Friday, October 31, 2014

Friday Reads

Happy Halloween!
I'm sitting here in disbelief that today is the last day of October. This is the official start of the holiday kick off and I'm sure the next two months will be a whirlwind. Today I'm looking forward to eating  peanut butter cups until my stomach hurts because I have no self control. 
Anyways, here is some Friday readings for you to check out:
  • I can be a bit of a Scrooge when it comes to Halloween. Even since college ended, Halloween seems like such a burden and my desire to dress up has basically evaporated. A friend of mine sent me this article 15 Reasons Why You Don't Give a Shit About Halloween by 25 and it made me LOL because my desire to stay in and watch Hocus Pocus is higher than my desire to go out (whoops).
  • These Halloween Pumpkin Cookies and Ghost Madeleine's on the Undeniable Report are too adorable, I'm regretting not making any holiday treats this year. 
  • Trying to add more patterns into your wardrobe? Check out my Monday post about the three patterns I'm loving for fall.
  • I'm a sucker for a good haunted house. My dream is to one day visit the House of Horrors at Universal Studios in Orlando. I also love watching people visit haunted houses. Check out this hilarious video from the Ellen show, where she sends her two co-workers Andy and Amy through a haunted house, their screams made me LOL.
  • Do you use Snapchat? If so you will totally appreciate this Chive post on the The proper way to use Snapchat (in photos), it totally made me realize that I need to step up my Snapchat game ASAP.
  • Walking Dead fans, if you're looking for a great podcast to listen to at work or while driving in your car Post Show Recaps, does a great episode recap that is both insightful and funny.
Are you dressing up for Halloween?
xoxo

Thursday, October 30, 2014

Wild

"How wild it was, to let it be"
I'm just about finished with my most recent book, Wild by Cheryl Strayed and it's unlike any book I've read before. It's the true story of Cheryl Strayed, who after losing her mother to cancer and divorcing her husband makes the decision to hike the entire Pacific Crest Trail alone. Cheryl's journey allows her to rediscover herself on the 2,663 mile hike and properly mourn the loss of her mother, which had basically crippled her. This book is incredibly honest, digging into the most basic of emotions: survival. As I read, I am amazing by Cheryl's bravery and it really got me thinking about my life and whether I could ever do something as crazy as hike the PCT.
My first thoughts while reading this book is, "you go girl!" because honestly the idea of hiking anything (let alone 2,663 miles of trails) is terrifying to me. I probably would be left for dead after mile 4. There are so many instances where something goes wrong in the book and Cheryl is alone and must figure it out so she can carry on. There's really no help for her if something went wrong because she was by herself, no cell phone and no way to get in contact with anyone. My heart constantly aches for Cheryl because I honestly cannot imagine the loss she feels, similar to myself, she was incredibly close to her mother and this book is a loving tribute to their relationship. Yet, it's clear that Cheryl begins to heal the closer she gets to the end of the trail and despite the emotional ups and downs, I'm finding the book uplifting. 
It has definitely inspired me even more to try new things out of my comfort zone and incorporate more adventure into my life. I know that I'm guilty of being a homebody and someone that sticks to a routine, but I've been trying to make an active change and try new things. I think it would be amazing to one day visit the trail that Cheryl once hiked because from what she describes of it, it sounds beautiful. I may not be able to hike the trail, but it would be nice to experience the positive energy the PCT seems to give to all those who visit it.  

