Apple Crisp Cookie Bars

Apple Crisp Bars: A Perfect Fall Treat

When autumn arrives, there's nothing quite as comforting as the flavors of warm apples, cinnamon, and a buttery crumble topping. These apple crisp bars take all the best parts of classic apple crisp and transform them into a portable, sliceable dessert that's perfect for any occasion. Whether you're packing them for lunch, serving them at a gathering, or enjoying one with a cup of coffee, these bars are sure to be a seasonal favorite.

Why Apple Crisp Bars?

Apple crisp is a beloved fall dessert, but sometimes you need a version that’s easier to serve and transport. That’s where apple crisp bars come in. With a sturdy yet tender crust, a layer of spiced apples, and a golden streusel topping, these bars offer the same delicious flavors in a convenient handheld form.

The Perfect Combination of Texture and Flavor

The secret to great apple crisp bars lies in the balance of textures. The buttery crust provides a firm base, the apples become tender and flavorful as they bake, and the crumbly topping adds the perfect touch of crunch. With just the right amount of sweetness and spice, each bite is packed with cozy fall flavor.

Ideal for Any Occasion

Apple crisp bars are versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways. Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert, or enjoy them at room temperature as an afternoon snack. They also make great treats for bake sales, potlucks, and holiday gatherings.

If you're looking for a way to enjoy the comforting taste of apple crisp in an easy-to-make, easy-to-serve format, these apple crisp bars are the perfect solution. Bake up a batch and savor the delicious flavors of fall!

 Apple Crisp Bars

Serves 16

Crust:

½ c salted soft butter, room temperature

¼ c brown sugar

1 tsp vanilla

1 ¼c flour

Filling:

2 large apples, peeled and sliced thin (about 3 cups)

2 tbsp flour

¼ sugar

1 tbsp cinnamon

Crisp Topping:

½ c brown sugar

¼ c granulated sugar

⅓ c flour

1 tsp cinnamon 

 ½ c old fashioned oats

1 stick of butter, room temperature

Directions:

Prepare an 8x8 pan by lining it with parchment paper or a silicon baking mat.

Preheat oven to 350.

Crust:

Beat butter and brown sugar together for 3 minutes.

Add vanilla and flour and mix well.

Press the crust into the prepared pan.

Filling:

Slice and peel apples.

Add flour, ¼ of granulated sugar and cinnamon and toss until the apple slices are coated.

Spread this evenly over the prepared crust.

Crisp topping:

Mix brown sugar, granulated sugar, flour, oats, cinnamon and butter together until crumbly. 

Press over the top of the apple layer.

Bake at 350 for 45 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and the center is bubbly.

Allow to cool.

Cut into 16 squares.

Find more great recipes here:

Instant pot peanut butter chicken and noodles

Instant pot loaded potato soup

Peanut butter chocolate cake mix cookies

Corked Stamped Corn Craft

 

More Than Just Brushes: The Fun and Learning of Painting with Unconventional Tools

Painting is a beloved activity for kids, but it can sometimes feel limited to just brushes and paint palettes. Here's a secret: there's a whole world of creative exploration waiting to be discovered with everyday objects like wine corks! In fact, incorporating unconventional tools like corks into your child's next art project can be both fun and educational.

This is such a fun project for little ones, and the results are simply stunning. You will love adding this cork stamped corn art to your refrigerator.

Why Unconventional Tools?

• Sensory Play: Wine corks provide a unique texture for little hands to explore. The cork's bumpy surface creates interesting marks on the paper, adding a new dimension to sensory play, which is crucial for early childhood development.

• Fine Motor Skills: Grasping and maneuvering a cork requires focus and hand-eye coordination. This strengthens the small muscles in the hand and wrist, which are vital for tasks like writing and buttoning clothes.

• Problem-Solving: Using a non-traditional tool like a cork encourages kids to think outside the box. They'll experiment with different ways to hold the cork, apply pressure, and achieve desired effects on the paper.

• Creativity Boost: Stepping away from the standard brush opens the door to a world of artistic possibilities. Kids can create unique textures, patterns, and shapes with the cork, fostering their creativity and imagination.

The Case for the Corked Indian Corn

Your corked stamped Indian corn craft is a perfect example of the magic of unconventional tools. It combines the classic appeal of a seasonal craft with the exciting exploration of using a cork for stamping. This project allows kids to:

• Learn About Nature: Indian corn, with its vibrant colors and unique shapes, can spark conversations about nature and harvest traditions.

• Practice Colors: Painting the corn provides an opportunity to explore different colors and how they mix together.

• Develop Pattern Recognition: The repetitive stamping with the cork creates a pattern, helping kids develop basic pattern recognition skills.

Supplies:

Paint in red, orange, yellow, green and brown colors.

