Taste of fall

I love to bake, especially during the fall and winter. There's nothing like the scent of cinnamon and nutmeg mixed with pumpkin or apple... And, of course, the end result with a little bit of vanilla ice cream. I think my mouth is watering! I've tried multiple "fall" recipes over the last couple of years. Some have been tossed after one try and others have become fall classics. I like to try a new recipe every couple of weeks- Southern Living online is my go to! Now... For the recipes!

I have made this pumpkin bread recipe for the last several years, multiple times a year! It's a classic. If you like pumpkin you should definitely try it. Don't let the long list of ingredients fool you- it's really simple. You put everything in a bowl and mix! It makes 2 loaves, too, which is nice. I usually make one to give and one to keep.

(Image retrieved from southernliving.com) 

This apple bread recipe immediately made it's way to my "favorites" list. I changed it up a little bit- instead of letting the bread completely cool I poured the topping on while the bread was still warm and in the pan. I also used pecans only in the batter and omitted those on top.

(Image retrieved from southernliving.com)

Enjoy!

key lime pie... another "have to" of summer

Key lime pie is one of my all time favorite summer recipes! The following recipe comes from a restaurant in Amelia Island, FL, that I used to frequent with my family when we visited each summer. It's oh-so-simple and quick to make but tastes like you slaved for hours in the kitchen. Just the kind of recipe I like! I usually make it with fat-free or lower fat ingredients and the flavor is just as good!

Ingredients:
I can fat-free sweetened, condensed milk (Eagle Brand is my choice)
I container fat-free Cool Whip
I small or 1/2 large can of concentrated, frozen lime juice (I use Minute Maid)
Reduced fat gram cracker pie crust (I usually use Nabisco brand)

Mix first 3 ingredients together with electric mixer or whisk until well-blended and free of lumps. Pour into pie crust and cover. Place in freezer. Pie takes 6-8 hours to set. Enjoy!

(Told you it was easy!)

My mom and grandmother have made this pie every summer for as long as I can remember... It's not summer without making it at least one (or 20) times!

these are a few of my favorite (summer) things!

Summer is passing quickly... I cannot believe June is already halfway over! I've decided to share a few of my favorite (summer) things.

I love curling up with a good book by the pool. This is my favorite I've read in a while.



My official favorite dress of this summer.



I. love. this! My grandmother just got the beau and I an ice cream maker. I tried it out yesterday with an experimental batch of Vanilla-Bailey's with dark chocolate chips. Heavenly! I am currently on the hunt for healthier recipes, however!



Aprons are my favorite! I don't have this particular one but a very similar one from TJMaxx.



I can't make it a day without this! Hello, hydration.