Baked Cinnamon Apples ~

It's a wintry feeling night with cold rain falling and snow falling in the mountains. Not sure that I'm ready for the ensuing chill and layers of wool, but ready or not, here it comes.

In the shadow of the holiday spirit, which let me tell you is something I'm begrudgingly adapting to, it felt like the kind of evening to fill the house with the smell of cinnamon-y apples and spice. And since apples have been so abundant this fall it's the perfect fruit to create some delish and nutritious goodness from and so easy...and of course, sooooo gluten-free!

Baked Cinnamon Apples ~

- Gather half dozen fresh, organic apples (are were picked from a neighbors' yard!)

- Core apples making sure to remove the seeds

- Place apples in square baking dish and add small amount of water in dish to prevent apples from sticking

- Sprinkle apples with organic cinnamon, nutmeg and squeeze of lemon juice

- Bake at 325 degrees for at least 65 minutes

- Let apples cool on separate plate for 10 minutes

- Serve warm just as they are or add a dolop of creamy vanilla Greek yogurt

As I pulled the dish of beautiful little apples out of the oven the aroma was so wonderful mimicking the exact fragrance of a giant apple pie, sans crust. It's really quite something that our senses have the distinct ability to conjure up such instantaneous memories of holidays passed or special moments. I'm reminded of my grandmother's amazing talents in the kitchen and of her baking expertise. She would create a Thanksgiving dessert table that would have rivaled anything Martha Stewart created, with gorgeous pies and their perfectly shaped cut-outs of crust, cakes that were layered high and frosted with perfection, fudge, divinity and fruit cakes galore. It was always a feast for the eyes and the stomach. Special times to remember, indeed.

As I pull my cozy blanket around me to ward off tonight's chill while savoring my little baked apple, I'm reminded of the simple, sweet, good things that bring abundance to my soul and am grateful for tastebuds! On this night, take a moment to reflect on the gifts our miraculous bodies give to us each and every day...the little things we normally take advantage of and forget to stop and say a little "thank you" for...then go eat another baked apple...maybe this round, add some of your favorite gluten-free ice cream for good measure.

Goodnight and Happy Holiday (gulp) season to you ~