Hopefully we are going to have autumn before winter arrives.....
The weather has perked up and the sunshine has peeked out a little more this week than last. Hate to have the furance running in mid October!

The deadline is just about a month away to qualify for the $8000 first time home buyer's tax credit. The property must be "closed" by 12/1/09 in order to claim the credit. However, there is some talk in Washington about possibly extending this credit. Nothing is confirmed, though, so don't wait just in case.

Homemade Apple Cider

a fall favorite!

Ingredients:

8 - 10 apples (I prefer Gala)

1/2 to 1 cup sugar

4 tablespoons cinnamon

4 tablespoons allspice

Directions:

Quarter apples. No need to remove peel or seeds.

In large stock pot, add your apples and fill with water - just enough to cover apples.

Add sugar.

Wrap cinnamon & allspice in a doubled up cheesecloth and tie. Add to apples & water.

Boil on high for one hour, uncovered, checking frequently.

Turn down heat & let simmer for two hours, covered.

Take off heat after 2 hrs of simmering and let cool.

Remove spices and mash up the apples to a pulp-like consistency (use a potato masher).

Once cool, pour into a strainer over large bowl. When most of the juice has drained away, put the remainder of the pulp into a doubled up cheese cloth and squeeze over the bowl until no more juice comes out.

Store in air tight container in fridge for up to a week, or can be frozen.

Reheat in microwave or on the stove to enjoy warm.

Can also be warmed in crock pot with cinnamon candies added for flavor/color!

AHHH AUTUMN


What a beautiful time of year.








"October's the month when the smallest breeze


Gives us a shower of autumn leaves


Bonfires and pumpkins, leaves sailing down


October is red and golden and brown"

Happy Fall!