A paper plate

A cork

Paper

Directions
Pour a quarter size dab of paint in each color onto a paper plate.
Using a cork, begin to shape the green husk of the corn. To make it easy

for little ones, you could ask them to stamp the shape of a U onto the paper. 

Now, ask the artists to begin stamping, using one color at a time, to fill in the ear of corn. Ask your artist to use each color several times.

Allow to dry and display.

Beyond the Cork:

Wine corks are just the tip of the iceberg! There are endless possibilities when it comes to unconventional painting tools. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Nature's Paintbrushes: Use leaves, pinecones, or even feathers to create unique textures and shapes.
• Kitchen Creativity: Spoons, forks, and even rubber spatulas can be transformed into fun painting tools.
• Recycled Fun: Give plastic bottles, cardboard tubes, or even bubble wrap a new life as creative painting tools.

So next time you're planning a painting activity with your kids, ditch the traditional brushes and explore the world of unconventional tools. You might be surprised at the fun, learning, and creativity that unfolds!

Find more cool crafts for kids here:

Hungry Caterpillar Process Art

Cork and Button Apple Trees

Sunflower Stamped Apples

Sweet Fritter Recipes

 

Sweet Dreams are Made of Fritters: Delicious Treats for Any Occasion

Fritters: those fluffy, golden pillows of fried dough aren't just for savory snacks! This post celebrates the delightful world of sweet fritters, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth or adding a touch of whimsy to brunch or dessert.

Beyond the Donut: A Fritter History

Fritters have a rich history dating back to ancient Rome. These early versions were often simple, made with basic ingredients like flour, water, and honey. Over time, cultures around the world embraced the fritter, adding their own unique flavors and variations. From Italian zeppole to Japanese sakura mochi, fritters offer a glimpse into global sweet treats.

The Sweet Fritter Formula

The beauty of sweet fritters lies in their adaptability. They share a similar foundation to savory fritters: a base of flour, a binding agent (like eggs), and leavening (like baking powder or yeast). But here, sugar takes center stage, creating treats that are both light and satisfyingly sweet.

Fritter Fantasia: A World of Sweet Inspiration

The possibilities for sweet fritters are truly endless! Here are some ideas to spark your creativity:

• Fruity Fun: Fresh berries, chopped apples, bananas, or peaches add bursts of juicy sweetness. Dried fruits like cranberries or raisins can also be incorporated.
• Chocolate Cravings: Chocolate chips, cocoa powder, or a drizzle of melted chocolate elevate your fritters to decadent heights.
• Nutty Delights: Chopped nuts like pecans, walnuts, or almonds add a delightful crunch and richness.
• Spice It Up: A hint of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom adds warmth and depth of flavor.
• The Perfect Pairing: Dust your fritters with powdered sugar, drizzle them with maple syrup or honey, or serve them with a dollop of whipped cream or ice cream for an extra special treat.

Frittering Tips for Triumph

• Ripeness Matters: Use ripe fruit for the best flavor and texture. Softer fruits like berries can be mixed in, while firmer fruits like apples might need to be chopped or grated.
• Temperature is Key: Don't overheat your oil! Aim for a medium temperature to ensure even cooking without burning the outside.
• Drainage is Delightful: For fruits with high water content, consider draining any excess juice before adding them to the batter to prevent soggy fritters.
• Golden Goodness: Just like with savory fritters, maintain a golden brown color for perfect texture and don't overcrowd the pan.

So ditch the ordinary and embrace the extraordinary world of sweet fritters! With a little creativity and these helpful tips, you'll be whipping up delightful treats that will have everyone asking for more.

Here are some of my favorite sweet fritter recipes from around the web. Be sure to click thru the links to view the full recipes.

Homemade Banana Fritters by Small Town Woman

Apple Ring Fritters by Tikkido

Fritules  by Sustain My Cooking Habit

Crispy Banana Fritters by In the Kids Kitchen

Glazed Apple Fritters by Love from the Oven

Mock Apple Fritter Bread by Low Carb Yum

Maple Glazed Fritter Waffles by 3 Boys and a Dog

Sweet Potato Apple Fritters by Kidgredients

Apple Fritters by Sugar Spun Run

Peach Fritters by Hearth and Vine

Blueberry Fritters with Vanilla Glaze by Tao of Spice

Air Fryer Fritters by Fantabulosity 

Find more favorite recipes here:

Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake Mix Cookies

Golden Graham Cookies Crumbl Copycat

Mason Jar Lasagna 

Apple Process Art

It's that time of year again - leaves are changing, pumpkins are popping up everywhere, and what better way to celebrate than with a fun fall craft project? This activity is perfect for keeping little hands busy and creating some adorable apple artwork!