Do you think you could successfully complete a hike on the PCT?
**Side note: I have only one more book to read before I complete my 24 book goal, any recommendations for me?**
xoxo

Wednesday, October 29, 2014

Field Day

My leather jackets are normally my go-to jacket during the fall months but when I stumbled across the J Crew field jacket at the factory store last summer on super sale, I decided to add it to my closet. I definitely recommend checking out the Factory store first before buying items from J Crew because it's possible they have the same items for a discount price. No joke, I wore my factory version field jacket to the regular J Crew to compare them and they were the exact same thing except the Factory version had different pipping on the INSIDE of the jacket! 
The field jacket has quickly become my weekend wear coat because its somewhat oversized and fits comfortably over sweaters and cardigans, unlike my leather jackets which are more fitted. My favorite part of the jacket is the large pockets because sometimes when I'm running to the store I don't always like to carry a purse with me and these pockets allow me to carry my keys, phone and cash in one. It also has that tough military feel that makes me feel less guilty when I leave my leather jackets at home because it still gives off the same vibe I'm looking for. 


Booties very old (similar here and here)

I bought these booties at this small boutique in my area years ago that has since closed down and now I'm regretting not buying more pairs because they are so comfortable. Booties are huge this fall and although I'm still on the hunt for the perfect pair of brown suede ones, I can rely on these to get me through in the meantime. I'm not much of a heel girl because I'm incredibly uncoordinated (no joke I almost wiped out walking through the leaves to take these pictures), but these heels are chunky and minimal so I can wear these all day without my feel hurting. 

Sweater (on clearance!) // Leggings // Necklace Macy's, old (similar) // Aviators

My new cable knit wool sweater finally arrived in the mail and it's definitely going to be a fall staple for me. It's long which I love because I have the option to wear it with both jeans and leggings and its very soft. I definitely recommend checking it out because it's on clearance!

Bag Coach, very old (similar)

I received this Coach bag as a Christmas gift when I was in high school, which means its almost 9 years old! I remember being in New York City with my mom looking for the "perfect" brown leather bag and going from store to store searching for it. Finally, when I laid my eyes on this beauty, I knew it was the one. Now, 9 years later I still use this bag because it's timeless. I'm a firm believer in spending the extra cash on classic leather bags because you really will have them forever and they will never go out of style. I can definitely see myself using this bag another 10, 20, 30+ years down the road because it will still be relevant. 


What jackets are you wearing this fall?
xoxo

Tuesday, October 28, 2014

New Recipe: Taco Cups Appetizer

Happy Tasty Tuesday!
I'm sure many of you will be hosting or going to some type of Halloween party this weekend so I thought I would give you a quick and easy appetizer that you can prepare or bring to any events you're heading to! My friend Meg and I put these taco cups together a couple weeks ago when we had a Sunday Funday get together at her boyfriends house. They were super easy to make and take about 20ish minutes to prepare. Plus they're very tasty, I found myself popping one too many in my mouth!

Ingredients:
  • 1 package of wonton wrappers (you can find them in the asian section of your grocery store)
  • 1 package of ground beef
  • 1 taco seasoning packet
  • 1 package shredded cheddar cheese
Directions:
  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  • Cook ground beef in a pan on medium/high heat until it's completely cooked (no pink!)
  • Add taco seasoning and stir until completely combined.
  • While that sits, place two sheets of wonton wrappers into each section of a muffin pan, layering them on top of one another. 
  • Scoop cooked ground taco meat into the wonton covered muffin pan cups, filling each evenly.
  • Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
  • Put taco cups into the oven and bake for 5-10 minutes, or until cheese melts and wonton wrappers start to brown. **Keep and eye on these because they will burn quickly!!**
  • Enjoy!
Is anyone heading to a Halloween party this weekend?
xoxo

Monday, October 27, 2014

Pattern Obsessed

If you didn't get the chance to see my weekly outfit recap last Saturday, I should tell you that it was a week filled with different patterns. Now that it's fall and I've put away almost all of my florals, I've found new prints to incorporate into my wardrobe. Three of my favorite patterns for fall are windowpane, leopard and plaid and there are so many ways to wear these patterns thanks to designers making both clothing and accessories in a variety of prints. So today I thought I would take the three prints I wore last week and find alternate clothing items that represent the patterns I love. 
J Crew Factory Printed Shift Dress // ASOS Checked Sneakers // Express Windowpane Pant

