Tasty Tuesday!

Hello! I don't know if you noticed, but it is that time of year: FALL! I love fall and everything about it (except that winter follows!). The days are warm and the nights cools (perfect sleeping weather), and APPLES!! Apples are such a wonderful and versatile fruit - you can do so much with them! My boys and I go apple picking every year and we always pick way more than we need, but we have so much fun! Do you like to pick apples? Today I am going to share a great fall drink made from, APPLES! The following recipe is non-alcoholic, so everyone can partake. ENJOY!

“Love doesn't grow on trees like apples in Eden - it's something you have to make. And you must use your imagination too.”
-Joyce Cary


Hot Mulled Cider
Servings: 8

Ingredients:

* 1 orange, washed
* 15 whole cloves
* 2 quarts apple cider
* 3 whole cinnamon sticks (plus extra for garnish)

Directions:

1.) Peel orange and insert cloves into peel.
2.) Combine apple cider, orange peel and cinnamon sticks in large stockpot.
3.) Remove sections from orange and squeeze any remaining juice into cider mixture.
4.) Simmer slowly on MEDIUM until hot and steamy, about 10 min; do not boil.
5.) Remove cinnamon sticks and orange peel.
6.) Ladle into warm glasses and serve.
7.) Garnish with extra cinnamon sticks.

“Why not upset the apple cart? If you don't, the apples will rot anyway.”
-Frank A. Clark

Have a great day and remember: Go Ahead & Indulge!

Mangia Monday!

Fondue: Pronounced fahn-DOO. A Swiss dish shared at the table in an pot over a small burner. The word fondue is derived from the French word "fondre" which means "melt".

Hello! I hope you had a wonderful weekend! Mine was lovely: Great weather, date night with my husband, playing with my boys, family dinner. You can't get any better than that!!

I have a simple, yet knockout recipe to share with you today - Enjoy!

Fondue Etiquette: Allowing your tongue or lips to touch the dipping fork is thought to be rude. With meat fondues, you should use a dinner fork to take meat off the dipping fork because it is very hot. A "no double-dipping" rule also is in effect: After a dipped morsel has been tasted, it should never be returned to the pot.



Apple Cider-Cheddar Fondue
Serves: 10

Ingredients:

* 5 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
* 1-3/4 Tbsp cornstarch
* 1-1/2 cups apple cider
* 1/4 tsp lemon juice
* 1/4 tsp salt
* 1/8 tsp ground cinnamon
* 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg
* 4 apples, cored and sliced
* 2 loaves crusty french bread, cubed
* 6 sausage links, sliced

Directions:

1.) Toss cheese and cornstarch together in a medium size bowl.
2.) Heat cider and lemon juice on medium heat in a heavy bottom saucepan, until simmering.
3.) Add cheese, one handful at a time, stirring well after each handful until cheese is melted.
4.) When all cheese has been added, stir in salt, cinnamon, nutmeg and pepper to taste.
5.) Cook on low heat until thickened, 3 to 5 min.
6.) Transfer to a fondue or serving pot to keep warm.
7.) Serve immediately with apples, bread and sausage.


Swiss Tradition: If a piece of bread is lost in the cheese by a man, he buys a bottle of wine, and if the same thing happens to a woman, she kisses the man on her left.


Have a great day and remember: Go Ahead & Indulge!