The Apple Street Cottage

That's right, my friends.  While everyone else is excited about pumpkin spice, here at the Cottage, it's all about apples!  Now, don't get me wrong, I've got nothing against pumpkins, but if I had to choose, apples would win every single time! That's why I'm sharing with you my 3 favorite apple recipes.  They're easy and taste delicious!   First, and most important is my Applesauce Recipe .  Most important because I use it in place of vegetable oil.  Around here, we've stopped using most cooking oils including vegetable, sunflower, canola, etc.  The reason?  They are processed with Hexane, a chemical commonly extracted from petroleum and crude oil.  I've read the levels of it are safe, but, personally, I don't want any petroleum products (that are also used in glue, varnish, and ink) in the food I eat.   To make applesauce, all you need is a bag of apples, a half cup of brown sugar and a cup of water.  Cook them down and ...

  It's September and for me, it's officially Fall.  The kids will be going back to school (however that may look this year), the night air is getting crisp, and the apples are ripening in the orchards.  I decided to create an apple that will stay fresh forever. Yes, you guessed it, it started with a pattern and some reclaimed wood!   I started drawing on a piece of paper and when I liked what I had, it was transferred to cardboard.  This may have been a cracker box or a 12 pack of beer.  Nothing goes to waste around here if I can help it! Three pieces of wood were chosen and the pattern was traced on them with a pen. My jigsaw made quick work of this one, so I actually cut out two apples.  Here's one of them: You'll notice I stayed away from nails and any knots in the wood.  Each piece got a good sanding and then it was time for paint and some distressing with sandpaper. After a quick spray of clear coat, the apple was complete.   O...