When I saw this Calvin Klein top in Macy's a couple weeks ago I knew it had to become a permanent member of my closet. Calvin Klein makes my favorite blouses in the world because they're long enough that I can wear them with jeans or leggings and they always come in a variety of patterns and colors. No joke, I have 4-5 of these tops in my closet and I can't recommend them enough. This season he has been putting out a variety of different patterns for his tops including leopard and this windowpane print, which is a fun switch from the traditional plaid. However you can easily incorporate the windowpane print in other ways besides blouses. These Express pants would be perfect for the office with a cable knit sweater and that J Crew Factory shift dress would look great with a pair of black tights and booties!

J Crew Factory Leopard Loafers // ASOS Leopard Coat // Clare V Clutch

I'm sure you heard the phrase "leopard is a neutral" a million other times from other bloggers but it's true! Leopard print will always be a timeless fashion print and there are so many ways to wear it. I know my Kate Spade Leopard Pants are a bit on the wild side and they may not be for everyone but there are plenty of accessories available to add a touch of leopard to any outfit. A calf hair leopard clutch and a faux fur leopard print coat are two things currently on my wish list because they are fun conversation pieces. 

LL Bean Scarf // Sole Society Plaid Flats // Tommy Hilfiger Bowler

It's pretty obvious that the go-to print for fall is plaid. I for one was excited to bring out my flannel tops (similar version of mine here) because they're so warm and cozy, plus there are so many ways to dress them up or down. However, this fall I also want to invest in more plaid accessories that can transition well into the winter months. When researching plaid accessories I came across that fabulous Tommy Hilfiger bag and instantly fell in love, especially because it comes with a long strap so you can wear it over your shoulder!

What patterns are you loving this fall?
xoxo

Sunday, October 26, 2014

Sunday Thoughts + A Weekend Recap

I knew this weeks quote had to come from the great Oscar De La Renta who passed away this week at the age of 82. He was incredibly talented and the fashion world will forever be grateful for his contributions. Anyways, can you believe that it's Sunday already?! It doesn't seem quite fair that I have to go to work again tomorrow. On the plus side, Halloween is coming up which means I am one step closer to getting my hands on some chocolate that I've been craving for weeks now but have avoided buying in fear I would eat it all before giving it to the children that come to my door, whoops. 

Here's a quick recap of my weekend:
  • Friday night I got drinks with a couple friends at our local bar. My friend Christina was home for a quick visit and this will be the last time I see her before we are reunited in Disney World (18 days)!
  • Saturday was a bit of a lazy day, spent most of it in my pajamas catching up on my TV shows and watching all the fantastic movies on ABC family. I forgot how much I loved Beetlejuice as a kid. Also have any of you been watching the Amazing Race this season? I'm obsessed with the cyclists, they are kicking butt!
  • Today I'm preparing for the week, going to the market, getting a flu shot (I've been putting it off and now I'm finally making the plunge) and making Sunday night dinner. I'm thinking about doing a teriyaki chicken in the crock pot so stay tuned for that recipe! 
What did you do this weekend?
xoxo

Saturday, October 25, 2014

Outfit Recap

Well I tried something new this week in regards to taking photos because in addition to it being pitch black outside when I leave for work now, it was also pouring rain each day too. This makes for a lovely commute to work in the morning, and I arrive at my office looking more like a drowned cat than when I originally left the house, haha! Only one more week before we turn the clocks back and it's once again light enough in the morning for me to take my pictures outside This week was all about adding more prints to my weekly wardrobe. Checks, color block, leopard, plaid, leather and stripes all made an appearance in what I wore, and I loved experimenting with different patterns (slowly adding pattern play to my everyday wear)!

