Fall decorations, food, and fun

Hello! As I write this, I am trying to visualize those friends who have known me for many years as the Flower Lady or the Bicyclist, and the friends I have made as a new Produce Manager. I read cookbooks like someone else might read a novel. Some of the recipes I make do have surprise endings.

I attended a great event Sunday at the Jule Collins Smith Museum, their birthday bash/family day. Lots of volunteers and a great staff had everything humming with lots of children, parents, and grandparents enjoying the live band featuring "Elvis" or enjoying crafts at the many booths. Food vendors rounded out the event--who doesn't like hot dogs, hamburgers, barbecue and hot boiled peanuts.

Fresh apples from North Georgia have been on my mind lately, the Arkansas Black apples are a particular eating favorite, with a crisp bite and an aftertaste of apple, like a fine wine. King Lush is another new apple to me, very juicy. A friend told me how he makes apple butter in the crock pot. Wash, core, cut apples, put in crock pot, turn on low and cook overnight. You can then use a hand mixer to break up any big pieces. I like my apple butter lumpy with a little sugar and cinnamon. Very nice over oatmeal.

As I cycle around Auburn, I have noticed that pumpkins are springing up overnight. There's a nice patch down on S. Gay Street. People are also decorating their porches with garden mums, corn stalks, gourds, and even scarecrows. I ride a little slower and enjoy the view more during the holiday season. How about you?

My next post will be about winter squash--it's not just for decorations. Please share your favorite recipes for using winter squash--butternut, buttercup, sweet dumpling, delicato, acorn, and others. I'll get you started with a simple filling for acorn squash: fresh cranberries, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cut the squash in half, fill, put in baking dish with inch of water, and bake on 350 for 45 minutes to an hour. Squash should be tender.

Thank you for participating.

Sincerely,

Ginger