Fall, Glorious Fall!

I feel so bad for bringing this up, because some of my dear blogging friends have not been so fortunate. But, we have really had a glorious fall. We've had enough rainfall to feel like it really is a change of season and bring in the water we need, but then there have been breaks like this picture represents that make you feel like God has used the "boost color" option wherever you look. (It's a feature on my I-photo that makes colors of each picture more vibrant).

On this particular beautiful day, that started out with a very brisk dense fog.....I had my first "home visit" from my friend, Sarah. What a sweetheart - and so fun to bake and bond over all of our stories and "likenesses" (particularly a love for coziness, family, food, and embracing the sweetness of life).

I let her flip through my new cookbook and she chose Brownie Crackles. They turned out super yummy - and it's a very fast recipe to put together. If you love chocolate and brownies - this is your treat.....

I also sent her home with my all-time favorite "appetizer treat". They are called Apple and Brie Toasts and I discovered them last year and they'd pretty much be my first choice for any meal. The taste combination - as simple as it is - becomes kind of a symphony in your mouth (at least that's the way I feel about it). So, of course, I'll share the recipe.

APPLE AND BRIE TOASTS

1 loaf sourdough baguette bread - (I like the kind that comes in a 5 pack from Costco)
1/4 cup butter, melted (this can be reduced if you are really trying to be healthier......)
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1 package Brie cheese (I prefer to use the "spreadable version" as it is so much faster/easier to use...otherwise, you'll need to purchase a "pie-shape" and slice it into thin slices)
2 Granny Smith apples - peeled, cored, and thinly sliced

Arrange bread on an ungreased bakeing sheet; bake at 350 degrees until lightly toasted. Mix together butter, sugar and walnuts. Top each slice of bread with cheese slice (or spread), 1 layer of apple slices, and a teaspoonful of butter/brown sugar/walnut mixture. Return to bake sheet; bake until warm. Can be stored in the fridge and reheated.....

BROWNIE CRACKLES
1 package fudge brownie mix (I always like the Duncan Hines version)
1 cup flour
1 egg
1/2 cup water
1/4 cup canola oil
1 cup chocolate chips
Powdered Sugar

In a large bowl, beat the brownie mix, flour, egg, water and oil until well blended. Stir in chocolate chips.

Place powdered sugar in a shallow dish. Drop dough be tablespoonfuls into the sugar; roll to coat. Place 2 inches apart on greased baking sheets.

Bake at 350 degree for 8-10 minutes or until set.