Sweater Loft (similar) // Leggings // Lace-Up Boots Nine West (similar)

Necklace Ralph Lauren (similar) // Kate Spade Glasses Ring

Calvin Klein Top // Leather Side Panel Leggings // Flats Material Girl (old)



Jeans // Top // Booties (similar)

Necklace J Crew (similar)

Kate Spade Leopard Pants // Ivanka Trump Top (similar) // Flats C Wonder (old)
I got these amazing Kate Spade pants at the outlets for $40, they were the only ones in the store and happened to be my size, major score!


Top J Crew Factory (similar) // Express Jeans // 
J Crew Factory Belt // Ralph Lauren Flats (similar)


What did you wear this week?
xoxo

Friday, October 24, 2014

Friday Favorites

TGIF!
Did anyone else find this week a struggle to get through? I'm not sure if it's because it was cold and rainy all week long or just the fact that I had to work a full 5 days for the first time in a couple of weeks but it was dragging for me. Either way I'm looking forward to the start of the weekend. I'm getting drinks with a few friends tonight which should be fun!

Here is what I'm loving this week:
  • Fans of the show Game of Thrones will enjoy this article that debunks 8 rumors about the upcoming season. I personally can't wait for season 5, but even more so I'm anxiously awaiting The Winds of Winter, book 6 of the series to be released!
  • J Crew has really out done itself with their new fall collection. I officially ordered this lambswool sweater after it went on clearance. My next purchase will most likely be this striped silk shirt which I've had my eye on for some time now. 
  • Lately I can't get enough of leopard, I even wore leopard pants to work this week (photos to come). I've been coveting this Clare V clutch which might end up on my Christmas list (yes I've already started thinking about Christmas) and this fantastic ASOS leopard coat.
  • In preparation for my upcoming trip to Disney (ahh 20 days!), I've been consuming all types of Disney related information. Check out this List of the Best/Worse Disney Animated Films and see if your favorites made the cut.
  • My jambalaya recipe is up on the Undeniable Report website, it's a perfect meal for a Sunday dinner in the fall.
  • Have you seen this video released with famous women including Lena Dunham, Sia, and Natasha Lyonne lip-synching to Lesley Gore's famous song "You Don't Own Me"? It's a PSA encouraging women to go out and vote to protect their rights as females on Election Day this year and it's worth a look.
What are you loving this week?
xoxo

Thursday, October 23, 2014

Looks for Less

One thing I need to improve upon as a shopper is going out shopping with the intent to search for items on my wish list, rather than just heading to the mall and coming home with a bunch of random items. I need to be better about having a plan when I get there as in "I'm here to find the perfect cable knit sweater" instead of "oh that shirt is cute, I need that" (guilty). Being a smart shopper also means pricing the items on your wish list and checking out different options before making the purchase. Shopping around, looking at different brands and comparing prices can help prevent those spontaneous purchases, trust me your bank statement will thank you.
Lately, I've been doing more online shopping, which some would think was a bad thing but really it helps me price check the items I'm looking for and keeping an eye on sales, promo codes, free shipping weeks, and discounts. I'm sure I'm not the only one who receives countless emails from different stores advertising sales and even though those sales can be deadly, they can also alert you to when those items you've had your eye on, go on sale. 
I've been looking for a new navy cross body bag and a plaid blanket scarf for this fall season and started pricing them out to determine my budget. There are a variety of options to choose from at different price ranges, but it does show you can find great fashion at any price as long as you look around to see what different stores offer. So far I'm leaning towards the Brina Box scarf, but I still haven't made a decision on the cross body yet, also I love the C Wonder option.

Target Scarf // Brina Box Scarf // Zara Scarf

Which ones are your favorite?
xoxo

Wednesday, October 22, 2014

Styling a Colorful Coat

Lately I've really been enjoying all the colorful coats I've seen in stores and online. Last year I picked up this coat in cobalt blue and wore it all winter long (or at least whenever it wasn't below freezing out haha). In the past when I went to stores looking for a warm coat all I saw were the typical neutrals: black, camel, grey and navy but those options are so boring. Just because it's cold doesn't mean there shouldn't be bright colors to brighten your mood and remind us that it will one day be warm again. 

