I really don’t like to decorate and I only have a few Santa’s…and stockings…and Nativity sets…and cookie cutters. Who am I kidding?Christmas is happening here. I don’t remember being completely done so early before. A quiet Thanksgiving at home did give us time to drag out boxes and bins. It’s nice to have everything so settled. Time to break out the eggnog and Christmas movies! Are you almost done as well or still in progress? I hope the season brings everyone glad tidings of comfort and joy!
The living room all dressed up for the holidayAngel choirs and really old glass ornaments.A roaring fire with mercury trees, stockings and SantasI love my unique Santas. They all have a story to tellA lovely start to the holiday season
Thanksgiving will look a little different this year. No big family gatherings, no turkey ready to be carved, no frantic in store shopping. But we will have a delicious dinner prepared by a favorite restaurant, a pie from Dangerously Delicious Pie company (they ship) and cozy shopping in front of the fire on a comfy couch.
The increased time at home will help us get a jump on holiday decorations and a bit of organizing of the fall treasures. It is a great time to show off some of our newest old things. Not even a pandemic can not separate me from antique shopping!
A few more antique Thanksgiving postcardsBiscuit tins are great for storageThis beauty was ready for the trash…all it needs is a little love.My Hero turned this chicken crate into a coffee table!We all need a little early Christmas cheer!
There are certain foods that will take me immediately back to childhood. The smell of a filled trick or treat bucket, the sight of ice cream with chocolate sauce, the sound of popping corn…and this, the taste of a spiced apple ring fresh from the jar. It was a pretty fancy meal when these showed up on the table. They haven’t shown up on my table lately, even with a fancy meal. I could hunt them down I suppose at a local grocery store but in my mind, homemade is better…and I have an abundance of apples from an apple picking adventure. I gave it a shot. I think I hit a bullseye.
The Usual Cast of Characters
2 pounds apples, MacIntosh – Granny Smith – Honey Crisp – any firm fleshed apple that holds its shape when cooked
3 cups water
2 cups cinnamon candy, Red Hots or Cinnamon Imperials – any hard cinnamon candy
1 tablespoon whole cloves
2 cinnamon sticks
1/4 cup of lemon juice
The Steps to Glory
1. Add the lemon juice to 2 cups of water.
2. Peel and core apples – slice into 1/2 inch thick rings.
3. Drop the apple rings in the lemon juice as you finish each one.
4. Heat 1 cup of the remaining water and the cinnamon candies in a saucepan.
5. Stir often until the candy is completely melted, adding water as needed to keep the syrup from getting thick.
6. Add the whole cloves, and cinnamon sticks.
7. Drain the apple rings and pat dry.
8. Gently stir the apple rings into the syrup. Cover and simmer, occasionally stirring gently, for 15 minutes or until apples are tender.
9. Add the rings to a storage container and cover with the cooking syrup.
10. Cover tightly and refrigerate overnight, or about 8 hours. Remove the cloves and cinnamon sticks before using.
11. Store unused apple rings in the refrigerator for up to a week. Freeze for longer storage.
Halloween was different this year…but still fun and safe!