What you'll need:

• Construction paper
• Red, green, and brown paint
• Shallow dishes or trays for paint
• Wine corks
• Baby wipes or paper towels (for clean-up!)
• Optional: Glitter, markers, googly eyes for decorating

Let's get stamping!

Prepare your canvas: Unfold a large piece of construction paper. This will be the background for your giant apple!

Cork transformation: Pour a small amount of red paint into one of your shallow dishes. Now comes the fun part! Press the flat end of the wine cork into the red paint, making sure it gets a nice, even coat.

Stamping time! Carefully, guide your child's hand as they press the painted end of the cork onto the construction paper. This will be the body of the apple. Repeat this process, creating multiple red circles close together to form a large apple.

Stem and Leaf: Use a paintbrush and green paint to add a long, curvy stem coming out of the top of the apple. For the leaf, dip a corner of the paintbrush in green paint and make a few small teardrop shapes next to the stem

Browning time (optional): Fall apples often have brown speckles on the skin. Use a brown paintbrush to gently dab small dots around the red apple to create this effect

Decoration Extravaganza! Now comes the fun part - decorating! Let your child unleash their creativity. They can add glitter for a sparkly apple, use markers to draw stripes or a cute face, or even stick on googly eyes for a silly apple friend.

Pro-Tips:

• Safety first! Cover your work surface with newspaper or a tablecloth to avoid paint splatters.
• Little artists, big messes: For younger children, use washable paint and have plenty of baby wipes or paper towels on hand for clean-up.
• Get creative! Don't limit yourselves to red apples. Experiment with other fall colors for a variety of apple creations!

This easy and engaging craft is a fantastic way to spend quality time with your kids this fall. It allows them to explore their creativity, practice hand-eye coordination, and celebrate the beauty of the season. Plus, you'll end up with some adorable apple artwork to proudly display! So grab those wine corks, unleash the paint, and get stamping!

Find all of my favorite fall crafts here:

Play Doh Pumpkin Faces

Lego Stamped Pumpkins

Sunflower Stamped Pumpkins

Easy Homemade Coleslaw Dressing

Never Buy Store-Bought Dressing Again: Easy Homemade Coleslaw Dressing

Coleslaw is a classic side dish that goes with everything from BBQ to fried chicken. But who needs the store-bought dressing that's often loaded with sugar and unhealthy fats? Making your own coleslaw dressing is incredibly easy, and lets you control the flavor profile to perfectly complement your meal.

This recipe creates a creamy, tangy dressing that's bursting with flavor. It's ready in just minutes, and uses ingredients you probably already have on hand.

Why Make Your Own Dressing?

• Healthier: You can control the amount of sugar and fat in your dressing.
• Fresher: Homemade dressing always tastes brighter and fresher than store-bought varieties.
• Customizable: Like things a little sweeter or spicier? No problem! You can easily adjust the ingredients to fit your taste preferences.

Ingredients:

1 cup Mayonnaise

2 Tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar

1 Tablespoon Dijon Mustard

1 Tablespoon Honey (can use white sugar)

1 teaspoon Celery Seeds

Salt and Pepper, to taste

Directions:

In a small bowl, whisk together all dressing ingredients.

Taste and adjust to suit your personal preferences.

Makes just over 1 cup of dressing, approximately 16 servings.

Tips:

• For a creamier dressing, use full-fat mayonnaise.
• Want a lighter option? Use low-fat mayo or Greek yogurt.
• Play with the acid! Experiment with different vinegars like apple cider or white vinegar.
• Add a pop of sweetness with a tablespoon of honey.
• Love a bit of heat? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• This dressing will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Coleslaw with Personality

The beauty of homemade coleslaw is the ability to customize it to your taste. Here are some ideas to get you inspired:

• Asian-inspired: Add toasted sesame oil, soy sauce, and a sprinkle of ginger for an Asian twist.
• Vinegar punch: For a tangier slaw, increase the vinegar and add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
• Fruity twist: Chopped apples, grapes, or dried cranberries add a burst of sweetness and texture.

So ditch the store-bought stuff and create a coleslaw that reflects your unique taste. Homemade coleslaw is a versatile and delicious side dish that goes beyond BBQs and picnics. Try it alongside grilled fish, roasted chicken, or even piled high on pulled pork sandwiches.

You will love the tangy flavor this ultra easy recipe brings to the table. You can also dress this up even more to make a whole new take on a classic side.

Make this for summer picnics and bbqs or serve it on the side of a simple meal at home with the family.

This is destined to be a favorite coleslaw option with everyone who tries it.  Be prepared to share the recipe. 

You might also like this honey garlic glazed carrot recipe. It cooks in the instant for another simple and easy side dish option.

Everyone loves this Nashville hot chicken fried potato recipe.