Now it's important to remind yourself that colorful coats do not have to be limiting, there are plenty of prints, patterns and colors that you can mix and match to make your brightly hued coat become as versatile as a neutral colored one. The key is to have fun with it and treat it as a statement piece in your wardrobe that you can accessorize! For example, I decided to style this beautiful Dublin green coat from J Crew Factory (now on sale for under $150!) with leopard accessories to draw attention to the contrast. This way, even if you're just wearing a cream blouse and jeans you still look classy and stylish. 

Will you invest in a colorful coat this year?

Coat // Jeans // Leopard Flats // Crossbody // Belt // Blouse // Necklace

Also here are a few other coats I love:
Red Ruffled Coat // Baby Pink Toggle // Leopard Print // Seafoam Green Long Blazer Coat

xoxo

Tuesday, October 21, 2014

New Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie Soup with Homemade Crackers

Happy Tasty Tuesday!
Now that fall has officially arrived it's getting chillier outside and I've been gravitating towards more homemade meals. I especially love making a warm meal on Sundays to wrap up the weekend and finding new soups to try was high on my to-do list. Now this specific soup recipe is very easy to make, it took 20 minutes from start to finish and I was left with a delicious dinner. Plus I was able to whip up homemade crackers for dipping in less than 5 minutes!

Ingredients:
  • 1 rotisserie chicken shredded
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 3 celery stalks, diced
  • 1 package of frozen mixed vegetables (I like the broccoli, carrot, cauliflower combo)
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 1/4 cup all purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup low sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup skim milk
  • A pink of crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp pepper
  • 1/2 package of Pillbury pie crust

Directions:
  • In a large pot melt butter under medium/high heat and add onion, celery, frozen vegetable mixture and peas for 5-7 minutes until thawed and softened.
  • Add flour and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
  • Slowly add chicken broth, cream, milk, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes-- mixing together.
  • Finally add chicken and warm under medium heat for 10-15 minutes, until warm. 
  • To make crackers, preheat oven to 450 degrees. Unwrap Pillsbury pie crust and using a knife, slice the pie crust into thin strips making individual crackers.
  • Lay pie crust strips onto a greased cookie sheet, baking for 6-8 minutes until crackers are golden brown (keep an eye on them because they burn easily). 
  • Enjoy!

Any recommendations on what soup recipe I should try next?
xoxo

Monday, October 20, 2014

Sweater Weather

Sweater Banana Republic (similar) // Shirt Gap (similar) // Jeans Lucky

I finally broke out my first sweater of fall, mainly because I woke up on Sunday and it was only 49 degrees out, yikes. Luckily I bought this fantastic sweater at Banana Republic last week and it was perfect for running Sunday errands. I tend to gravitate towards longer sweaters because I like having the ability to wear them with jeans or leggings. This particular sweater I ended up buying in a large because I wanted that oversized feel. I'm now regretting now buying it in more colors because its so warm and comfortable (and I can't seem to find it on their website, ugh). By pairing it with my favorite go-to long sleeved shirt from the Gap and I was good to go!

I bought my first pair of Lucky Jeans when I was visiting Chicago last summer and I became an instant fan. It can be a straggle to find a good pair of dark wash jeans and these were the perfect shade and fit like a glove. Next time I'm in the city, I will definitely be picking up a few more pairs, they are highly recommended. 




Suede Booties Sperry Top-Sider

Also I was excited to finally pull out the navy suede booties I bought a couple months ago when Macy's was having a huge shoe sale. I'm guilty of buying things and burying them in the back of my closet until the weather makes it socially acceptable to wear them, so it was fun to wear something new that had been paid for months ago!

Have you already started wearing your sweaters this season?
xoxo

Sunday, October 19, 2014

Sunday Thoughts + A Weekend Recap

There is only 25 days until I am headed to Disney and Harry Potter World and this weekend I spent it getting even more prepared for the big trip. So obviously my Sunday quote had to be Harry Potter related to go with the theme, haha!

