The Need for Apple Pie

Some have a need for speed, some for cocktails and happy hours. Not I. I have an innate need for southern comfort food, specifically meatloaf, mashed-potatoes, green beans, and homemade from-scratch apple pie (a la mode of course). Pregnancy cravings haven't gotten the best of me thus far, but this one I think goes beyond the occasional desire for something yummy. Let's back up a little and I'll see if I can set the scene for you.

About 2 weeks ago, the leaves in northern Virginia began to turn ever so slightly. The usual grocery store commute is illuminated with reds, oranges, and yellows. Such a scenic 3 minute drive! With this change in leaf color came cool gusts of wind and cloudless days. Magnificent beauty! The sun shines brightly most days, making a light sweater the perfect midday accessory. The start of Fall is such a beautiful time of year. This change outside of my home begs for a few inner home changes, starting with a fresh Fall cleaning. Some only do it in the Spring. Not I. I collect plenty of junk! Trust me. :) I need to do it every season. After a purge of all things to donate, it's time to set the tone in our home. Cozy pumpkin spice candles and fresh cinnamon on the table waft by my nose each morning. Couple these scents with a cracked window, cozy blanket, and good book. That's what Fall is all about.

Now let's take this a little further. I hope you're feeling nice and cozy thus far. There's one more key change we must engineer during this wonderful change in seasons, our menu! When I think of southern comfort I think of food that has 3 key qualities: 1) warm; 2) filling; and 3) puts you to sleep! Any item on the cracker barrel menu would also qualify! In a traditional southern comfort fashion, I prepared these yummy put-you-to-sleep dishes on Sunday afternoon. So so yummy. I wanted to top it off with homemade apple pie. That's an understatement! I was DETERMINED to make apple pie. Now, let me preface this by saying that though I've been blessed with the cooking gene, God has left me to fend for myself in the baking arena. (I just don't get the measuring part of it. I mean why so precise?!) So, I sought out my dear friend, Marian, who's collection of southern comfort recipes puts mine to shame! She had a "simple" (in her words) apple pie recipe I just couldn't mess up.

Simple, she says. Well if it's simple and since I HAVE TO HAVE IT, there's no reason I cannot go to the store at 10p.m. to buy ingredients and make it right now, right?! And we're off to the grocery for sugar, butter, and apples. Mmmmmm. Self check-out is my best friend during these late night rendezvous. I gathered my items quickly, along with French vanilla ice cream. Upon getting to the check-out counter, I set all my items down and began to scan. The bag of apples were oh so heavy, so I set them on the side of the register. And Ladies and Gents...that's where they stayed! That's right, I forgot to purchase the apples and didn't realize it until I was home unloading my bags. Boy was I unhappy. Oh well! The next morning, after Bible study with the ladies, I ventured back to the store for apples. I came home and baked like a mad woman! For the first time in my life I made homemade...from scratch...yes even the crust...apple pie! And it was delish!