Apple Picking in Julian, California

Over the weekend, we went apple picking with some friends at Calico Ranch Orchard in Julian, CA. Julian is a cute little town in the mountains and is the home of several apple orchards. I was very excited to drag my Fall boots out of the closet. Yahoo weather said that the high temp for the day was going to be 70, but it was definitely 82 degrees. I had to lose my scarf!

Trying to get on Duke's shoulders. Haha!

I. Can't. Reeeeeach!

The product of our apple picking. Yummy applesauce!!!!!

Here's the recipe for the applesauce I made. It was so easy and delicious. There is no Fall season here in California, but it sure smelled like it in our house while this was cooking all day!

Riding Lesson #11

Yesterday, I had my weekly riding lesson. It's been hard for Duke to get photos because it is starting to get darker earlier, and I want Duke to be able to come to my lessons when he gets off of work.

I am very excited to move back to NC, but I will definitely miss riding at the barn. It has been a great fit for me. Artie has given me confidence over the jumps, and my instructor is super awesome. I know that I still have problems with my equitation over the jumps, but I have no fear of jumping, and I have no trouble jumping a course.

This is huge for me.

My work schedule is going to be weird for awhile (when we move back home), and I am really hoping to get back into lessons ASAP as long as we have the funds.

Here are a couple of pics from last night:

I love Artie.

One Minute Cookie

I've been seeing these "one minute" cookies all over the place. So, it made me curious....

Duke has duty today, so I've had the house to myself. When Duke is on duty, he is gone for over 24 hours, and it can make a gal surf the 'net. A lot. So, what better time than to make a one minute cookie....

Here's the deal:

Find the cutest little cup, mug, or ramekin that you have in the house. Even a small plate will do, but you'll have to mix the ingredients before you put them on the plate.

Soften 1 tablespoon of butter in the microwave.

Mix in 1 tablespoon of white sugar and 1 tablespoon of brown sugar. Mix it until it all becomes creamy and a bit fluffy.

Add in 3 drops of vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.

Add 1 egg yolk. 

Now add 1/4 cup of flour (or use whole wheat flour instead, I did). But I'm extra nutty like that.

Finally, add 2 tablespoons of chocolate chips to the dough and stir it all up.

Now stick it in the microwave for 40 to 60 seconds. Mine was in a small custard cup, so I had a thicker cookie, therefore, had to cook it longer (1 minute). Be forewarned that the cookie will not look crispy and golden like it would in the oven. This is for a soft cookie.

Here's mine:

 
It was the perfect size for a sneaky little snack. It was certainly not the best cookie I'd ever had, but it satisfied my sweet tooth.

And. Duke. Will. Never. Know. Mwahahahahaaaaaaaaa.....