Pumpkin Muffins

I have been enjoying these muffins all week.  In particular, I have been eating one along with a fudge drop cookie as a snack around 3:30 or 4 pm at my desk.  Muffins make the perfect afternoon snack, don't you think?  Plus, these muffins contain both a vegetable and some whole wheat flour, so you can wear your baked-goods-masquerading-as-a-healthy-food halo.  Score!
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Caramel Apple Sour Cream Crumble

A few weeks ago, we bought some beautiful apples on our way home from my parents' house.  At the time, I was certain the apples were destined for a perfectly cooked pie.  I had told a friend that we would bring a dessert over the following weekend for a get together, and I hoped that my apple pie, paired with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, would make everyone swoon.  All week long, I thought about making the pie.  Its crust would be flaky and golden brown, and the apples, mounded impossibly high, would retain their structure so the filling wouldn't collapse into apple-cinnamon mush. 
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7 Layer Bars

The only redeeming quality of jet lag is that it can turn even the most stalwart of morning sleepers (i.e., me) into early morning risers.  Don't get me wrong; I am no longer a sleep-until-noon kind of person, but I can still manage to sleep in until 8 (or occasionally 9 am!) on a weekend and historically have been known to require 3 alarms to get up.  Yesterday morning, jet lag got the better of me and I had my feet on the floor at 4:57 am, was sending emails by 5:20 am, and Scott and I were traipsing about in the wet grass of the backyard to measure the distance for our new clothesline before the first rays of the sun sent their silvery fingers of light over the horizon .

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Anise Espresso Fudge

 

Now that it is a little bit cooler out, chocolate-dipped candies are back on the menu!  I made this fudge for Rick's retirement party last spring along with the Aztec Hot Chocolate Patties.  The fudge was inspired by a candy bar that Rick enjoys.  If you're a fan of anise, you'll definitely be a fan of this fudge!
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Vanilla Concord Grape Popsicles

Is there anything that says summer like a nice grapey popsicle eaten on the back step in the shade?  A few weeks ago, that is exactly what my parents, nephews, and I were doing.  We wrapped the boys up in clean kitchen towels so they wouldn't stain their clothes and had these popsicles for dessert after lunch.  The boys really enjoyed them and their chorus of "Mmmmmm, Aunt Julie. These are really good!" made my heart melt.
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Vanilla Simple Syrup

So simple.  So tasty. 
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Lemon Poppy Seed Squares

Lemon and poppy seeds are so perfect together.  These bars are easy to make and are buttery and refreshing.  I think you’ll like them.  Enjoy your holiday weekend!

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