Capturing Fall/Autumn's scent...

... in apples! Add a touch of cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice and everything nice to complete a Fall scented home. If "homey" "warm" "relaxed" "cuddly" can be a smell... that is how Fall smells to me.

My first time apple picking was when I visited my sister when she was a freshman in college.  Since, I've been going nearly every year to pick the fresh and sweet apples.  The best parts of apple picking is that you can try the apple varieties before buying!  Another is fulfilling your inner child dreams- to climb trees without being yelled at. ;) 

Homemade Soymilk

To me, the most sweet, fun and awesome moment of apple picking is when I say "Hon, I want that one!" while pointing to the highest apple ever.  I giggle, smile and laugh (and spot the ladder!) as my Dearest gives me the "Oh you..." look and climbs the ladder to get that ONEEEE apple <3 and tosses it to me.  


Of course, you can buy apples year round in the supermarkets... but what is the fun in that?  Apples in the stores have been picked at least over 2 weeks ago!  Going to an apple orchard is fun because you get to pick and enjoy apples right off the trees while also supporting the local farmers.

Yesterday, my sister and I were looking for something to bake to bring to work and decided to use the fresh apples and make an Apple Walnut Spiced Bread/ Muffin.  It was so moist with chunks of apples in the inside and toasted walnuts on the top.  Want to know how Fall smells like?  Try this recipe and you'll understand. Just from making the batter, your home will smell like fall.  Enjoy these sweet moments with a cup of hot homemade soymilk and enjoy life.

Apple Spiced Cake/Bread/ Muffin (adapted from Bon Appetite)
3/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
1 cup unsweetened Applesauce (homemade or store brought)
1 cup Apple (chopped)
1 3/4 cup All Purpose Flour
2 teaspoons of Apple Pie Spice
1 teaspoon of baking soda
1/2 teaspoon of salt
1 1/4 cups of sugar
1 large egg
2 cups toasted Walnuts (chopped)
2 tablespoon of maple syrup or honey

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (use middle rack)
Butter and flour 2-8in dia. cake pans, 24 large muffin tins, 2-8x4 bread loaf pans

1. Whisk the flour, spices, baking soda, salt, and sugar in large mixing bowl until evenly combined.
2. In a small bowl combine the toasted walnuts and maple syrup/honey together.
2. Using electrical mixer, beat the butter and egg into the flour mixture until batter has small lumps (about 2 minutes)
3. Beat in all of the applesauce and apples and mix until batter is all moist (about 1 minute)- if it looks a bit dry, add more applesauce 1 tablespoon at a time.
4. Divide the batter evenly among the pans and sprinkle walnuts on the top.  Gently, press the walnuts into the batter so it would stay on top while baking.

Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the tester inserted into the center comes out clean.  Cool cake in pans for 10 mins and then turn it out onto cooling racks.