 
ENJOY!