Eat Like a Rabbit

On my list for using up our Michigan apples was to try my hand at dehydrating apple slices into chips. I found an improved source of information for how to do so effectively at Seasonal Chef.

It takes about one small-medium apple to fill each jar with chips. (I used two larger Golden Delicious and two smaller Jonagold.) However, I'm warning you, they don't last long. My jars lasted about a week with Paul and his folks hanging around. I'm not complaining at all. After all, you cook for people to eat, and I still believe the way to a man's heart is through his stomach. But, you may find it's a lot of work for such short-lived pleasure.

I got my November Gourmet Magazine this week. The fact that I found this edition meeting my vegetarian creativity needs head-on makes the receipt of this last issue of the famed 60-year-old magazine more distressing.

For the first time, I came across a vegan dish-Vegan Chocolate Cheesecake. There's even a complete menu for a vegetarian Thanksgiving dinner. I'm intrigued by the carrot and beet soup that is made with water instead of chicken stock "so it's a delicious alternative to your vegetarian guests." And totally unrelated to Thanksgiving is the tempting pizza topped with yellow potatoes, yellow onions, and rosemary.

The November Gourmet will find itself being used often over the holidays and likely for many winters to follow. Might I suggest either researching some of the recipes on Gourmet.com or actually acquiring a copy of the mag at the newsstand? Keep in mind not all the recipes in the magazine are available online, and I am not sure I've seen all online recipes in the magazine. Do your research now as the website may not be available someday.

So long, Gourmet. What a fabulous finale!

This is an evening of breaking from blogging because our apples arrived today. They are very beautiful and have tasted really good. But there were fewer in the box than I had been told, which means the value wasn't what I had expected. They're only slightly cheaper than the local grocery stores--but then Washington is a really long way from Florida. Still, I've decided sometimes you have to pay a little extra for something really good. I'm disappointed about the value, but not about my yummy apples. I've already frozen some diced apples for pies nearer the holidays. Luckily, Paul brought home a pizza and after scarfing that down, I'll be onto dehydration and applesauce. Mmm.

Last week we ordered two cases, the equivalent of 114, apples to be delivered in the near future. I purchased the items for a number of reasons. First, we bought some from the same Washington source to support the local church school two years ago, and they were wonderful. We were disappointed they didn't have them last year. Second, when I purchase apples at Costco or Target a few pounds at a time, some come out yummy and some are mealy. I want consistency and the apples two years ago seemed to fit the bill. Third, they were significantly cheaper than buying them from local grocery stores--especially for the variety: Jonagold! Fourth, I love getting in the kitchen with Paul and my folks cause they got some, too, and having a family activity of preserving the apples in a variety of ways.

I found a great post about what Utah Deal Diva did with apples that were given to her. I intend to use some of her recipes and make some of my own. If you have recommendations, let me know soon so I can make a clear plan of attack cause that's a lot of apples!

Once again, I am confessing that I read magazines at work. But, who could blame me? There's a wealth of information free to me; and since I can't sit still at lunch, I am productive by researching facts and recipes. Let's face it, if it weren't for my reading magazines at work, Paul would not have an absolutely fabulous Christmas present, which I am proud of finding. Sadly, some of Paul's friends read this blog; so, I cannot share the details until after the 25th. Therefore, we must return to the topic of the cake.