Ode to my favorite author- Happy Hobbit day!!!

“We hobbits are plain, quiet creatures. Adventures make one late for dinner.”

I would be remiss not to celebrate my favorite Author (next to Jane Austen:) ) J.R.R. Tolkien- it’s national Tolkien week and in honor of the Hobbit being in print for it’s 75th year and oHobbit Day, I am attempting to make a delicious Hobbit Treat- thanks to Warner Bros. new app!!!  So in tribute to my favorite author and the first day to my FAVORITE SEASON – Autumn, I am sharing this amazingly Deliciously Decadent Desert!!!

Follow the recipe and get ready for a taste of fall bursting in your mouth!!!  Top with vanilla ice-cream or fresh whipped cream.

HOBBIT HARVEST DESSERT-This dessert is bound to put a contented smile on the face of the hungriest of Hobbits 🙂

Ingredients 

4 c diced tart cooking apple, unpeeled

1/2 c chopped, pitted dates

1/2 c walnuts, chopped

1 c sugar

1/2 c all purpose flour, sifted

2 tsp baking powder

1 lg egg

1 Tbsp butter, melted

1 tsp cinnamon, ground

1/2 tsp freshly grated nutmeg

2 tsp vanilla extract

Directions

1) Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2) Spray a 13″ x 9″ pan with Pam.

3) In a large bowl, combine all ingredients.

4) Pour into your prepared pan.

5) Bake for 30 minutes, let cool for 15 minutes.
ENJOY this salute to my favorite Author, and don’t forget The Hobbit opens in theaters December 14, 2012!!! I can’t wait!!!

I feel the need, the need for BAKING!!!

It’s that time! The latest issue of Southern Living Best of Fall is out!!!

With the feel of fall in the air, the leaves blowing in whirlwinds, quickly changing from green to orange, the smell of burning logs in our fire pit, and the first touch of cool air, I invite Autumn to come.  I almost feel like a school girl again, dreaming of the smell of pencils being sharpened and the fresh pages of my school book.

This is my favorite time of year, the smells, the perfect sunsets, and the WEATHER!!!  I love sweatshirt weather, perfect time for a hike or a kayak ride, but among it’s treasures, there is one I love best. Autumn means the  kick-off of BAKING SEASON.  Every weekend my kitchen is filled with delightful and exotic smells, spices, simmering pots of delectable sauces, deliciously sinful breads rising in the oven and oh the sweets!!!

I am almost giddy as I crack open my Best of Fall Southern Living today, and highlight the recipes I can’t wait to try.  The flakey, irresistible Chicken recipes, yummy breads, and the beginnings of Thanksgiving dessert test!  Is it wrong to be so excited about Swoon Pies or sour cream herb quick bread?  That I’ve already began the lists for the dessert table for Thanksgiving?  Oh how I love fall!!!  So as I sit on our porch enjoying the slight breeze as the sunsets, I invite Autumn to come!!!