Friday, December 17, 2010

Baked apples, the Big Apple and Foodies in Mi





New York City, here we come (if the snow falling outside my window stops soon)!





Tomorrow (Inshallah) I will be in my hometown with my family and friends that are so close they may as well be family. Tomorrow I will ride in a yellow cab over the Queensboro bridge and see that amazing skyline that makes me catch my breath each and every time.





Tomorrow I will be in the Big Apple, the city that never sleeps. Yes, there will definitely be sleepless nights and early mornings with two jet lagged children. There will also be a lot to do, with my 4 year old's birthday coming up, Christmas just after that, my BFF's wedding, ice skating at Rockefeller Center under the tree, the Childrens' Museum to explore, the tree and the Neapolitan baroque Créche at the Met to look at, the Nutcracker to watch. I promise, however, that I will eat lots of good food, just for you. I will take lots of pictures, I will go to restaurants (except at this stage of my life I am more likely to make a list of child-friendly places rather than hot spots in town) and who knows, I may even get around to cooking, although I am not promising a lot of that. So check in, because I will be posting for sure.



And, because I am in a NY state of mind, here is a little something you can whip up quickly during the holidays that will make your home smell like a Yankee candle and that will actually make your guests feel good about the three helpings they had of your fabulous Christmas meal.


Ingredients (recipe adapted from Simply Recipes)
4 large good baking apples
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
1/4 cup chopped pecans
1/4 cup currants or chopped raisins
1 Tbsp butter
3/4 cup boiling water

Preheat oven to 375°F. Wash apples, remove cores. I used an apple corer. In a small bowl, combine the sugar, cinnamon, currants/raisins, and pecans. Place apples in a baking pan. Stuff each apple with this mixture. Top with a dot of butter. Add boiling water to the baking pan and bake 30-40 minutes*, until tender, but not mushy. Remove from the oven and baste the apples several times with the juices. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or cream.







* I baked my apples for a little over 40 minutes and they were still a little underdone. I don't know if it was the variety of apples I used or just my oven.

Last but certainly not least, I wanted to thank Jasmine and Manuel from Labna for organizing the Foodie in Mi Christmas party. It was my first blogger foodie meet up and despite feeling a little nervous upon arrival, both hosts went out of their way to make me feel at home. I also had the pleasure to meet and chat with other bloggers, like Cinzia who works with Chiara at Made in Kitchen and Sara. Next time I hope to get the chance to exchange a few words and ideas with all of the participants.


10 comments:

  1. Oh Yeahhh! How exciting! I miss that city each and every day! I dream of moving back there when the kids go off to college - and we just might! :) Have the best trip ever and can't wait to see your posts from the BIG APPLE!

    Also-jealous you're going to the Nutcracker - something magical to that this time of year! You should go stand outside the Today Show and hold up a "Nuts About Food" sign - LOL!

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  2. Have a safe trip and a wonderful time with your family and friends!

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  3. That's so exciting! Traveling to NY! I hope you have a great time.
    I've never visited NY but friends tell me that it is stunning during the Christmas holidays. Have a safe trip!
    Magda

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  4. Hope you're having a most wonderful Christmas in NY! Nothing beats being home for the holidays. Enjoy every minute of it. Can't wait to read all about it!

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  5. We love baked apples at our house!!! These look delicious - I can practically smell them!!! And your trip sounds fantastic! I love being at home during Christmas but I'm kinda jealous...especially about the Nutcracker...Forgive me, but the Austin Ballet is not quite the same! Safe travels!

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  6. Aw, NYC!!! I miss the Big Apple. It's always so exciting. I would live there if not for the outrageously cold weather (for me).

    I hope you have a holly jolly time there! :D

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  7. Oh wow, that is so exciting! I am so happy for you. I LOVE NY. Please stop buy Murray's bagels and get a delicious bagel sandwich. They are one of my all time favorites. Have a lovely holiday. Can't wait to read your adventures.
    *kisses* HH

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  8. Thank you all for your wishes and thoughts. I hope you have wonderful holidays with your families. We landed safely in NYC yesterday and I will be updating soon!

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  9. Have a wonderful time in NY. This is such a beautiful time of year to be visiting! These apples look amazing. I love this idea!

    Travel safe and have a wonderful holiday!

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  10. Was just in NYC last week. It was beautiful! Have a wonderful Christmas and enjoy your family and friends.

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