An Ode To Starbucks
There used to be green and orange white and red and blue. There used to be smells in air that triggered a sense of hope in me; signs of life and then again it’s fading. But my celadon green has a minty flavor, my golden color has spice. When I look up, excited to see the colors of the world I stare blinded by the Starbucks menu. Pumpkin latte...pumpkin latte…Its FALL?!?! When the fuck did that happen?? I didn’t even notice.
I have gotten so tunnel visioned I actually rely on Starbucks to create my holiday spirit. The crispness in the air and decorations everywhere are nothing compared to that hot cup o’ Joe seasoned with my childhood feelings. I no longer look around in awe of the God of change. The God who humbles my humanity reminding me how I so beautifully have no control. Nope.
Today I order a Grande Pumpkin Spice Latte and Get excited about the Peppermint Mocha soon to come.
I’m throwing in an apple pie recipe, it’s a combination of a few recipes, but it is mostly Betty Crocker. I have had that cookbook for 28 years. It’s the only thing that survived my marriage. It’s actually my longest relationship. Betty will never steer you wrong.
I went to an apple farm complete with cider and cider donuts for the apples in the pie. I was so excited to go home and make it I didn’t realize I don’t actually own a pie pan.. so I used an oval casserole and it turned out beautifully. Slow down and enjoy the fall, whether you are on a beach or mountain or plain there is something that shifts, don’t miss it.
Pie Crust
2 cups flour
a heaping 1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon sugar
3/8 teaspoon baking powder
7 tablespoons (1/2 cup less 1 tablespoon) oil: canola or vegetable oil
1/4 cup cold water
Instructions
Whisk together the flour, salt, sugar and baking powder. Whisk together the oil and water, then pour over the dry ingredients. Stir with a fork until the dough is evenly moistened. Pat the dough across the bottom & sides. Crimp the edge, or flatten with a fork. Fill the crust as desired, and bake
Pie Filling
3/4 C. sugar
1/4 c. flour
1/2 Tsp. ground nutmeg
1/2 Tsp. ground Cinnamon
6 Cups fresh apples (about 6 medium apples)
Instructions
Heat oven to 425 degrees. Mix sugar, flour, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Stir in apples. Turn into a pastry lined pie plate and add mixture below. Bake 50 minutes.
Topping
1 cup flour
1/2 cup firm butter (Betty actually calls for margarine but I don’t roll that way)
1/2 Cup packed brown sugar
Instructions
Mix until crumbly and add to the top of your pie. This is obviously a one crust pie recipe so poor directly over apple mixture.
