Caramel-Pecan Apple Pie

Ingredients

7 cups sliced peeled tart apples

1 teaspoon lemon juice

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/4 cup finely chopped pecans

1/4 cup packed brown sugar

2 tablespoons sugar

4-1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

1 tablespoon cornstarch

1 unbaked pastry shell (9 inches)

TOPPING:

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

2 tablespoons sugar

2 tablespoons cold butter

1/4 cup finely chopped pecans

1/4 cup caramel ice cream topping, room temperature

Directions

In a large bowl, toss apples with lemon juice and vanilla. Combine the pecans, sugars, cinnamon and cornstarch; add to apple mixture and toss to coat. Pour into pastry shell.

In a small bowl, combine flour and sugar. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in pecans. Sprinkle over filling.

Bake at 350° for 55-60 minutes or until filling is bubbly and topping is browned. Immediately drizzle with caramel topping. Cool on a wire rack. Yield: 8 servings.

Nutritional Facts: 1 piece equals 334 calories, 15 g fat (5 g saturated fat), 13 mg cholesterol, 159 mg sodium, 50 g carbohydrate, 3 g fiber, 2 g protein.

Maple Pecan Bars

Baking these bars fills me with warm memories of my Grandma Marie, who made a similar recipe. The pecan treats are popular at our office cookie exchange.

Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup confectioners' sugar
• 1-1/2 cups cold butter
•  TOPPING:
• 1-1/2 cups packed brown sugar
• 1 cup butter, cubed
• 1/2 cup maple syrup
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 4 cups coarsely chopped pecans
• 2 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon heavy whipping cream
• 3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

• In a large bowl, combine flour and confectioners' sugar. Cut in the butter until crumbly. Press into a greased 15-in. x 10-in. x 1-in. baking pan. Bake at 350° for 12-15 minutes or until edges are lightly browned.
• Meanwhile, in a large heavy saucepan, combine the brown sugar, butter, syrup, cinnamon and salt. Bring to a boil. Cook and stir over low heat until butter is melted. Stir in the pecans, cream and vanilla. Remove from the heat; spread over crust.
• Bake 20-25 minutes longer or until bubbly. Cool on a wire rack. Cut into bars. Yield: 5 dozen.

Turkey, Mushroom, & Spinach Lasagna and Toasted Oatmeal, Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies

Roaring Branch, Kelleystand Road, Sunderland, VT.

Saturday, oh, Saturday. A cold Saturday. I've been spending today like I usually spend my Sundays (or BumDays, as I call 'em.) I did spend some time up on Kelleystand earlier though.  It was windy and being by the river didn't help with the chill, but I did notice the leaves on the trees revealing bits of brighter hues.  It's safe to say I'm getting Fall fever. I've even been thinking about how to carve my pumpkins this year.  Here's some of my inspiration:

Also, the aroma of pumpkin spice lingers in my house already thanks to Walmart. They have 3oz jar candles for $1.00. I only went by the candles with the intention of "just smelling" them. I bought ten; nine pumpkin spice, one hazelnut cream. I've also had my eye on the wax warmers they now have at Walmart. The owl wax warmer is my favorite.

Owl Wax Warmer

Normally on a day like this, I might throw something together in the crock pot. That's not happening today. Not only is there enough chill in the air to make me appreciate the heat of the oven, but I crave the comfort of a well-prepared lasagna. But not just any lasagna. This one. A lasagna so good you would never know it was healthier. 

Turkey, Mushroom, & Spinach Lasagna

And for dessert?  

Toasted Oatmeal, Pecan, & Chocolate Chip Cookies

With a nice, big glass of milk.

p.s. If you head over & like our Facebook page, you'll be entered to win a handmade crocheted blanket from your choice of colors. Only valid in the U.S. at this time. Drawing will be held when our Facebook likes reach 200, so please like & share!