October, 2011:

Take a Hike

Oct 24th, 2011
by Wendy.
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With the school year in full swing, it seems the days—especially the weekdays—just fly by. My weekends become more precious than ever, and they’re usually taken up with a happy but frantic mix of kids’ sports, household errands, birthday parties, pumpkin picking, leaf raking… you know the drill.

Each fall, I try to squeeze in a family hike on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon, even if it’s just for an hour or two. It’s a great opportunity for fresh air, exercise, getting an eyeful of those spectacular changing colors, and family bonding. My town has a few easy trails that are close enough for spur-of-the-moment hiking, so when the weather looks promising, off we go for a walk around the lake, through the woods, etc.. (To find a suitable trail in your area, check with your local or state park department. You’ll be surprised at the number of choices.) (more…)

Now Batting . . . Popcorn!

Oct 17th, 2011
by Wendy.
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Easy Oven Caramel Corn

It’s October, and in my house that means baseball fever is stronger than ever.  It makes no difference if “our” teams are out of the race.  Every morning we check scores and at night, talk of standings and playoffs dominate the dinner conversation.

Whether your love of the game extends to being part of the crowd at a major league ballpark, enjoying a game on TV or—like me—rooting for an energetic team of Little Leaguers, baseball is best when enjoyed in the company of another wholesome All-American—popcorn.  A few weeks ago I was in charge of the team snack so I brought an enormous bag filled with popcorn; the kids couldn’t have been happier and gobbled it up.

And while everybody loves classic popcorn (with just a touch of butter and salt), I score a major home run every time I serve this Easy Oven Caramel Corn. There’s no need for a candy thermometer to make this recipe, and it’s foolproof.
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Down on the Farm

Oct 10th, 2011
by Wendy.
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Crispy Crunchy Apple Popcorn
Every year I look forward to those crisp autumn days spent at our local pick-your-own farm. It’s a family tradition, and we come home weighted down with apples, peaches, pumpkins—and more apples!

The pick-your-own experience is more than just a way to get amazingly fresh produce; it’s an opportunity to help children understand the role of agriculture in the foods we eat everyday. They learn that the abundant produce helps feed the farmer’s family, and that it is also shared with the surrounding community and markets from coast to coast. Plus, a trip to a local farm lets kids experience firsthand the taste of a peach or apple plucked right from the branch.  Yum! (more…)

A Taste of Fall

Oct 3rd, 2011
by Wendy.
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Pumpkin Pie Spice Popcorn Bark

How did it get to be October so fast? The fall season definitely sneaked up on me this year. Look around. The unmistakable trademarks of fall are suddenly everywhere. The temperature is shifting, the leaves are changing, and the sound of school buses punctuate the morning air. Soon I’ll be seeing pumpkins on the neighborhood stoops and that will no doubt be followed by other fun fall decorations—gourds, ghouls and goblins galore.

The enticing aromas of fall are also unmistakable. Apple cider, gingerbread cookies and pumpkin pie all get their flavor and fragrance from what are commonly referred to as “warm spices.” Warm spices are known for their strong and fragrant aromas and include cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves and cardamom. Blends of these spices are mixed together and sold as pumpkin pie spice, gingerbread spice and garam masala. Spice blends are less expensive than buying the spices individually, and I always keep them on hand. (more…)