Apple Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Glaze...

 

This week is Homecoming Week at my oldest daughter's high school.

First of all, I can't even believe that my oldest is in high school, but second, that she has a date to Homecoming this weekend.

A date.

There, I said it.

I can still remember my own high school experiences......
...... I'm not that ancient!

I'm excited for her to have her own, but a little sad that she is growing up so fast.

While she is having a blast at the dance, I'll be having a blast eating a piece of this cake. When I think of spice cake, apples, and brown sugar... I think of comfort food.

And who doesn't love comfort food!?!


Apple Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Glaze

For the Glaze:

• 1-1/2 Cups Brown Sugar
• 1 Cup Heavy Cream, Room Temperature
• 1-1/2 Sticks Unsalted Butter, Softened
• 1 Teaspoon Fine Sea Salt

For the Cake:

• 1 White Cake Boxed Mix (16.5 oz), Plus Ingredients Listed
• 1 Tablespoon Ground Cinnamon
• 1/2 Teaspoon Ground Ginger
• 1/2 Teaspoon Ground Nutmeg
• 1/2 Teaspoon Ground Cloves
• 1 Can Apple Pie Filling (21 oz)

In a large heavy duty saucepan, whisk together the brown sugar and cream. Heat on medium high and add the butter and salt. Continue to heat until the mixture comes to a rolling boil, stirring constantly. Allow the mixture to boil for 3 minutes, while stirring. Take off the heat, and chill in the refrigerator.  

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees (F).

Grease and flour a large bundt pan well, set aside. 

In a large bowl combine the cake mix, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. Add the rest of the ingredients listed on the box and mix according to the directions. Gently fold in the apple pie filling. 

Pour the cake batter into the prepared bundt pan as evenly as possible. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a knife or skewer inserted comes out clean. 

Using a spatula, spread the chilled brown sugar glaze over the cake, covering completely. Store any extra glaze in the refrigerator. It tastes great as a fruit dip!

Dollop whipped cream on top or serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. This cake makes 8-10 servings.

Enjoy!

Apple Cider Slushies...

 

So, a few weeks back I was reading a cute blog that I enjoy popping in on called Two Twenty One.

Something in Chelsea's post caught my eye.

Apple Cider Slushies.

I've never had one... ever.

Immediately I knew that I wanted to make them. After experimenting, I decided to make a cinnamon simple syrup to make the slushie sweet... because I like my slushies super sweet, hello.

Doesn't everyone?

Anyway, I thought this would be a fantastic treat for "fall" on the island, since it is usually 85 and sunny year round.

I get to incorporate an autumn ingredient into a refreshing, icy treat.

My girls had so much fun drinking these...

... and so did I!


Apple Cider Slushies

• 2 Cups Crushed Ice
• 1-1/2 Cups  Apple Cider
• 1/4 Cups Cinnamon Simple Syrup, Or To Taste (Recipe Below)

In a blender, pulse all ingredients until processed. Makes 2 servings. 

Cinnamon Simple Syrup

• 1 Cup Sugar
• 1 Cup Water
• 2 Whole Cinnamon Sticks

In a small heavy duty saucepan, bring the sugar, water, and cinnamon sticks to a boil, stirring constantly. When the sugar has dissolved, remove from the heat and cool completely. Allow the cinnamon to steep while the syrup cools. Remove the cinnamon sticks and strain into a small container. Store tightly covered in the refrigerator. Use to brush cake layers or to sweeten drinks and cocktails. 

Enjoy!

I'm linking this up to I'm Lovin' It.

Apple Cinnamon Cookie Clouds...

I've been ichin' to do some fall baking.

Since I can't find canned pumpkin right now on island, I figure apples are the next best thing. Besides that, I love baking with apples. The aroma that fills the house is wonderful.

Apples just scream homemade goodness. There's so much you can do with them.

Fritters, streusel, cobbler, pie, candy apples... take your pick.

I figured I would try and make scones with them, but after pulling these lovelies out of the oven, they resembled more of a poofy, airy cookie. Very similar to the pumpkin cookies I would like to share with you...... if only I could get my hands on some canned pumpkin!!!

Anyway, baking these cookies really helped me get over my canned pumpkin frustrations... somewhat.

So, as I anxiously await the days leading up to Thanksgiving and hound inquire about the import of canned pumpkin at my local grocery store, I want you to buy some apples and make these cookies.

I mean, not only do they act as an air freshener, they also taste great!


Apple Cinnamon Cookie Clouds

• 2  Granny Smith Apples
• 1 Teaspoon Lemon Juice, To Keep Apples From Browning
• 3 Cups Bisquick
• 1/2 Cup Granulated Sugar
• 1/2 Cup Dark Brown Sugar
• 1-1/2 Teaspoons Ground Cinnamon
• 1/2 Cup Half & Half
• 1 Whole Egg

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.

Peel and chop the apples into small pieces. Place them in a small bowl and drizzle with the lemon juice; set aside. In a large bowl, mix the Bisquick, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and cinnamon together; set aside. In a measuring cup or small bowl, whisk the egg into the half and half. Pour into the Bisquick mixture and whisk to combine. Finally, fold in the chopped apples. Using a medium sized ice cream scoop, drop dollops of the apple batter onto pre-sprayed cookie sheets. Bake for 12-15 minutes. Makes 24-26 cookies. Store covered. 

Enjoy!