Here is a recap:
  • Despite Friday being my day off I was up at 8am because Misa got out and I had to run around the neighborhood after her. Luckily she's back home safe and sound.
  • Our Magic Bands arrived in the mail!
  • Friday afternoon I went over to my grandma's for a bit to visit and have lunch with her which is one of my favorite things to do. 
  • Friday night I went to my friend Nicole's with girlfriends that are going on the Florida trip to make matching tee-shirts for when we go to Harry Potter World! We only got the back of the shirts done since we forgot that we would have to wait for the paint to dry before we could decorate the other side, but I love how they came out so far. We went with a Marauder's Map theme and the front of the shirts are going to say "I Solemnly Swear I Am Up To No Good".
  • Saturday was a major lazy day, I caught up on blogs while watching the Harry Potter marathon on ABC family to keep up with the theme. I also watched Elf which was randomly on TV, it put me in the mood for Christmas, ahhh!
  • Today I'll be getting ready for another work week and running errands... nothing fancy! Any suggestions on a good Sunday night dinner?
What did you do this weekend?
xoxo

Saturday, October 18, 2014

Outfit Recap

So last week I slaved over bins full of sweaters and fall clothes and packing away all things summer because I had been putting it off for weeks. Then it ended up being 75 degrees every day this past week and I had nothing to wear (of course). So instead of sweaters I wore some light shirts and jeans attempting not to melt in the heat. 

Top // Jeans // Flats C Wonder (old) 

Bangle // Ring

Leather Jacket old (similar) // Jeans // Flats 



Top J Crew old (similar) // Jean // Umbrella // Converse


What did you wear this week?
xoxo

Friday, October 17, 2014

Weekend Favorites

TGIF!
I am so pumped today is Friday, especially because it's my Friday off this week. Honestly, signing up for an alternate work schedule at my job so I have every other Friday off was the best decision I have ever made because now I have an extra day to get all my errands done. However, I'm taking a break today and going to my grandma's to have lunch with her... much better than hanging out in the office!

Here is what I'm loving this week:
  • Check out my Tips for Better Sleep article on the Undeniable Website. I've started practicing all these ideas myself and have definitely found myself waking up more refreshed.
  • I'm on the hunt for a faux fur vest for fall and I can't decide if I want this gorgeous white long fur vest from Michael Kors or this brown zip up one from Banana Republic. Which one do you like better?
  • Now that my shopping ban has lifted I've found myself browsing a lot of things online... don't you think this blanket scarf would go great with either of those faux fur vests?
  • I finally broke down and got a new phone last week after my iPhone 4 was literally on it's last leg. Shockingly, I decided against getting the iPhone 6, mainly because I thought it was just too big and I didn't want to pay $300 for more memory. Instead I traded in my 4 and picked up the iPhone 5S with 32GB memory for only $90! Now I just have to wait for my Ban.do I AM VERY BUSY case to arrive in the mail. 
  • Kate Spade is having a huge Friends and Family Sale this weekend, everything is 30% off in stores and online! My favorites include these gold slip on sneaks, an amazing leopard coat, and this plaid cross body bag.
  • I've also been looking for a cream cable knit sweater and I'm seriously considering taking the plunge and buying this one.
  • Has anyone else been watching American Horror Story: Freak Show?! This season has been great so far except now I'm having terrible nightmares that I'm going to get abducted by a scary clown!
What are you loving this week?
xoxo

Thursday, October 16, 2014

Nordstrom Rack Coming to the 518!

