Microwave Apple Betty

This is the time of year for warm desserts. The cinnamon, apple aroma that drifts to the far reaches of my house is enough to lure my family to the kitchen. This recipe is a favorite of mine, because it requires relatively little cooking time in the microwave oven. I prefer Apple Betty over Apple Crisp, because I had it first and it stuck in my memory. I learned to make it in Home Economics many moons ago. I was a pretty pathetic cook back then, but I *hope* I have gotten much better.

This recipe is altered from one of my favorite, easy cook books:
Company's Coming Microwave Cooking by Jean Pare.
She's a Canadian just like me, eh?

Microwave Apple Betty

6 cups apples, peeled and cut-up (approximately 6 apples)
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 cup white sugar

1-1/4 cup whole wheat flour (use white if you prefer)
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 stick butter (1/2 cup)

Mix the white sugar and cinnamon together. Place the cut-up apples in a square casserole dish. Sprinkle with the sugar mixture.

In a medium bowl mix flour and brown sugar together. Melt the butter in the microwave. Stir the butter into the flour. Mix together until crumbly. Spread over apple mixture.

Microwave for 13 minutes on high.

Let cool for for ten minutes before serving, if you can wait that long. ;)

Dog Therapy

It was a beautiful day today. The sun was shining. The temperature was in the 50s. A perfect day for a walk. Our Sheltie Bella and faithful walking companion died of cancer this summer and we have not yet gotten a new fur baby. It was time for dog therapy as I call it. Go out on the trail and meet and greet everyone else's dogs. Today did not disappoint. My first meeting was with my new friend Leah. Leah is a little shy, but I did get a few sniffs.

These are my friends Princess and Dixie. They gave me lots of love and leans.

Oh my gosh!! Who is this cutie?? New to the neighborhood and just as friendly as her big sister Nina. If you have ever met a Bull Dog, you will know how sweet they are. Rolls and rolls of love.

I was really fortunate today, because I got to meet a breeder and his three golden puppies. Their mother is a hunting retriever champion and these puppies were already promised to good homes. I was lucky to get to play with these sweethearts for a while.

And last, but not least, my friend Shelby. When I got to her she sniffed my arms up and down determined to figure out every dog that I had met.

Seeing all these dogs reminds me of better times, when Bella was healthy and we walked together. Hopefully one day I will have the strength to take the leap of faith and get another fur baby.