I just found out yesterday that the 518 is getting a Nordstrom Rack next year and I could be more excited. I actually sent an email to my mom when I found out and her exact response was "OMGGGGGGGG" haha! We have close access to outlets and general stores like J Crew, Ann Taylor, Gap, etc but we really lacked quality department stores, which is strange because I live in the capital of New York. Basically all we had here was a Macy's until they put a Lord and Taylor in last month. It's exciting to see more big name stores coming into the area because it gives me better access to designers and cuts my online shopping down drastically. 
Naturally, I spent my day browsing the Nordstrom Rack website picking out all the things I wanted, despite the fact that I still have months to go before the store actually opens (jumping the gun). At first I wasn't sure what the difference was between a regular Nordstrom and a Nordstrom Rack and I was worried that there wouldn't be a good selection at The Rack, but I was pleasantly surprised at all the options they had. I think I'm most looking forward to the shoe and handbag sections because their deals were phenomenal. Now I have to patiently wait for the new store to open... ugh!

What big department stores do you have in your area?

Wednesday, October 15, 2014

Michela Rings

I finally ended my spending freeze this weekend after almost 1.5 months of going to the mall but not buying anything. It was killing me not to be able to grab some of the fabulous new fall arrivals but I figured since there were going to be some serious Columbus Day sales, this was the weekend to end it. I'm so glad I did too because I got a couple new things for fall at great prices (I honestly could have bought everything at Banana Republic). Anyways, if you haven't noticed, I've been obsessed with the new Lord and Taylor they put in the 518. First of all it's huge, I could spend hours just walking down all the aisles because there is so much to look at. Second of all, it gives me access to designers that I previously had never heard of and I've been discovering a lot of great pieces especially in the shoe and jewelry section.
It's in the jewelry section that I first discovered Michela jewelry. Lately I've been gravitating towards fun statement rings in gold, and Michela has so many great affordable options. I had three different rings in my hand before I settled on the ring pictured above. Sometimes rings can drive me crazy, especially if they're heavy, but Michela's rings are all light despite their details and designs. With my birthday only 1 month away (ahh!), I can definitely see myself picking up a couple more of these rings for myself.

Here are some of my other favorites (the best part is they're all under $30!):
Have you ever heard of Michela jewelry before?
Is anyone else obsessing over statement rings for fall?

Tuesday, October 14, 2014

New Recipe: Apple Pie with a Cinnamon Crumble Top

Happy Tasty Tuesday!
As mentioned before I went apple picking last weekend at Indian Farms and ended up coming home with a huge bag full of delicious fruit. So obviously my goal was to turn that healthy bag of apples into an unhealthy dessert, apple pie! Of course I had so many apples that I didn't even stop at one pie, I actually made two. The recipe I used was so easy that it took me only an hour from start to finish to complete all the steps, the worst part being the peeling of the apples which is no fun. Since we only have a month and a half until the holiday season (omg), I wanted to share this apple pie recipe with all of you knowing that many pies will be baked for Thanksgiving!


**This recipe is for one pie, double it if you want to make more than one like I did**

Ingredients for Filling:
  • About 7 empire or granny smith apples, pealed (depending on the size of your pie pan)
  • 2/3 cup sugar
  • 2 tbsp all purpose flour
  • 2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp nutmeg
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 Pillsbury pie crust
Ingredients for Cinnamon Crumble Top:
  • 1 cup all purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 6 tbsp unsalted butter, cubed.
Pre-crumble top 
Directions:
  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  • Peal apples, remove stems and cut into slices, discarding the core. Set aside.
  • In a bowl combine all ingredients for filling except pie crust and stir. Making sure the apples are completely coated in the sugary mixture.
  • Spray pie pan with Pam or grease the inside of it. Lay Pillsbury pie crust inside of it and pour the apple mixture into the crust pan.
  • In a separate bowl, combine cinnamon crumble top ingredients and use a food processor or mixer to blend the ingredients until it has the consistency of wet sand. 
  • Pour crumble mixture on top of apple pie, distributing evenly until apples are covered.
  • Bake in the oven for 45 minutes, or until topping is golden brown.
  • Enjoy!
Do you bake any pies for fall?
xoxo